Over the years we (the Caster's) have spent many of our 4th of July celebrations with Allsion. Most of which have occurred in the mountains just East of us at a family cabin, where we would roast marshmallows, delight in how amazing beer tastes while camping, and honestly not care that our children were covered in the black earth for the duration of the trip. Before the sun got too low in the sky, we would load both families up in the truck and trek down the hill to enjoy "the bombs bursting in air". We had the perfect perch on the hill just outside Collbran, all of us in awe of the spectacular show that always exceeded our expectations.
It's been a few years since we have celebrated our country's independence, so this year we planned a grand return to the once vibrant tradition. A multi-day camping trip just outside of Gunnison. As will all grandiose plans, the seem great at the time but when reality sets in, you begin to see the flaws: First- the fire ban across Colorado (this year nearly the entire state was burning up- from Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs and even in our own back yard of Debeque.) And what fun is camping with no camp fire to enchant the evenings and warm the mornings? Second: required portable toilette - no more outhouse on the property, instead the new covenants state we have to have a septic or transport our poo out. Third: the remembrance of Allsion and I attempting a week long camping trip with the kids that ended MUCH sooner than anticipated. We had expected a week of non-stop friend time knitting, relaxing, chatting, and perfectly behaved children. What we got was quite the opposite, and just remembering was enough to scare me out of committing to what possibly could be a repeat of that.
The Revised Plan: Collbran pancake breakfast, parade, and a trip up to a quiet little stream to splash the afternoon heat away. This was actually a perfect replacement. Besides the long line for the pancake breakfast, the whole days was a nice little escape. The parade is one of the best I have ever been to, not for the amazing creativity level of the floats, but for the uniqueness and plethora of treats that are thrown to the children lining the sidewalk- can you say OTTER POPS. Yes we were abundantly supplied with frozen otter pop popsicles and the kids loved it. After the parade we made our way up and around my favorite lake, Atkinson, to the inlet stream. The kids, even though it was cool and cloudy, spent the rest of the afternoon splashing in the creek and exploring, while we adults sat and enjoyed the scenery and company. Our afternoon came to a beautiful close when rain clouds rolled in and had mercy on our dry parched state.
I have never in my life been more happy for a downpour.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 18, 2011
Gym Day 3 & 4
We just came back from a great weekend in Steamboat, but I don't have time to blog about it now... instead the bare bones of my work outs at the gym last week and today.
Day 3: Barf Bowl Work Out. Ok, so it's not really called that, and neither of us barfed, but we did our fair share of complaining. This work out gets it name from the bowl that strongly resembles most people's barf bowls at home, but instead of barf it is filled with exercises. For the first half of our work out we drew an exercise and had to replace them. for the second half Janea was nice and let us keep them out until the bowl was empty, so no matter what we had to do every exercise twice.
The barf bowl contained the following exercises:
15 berpies (we did this one twice)
10 plyo jumps forward and 10 backward (3 times)
25 tricep dips (FOUR times)
50 Squats (twice)
1 1/2 Min Plank
25 sissy squat/back lunge each leg
1.5 min plyo skipping
15 push ups
20 Supermans
15 plyo roll ups
20 bicep curls with resistance bands
Day 4: Tepadas and whole body... though we were told it was upper body...
5 min warm up on elliptical at medium resistance
12 squat & Lat rows (started at 40 lbs, then upped it 10 lbs each time, ending with 100 lbs) alternating with 12 shoulder press (12 lbs for entire time)
12 "Fanny Lifters" with 15 lb weight followed by 12 forward dips back leg on bench (SAME LEG) then switch legs. Repeat with 8 reps.
Then HELL... I mean tepadas (I don't know if that's how you spell it, but that's how it sounds) Basically these are 4 minutes of interval work outs. For each 30 second interval you go as hard as you can for 20 seconds with a 10 second recovery, repeat 8 times. We did our first tepada on the elliptical at high resistance. The second on the tread mill at an incline of 15.
We ended with 1 min of plank.
Day 3: Barf Bowl Work Out. Ok, so it's not really called that, and neither of us barfed, but we did our fair share of complaining. This work out gets it name from the bowl that strongly resembles most people's barf bowls at home, but instead of barf it is filled with exercises. For the first half of our work out we drew an exercise and had to replace them. for the second half Janea was nice and let us keep them out until the bowl was empty, so no matter what we had to do every exercise twice.
