Where have I been?

I can't believe it's been 7 months since I last logged in. That is unacceptable! So much has gone on, so many changes and memories! I'm not sure how I can catch you all up, but I'm going to try to recap the last 7 months. Here goes!
January -

We welcomed in the new year with family and friends. Monique and Brian stopped by to liven things up a bit!
February - Akasha started doing a little baby sitting for us! Wahoo! :-) She taught Kaitlyn a few dance moves! hahaha



My cousin Christopher was accepted at the Sheridan Police department! I was delighted that he would ask me to watch the pinning ceremony. (I think that's what its called! - sheesh, he's the first Police Officer in our family... gimme a break). I can't get over how proud of him I am! He really worked hard, devoted all of his time and stuck to it. I admire his perseverance.

February ended with the passing of a very special person in my life. My Uncle Dean Larson was a kind, strong man. I adored him. He was so funny and sweet. I have many memories of him, he loved playing card games, loved the outdoors and loved to go fishing. We recently got together and spread his ashes in a river he loved to fish in. It was a moment that I was overcome with emotion. My Uncle Walt honored him, and I was really touched by that. I am really going to miss him, and I look forward to seeing him again!

March -

We love watching American Idol. I'm pretty sure that Kaitlyn will be on that show (or something like that) one day. I captured her "performing" in our kitchen while we watched the show. She would often sneak off during the show and we could hear her singing and talking, but every time I got close, she would notice me and stop. You'll have to turn up the sound, because I was leaning over the fish tank and its loud.

A few of my favorite quotes from this video are:

1. "yeesssssssssssssss - aaaaaaaah!" followed by the Rock star ending.


2. "You sang the right words, you were thinking in your head that you were a rock star"


3. "I think you're really good, you're going to be ready for St. Patrick's Day!" YESSSSAH!
   
4. One more from the same night. I'm so bummed because I missed her saying " YO YO YO DAWG... " hahaha.'
   
   
   
   

This one is hilarious for a few reasons:

1. hannah on, hannah on, hannah on TANNA! YESSSSSAH! " That's what she calls Hannah Montana. Hannah Ontanna.
   
2. The several rock star endings.
   
3. Air guitar.
   
4. You have the show DOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWN AHHHH!"

We got in on some spring sledding action too - It was a fabulous day for sledding, the sun was so hot - that the nearly two feet of snow we got all melted by the end of the day! Alex, Austin and Richie came and enjoyed the fun too!

The sunshine didn't last - We got another foot of snow three days later! Guinness loves the snow!

April -

Easter! Kaitlyn had a blast! She was SO cute! She dressed up in the dress that Aunt Patty bought her and delighted in finding all the eggs! Too many pics to post, but here are a few of my favorites.

She a kite for Easter - and this kite flying experience went MUCH better than the first! ;-) I actually thing EVERYONE enjoyed it!

Kaitlyn LOVES to get in to my clothes and shoes and play dress up. She really thought she looked elegant. I can remember getting in to my Mamo and Granny's clothes and shoes and playing. I try to capture the moment without getting mad that she was going through my things again! I just adore her...

May -

Kaitlyn is ending her preschool career. She takes a class field trip to the Littleton Museum. It was pretty cute seeing her interact with her friends. She is getting SO big and SO smart. In fact, while I'm typing this she is reciting numbers in Spanish from one to ten!

Kaitlyn's last day of pre-school was in May. She was really happy because that meant she was getting to go to Kindergarten. She was really mad the next day when she woke up and it wasn't "kindergarten day". I think she felt slighted. hahaha. After she figured out she couldn't go RIGHT to kindergarten she asked if she could go back to pre-school while she waited. :-)

Mike and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary on the 3oth. Six years of bliss! hahaha

We had a few friends over to help us celebrate! It was a great day!

