lucy's knits

photo shoot

2012-01-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

Driving around Denver I have spotted many fun places I have always thought would be fun to take pictures by...so I finally took the kids on a driving photo shoot field trip!

They were very good sports...more fun with the camera!

a little girl with a camera

2012-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you for letting us see the view through your eyes for a day...my sweet girl.

making our way down the list...

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

The task of making an igloo was a valiant effort made by the kids...but with 55 degree weather not cooperating it has come to an end until next snow fall.

Little scientists at the museum...discovering how much sugar is in breakfast cereals.

: : make an igloo - check
: : museum - check
: : a day with some special friends - check

off to the movies today...making the most of every minute!

our list

2011-12-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

ice skating...check!

family of photographers

2011-12-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

Our annual Blossom of Lights walk through the Botanic Gardens on Christmas Eve...

photographer: Jordan

photographer: Ryan

photographer: Jeff

photographer: Jordan

photographer: a kind fellow walker

photographer: Cole

Happy Happy Happy Holidays!

my girl

2011-12-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had a date with my girl. We got dressed up and meet a friend and her daughter out for dinner at Beatrice and Woodsley. The little girls were such ladies and had such a good time . We then headed to a Cleo Parker Robinson show of dance from around the world. It was wonderful music and dancing. As we were heading home I remembered the importance of taking the time one on one with each of the kids. It was such a special night...now what should Cole and I do for a date?

loving

2011-12-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

decorating the tree with hot chocolate and wine
sitting in the sparkle of the lights
the Vienna boys choir singing Christmas music
sweet treats popping us here and there
stories of each ornament as they come out of the box
these moments with my family

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

hats...hats...hats!

2011-12-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

So excited to have been able to give each of my 24 students a hat (or scarf or mittens) again this year . It was so fun to watch them pick the hat that suited them best and be excited about it. Then the next morning they all came to school with glowing smiles wearing their new hats. Thanks again for making this year another success. Your generosity overwhelms me each and every year. "We" thank you so much!

so thankful for...

2011-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

~ setting the table with great anticipation

~ making our annual visit to give our "neighbors" a treat

~ my little girl still needing (wanting) to hold her mama's hand once in a while

~ finding the sand rakes and making zen gardens on our golf course walk

~ finding 2 golf balls and remembering to carry a few short golf clubs with us this year

~ these two...so eager to help in the kitchen with the cooking and clean up!
So good to slow down and give ourselves the moment to feel gratitude.
Happy Happy Thanksgiving

ohhhhh...las vegas

2011-11-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I got away last weekend and headed to Vegas! We pretty much ate and drank our way through out the city and loved every minute. It is such an amazing and interesting place and 3 days/nights was enough time to spend there! Here are just a few pictures that we took while there.

Balcony view from our room at the Cosmopolitan during the day.

Night view

The Chandelier...a three story bar in the middle of the hotel.

Walking around...very fun to people watch.
We had such a good time ~ Thanks to Anita and Fred for hanging with the kids. Thank you, thank you.

Halloween?

2011-11-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Is it too late to post Halloween pictures?

We had a transformer and Cleopatra this year.

Very fun...but a missed not making the costumes this year. I just didn't think I could pull off Optimus Prime!

Now how to make all this candy disappear? (by not eatting it!)

fall break

2011-11-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

I cannot begin to describe how wonderful it was to have my parents here for my fall break for a visit. We "packed it in" with many activities throughout the week. It started with beautiful weather which allowed for bike rides to various parks and to the library.

We enjoyed a train ride starting in Georgetown and making our way to Silver Plume just missing the peak colors of the Aspens in the high country.

And there were many many games/magic tricks to be played in the back porch where we could follow the patches of sun throughout the day.

Thank you thank you thank you for making the long trip here and thank you for coming.
Love you!

trying new things

2011-10-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

We have always encouraged Ryan and Cole to try new things and expose them to any activity that they are interested in. Sometimes we wonder if they will like it...stick with it or end up complaining which results in "dragging" then to lessons. Our house rule is that you can try anything, but you don't quit if you find out you don't really like it. You have to try your best and finish. This fall the kids pick two new activities they had never tried before...tennis and soccer. Jeff and I were so proud of their determination and eagerness to try something new. Ryan's tennis is now over and when I asked her if she would play again her answer was an enthusiastic "yes!" Excited to see what they will want to do next!

