I think this calls for some Hot Chocolate

We awoke to about 8 inches of snow this morning and it's still coming down! This is the most snow we've had at our house since we've moved here. We were supposed to be at Denver Special Meeting today, but we took one peek outside and decided that we weren't attempting the drive North. After taking a look at the webcams on I-25, I think we made a good decision.

We might have to find a good sledding hill today, and our driveway clean-up team is going to stay busy.

We feel great pity for those Thanksgiving travelers that are going home today - what a miserable trip.

Don't you feel sorry for us?

Old Man Winter visited last night and throughout the day. This is the pool we've been enjoying - apparently it's the 2nd largest hot springs pool in the world, the first is Glenwood Springs. It was neat to be swimming while it was snowing today.

The Beavers play a crucial civil war game tomorrow and if they win, they will be headed to the Rose Bowl. Our thoughts will be with poor Sherman and Mr. J as they sit on the 50 yard line, just 17 rows up.

Best Part of Thanksgiving - RELATIVES!!

Here's some favorite relatives from long ago - the Hilton crew, Marlys and Kenny and their daughters and their spouses. Also one of Maggie VDB and her little leach, Maren. It's great to see them, catch up, and reminisce.

We also loved seeing Uncle John and family, along with "Old" Grandpa and Grandma. They were enjoying being at their old home and even took a nap in their old bedroom.

Wonder how many are getting up at 3:30 in the morning tomorrow to go stand in line and fight other adults for toys? I don't think we'll be there. Good night!!

The Turkey Speaks!

I have never understood

why anyone would:

Roast the turkey

and shuck the clams

and crisp the croutons

and shell the peas

and candy the sweets

and compote the cranberries

and whip up the gravy

and shape the rolls

and bake the pies

and clear the table

and wash the dishes

and fall into bed

When they could just sit

back and enjoy a hamburger.

We are having Thanksgiving today and the turkey is roasting beautifully in the oven (poor little guy) Mmmm, can't you just smell it? Tomorrow we'll be enjoying turkey sandwiches at Telluride, some of us snowboarding and some of us spectating. We are waiting for a light snowfall, but so far the weather isn't cooperating with our wishes.

Ouray, Part II

A few more pics . . .

Box Canyon is an incredible place - I could go there everyday and still be impressed. It is difficult to get a good shot because it is so dark in there. A river shoots out of a hole in the rocks and falls 150-200 ft into a canyon. The sound is deafening and it is beautiful - you just have to go there. They are dripping water on the canyon walls to create ice for (suicidal) climbers. I don't think that we'll be returning for that activity.

Fun on the Western Slope

Enjoying being together and visiting our old haunts here in Ouray. We went to Box Canyon yesterday and the Hot Springs pool. Visited "Old Grandpa and Grandma VDB" and saw Kim F on Sunday.

Squaw Maren

Maren had a POW WOW today with the entire kindegarten class. She's pictured with her "boyfriend" Jeffrey, whom she has kissed (she informed us). After the Pow wow, they had a corn feast. She had one line in the play - "Indians help their new friends". She panicked a bit when they handed her the microphone and she said, "Ummm", but pulled it off just perfect. She has her little baby on her back in a papoose.

Hoar Frost

We awoke this morning to some frost on the Pumpkin. It was incredibly beautiful with ice crystals clinging to every branch, leaf, and needle.

Grandparent's Day at Explorer

Imagine it? It was Grandparents Day today and Milah's grandparents were actually here! Also pictured is her teacher, Mrs. Tucker.

Drama Queen

Milah was involved in a performance this evening, playing the part of Cinderella in a musical called, "Lemonade". She had a larger than usual audience as Grandpa and Grandma have now arrived and were eager to see her play (as if they had a choice). We have been to the school 3 times today, and are scheduled to be there 3 more times tomorrow as Maren has a play, it is Grandparents Day, and Maren has lunch with the principal. No, this is not as bad as it sounds - she is being recognized for displaying the character trait, fairness. Hmmm, if the principal could only live at our house.

Happy Turkey Day!

I thought the girls and I would have a fun crafty evening. WHEW! My patience is shot and I'm singing praises to teachers who tackle several kids at once.

One child is a perfectionist and the other barges into things without any thought or plan. Then throw in a mother that apparently needs a valium or a lobotomy, and it's a volatile combination. Scott sits in a chair shaking his head, and I know that he's thinking that I've brought it on myself. True enough, but I love Thanksgiving.