The barf bowl contained the following exercises:
15 berpies (we did this one twice)
10 plyo jumps forward and 10 backward (3 times)
25 tricep dips (FOUR times)
50 Squats (twice)
1 1/2 Min Plank
25 sissy squat/back lunge each leg
1.5 min plyo skipping
15 push ups
20 Supermans
15 plyo roll ups
20 bicep curls with resistance bands
Day 4: Tepadas and whole body... though we were told it was upper body...
5 min warm up on elliptical at medium resistance
12 squat & Lat rows (started at 40 lbs, then upped it 10 lbs each time, ending with 100 lbs) alternating with 12 shoulder press (12 lbs for entire time)
12 "Fanny Lifters" with 15 lb weight followed by 12 forward dips back leg on bench (SAME LEG) then switch legs. Repeat with 8 reps.
Then HELL... I mean tepadas (I don't know if that's how you spell it, but that's how it sounds) Basically these are 4 minutes of interval work outs. For each 30 second interval you go as hard as you can for 20 seconds with a 10 second recovery, repeat 8 times. We did our first tepada on the elliptical at high resistance. The second on the tread mill at an incline of 15.
We ended with 1 min of plank.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Gym Day 2
Before we headed to the gym Allison told me that we were going to figure body fat %, and I was dreading being pinched with that embarrassing tool... but thankfully technology has come out with a gadget that you just hold and it sends waves through your body to measure your fat. I don't really want to share my weight and body fat with the whole world (or the 2 of you that actually read this), but I wasn't shocked by either, and was happy to find that my body fat % was on the lower end of the normal range.
Today's work out focused on upper body, but there was plenty of leg work involved too.
Warm up on the stair stepper/elliptical machine (5 min)
Bis and Tris - wide bis, tri pull downs 3 sets of 16 each {discovered I am a weakling}
Push ups- bosu ball, against a squat bar, and floor.
Plea squats with weights(3 sets of 15)
Frog Jumps (3 sets of 15)
Back lung with sissy squat (never coming to full standing position.)
Pull ups (wide and narrow)
180 Mountain climbers
3 plank sets for 90 seconds
Yesterday was a very active day for me, before the gym I went on a run. I changed up my typical run a bit. After a mile warm up I ran the next mile pushing my pace to 8:30, then for the 2 miles home I did intervals, where I sprinted for 30 seconds then recovered.
Later in the evening we went to play tennis under the lights. I was really looking forward to playing for a few hours but a huge storm rolled in, and while we are water resistant, we are not lightning resistant, so we called it a night.
Today's work out focused on upper body, but there was plenty of leg work involved too.
Warm up on the stair stepper/elliptical machine (5 min)
Bis and Tris - wide bis, tri pull downs 3 sets of 16 each {discovered I am a weakling}
Push ups- bosu ball, against a squat bar, and floor.
Plea squats with weights(3 sets of 15)
Frog Jumps (3 sets of 15)
Back lung with sissy squat (never coming to full standing position.)
Pull ups (wide and narrow)
180 Mountain climbers
3 plank sets for 90 seconds
Yesterday was a very active day for me, before the gym I went on a run. I changed up my typical run a bit. After a mile warm up I ran the next mile pushing my pace to 8:30, then for the 2 miles home I did intervals, where I sprinted for 30 seconds then recovered.
Later in the evening we went to play tennis under the lights. I was really looking forward to playing for a few hours but a huge storm rolled in, and while we are water resistant, we are not lightning resistant, so we called it a night.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Celebrating Our Independence Day
We went pretty low key for our celebration this year. We headed to the fireworks show at the country club with our friends Jason and Summer. I don't think Maddox had seen an aerial fireworks display that he would remember. It was so fun hearing the oohs and aahs from both my kids as they exploded in space.
The next night, for the actual 4th, we had a BBQ with Jason and Summer at our house. Later my mom and Dan {it was also their 7th wedding anniversary}, Dan's daughter Kara and her family, and my aunts Pepper and Penny all came over and we had quite the ground display of fireworks. Everyone brought over a huge bundle of fireworks.