Special visitors

2011-10-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were honored to have Oma and Opa travel from to Toronto to spend the weekend with us. It was such a special time for our family. We enjoyed a warm weekend of sunshine and relaxing. They were also honored guests along with my mom at our annual neighborhood black party.

We love that you came and miss you now that you are gone, but are reminded by little things of your visit that make us smile.

Thank you Thank you

our new friends

2011-09-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

romas, cherokee purples, cherries and an heirloom variety...
and waiting so patiently for the brandywines.

We love you so much!

just another Saturday...

2011-09-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Go Super National Tigers!

picnic

2011-09-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

Once again...another fabulous Vesta/Steuben's company party!

Thank you Josh and Jen!

knit for kids

2011-08-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

This year I am teaching 1st grade at a new school (Crawford Elementary)...hence the new title!
I am teaching in a school with very similar demographics as my previous school...we have over 600 students with 92% having free or reduced lunches. This means most of the students are coming from low income families. I remember years where so many of my students did not have proper clothes for the winter months. As a teacher and a mom, I believe in the importance of kids having time outdoors every day for exercise and fresh air. Instead of keeping those kids without warm clothes inside I decided to reach out and ask friends and family to make sure every student in my classroom had a warm hat (as well as mittens and scarves) so they too could go out and play. This is the 4th annual knit for kids...and I hope the best ever.
So if you are in the need of a knitting project or have old hats/mittens etc. that your families have out grown send them my way. Any and all donations would be appreciated. I will find wonderful homes for them.
Thanks so much!
Jordan
jhoeksema@hotmail.com

the first..

2011-08-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

bee sting for either of our of kids and of course I had to document and take pictures of the sad little girl. We were at a friends barbecue when Ryan picked up her lemonade to drink and got a fat lip surprise instead. The good news is that we now know that our little girl is not allergic and the swelling was just about gone by the morning.

welcome to the club my dear!

in love...

2011-08-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

with our morning walk and garden harvest these days.

a day on the Poudre River

2011-08-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

happily ~ catching, holding and releasing rainbow and brown trout
eagerly ~ jumping in the river and cooling off
watching~ many rocks being thrown and lots of rafters and kayakers
relaxing ~ with chairs in the shallows, a good book and snuggling on mama's lap

A very good day

back in the mountains

2011-07-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

We are trying to enjoy the end of our summer break by taking advantage of family time whenever/wherever we can. This father's day Cole's gift for his daddy was to go on a hike of Jeff's choice. Jeff choose to go up to Mt Evans...of of Colorado's 56 fourteeners in hopes to "hook" the kids for future climbs. This one fortunately can be driven up almost to the top leaving a half mile walk to the very top. Needless to say, I think the kids are hooked. They seem very eager to conquer more peaks!

checking out the view

the very top...14,250 feet above sea level

76 degrees at the bottom at 10 in the morning...46 at the top!

big horned sheep greeted us at the top...the highlight of the day!

An amazing and peaceful day.

michigan...part four (and last)

2011-07-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Saving the best for last...camping in Manistee (a childhood favorite of mine)with my family - the whole family! So many emotions I feel writing about this place that feels like "home" and to be able to now share it with my two babes and my nieces and nephew. Amazing and full of gratitude that it could happen again this year.

until next time...

Michigan...part three

2011-07-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you are not tired of my Michigan posts yet...probably only one more. It gives me such joy to go through and pick out my favorite photos, remembering all the fun that was had. We so look forward to our trip every year, anticipating months in advance and reminiscing months after. When I first moved away, out to Colorado I wondered if there would ever be a day that I did not feel homesick...I now know after almost 13 years I don't think that day will ever come. That is not to say that I do not love living in Colorado. I love it here, it is my home and I am very happy here, but I love and will always miss Michigan.

We are now onto the 4th...a neighborhood parade,then spending the day with my Aunt,Uncle,cousins and their kids. Ryan and Cole had a blast tubing for the first time and taking a ride on the boat out to the big lake. It was amazing and joyous to watch the excitement and smiles on their faces.
Thank you Auntie Esther and Uncle Dick!