June -

My angel baby turned 5! FIVE years old. I can hardly believe I have a 5 year old. It seems like only yesterday she was this fragile little being that I was afraid to move - cause I thought I might hurt her. Now I'm just scared Ill screw her up in some un-fixable, life ruining way. I'm sure every Mom feels like this sometimes. She is so smart, funny and cute - I like to think I'm doing an okay job. ;-)

See the slide show on the right for all the pics from her birthday!

I drove to New Mexico for the first time in June. I really enjoyed it. What a beautiful State. The weird thing is that I had a dream a while back that I moved there. I could see me living there. Sante Fe was pretty and had some yummy food! :-) On my way through Sante Fe, I stopped in Las Vegas (cause I thought that it was funny) and happened to turn down a random street - and look what I found

What are the chances? Someone was definitely guiding me there - I had no reason to turn there!

I would definitely like to go back and spend a few days exploring Sante Fe. I only got to look around there for a few hours. Its worth the drive just for the fish taco's! :-)

Camel Rock - Took this just for Mike. He like to give pics of camels to his friend Rayme. lol.

Very pretty scenery!

Drove home in to a rainbow!

There were also some pretty spectacular sunsets in June - well not just in June, but I happened to capture a few that took my breath away! I took this shot from my patio. I love Colorado.

July -

We finally got to go camping for the first time this summer. We went to Jefferson lake and it was so peaceful and serene. I don't think I will ever go camping again on a weekend. It was MUCH more enjoyable during the week. It did rain everyday - but there is such a canopy of tree's that we didn't really get bothered by it.

I think Ive posted enough pictures for one blog. But i have this enjoyable video of Kaitlyn asking about the "bambooboo trees".

We were driving in the mountains and she looked up to the Aspen trees on the hillside and said "Momma, are those bambooboo's?" I made her repeat it several times just to hear her say it again and again! "No baby those are aspen trees, but you can call them bambooboo's if you want to".

Well, I think that brings me to August! Kaitlyn's first day of Kindergarten is tomorrow!

I can't even begin to write about that now!

Until Then,

Christy

Christmas fun and stuff

Christmas was very nice! We were behind in our gifts this year (hmmm wonder why? Nothing really happened this year - yea right!). But we were able to get them all done before the end of the year. I think they turned out beautifully and we were really proud!

This was just a few of the bottles we made this year. I personally consumed each wine or cider and will be checking myself in to AA promptly. (Kidding - the bottles were ones I have saved over the last 6 years!)

Mom brought some very special gifts. There was something for each of us, that her and Jennifer had been collecting or saving or making for us. Some were very personal (and emotional) like the afghan that she crochet for Akasha. It was the last thing she ever made. Some were totally surprising, like the cars she had been saving for Jarod. Some were just totally cool - like the coin collection her and Mom and been saving for Jamie and myself for 10 years! There were special gifts for each of us. It was a very emotional, but a good end to the year. We did miss her laughter, but I know she was with us, beaming from ear to ear! (You betcha!)

Christmas gets better each year with Kaitlyn, she cracks me up everyday. When she was passing out presents (most were for her) she said "WOW! I love presents that start with "K!" We couldn't stop laughing at that! She was so excited and surprised - but I think she liked giving gifts the best. She was so proud of the gifts she picked out for me.

For my birthday, I got Band Hero! We had a blast rocking it out with everyone! Here are some video's that will surely make you laugh!

This is Guinness enjoying his Christmas gift.

The fam jammin! Kaitlyn pulls out one of her personalities for Band Hero!

Here are Jeff and Chris gettin' down! Amanda was "slappin da' bass mon!" LOL.

Here is Kaitlyn singing "Big black "hawk" and the cherry tree" Check out my husband! He swore he wouldn't like this game - Looks like he's enjoying himself, what do you think? LOL

Last one! Here is everyone singing Kung Foo Fighting. Check out Mike B, he had no idea I captured him getting down!

There were a few other video's but I think I posted enough! We had a great time!

2009 was full of laughter, tears, ups and downs. There some incredible moments, that took my breath away and some that made it hard to breathe! I am happy to move on to 2010 and to another amazing year!