Maddox was given a sit-n-spin from our neighbors, and he is loving playing on it. He spent almost the entire morning of the 4th on the thing. He gave us a good bout of laughter while riding it. So I just had to include the video of it!
The next night, for the actual 4th, we had a BBQ with Jason and Summer at our house. Later my mom and Dan {it was also their 7th wedding anniversary}, Dan's daughter Kara and her family, and my aunts Pepper and Penny all came over and we had quite the ground display of fireworks. Everyone brought over a huge bundle of fireworks.
Maddox was given a sit-n-spin from our neighbors, and he is loving playing on it. He spent almost the entire morning of the 4th on the thing. He gave us a good bout of laughter while riding it. So I just had to include the video of it!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
A Bit of Tennis with a Forever Friend
I have been blessed with some amazing friendships throughout my life. One of my longest standing friendships is with Jolene; we have been friends since we were in 6th grade... which is 20 years ago!
We always seem to have some crazy plan or idea... like the time we got creative making our own pencils: we took the soft leaded pencils and melted them into shapes, then danced around the back yard like pagans. I am sure my mom thought we were devil worshipers.
We played tennis in HS together, she was always a way better athlete than I, and had a much larger competitive appetite.
Our friendship has endured many storms; from arguing over the same boy to living hundreds of miles(and at times a half of a world) apart...
She moved back to town a few years ago and every summer since we have been all talk and no action about reliving the "glory days" -- playing doubles in the Taco Bell Open. This year we finally registered, which means we have been playing quite a bit of tennis- for us anyway. She convinced me to register us for the 3.5 division, then we ran into Fruita's coach who informed us that "there are some beasts in that division". Me always being the scardy cat, started to fret, while Jolene just laughed with her "bring it on" attitude.
Because most of our play has been against each other, we thought it wise to get in a few doubles matches before we actually go out and compete. Yesterday we played our old stomping ground's #2 doubles who will be seniors next year. It was a lot of fun playing on the same side of the ball, and it turns out we weren't too bad. We won the first set by the fuzz of the ball 6-6 with a tie breaker of 6-1. The second set we won quite decidedly 6-1... straigt sets!
The whole time we were playing it was like a time warp. That was us years ago, be it we were not quite so prim and proper as these two. The girls we played kept asking how long it has been since we have played seriously (not just hitting balls for fun)... it took us a minute to calculate...and when we did it was gut wrenching...14 years. I could hardly believe it has been that long.
We have plans to play doubles again before the tournament begins, and I have a bit of work to do (my first serves are horrendous... rarely going in), but it is so fun and nostalgic to be out on the courts with Jo.
Learned? A 14 year hiatus hasn't proved to wreak too much havoc on our tennis game, just hope we don't get slaughtered in a few weeks.
We always seem to have some crazy plan or idea... like the time we got creative making our own pencils: we took the soft leaded pencils and melted them into shapes, then danced around the back yard like pagans. I am sure my mom thought we were devil worshipers.
We played tennis in HS together, she was always a way better athlete than I, and had a much larger competitive appetite.
Our friendship has endured many storms; from arguing over the same boy to living hundreds of miles(and at times a half of a world) apart...
She moved back to town a few years ago and every summer since we have been all talk and no action about reliving the "glory days" -- playing doubles in the Taco Bell Open. This year we finally registered, which means we have been playing quite a bit of tennis- for us anyway. She convinced me to register us for the 3.5 division, then we ran into Fruita's coach who informed us that "there are some beasts in that division". Me always being the scardy cat, started to fret, while Jolene just laughed with her "bring it on" attitude.
Because most of our play has been against each other, we thought it wise to get in a few doubles matches before we actually go out and compete. Yesterday we played our old stomping ground's #2 doubles who will be seniors next year. It was a lot of fun playing on the same side of the ball, and it turns out we weren't too bad. We won the first set by the fuzz of the ball 6-6 with a tie breaker of 6-1. The second set we won quite decidedly 6-1... straigt sets!
The whole time we were playing it was like a time warp. That was us years ago, be it we were not quite so prim and proper as these two. The girls we played kept asking how long it has been since we have played seriously (not just hitting balls for fun)... it took us a minute to calculate...and when we did it was gut wrenching...14 years. I could hardly believe it has been that long.