We also spent an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa...telling jokes and visiting.

love you both.

michigan...part two

2011-07-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Our next adventure brought us to Grand Haven. This has traditionally been a day at the beach...in the water, a walk on the pier and the finale at the front porch for ice cream. I love and miss the water so much!

the kids were so brave and proud of jumping off the pier (along side all of the teenagers)

and you can't go to grand rapids and not eat a Yesterdog...or three or four.

Michigan...part one

2011-07-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a few weeks in Michigan...our hearts our filled and our souls are smiling. We enjoyed many many of our favorite things to do while back in town including an afternoon at the Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens with Marcus, Liz and Izzy...it really is one of the best!

We also had a sunny afternoon at the neighborhood park...why don't we have those spaceship things in Colorado playgrounds? They are super fun.

summer...

2011-06-16T11:44:00.001-07:00

~loving the pool time

~watching the garden grow

~cheering for number 2 and 28

~cherishing every moment.

behind the scenes

2011-06-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

The kids and I were invited to go to a special behind the scenes tour at the Denver Zoo. This is what we learned...

"You have to squirt your fingers with water to touch this bull frog because his skin is so sensitive. They can actually breathe through their skin!" -Ryan

"Don't put your fingers in the the Macaw's cage because their beaks are very sharp and strong. They use their beaks to crack open nuts, and you don't want them cracking your finger." -Cole

" I learned that when the armadillo gets scared he rolls into a ball." -Cole
"This kind of Armadillo (from Texas) is the only kind that can roll into a perfect ball because his face and tail are a triangle shape and they fit perfectly together." -Ryan

Thanks Lilly and Emily!

tea for three

2011-06-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's a tradition now that when Jeff's mom comes to town, Ryan and I take her out for afternoon tea.

I absolutely love our girls' time together and Ryan adores her special outing with her Nema. Thank you for everything Anita.

feeling so loved

2011-05-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

It all started when my wonderful Jeff asked me to marry him 10 years ago in the mountains. Still in the mountains 10 years later we took a few days to get away to the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek.

My dear friend Lindsay showed us her love by staying with Ryan and Cole... truly making this a worry free weekend for Jeff and I and we cannot thank her enough.

We were then on our way through mountain spring sun, rain and snow and we arrived at this magical place.

We were treated to such luxury and kindness.

We were spoiled with this view from our room and to an amazing spa day.

We went on some lovely walks.

The luxury continued with nightly fire lit for "us" and some delicious wine and even better company.

And we when we returned home we were loved the most.

Amazing, wonderful, and rejuvenating...
Here's to 10 more years babe.

cheers

2011-05-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

to 10 wonderful years.

YOU are MY favorite.
Happy Anniversary...my love

take me out to the ballgame

2011-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

It was our first family ball game outing. Unfortunatley the Rockies did not pull off a win but fun was had by all.

Go Rockies!

oh, the attention span...

2011-05-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

of a 6 year old playing baseball.

He may not pay attention the whole time...but he loves playing!

happy jeffmas to you all...

2011-05-04T16:32:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we celebrated Jeff's big 40th birthday with
a fantastic dinner out the two of us,
kid creations and

a bit of gardening...

Could not have been better!
Happy birthday my love.

science projects and baseball

2011-04-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ryan participated in her first science fair project at school. As we were driving down the mountain from our hut trip we ended up stopped on I70 due to rock blasting. The questions starting coming in...hense the beginning of a science project! It was so fun to see her so excited about her project and yet she didn't "win" at school she says she will try again...love my little scientist.

And tis the baseball season...or should I say COLD spring ball. Cole had his first machine pitch game this weekend which ended up being called after an inning and a half due to snow flurries. We lovingly called the game ~cheers and then tears. It was so cold but the kids were troopers.

more spring break

2011-04-16T18:16:00.001-07:00

My parents came for a long awaited visit in March. The kids had endless amounts of fun...having someone to play uno, kurplunk, dinosaurs or just having their backs scratched at all times! As always we packed our visit with fun things to do...

a walk around red rocks

Garden of the Gods

going out for pizza at a favorite spot

or just laying in a sunny spot with a book

You filled me up and reminded me to smile...love you and thank you. thank you for coming.

walter...

2011-04-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

thank you once again.

We snow shooed into Walter's cabin in the 10th Division Mountain System again this spring break. The kids once again plowed through the 2.7 mile hike in with about 1000 feet in elevation gain. This year however we had the added bonus of snow...a lot of snow! The hike in was in a complete blizzard (hence the no photos) and when we arrived we were greeted with 10 foot snow drifts.

