Not a good Scene

As we've all heard - Colorado is battling several wildfires. One near our beloved Colorado Springs. Too bad we can't send them some of the monsoon-like rains we've been having. Stay safe, dear friends-

A Fork in the Road . . .

March 1st is quickly approaching and we are madly finishing projects and packing up the shop. It is sad to leave our cozy pad as it has suited us well, but we had no choice. We did not wish to purchase the building because it was not ideal in the long run. However, it seems that as one door closes another opens . . .

Well, we are hopeful that it is going to open in a month or so. It would be handy to show up at the "other" door and unload all this junk - but for now, we have to be patient.

Pallets full of boxes and tools, bound together with miles of shrink wrap.

Susie arrived to help us with this "fun" process. We enjoyed a "Susie appreciation" moment at lunch.

For some reason, she takes offense at being called a tech geek. However, here she sits amidst a laptop (one of the two), ipad, iphone, and dog shocker. If this is what it takes to be a 4.0 nursing student, I guess I'd better zip it.

A warm fuzzy to share: beside our building, sits a large cabinet shop that has been in business for years. Due to the economy, they were forced to close their doors recently. As a parting gift to their longtime employees, they designed and built each one a new kitchen. Makes my heart smile:)

Never Again . . .

Poor Luke has been tortured by Maren all day. This is the girl that needs absolutely NO personal space - looks like Luke is protesting here.

At 11:11:11 on 11-11-11, we had a quick celebration. Luke was in on the fun, guess we have another chance to do it tonight as well.

Cosmopolitan in the Country

Once upon a time, Jessica invited us to a party. Oh, she added - "Can we have the party at your house?" We couldn't say no - after all, it's a little bit "her" house too . . .


It was a "black tie" affair with these two penguins mixing the (virgin) drinks.

One of the highly compensated waitresses

Eager partygoers

waiting for more pics from a photograper that was present (hint hint)

Popcorn Anyone?

The Swim Club staffs a booth at OSU Home football games as a fundraiser. Scott is the labor supervisor and coordinator, and he has recruited family members and unsuspecting friends to fill positions. The club gets 11% of the total sales, which totals 800-1000$ per game. We are thrilled with this as it means less garage sales, bake sales and car washes. Pssst - if he calls inquiring about your Saturday plans - I suggest you tell him that you plan to be out of town.

Sherman and Mr. J - cashiers

Eager customers awaiting their hot chocolate and popcorn (while enduring a miserable game in the rain).

"Professor Popcorn" - Sten on the right and Team VDB on the left

I'll send some to your house

Milah always has a "kid" birthday party later in the month of September as her real birthday is such a busy date for everyone. Today was the big hoorah and judging from the banging and thuds above me, the slumber party is now in full swing.

Horse riding enjoyed by all (except for the poor old horse)

Cowgirls, renegades, and bandits

this time with facial hair . . .

Up the hill we go . . .

Beep Beep, BEWARE!

So, we found ourselves taking a number at the DMV today where Sten took an itty bitty test allowing him the priviledge to "practice" drive. As we walked to the car, I had a difficult time passing off the keys but he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. I tried my best to keep comments to myself, but I will say smoothness is not his driving style as of yet.

I actually enjoyed my dreaded wait at the DMV. Unlike the doctor's office where they make it impossible to eavesdrop(thank you HIPPA), you hear every detail. One older man sideswiped a bicyclist (oops), another man was dealing with a suspended license due to a DUII, and an older woman was graciously turning in her license for good (brought a tear to my eye).

A quick observation: have you ever pulled into the DMV, looked at the semi-vacant parking lot and done a little cheer? Then, upon entering, been mystified that there is barely a seat available and your "number" will have you to the counter by next Tuesday? I wonder if people carpool to the DMV or do most people walk? It just doesn't compute.

How to Singe a Goatee

There was a birthday celebration at our house this evening and Scott had been unsuccessful at lighting a match until this very shocking (to him) moment!

Introducing . . .

The Bride and Groom

Shelley and Kevin

We hosted a wedding rehearsal dinner at our home last night. Shelley is a former employee and Scott worked with her mom, Wendy, for years. They had the dinner catered which made it very simple - a van pulled up to the back door and delivered the grub. I think I'll call them in more often!

A bit of Fa la la la la decor in the kitchen

Happy 4th!

A special cake by Chef Beth - it was almost a shame to cut into this creation

I like this picture - Grandpa Weld's brother, Arnold

Grandma Patty seems to be enjoying herself

Kids, water, and sunshine - always a good combination

Great Grandma and Maren

The "Grill Team"

Wedded Bliss

We attended the wedding of Richard and Jennifer Carlson today. It feels like many moons since we were at the nuptials of anybody - seems like we go to too many funerals. It was festive and fun, the weather was beautiful - and we wish them all the best. You may recognize the official "officiator".

Maren's favorite part - the "wedding kiss"

We are peddling loads of junk that we don't need next weekend, so I was making the signs for the sale. I grabbed some old red paper and some paints, put on my creative hat and came up with several of these signs - they look a bit kindergarten, finger-paint-ish, but I am definitely NOT an artist. Hopefully they do their job and our stuff is all sold by noon!

OUCH!

I thought I would add a picture after a bath and hair -do. She looks a little Frankstein-ish. I've called the school and requested that they monitor her at recess, so as to not allow excessive jumping, climbing, or running. I suggested tying her to a chair, but they didn't think that would work too well with this particular child.

Well, I'll spare you the gruesome photos with blood streaming down her head before our unexpected trip to the emergency room this evening. Maren apparently fell while climbing off of a trailer. And, as many would know - head wounds don't just bleed, they gush. When I caught sight of her she was in Scott's arms and covered in blood - makes a mother's heart drop and pound and thud. She was a trooper at the hospital, squirming a bit when they gave her the shot to numb the wound before the 8 or so stitches. It seems as though the most agonizing part was waiting and waiting and waiting . . . 4 hrs later we were out the door - WHEW!