Spring Blizzard '09

I didn't think winter was actually coming to Colorado this year...but, alas, she came with a furry. We ended up with about 18" of snow, which more than doubles the amount of snow that fell in Boulder all winter! John has had a blast playing in it and getting the most out of our big snowfall of the year! Since we were snowed in, we decided to focus some time on potty training. John is quite excited about his new 'big boy underware' that both his Grammy and Nana gave him, which you can see him 'modeling' in the last picture. :)

Happy New Year!

Whew! Life sure has been crazy over the past month with Ben losing his job, the job search beginning, and the holidays. We enjoyed having my parents in town over Christmas and the chance to rest & refocus a bit before the new year began and we really had to face what the unknowns of our new situation. I will update my blog from time to time, but will be lucky to get a 'picture of the month' up vs. a 'picture of the day'. Oh well...so much for good intentions. :)

John turned 3 on Jan. 7th and is jumping into little boyhood with both feet (and Spiderman light up shoes on those feet to boot). He said to me when he was sad that I had to leave for work (at Panera), "But I'm ok mommy because my Spiderman light up shoes make me feel better.' Ahhh, the days when it was that easy for our problems to be resolved. He had been talking about getting those shoes for months and finally Grammy came to town and saved the day. He had actually convinced himself that his other pairs of shoes light up, but he is more than thrilled to have the real thing!

We have no news on the job front. Ben is working hard looking for a job, follow-up leads & getting his resume out there. Once he is officially finished with his job on Jan. 17th, I will increase my hours a bit at Panera to help make ends meet. We are trying to make the best of this unexpected and challenging situation, while remaining grateful for the support of our friends & family and hopeful in God's love, grace, provision & plans.

Here is our family picture from Christmas Eve, which I would have used for a late Christmas card picture had I sent one. :)

Cousins

A highlight of our trip to Indiana was spending time with our niece and John's cousin, Ella, who is 7 months old. Here are the cousins in their Christmas jammies. John has not yet accepted that he is no longer the 'only' grandchild and that he now has to share the spotlight with his cousin, as adorable as she is. It's tough being a kid! :)

Spiderman Birthday

We are back to Colorado from our trip to Indiana for Thanksgiving, so I will be getting back on track with my 'Picture of the Day' posts.

John got to celebrate his birthday (which is Jan. 7th) early with Ben's side of the family since we won't see them again until summer. Of course, he requested a Spidey cake and finished off the theme with his Spidey costume. He was one happy almost 3 year old!

My Mommy works at Panera! :)

As you probably know, I now officially work at my favorite restaurant/coffee shop and I have the hat and nametag to prove it.

Mountain Biking

My first 'Picture(s) of the Day' post! :) John was 'helping' me with laundry, which turned into 'Mountain Biking' over the hill of laundry he created. I love his concentration, which is evident by his tongue sticking out in the first picture (click on it to make it bigger). After braving the rough terrain on his ride, he needed a little break.

Catching Up...

Sorry for the very long delay in posting anything on my blog. I am going to catch up with some pics from this fall, but from here on, I am going to try something new. My friend, Shannon, posts a picture each day on her kid's blogs, so I am going to **try** the same thing. That way, I won't have to tackle so much at once, and 'blogging' might be a bit more managable.

As for catching up with our lives this fall...

...We enjoyed wonderful visits from both my parents and Ben's cousin Ryan, his wife, Alyssa and their son, Luke.

...I have started a new part time job at Panera, which I am really enjoying so far. I am learning the cash register, coffee bar (barista), and bakery.

...John loooooved being Spiderman for Halloween and Spidey still makes his appearance at least once a day around our house.

...We are spending Thanksgiving in Indiana with Ben's family and exicted to see everyone soon!

Hiking with Ryan, Alyssa & Luke on Flagstaff Mountain.

John and Luke had a great time together.

John with neighbors (and fellow Superheros) Owen (Robin) & Cameron (Batman).

Trick-or-Treating on Pearl St. for the 'Munchkin Masquerade'.

Halloween Party with our Playgroup.

The piles of leaves are too tempting...and so much fun!

At the pumpkin patch finding the perfect pumpkins.

Grammy & Johnny in disguise.

Bukka and John as 'Skateboard guys'.

Hiking with Bukka & Grammy.

Mom, Dad & Jason (my brother) hiking up Sugarloaf Mountain.

The whole group on top of Sugarloaf Mountain.