We spent many hours in front of the gas stove to warm us up (turned out to be the most popular place in the hut).

We stole moments of lighter snow outside to make snow caves.

We passed the time with mountain snow cones,icicle hunting and

many many games of uno and war.

A wonderful wonderful few nights in the wintery snow filled solitude of Walter's Cabin.

summer dress

2011-04-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you Mirjam!

a girl

2011-03-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago my friend Emily, a mother of an almost 1 and 4 year old, came over for dinner and kept watching and listening to Ryan, pointing at me, saying, "You have an 8 year old!" I didn't get it until now...

Ryan and I had a day of fun yesterday spending her birthday money. We went to a few stores and picked out some accessories and ended at the mall to get feathers in her hair. As we were walking back to car I looked at my little girl with her distinct and confident style and said to myself, "I have an 8 year old."

I am starting to see glimpses of this new stage...she's not a baby, or a toddler. She's not little, she's not a preteen...She's a girl.

And what's a day of style without a little boy haircut!

So fun and exciting to see what is in store for this beautiful, kind hearted, strong, wonderful girl.

still recovering...

2011-03-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

from a wonderfully busy, daylight savings birthday sleepover and swim day. It was so much fun celebrating my beautiful 8 year old girl this weekend. I still can't believe she is 8 and am sure I will continue to utter those words every year on her day.
She had 2 girlfriends spend the night on Saturday followed by a swim afternoon on Sunday and of course cake! The celebration was fun, not that crazy busy, but still exhausting!

We have all gone to bed just a bit earlier tonight and last but still have smiles on our faces remembering the joy on our little girl's face.

requested...

2011-03-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

raspberry cheesecake brownies!

Happy Happy Birthday my dear girl. Can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend.

positive thoughts

2011-03-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Going on day four of Cole having a fever...just trying to remember he will be well soon and the act of juggling jobs and a sick boy will be over and in the past soon. Thought I would post some fun, spring approaching photos of the kids from last weekend. Cole has triumphantly taken off the training wheels and the weather has been playground worthy.

Here's to getting well and being healthy!

birthday poems

2011-02-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

You're sweet
You're loving
You're kind and
you're a hugger.
Who
Are
You?

I am Cole
the birthday boy

Your birthday is here
and you are 6 years old.
You are not young anymore
but you're still younger than me.

You're the best brother in the world.
And I love you very much.
You're sweet and kind and strong too.

I love Cole
From Ryan

(Couldn't have said it better myself my darling girl.)
Happy Happy Birthday Cole...our 6 year old boy.

celebrating our sweet boy

2011-02-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

Cole is turning 6 this week on the 23rd. I cannot believe my baby is 6! I have started to realize that when it's Ryan birthday I get very excited for the newness of the next adventure... but when it's Cole's birthday I am saying goodbye to an age I will not be able to snuggle again. I am quietly letting go of 5. It was a wonderful age, especially for my boy.

Cole has changed so much from 5 to 6. He runs just a little bit faster now and is definitely stronger...for sure. Everything is a race or competition and if he looses, it's a tie. He continues to be kind hearted and thinks of others often. He is reading and writing stories at home and at school. He sets personal goals for school ("I will focus just a little more this week in school.") and strives to make him mum, dad and teachers proud. Cole is a puzzle/Lego kid and can stay on task for hours if it means he is following directions to put something together. He still struggles to eat vegetables and some fruits but I think is finally realizing (after 6long years) that his mom will continue "wait" him out at the dinner table until he eats them all. (Most nights the kitchen is cleaned, lunches are made for the next day and Ryan is finishing homework while Cole is still at the dinner table working on that last carrot!) He is silly and funny and makes us all laugh daily.

For the big birthday celebration we told Cole he could invite two friends to go and do something special. He chose his friends and our good family friends Zach and Ezra to go bowling...

go have pizza at his favorite place ("because they give us dough to play with!")

and finish the night with a sleepover.

Happy Happy birthday my dear, sweet, loving boy.
We love you.

winter...

2011-02-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

has finally arrived.

It is so beautiful and peaceful to be blanketed with snow...we welcome the season.

snow days and crafting

2011-02-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

I am finding the most delicious ways to spent a few snowy and very cold days indoors. I have taken full advantage of lots of time and a wonderful Christmas gift my mum gave me as well as a wonderful group of friends that have taught me how to embroider.