We have plans to play doubles again before the tournament begins, and I have a bit of work to do (my first serves are horrendous... rarely going in), but it is so fun and nostalgic to be out on the courts with Jo.
Learned? A 14 year hiatus hasn't proved to wreak too much havoc on our tennis game, just hope we don't get slaughtered in a few weeks.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Day 1 With A Personal Trainer
Allison has convinced me to join her 2 days a week at the gym and work out with her and her trainer. Today was our first day, and I must say that I would rather run 10 miles than go to the gym. When I run it becomes almost meditative, I get into a rhythm and, though I am sweating and breathing hard, I am not maxed out. But I guess that's the whole purpose of going to a trainer, they push you more than you would push yourself.
Now for the boring stuff... so I can remember some different exercises to do on my own after my month is over.
5 min on this elliptical type machine at a resistance of 40, had to keep cal/hr above 800.
5 min on the stair mill doing speed intervals.
Circuit 1:
Bench berpies (1 min): hop up on a bench/step, hop off, bend down to put hands on bench kick legs back to plank, jump legs back beside bench stand up and jump onto bench..
Push-ups 1 min).
Squat and toss (1 min): squats with tossing a medicine ball with each upward thrust.
Plank hold (1 min)
Circuit 2:
2 min cardio of: Squats (no weights), frog jumps, forward lunges, scissors.
Weighted squats (1 min)
Medicine ball twists (1 min) stand back to back with A, and hand of the medicine ball twisting side to side.
Circuit 3:
Sit squats (1 min) squat to sit on bench and then stand up.
Plyo squats (1 min): squat and hover just above bench then jump up out of squat onto the bench.
Squats sequence: Drop it low squats, down three up one, up three down 1, down up half way down up half way hold.
We did each circut 3 times then moved onto core.
Core work:
Superman: lay on stomach engage back muscles lifting arms and legs off floor, bring arms back and then forward, and back down.
Swimmer: lay on stomach engage back muscles lifting arms and legs off floor and "swim" rapidly bring arms and legs up and down.
Abs: random abs involving crunches.
Learned: As much as I felt like a wimp today, I know this cross training will be good for me, even if I only go for a month.
Now for the boring stuff... so I can remember some different exercises to do on my own after my month is over.
5 min on this elliptical type machine at a resistance of 40, had to keep cal/hr above 800.
5 min on the stair mill doing speed intervals.
Circuit 1:
Bench berpies (1 min): hop up on a bench/step, hop off, bend down to put hands on bench kick legs back to plank, jump legs back beside bench stand up and jump onto bench..
Push-ups 1 min).
Squat and toss (1 min): squats with tossing a medicine ball with each upward thrust.
Plank hold (1 min)
Circuit 2:
2 min cardio of: Squats (no weights), frog jumps, forward lunges, scissors.
Weighted squats (1 min)
Medicine ball twists (1 min) stand back to back with A, and hand of the medicine ball twisting side to side.
Circuit 3:
Sit squats (1 min) squat to sit on bench and then stand up.
Plyo squats (1 min): squat and hover just above bench then jump up out of squat onto the bench.
Squats sequence: Drop it low squats, down three up one, up three down 1, down up half way down up half way hold.
We did each circut 3 times then moved onto core.
Core work:
Superman: lay on stomach engage back muscles lifting arms and legs off floor, bring arms back and then forward, and back down.
Swimmer: lay on stomach engage back muscles lifting arms and legs off floor and "swim" rapidly bring arms and legs up and down.
Abs: random abs involving crunches.
Learned: As much as I felt like a wimp today, I know this cross training will be good for me, even if I only go for a month.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Spring Break 2011 Sun Kissed and Snow Kissed
This was the first spring break in a few years that was absolutely beautiful!
We had great weather nearly all week, and took full advantage of it. We headed to Ouray for our annual trip with Allison and our kids, the weather was perfect (actually any warmer and it would have been too hot to be in the warm water). Maddox was swimming like a little fish, he even ventured out with out the floaties he usually clings to. Allison and I got a lot of time to just chat, but it is never enough for us.
We also spent an entire afternoon at the park with Ari and the kids, in which both Madison and I got a bit sunburned. We took bikes and scooters, and balls, and the dogs.