Love,

Christy

Reflecting

It's January 2nd, 2010. Where did 2009 go? It seems like it vanished in a blink of an eye, which got me thinking. What got me to this point in my life. What shaped me in to the person I am today? So many people have left impressions on me, changing me and shaping me in ways that I never knew important at the time. I thought I would reflect on these people.

Bev

Bev laid the foundations of who I am today. She gave me all of the necessary "tools" any mother gives to a child. I learned how to take care of myself as an adult because of the lessons she taught me. I also got my love of music from her. Music always graced my house - and Bev's voice was something magical for me. The power behind it. It was captivating. I wanted to sing just like her ... She not only helped raise me, but she loved me and taught me valuable lessons that I am passing on to my daughter. Thank you and I miss you so much.

Patty

I'm not quite sure where to start - Patty taught me what it meant to be a woman. To be pretty, to smell nice, to look nice. To value nice things. I used to watch her get ready, for work or to go out. I loved watching her. She was graceful and confident. She was everything I hoped to be when I grew out of my gangling awkward pre-teens. My love of perfume comes from her. She used to wear Night Odyssey - and I loved it. She gave me a bottle of it once and I cherished it for ever and tho it's really hard to find, sometimes I come across it and it brings me back to that time, sitting in the bathroom, watching her put on make-up. She continues to be a person I look up to, and I can't imagine my life without her. She is much more than an Aunt to me, she is a friend. Thank you.

Jeffrey and Christopher (Jeffy and Crit-o-fur affectionately)

They are the brothers I always wanted; even if I didn't know it when we were kids. They would get in to my things, and squirt me with squirt guns. They would plan "missions" to annoy me. But I loved it. Even if I yelled and screamed it. I miss it. I am so proud of the men they have become. They are honorable, intelligent, funny and handsome! I thank them for the gift of being my little "brother's"

Sherry and Dean

Sherry made me aware of religion, what it meant and not to fear it. The lord shines through her and I love that about her. I will admit that growing up I didn't really get it, or understand - I was like "blah blah, religion, blah blah." But I get it now. I thank her for setting the foundation of my spirituality. Dean was my favorite uncle. All the other kids were afraid of him - like he was big and scary (a well crafted act) but not me. I always admired him. He could make me feel better without saying a word and it was that gift that helped me through one of the most tragic events in my life - I will forever be grateful.

Laurie

Laurie taught me about being a kid - laughing, having fun and not being so darned responsible. I was always the responsible one. I was always worried about everything. Very seldom was I careless. You might think I wouldn't appreciate being careless, but I do.... and I think of all the laughs we shared fondly.

Jamie

Jamie taught me how to be a mother. How to love and care for someone unconditionally - which is what I always did for her as a child. I think I am a great mom today because I had good practice with her as a kid. Jamie was a ball of energy and I learned how to forgive, and forget from her. Some one could do her so wrong, but with an apology she would forgive and forget. I love that about her.

Dad

My Dad taught me to love the outdoors, the simple things in life. A bike ride, a walk around a lake or a board game. He was funny and silly and those are things I look for in almost every person I meet. He would do anything to make me laugh. He was soft and caring and would lull me to sleep by rubbing my cheeks. I think of my Dad every time I'm camping or playing monopoly (which he ALWAYS cheated at).

Granny

My granny - my star. She is the kindest most wise person I know. She taught me how to keep some things to my self, a kind of quiet lesson I am still trying to learn. She is generous, kind and brilliant. Everything I aspire to be. Everyone - and I mean everyone should know my Granny. My time spent with her is some of the happiest times of my life. She taught me poker - grin. And I must say - I'm not half bad. I think I get my temper from her too - takes a lot to get me fired up - and once I am, I stay there for a bit. However, a simple kiss, a genuine apology and my flames are doused.