It feels so wonderful to create...cheers to making things and finding happiness.

january

2011-01-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pictures from the past few weeks.
We took the kids to a rodeo at the stock show a few weeks ago...very fun and kept the kids fully entertained.

We have also been enjoying some cozy,mellow evenings playing family games. It's so fun that both kids are now able to play apples to apples for kids...a good time had by all.

And the finale of it all... Cole's first wiggly and lost tooth! He was so excited to have the tooth fairy come around for him this time. I must admit that I was a bit sad...not quite ready for my youngest to grow up any faster, but so tickled to see how proud my little boy was.

3rd annual knit for paris

2011-01-16T07:10:00.001-08:00

After an amazing 1st and 2nd annual knit for Paris it was a success once again!

This week the students that were not in my class last year or students that got mittens last year got their long awaited hats! It took a little longer this year to accumulate enough for my class so I think I am going to start knitting for next year already. I am so pleased to see the smiles of these kids faces. It is really one of my favorite moments every year...so thank you so much for your support. And if you feel inclined knit a hat and send it my way!

Special thank you to
my mom (in Michigan)
and
Kelly (in New York)

my dear boy

2011-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

This week Cole came home from school telling me all of the facts he is learning about Japan in school. We were sitting at the dinner table and he was informing us that the people who live in Japan think that rice is very important. So I asked him if they would be eating dinner just like us...with forks? Cole's reply: "Oh, no mom, they use pork chops."

Happy happy long weekend!

havin' fun

2010-12-30T14:20:00.001-08:00

The kids have enjoyed the lovely weather of this past holiday week. We have been having fun riding (new) bikes, playing at the park and I have been having fun playing with my new "toy". Jeff got me a new wide angle lens for my camera for Christmas...it has been super fun trying it out! (Liz, I wish we lived closer...I could use some pointers!)

more Christmas...

2010-12-28T13:12:00.001-08:00

our annual walk through the botanic gardens on Christmas Eve...equipped with hot chocolate.

opening presents

the aftermath

Enjoying every moment of the holidays and the precious break from work and school.

in the moment

2010-12-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

So happy to be on Christmas Break with my family. These two little ones of ours make me smile so much. Yesterday, Ryan informed me that she was going to get married when she gets older. When I asked her who she was going to marry she said..."I am not sure, but I know I want to marry someone that has not been in jail and someone that does not already have a girlfriend." Setting the bar high (we'll have to work in raising it a bit but it's a start!) I just love how kids think. Jeff and I are both feeling like kids these days enjoying our time with our own and anticipating Christmas morning. The holiday cheer is definitely surrounding us...from Santa to making and decorating cookies (including the festive Christmas stegosaurus).

Happy Happy Holidays...cheers!

little gymnasts

2010-12-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today Ryan and Cole had their gymnastics meet. It was super and fun to watch what they have been working on in class. This was Cole's first time taking the class now that he is old enough. They both loved tumbling and learning all of the events, and I loved a whole hour of knitting on Saturday mornings during class. I would say it was success for all.

the floor exercise

uneven bars

high beam

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-04T19:30:00.001-08:00

now just waiting for a little snow around here...it's such a fun time of year!

it's getting chilly

2010-11-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

3rd annual Knit for Paris is underway! It took a while for it to feel like fall in Denver but the cold weather is here and there is a lot of knitting being done! Thank you to those who have contributed already...

Any knits waiting to warm up little heads, fingers or necks send my way. It is such a joy to see the fourth and fifth graders starting to wear their hats, mittens and scarves given to them in previous years on cold mornings. They always take the time with smiles of gratitude to make sure I see them wearing the hats knitted for them. So...
thank you, thank you.
-jordan
jhoeksema@hotmail.com

I am thankful for...

2010-11-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

having the zoo to ourselves the day before thanksgiving

our salad course
cole's salad course

these two...melt my heart

brothers

our annual thanksgiving walk to our feed our neighbor's horses

things that make me smile

uncles

finishing our walk through the golf course and finding lost golf balls for all

happy happy thanksgiving.