This proved to be plenty of entertainment for several hours. We ended the evening with a complete St. Patty's day meal at Ari's house topped off with a Snakebite and Guinness chocolate cake.
The kids and I went to a movie with my niece and mom. We tried to go to Rango, but were advised to not take a 3 year old because it was too scary, so opted for Mars Needs Moms. Even though it wasn't the movie we planned on going to (and it was still scary for my niece and they left early), it turned out to be a pretty cute show...
Brian had the day off on Friday, so we took advantage of the freshly fallen snow, and sunny skies and headed up to Sunlight. The snow was perfect, and the kids skies great! Maddox has come so far with his skiing ability in just 4 trips up. Madison continues to improve and try new things. This trip she attempted to ski in powder and took a pretty good digger. "How do you turn in this stuff!!" she exclaimed from her back buried in the snow. We skied hard all morning and by 2 Maddox was D.O.N.E. Madison and Brian were going to ski a few more runs but it had gotten so warm they were skiing in slush, so we headed home.
Saturday I headed to Moab to run the Canyonlands race.
I had been training so hard for this half marathon, but got hurt/sick, which sidelined me several weeks from the race. I just couldn't get my training up to the mileage I had before so I changed my entry to the 5 mile run. I am glad I did because I would have tried to run the half when I got there... as it was I was even trying to find a way to pretend to be Anne and run her half, or have them change my entry back, the entire drive there. In the end I mad the smart decision of just running 5. I expected the weather to be beautiful, instead it was cloudy and windy, really windy! After I finished (47:30)I headed back out to the highway (the worst part of the race) to find my friends running the last mile of the half. I found Jan, and paced with her for a while, but she was running too fast for me...7:30s even after 12 miles (she finished in 1 hour and 44 min)! So I cut out early with her and headed back in hopes of finding Lisa or Christie... I must have missed Lisa, and ended up finding Christie and running with her all the way to the shoots. It ended up being a pretty good run, and I am excited to begin training for another race...maybe the Grand Valley half in May, and maybe the Denver Rock and Roll Half in October.
Now here I sit on Sunday afternoon, only a few hours until I return to work, and I still have a few activities to attend... First up, a bridal shower for my husbands cousin. Following that is a get together for Anne's birthday... YEAH! BBQ, Margaritas, and time with a great friend!
We had great weather nearly all week, and took full advantage of it. We headed to Ouray for our annual trip with Allison and our kids, the weather was perfect (actually any warmer and it would have been too hot to be in the warm water). Maddox was swimming like a little fish, he even ventured out with out the floaties he usually clings to. Allison and I got a lot of time to just chat, but it is never enough for us.
We also spent an entire afternoon at the park with Ari and the kids, in which both Madison and I got a bit sunburned. We took bikes and scooters, and balls, and the dogs.
This proved to be plenty of entertainment for several hours. We ended the evening with a complete St. Patty's day meal at Ari's house topped off with a Snakebite and Guinness chocolate cake.
The kids and I went to a movie with my niece and mom. We tried to go to Rango, but were advised to not take a 3 year old because it was too scary, so opted for Mars Needs Moms. Even though it wasn't the movie we planned on going to (and it was still scary for my niece and they left early), it turned out to be a pretty cute show...
Brian had the day off on Friday, so we took advantage of the freshly fallen snow, and sunny skies and headed up to Sunlight. The snow was perfect, and the kids skies great! Maddox has come so far with his skiing ability in just 4 trips up. Madison continues to improve and try new things. This trip she attempted to ski in powder and took a pretty good digger. "How do you turn in this stuff!!" she exclaimed from her back buried in the snow. We skied hard all morning and by 2 Maddox was D.O.N.E. Madison and Brian were going to ski a few more runs but it had gotten so warm they were skiing in slush, so we headed home.
Saturday I headed to Moab to run the Canyonlands race.