Mamo and Papo

Mamo loved to sing, dance around and "make believe. I loved to pretend with her - and sing. I loved to go through her closet as a kid and put on her shoes. They made me feel pretty -

Papo was the man! I thought he was the biggest, strongest smartest man ever. He could do anything, and fix anything and every man I met (boys really) until about 6 years ago could never measure up. If my husband only knew.... :-)

Mom and Dad Manzanares

Taught me to give. Give without expectations. Trust in the Lord. These are things that I always knew how to do, but didn't really see how important they were. They helped me see the importance. I am eternally grateful for that.

Mom

My Mom is the strongest, hardest working, most loyal person I know. She can fix anything, she is funny and sweet. She is super woman. She wasn't the typical "mom". She didn't' dress in a frilly skirt, and pack my lunches. She didn't do my hair and teach me about make-up. She didn't teach me to cook. But for everything she couldn't teach me, she taught me 20 things in return. I think I'm quite crafty because of her. I don't judge a book by it's cover which is a lesson not often taught by parents, and its probably the most important lesson I learned from her. I'm thankful she wasn't a typical mom, because I wouldn't be who I am today if she was.

My husband

He is so proud and strong. Quiet and outspoken at the same time. I love his spirituality. I love his strength. And I love that I feel comfortable and safe with him. Being that I didn't have a male role model growing up, it was really hard for me to trust him, and allow him to take the reins on things. After all, like my Mom taught me, women can do anything a man can do - and in half the time (wink). But I really love that I love him. I love that he loves me.

My Daughter

Has probably changed my life the most. I had no idea how life altering being a Mother was. She made my heart grow two sizes. She is funny and outspoken and brilliant! And I owe all of that to the wonderful people in our lives... past, present and future.

These are just a few of the important people in my life. I am forever grateful for the gifts they have given me -

Love ya!

Christy

Another Song... "boom boom pounds"

Here is another one of Kaitlyn singing.

Now - wait for it! Wait for "people in the place..." It's worth it. I really admire my ability to keep a straight face and not laugh hysterically when she does stuff like this. I think it's quite a gift! I think she is quite a gift!

She keeps me smiling! Hope this makes you smile too!

I'm gonna pound ya!

So tonight while wrestling with Daddy this is what I heard.

Kaitlyn: Ouch Ouch Ouch
Daddy: What's wrong?
Kaitlyn: YOU HURTED MY ARM!
Daddy: Is it OK?
Kaitlyn: NO YOU DID IT - AND YOU BETTER STOP OR I'M GONNA POUND YA!

Mike immediately started laughing harder than I've heard him laugh in a long time, which ticked her off even more. She yells "STOP LAUGHING"! It wasn't funny AT ALL to her, and she had quite the furrowed brow. It took a good 10 minutes for Mike to stop laughing.

I'm laughing so hard in the kitchen that I almost (almost) peed!
We have no idea where she got that, but it cracked us up and I didn't want to forget it!

"Can't you see- hee- hee"

Kaitlyn's newest "fravrite" song.

I just love her. I am SO thankful that she loves music! :-)

Kaitlyn's first "real" haircut!

A few days ago I took Kaitlyn to my friend Amy, at Aloha Salon in Castle Rock ,

for her first real hair cut.

She was SO excited!

She kept saying "It's not going to hurt, RIGHT?"

She was very concerned that she was going to cut all of her hair off. Amy reassured her and all was well! She sat so very still and was so serious. When Amy finished, she asked Kaitlyn what she thought "Kaitlyn said... Ummm, I think you could take a little more off!" What a little diva! The best part for her was the candy cane at the end!

Here are a few pics!

Getting set up. She really liked the penguins!

She was so proud - she really felt like a "big girl"!

Picking hair ties for the COOL BRAIDS!