Happy Lazy Day

2010-11-14T16:17:00.001-08:00

hope your day was full of...

finding the bits of sun to sit in throughout the day.

sitting by a fall fire

Always grateful to spend a lazy day with my family doing nothing...but doing so much.

such a long long time to be gone...and a short time to be there

2010-11-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

My parents just left Colorado after being here this past week. Every year my folks come out to help me celebrate my fall break from school. As my dad would say..It was time for them to go home but I sure wish they could come over for dinner again tomorrow night.It is so hard to have the "all or nothing" sometimes but I am so grateful for the long trip they make to see us.
It is always a week full of family, activities and laughter. Here are just a few of the highlights...

We spent a beautiful afternoon at the alpine slide and riding the python "roller coaster."

We carved our home grown pumpkins and did a little trick or treating.

We even had enough time to get a little putt putting in.

thank you.thank you.thank you for coming.

Holla...hoop

2010-10-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Albuquerque continued...

2010-10-07T18:37:00.001-07:00

It was so nice to see the cousins play together on this trip.

jacob.isaac.ryan.cole

Ryan had a twinkle in her eye when is came to Sarah

i don't think Jacob and Cole stopped playing once with each other...they were good buddies

the famous rocking chair photo

Thank you Anita...it really was wonderful to see you all.

Mass Ascension

2010-10-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Jeff and I took the kids to Albuquerque to see the family and partake in the balloon fiesta. It really was quite magical to watch over 500 balloons blow up and lift off. We had to get up at 4:00am to make it for the dawn patrol show...which was absolutely worth it.

We had an amazing time walking around the big, colorful field with the family.

Of course there were the favorites...

Just the sheer numbers were incredible. It was so fun to finally take the kids to the fiesta...I am sure will never forget it!

xoxo

2010-09-25T18:08:00.001-07:00

thank you . thank you . thank you

my first...

2010-09-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

article of clothing I have made Ryan that she actually wears since she was about 3!

Ryan has always had a mind of her own and a great sense of style which has not included her mom being able to pick out fabrics that she would actually like and wear. So I finally learned to just bring her to the fabric store to pick out fabrics and get the pattern/picture approved before making and it was a success. I shine when I see it sitting on her desk,picked out and ready to wear the next day for school.

Finally...

happy labor day...

2010-09-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

hope yours was filled with kittens and fire breathing dragons too!

before and after

2010-09-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

before

after

before

after

No more white-ish carpet...finally!

red rocks

2010-09-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

As I have written before, Ryan when to her first red rocks show...Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers...when she was three. We finally now have taken Cole to his first show. This week we packed a cooler and make our way up to see Ray Lamontagne and David Gray. It was a magical evening of live music and watching the smiles on all of our faces. I feel so lucky to have been able to give my kids this experience.

my wish...

2010-08-29T18:26:00.001-07:00

to have more days like this with my family.

Ryan's Room

2010-08-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

This summer Ryan decided it was time for the striped peach, white and tan wall paper to come down. We looked at many catalogues for ideas and this is what we came up with...such a fun room.

It was wonderful creating with my inspired little girl.

3rd annual Knit for Paris

2010-08-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again...Knit for Paris (again)

School has started, kids are excited and I am ready to knit!
I would love your supoort again.

sisters, Alejandra (I have again for a 2nd year) and Lorena (I had in class 2 years ago)

Last year my 3rd grade class was completely outfitted with hats, mittens and scarves. This year I looped with my students...which means that I am teaching the same class fourth grade. So this year I am looking to adopt another class in the school and choose families in need to knit for since all of my students already have warm lovlies.
I will take any knits you make and find them happy homes. Any donations would be appreciated. Just shoot me a comment or email...

Thank You Thank you

Jordan
jhoeksema@hotmail

mile high music festival

2010-08-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took the kids to the mile high music festival for a little live music. The kids were rock stars...hanging in for a whole day of shows. By the end of the night I had to drag them away from Jack Johnson. Can't wait to do it again today! When Ryan was three, Jeff and I took her to her first Red Rocks show...Tom Petty and the Heart breakers. So when Donovan Frakenreiter played this song it was perfect to be sitting there with her.

And what is a music festival with out a little Cypress Hill (for you uncle Markie).

Truly a great day...so happy to be able to share it with my two booty shaking babes.

surprise, surprise

2010-08-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

Our first surprise came after nursing an orchid plant for 3 years we finally have flowers! I think Jeff and I had just about given up the task of orchid growing when this this happened.

well worth the wait.