Maren's Digs

Thought I would include a picture of Maren's awesome bed that was handcrafted by her brother and Grandpa. Maren has a theory that if you can see the floor, her room can not be declared "dirty". This opinion is not shared with the authorities in this dwelling, and has caused some difficulties. The chaps hanging on the left were made for Scott by his Great Grandpa when he was about Maren's age (back in the days of Wyatt Earp). Notice the Cowgirl with Converse - it's to outrun the bad guys.

Chuck Taylors for All

An old classic is revived at our house.

Rah Rah Rah!

Well it seems a bit of a crime to cheer for anyone but the Beavs, but we have to root for the home team, right? We went to an Air Force Academy football game on Saturday and cheered for the losing team as they played BYU. We weren't expecting them to win, but they were actually ahead at the half. They fell apart during the second half, but we did our best to be supportive.

An AFA game begins with F16's flying just over the stadium - an impressive sight and sound. Then the cadets are dressed in their uniforms (shown in second pic) and as each AFA goal is scored, the freshmen must run to the sideline and do push-ups corresponding to the current score.

It is a much different crowd than the student section at OSU - I remember sitting amongst the drunks with their shirts off, hollering unmentionable comments. I also remember sitting in garbage bags to shield us from the unevitable downpours. Scott's friend, Toby, mentioned that in his 4 years at OSU, the football team won 4 games. I guess all those faithful OSU fans are being rewarded these days - Go BEAVS!

It's a little chilly!

Last Friday, we awoke to a snowstorm. Not enough to close the schools, but enough to have us scrambling for mittens and hats. Colorado snow is much different than Oregon snow. . . it's much easier to drive in, but it's worthless for building a snowman or even a decent snowball. It is so dry, it just blows around.

I thought I'd extend a special invitation to dine with us on our patio . . . Oh, you might want to bundle up! Our reservations have been a bit slow and people complain about the food being cold, but I guess you can't please everyone.

Veteran's Day

For some unknown reason, our kids had school on Veteran's Day, and they had a red-white-blue Day. Maren loves to dress in "interesting" attire, and was really feeling festive, right down to her socks and shoes. Sten is sometimes horribly embarrassed by her choice of creative clothing.

Sten was anxious to model his snowboard attire/get-up. The frugal sportman outfitted himself compliments of Play it Again sports and Craigslist. Well, there were a couple brand new items as well, but he's stoked about his gear. Now we're waiting on the snow . . .

Bye Bye Ben - Boo Hoo!

Here's an unfamiliar site in my wallet . . . a Benjamin Franklin! In an effort to track spending and keep a leash on non-essential purchases, we have taken to using cold hard cash. Somehow spending those bills is a little more difficult than whipping out the plastic - especially breaking a 100$. I was fighting with the cashier at the grocery store - as she had to pry it out of my hands to pay what was owed.

Just for drill, we used the month of October as a trial - getting our idea from a story in the Reader's Digest. My discipline slipped a few times, but the month was not torture. In fact, it took away the "appetite" for spending. Spending more time at home allowed me to finish a few projects, I made some money selling stuff on Craigslist (that we didn't need), and I felt more content.

I love listening to Dave Ramsey -have read his books and have been to his "Make-Over" event. He doesn't have a magic formula or some hocus pocus - he just simply suggests that people need to live on less than they make (imagine it?) he encourages saving, and believes that credit cards are poison. He quite often says, that you need to live like no one else now, so you can live like no one else later.

Give it a try for a month - it becomes a bit of a game to see how much you can NOT spend. Oh boy, I sound like a thrill - get a life, Lisa!

Colorado Landscapes

One of the things I love about living here is the proximity of the mountains. I love the glimpse of Pikes Peak as I take the kids to school in the morning and it is even more impressive with a dusting of snow. Now we're rooting for some snow in our neighborhood - rah, rah, rah!

We had a chance to head to the mountains earlier this Fall and catch the beauty of the Aspens as they were changing colors. It's so unreal, it looks like someone painted the forest with a palette of yellows/oranges/greens and reds. Hmmm, I think I know who the master artist is . . .

A goofy one of Sten and Milah on a camping trip . . .

9 days until Dad/Mom come and 26 days until Papa and Nana and Aunt Shelly come - the kids are counting the days!

The Teenager in our House

Sten has a bit of a nutty side, a bit of a sweet side, and a bit of a handy side - a great combination.

However, we're thinking it's about time for him to go in the basement for a few years though - possibly letting him out when he's about 22. At his conferences it was mentioned that he seems to have no shortage of female attention . . . yes, definitely time for the basement.