There was a little more, but I didn't get to it before some got swept up... dang it! :-)

Thanks Amy for making this a really great experience for us! You're the best! ;-)

Another snowy Halloween

With the storm dropping a ton of snow on us (and still snowing) I am reminded of all the snowy Halloween's as a kid. I remember being SO upset about not being able to go trick or treating because the weather was just too bad. One Halloween in particular I remember Bev was even disappointed. She stopped at the store and got us a bunch of scary movies, we got to eat cream of wheat for dinner (which was a treat and one of our favorites) and eat all the candy that we had to give the trick-or-treaters. I think we ended up having a few die hard kids that year (clearly their parents didn't win the battle). It ended up being one of the best Halloweens! I can still picture Jamie and I on our tummy's in the living room (on Baltic St) watching the creep show - and laughing at Mom who thought it was the scariest, most disgusting movie ever! HA! That still cracks me up. I also remember the time I got my tonsils out 8 days before Halloween and was DETERMINED to be well. I was a zombie punk rocker. The zombie part was unintentional. Snowy Halloween Lights

Good Times! I remember all the fights with Mom and Bev about having to wear my jacket over my costume (or winter boots for crying out loud!) Me, "But if I wear my jacket no one will see my costume" Bev, "well if you don't wear your jacket, no one will see you - period". I wore the jacket, begrudgingly. I remember dressing up for school (that was the best) and getting to do the costume parade!

Kim and I as Gypsy's in Grade School at one of the costume parades. I hated this costume at first because it was "home made" and not store bought (like all the other kids). But when I got to school and parents and teachers thought my ear rings were the best ever - well... it quickly turned in to one of my most favorite costumes ever! :-)

The view from my front porch this morning.

I find myself thinking about this as my little girl gears up for her first snowy Halloween. Last year was a fluke - it is NEVER nice enough here to trick or treat on Halloween - with only a light jacket. She is so excited and I am hoping she will get to go to a few houses - or I will find myself in the same predicament as Mom and Bev... "what to do with a ticked off trick-or-treater!"

I will add that Mike couldn't be MORE happy with the weather. For one, he loves the cold - but more importantly, he gets to use the snow blower! Kaitlyn loves it because she gets to use her bucket and fill it with snow - to make stuff! Guinness loves to tunnel through it - I am the odd one out. I am making it through this mess by imagining myself on a beach, with a fruity cocktail of some kind - smelling coconut suntan lotion....aaaahhhh.

Yesterday afternoon. You can't see the grin because he took off so fast!

Kaitlyn was super excited yesterday to go dig! Boy - wonder what she is going to think of today's accumulation!

Guinness in his tunnel path this morning.

Tea Anyone?

Last night as Mike was on the phone and I (undoubtedly) was playing around on FB, I heard Kaitlyn downstairs talking to someone. "What's that honey? WHAT?! No - Stop it, I can't understand you honey, What? OH, OK!"

Intrigued, I came down to see what she was doing.

This is what I saw.

Every place neatly set on a blanket table cloth, complete with a coaster (plate), a crayon(spoon or fork) a tissue (napkin) and some of her bears patiently waiting to be served a gourmet meal. She even had a centerpiece!

The bears were dressed in their Wednesday night best (her old nightgowns that she refuses to get rid of even though they fit her like a t-shirt)! Apparently the bears were a bit upset that there was no "real" food.

I came down just in time to see her heading for the pantry - where I will point out Mike was sitting next to and had no idea the mess she was about to make. LOL.

I just love watching her play and use her imagination.

Lil' Munchkins party

Kaitlyn was well enough to go back to school last Thursday, just in time for her first Halloween party. Mrs. Holly allowed me to sit in and help out - so I snapped a few photos. It was so sweet to see all the kids interacting and learning. They made treat bags, had story time, they danced and sang and searched for Halloween eggs filled with treats - the makings of a fine party I must say!
I really enjoyed being able to be a part of their day - and the popcorn balls were to die for! Seriously - best I've ever had!!

Here are a few of my favorite shots - see the slide show on the side for the rest.

She is super excited about trick-or-treating this year - and even more SO to be Wonder Woman! Man, to be a kid again!