The second surprise came about a month ago when this started growing out of our compost. We decided to let the zucchini plant continue to grow in the compost and just use the other side. We lovingly named it Zuchzilla when it took over almost the whole side of the house.

So last night I went to check the progress of the fruit when...surprise! Zuchzilla is growing pumpkins!

from the garden

2010-07-30T05:10:00.001-07:00

another one bites the dust

2010-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

our hearts are happy

2010-07-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a peaceful couple nights of camping with my amazing little family of four. We found spot that Jeff and I feel like we have been looking for for years. It is National Forrest on little Meadow Creek lake just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. We drove in Sunday afternoon just as everyone else was packing up, so we had the place to our selves.

a lot of relaxing

the kids each caught their first fish...little rainbows

Jeff caught more fish on a few paddles around the lake

The people leaving right before us told us to keep an eye out for moose. They said that they frequent the area and take a path right by our campsite to get to the lake. As soon as we heard that the kids were on moose watch...

And they came! We had the pleasure of 3 bulls company for 2 of the 3 days we were there.

It was really spectacular...hence our souls are filled and our hearts are happy. It was a gift of a little camping trip.

goodbye...for now

2010-07-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

We just came back from an amazing two weeks back home in Michigan. The holiday was filled with family, laughing, Oberon, Lake Michigan and Manistee.
I could not have asked for anything more...nor could we have fit it in!

We love you Izzy and Ollie and wish you weren't so far away.

Thanks for having us mom and dad.

loved every moment.

the big one

2010-07-12T20:39:00.001-07:00

It's hard enough for me to say that my 7 year old is heading off to second grade next year...but now this! Where has the time gone my sweet little girl?

cheers

2010-06-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

our red dawg

2010-06-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ryan played in her last T ball game yesterday. The team has a few more games...but we will be out of town.
What a difference it has been from last to this year. She was not all that excited about playing T ball again but convinced her to try it out one more year and then we would see. Driving home from her game yesterday I asked her the big question -"Do you think you want to play again next year (with the same team)?" Not only did she answer yes but she was excited about it! She has been with the same team and coach for 2 years and will move up with the team to coach pitch next year. It was a great nail bitter to end our season with...a 22-24 win over the lady bugs.

Go Red Dawgs!

let me introduce...

2010-06-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

chef Ryan Paige

With cookbook and list in hand, we were off to the grocery store. Ryan chose what she wanted to make for dinner and was in charge of collecting all of the ingredients. She took the Role quite seriously. She read the recipes and got started.

Menu: Spaghetti bolognese with fizzy lemonade and...

Apple crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

"Ryan, you should be on one of those cooking shows; this is amazing!" - sous chef/critic, Cole

planted!

2010-06-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

First annual kid's garden has been planted. Now the hard part - waiting patiently.

proud mama and papa

2010-05-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Not only did Cole graduate Preschool today, but when we got to school today we found out that Cole's artwork was chosen for the cover of the program!

We are so proud of the little boy he has become...sometimes very focused, other times not at all!

He is silly and is loved by all the kids in his class. We are so excited for Cole to go to the same school as his sister for kindergarten but we will miss the amazing gem that we found - Lawrence preschool. His teachers have been incredible and we are so thankful for the foundation they have given him.
Here's to our little graduate!

a perfect evening...

2010-05-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

after a couple of tough emotional days.

This week I realized that not only can I not keep my children in perfect little bubbles, but I have to try and teach them life long lessons that they will hopefully remember and take with them as they grow. In the past few days Ryan's world let her down a bit and it was so difficult trying to explain why people make bad decisions and do the wrong thing. I just want to keep her world safe and innocent just a little longer... reading bedtime books in the hammock with her mummy and brother.

just add it to my resume

2010-05-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Happy mama's day to all of the beautiful mother's in my life.

a walk

2010-05-07T14:52:00.001-07:00

through our garden

and more.

Denver botanic gardens

tea for three

2010-05-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Jeff's mom came in town for a long weekend. I have been really missing family lately and this visit was much needed for all. As a tradition, Ryan and I take Anita out for a ladies tea when she comes in town, and this week we took her to the Brown Palace. It was beautiful, decadent and we felt so spoiled.
Thank you for these two beautiful ladies I have in my life.

I dread the day....

2010-04-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

when cleaning the windows is not fun for them anymore.

