You knew this would happen. When life gets crazy what is the first thing to fall by the wayside? Journals. I should put that quote on pinterest, "Never get so busy that you can't journal." Ha! Hope you are happy. Time marches on in our neck of the woods. T is busy with a challenging job, not to mention the thousands of other things he juggles, A-hizzle is all things rubik's cube right now. Yes, you read that correctly. The cube is back with a vengeance. He memorizes algorithms so that be can solve them in a matter of minutes. He doesn't get that from me. I get tired playing "Connect Four". Izzy is busy with school work. Fourth grade has not been easy, but she is determined to do her best. Avi cakes loves to dance and tumble. She truly looks like a cute monkey when you take her to the park. She doesn't let her size deter her from conquering the high bars. We also read a ton of books together. They all seem happy, which makes me happy.
I spend my time trying to find a balance. I think balance may be a life long journey. I dabble in this and that always hoping I am spending my time wisely. I am teaching about three or four fitness classes a week. I certified as a group fitness instructor in January, so now I am able to teach at a fitness facility as well as my volunteer classes. I don't think it is my life's work, but it seems to be making a difference in the lives of my students. I adore them. We don't step on scales or eat organically, we are just committed to getting stronger so that we can lift grand kids out of cars or accomplish yard work. Besides the fact that I have certain foods (chocolate, cheese, bread, pasta) that I am required to have for mentally stability so there will be no dieting around here. I am serving in the Relief Society presidency in my ward. These women are amazing. It is a privilege to work among them. They are truly Colorado's finest. I have been taking some floral arranging classes at the local college. I enjoy the arranging, I just find if hard to practice my skills. Flowers are expensive, so it feels like we might need a second mortgage to afford my floral habits. Man, I sound like an addict.
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| First of all, I have pictures like this all over my phone. These phone apps are making me a little crazy. This guy scares the pants off me. |
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| This was Halloween night. I spent the day helping at the school, and then we hit the streets for a little trick or treating. We finished the evening with friends and so many peanut butter cups. Like so many. |
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| On our way to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. The ride through the Colorado mountains is absolutely beautiful. Thanksgiving was held at Mom's house this year, and we spent some quality time with T's family as well. The food was amazing, and the company was even better. I love turkey. I feel sorry for them, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying their tender meat. Not to mention the fact that I like them stuffed. It is all rude really, but I have no desire to stop participating in the whole delicious tradition. |
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| I told you Avi cakes is not afraid of heights. She climbs the kitchen counters while I am making dinner. She literally scales the kitchen island. I have a hard time telling her to stop because it is like having a small zoo in your kitchen, kind of fun, kind of dysfunctional. |
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| Izzy seems to have a red light, green light personality. There are no yellow lights in her world. She is either 100% all in or 100% out. She plays hard, but she crashes hard too. She looks like she has had one to many juice boxes here. |
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| Our Colorado winter did not disappoint. We had heard they were mild, but we had not idea. Golfing in November? Que Bueno! |
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| Izzy's Native American Day at school. She's ready to paint with all the colors of the wind. |
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| Crazy hair day of course! Did you know that keeping your hair like that for a long time kind of hurts? I get makeovers like this all the time from my girls. If you forget about your hair, you are going to feel it later. Not to mention the fact that you are going to forget you have a ton of makeup on and you're going to go grocery shopping. Awesome. |
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Averi's first grade program. She is on the bottom row, first girl on the left.
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| December began with a visit from Sinter Klaus. Our Dutch Santa leaves treats in the shoes we set out by the fireplace. He always remembers to bring us chocolate sprinkles for our toast, but he forgets to bring a shop vac to help clean them up from all over the kitchen floor. |
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| We found a house close by that had their Christmas lights synchronized to a radio station playing Christmas music. We went to see it two or three times. We would open the tail gate and watch them like we were at the movies. Now that is what I call good, old fashioned, Mormon fun. |
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| We knew we were going to be in Salt Lake for the Holiday, but we had a great time decorating out place for the weeks before. I start listening to Christmas music just before Halloween. Did you really think I wouldn't decorate in Denver? |
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| We made our way back to be with our family, and this handsome chihuahua took me on a date to see the lights. I really like him. I love temple square. I have loved it for as long as I can remember. T + Temple Square = Merry Christmas. |
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| Grandma and Opa held a wonderful Christmas party the weekend before the big day. They spoiled us as usual. We feel so lucky to be a part of their crew. Opa looks like a handsome Santa huh? |
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| The Ludlow Party. We talked about sharing the gift of Christ in the coming year. Each person wrote down what they were going to work towards. Love this wacky bunch, attractive but wacky. |
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| A night in Bethlehem at the cousins house. We cried, sang songs, and ate delicious food. Love you to the moon and back, thanks for wonderful memories. I cherish them. |
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| Christmas morning in Grandma and Grandpa's basement. I loved watching the kids hug each other, laugh, show kindness, show gratitude. This my friends is why I love Christmas so very much. Christmas teaches us how to be Christ like. How grateful I am for a Saviour who had done so much for me. Everyday is truly Christmas morning when I have him with me. |
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Two of my favorites. My sweet cousin Sissy and her family came to party before we left. We were able to see my handsome cousin Clint, his pretty wife Natalie, and their cute boy that night as well. I am proud they are mine.
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Sending love and best wishes. Keep your family close, and your chocolate closer. Remember, never fear the beaver.