Between the two kids and two dogs, I have pretty much given up on this task (at least for the glass doors to the back porch and yard). So when the kids volunteer and actually think cleaning windows is fun I am elated and more than eager to hand them both a rag.
Here's to clean windows...for at least a little while.

for you, and you and you!

2010-04-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

In lieu of the recent news reports that the H1H1 scare is not as great anymore, no worries!

So get them while they are hot...only $10.
This is seriously the sign that has been up for months at my grocery store.
Anyone else find it as funny as me?

opening weekend

2010-04-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed some firsts this weekend...
First T ball game for Cole was this past weekend. The team voted on Rockies for their name and the game was as entertaining and fun as to be expected for a 4-5 year old t ball game!

"See how fast I am!" - Cole

We also went to our first Colorado Rockies game...bless Cole's heart - he wore his mitt almost the whole time in hope of catching a home run ball.

I love this time of year!

thanks...

2010-04-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

for coming.

hut trip

2010-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Our first hut trip to Walter's cabin was a success. The kids were rock stars...they snowshoed in 2.7 miles on snowshoes...being pulled in the sled just the last 200 yards for fun. It took us about 3 1/2 hours to get to the hut with a stop for lunch and many many bathroom breaks (note to self: do not let Cole carry a camel back anymore!)

This is the spectacular view from our front deck. It really was an amazing place to just be. Peaceful and utterly grand.

After a long hike in...we had precious time with our family. We had time to play a some marathon games of uno, discover and explore snow forts in our "front yard" and do some of the best sledding we have ever done...

...and make countless snow angles.

This one is for you Jake...taken right in front of Shrine Mountain.

The snowshoe out was downhill and only took about 2 hours with many bathroom breaks again (still didn't learn).

This was the most amazing trip and we are ready to book another hut trip for next year already...anyone want to come with us?

snow day...

2010-03-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

happy snow day!

oh...the boy

2010-03-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Jeff made us a wonderful dinner...ice burg wedge salad and chicken piccata (my choice for my birthday). I giggled so hard when we sat down...

Ryan's salad

Mommy's salad

Daddy's salad

The boy's salad

1952

2010-03-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Jeff's mom recently shared a picture she found of her parents Corrine and Ralph Baca from 1952.
They are the couple on the right.
I think this photo is so beautiful. I see so many similarities between Anita and her mom.

Anita and grand kids 2009

It also made me realize where my little girl comes from. When you get past the light skin and long blonde hair...her features really come from that side of the family.

The big brown eyes, high cheek bones, and especially the crooked smile.

I adore this photo.
Thank you for sharing Anita.

seven

2010-03-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

What I wanted most for my daughter
was that she be able to soar confidently in her own sky,
whatever that may be.
-unknown

give peace a chance

2010-03-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

Our sweet girl turns 7 tomorrow. Her request for a sweet treat to bring to school to share with her friends...cupcakes with peace signs.

her words: "I think papa would like these."

first trip to Michigan at 4 mos.

my words: "I think you are right."

happy happy wonderful and peaceful day little girl.

a season first

2010-03-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

one more

2010-03-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

We have one more birthday in the family today...not only are ryan and cole's birthdays less than two weeks apart and Jeff and mine are not far behind, but Indi turned 7 today.

7 years ago we picked out this funny looking puppy with dreams of our kids and puppies adoring each other...and here they are.

what 5 looks like

2010-02-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Now that Cole is 5 and 1 day old - here is a glimpse into his world...

he continues to love dinosaurs - he looks for any dinosaur book he has not yet seen at the library everytime we go and most of his pajamas have various dinosaurs covering them which are the most picked to wear and most coveted. A new found love this Christmas was Legos. This boy will sit in the kitchen at the table for hours to work on his new creation. He loves to follow the directions and is very focused.

and of course he still adores his sister...
(a card from Ryan to Cole for his birthday)
To Cole, happy birthday Cole .from Ryan B.
I hope that you have a good birthday.
I hope that you have a good time with your friends.
Save me some cake.
Love Ryan B.

this boy of mine

2010-02-23T05:35:00.000-08:00

"I would like chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting with m&m's!"
Boy after my own heart.

Happy birthday my sweet boy.
Our baby is 5 today.

new olympic event

2010-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

music - The Phenomenal Hand Clap Band