I had been training so hard for this half marathon, but got hurt/sick, which sidelined me several weeks from the race. I just couldn't get my training up to the mileage I had before so I changed my entry to the 5 mile run. I am glad I did because I would have tried to run the half when I got there... as it was I was even trying to find a way to pretend to be Anne and run her half, or have them change my entry back, the entire drive there. In the end I mad the smart decision of just running 5. I expected the weather to be beautiful, instead it was cloudy and windy, really windy! After I finished (47:30)I headed back out to the highway (the worst part of the race) to find my friends running the last mile of the half. I found Jan, and paced with her for a while, but she was running too fast for me...7:30s even after 12 miles (she finished in 1 hour and 44 min)! So I cut out early with her and headed back in hopes of finding Lisa or Christie... I must have missed Lisa, and ended up finding Christie and running with her all the way to the shoots. It ended up being a pretty good run, and I am excited to begin training for another race...maybe the Grand Valley half in May, and maybe the Denver Rock and Roll Half in October. Now here I sit on Sunday afternoon, only a few hours until I return to work, and I still have a few activities to attend... First up, a bridal shower for my husbands cousin. Following that is a get together for Anne's birthday... YEAH! BBQ, Margaritas, and time with a great friend!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl 2011
In years past, when the Colts weren't in the big game, I at least despised one team, or was completely impressed by the other.
Even though I enjoyed the game this year it just isn't the same unless you have a strong conviction for a winner or a looser.
Regardless, it was an evening well spent with great friends... Rachel, Josh, and their beautiful daughter.
...but next year...I'll be watching the Colts IN Indianapolis...
Even though I enjoyed the game this year it just isn't the same unless you have a strong conviction for a winner or a looser.
Regardless, it was an evening well spent with great friends... Rachel, Josh, and their beautiful daughter.
...but next year...I'll be watching the Colts IN Indianapolis...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Merry Christmas 2010
This Christmas has been the most enjoyable one I have had in a long time. It started with a fabulous get together with my friends Ari and Anne and our families.
We enjoyed delicious appetizers, beverages (Anne's Champagne Punch), and a limousine tour of the Christmas lights around town. All the kids were so impressed with the limo, drinking cola and seeing the lights.
Brian and I enjoyed our first Christmas morning with just the kids and no where to be until after noon. For me this was the best gift of the year, relaxing in pjs and getting to stay home and let the kids play with their loot. I have never had a Christmas where I got to do that...making this extra special.
The theme of gifts in our house this year seemed to be winter activities. Brian, who got skis for his birthday, received all his skiing accessories; Madison got skis and boots; Maddox got snow shoes; the kids both got sleds; and I got a new ski/snow outfit. So of course we used a few days of the break to go enjoy the new gear. We took the kids to Sunlight for a fantastic day of skiing... Madison has become quite the skier, and Maddox is on his way to becoming the next Super G gold medalist (I knew those tree trunk legs would serve their purpose). We also headed up to the Mesa for an afternoon of snowshoeing and sledding. We were fortunate that both days were beautiful.
I also got an amazing gift from Carrie an Rob... a signed picture from Peyton!!! (ok, it isn't like he actually sat down and wrote the message himself and signed it...but I can pretend....right?) It was pretty funny when I was opening it, the room of family stopped and watched me, there were cameras flashing, and unknown to me, Rob was filming my reaction... In summary I seem to have given them all the reaction they hoped for!
It is an annual tradition for Carrie and Rob to take Madison to the cabin between Christmas and New Years, and this year they took Maddox too. I was invited, but the lure of 3 1/2 days completely to myself was just too great! Instead I braved the snowy roads loaded up on books as well as supplies to pain my room.
(Last year I bought a new bed spread, but it totally clashed with my dark blue walls, ever since I have been waiting patiently to steal away some time and paint.) I must say that these three days have been a pure slice of heaven! I got the room painted and put back together in one day..
I still need to find some decorative pieces to adorn the walls and windows...I finished one book and started another, I got all the laundry done, managed to get in a long run on the tread mill, uploaded pictures to flikr, blogged, and watched a few movies. Brian had to work the New Years holiday, but was home early every day. We got to spend some much needed time together. We went to the movies (saw The Fighter... loved it) and went to sushi with Jim and Allison. I have truly enjoyed these days to myself, but am glad to be seeing my kiddos later today.
Learned: I am just a few short hours away from returning to the real world of work; it has been pure bliss enjoying this holiday with my friends, family, self. I am so thankful to have received these gifts of time.
We enjoyed delicious appetizers, beverages (Anne's Champagne Punch), and a limousine tour of the Christmas lights around town. All the kids were so impressed with the limo, drinking cola and seeing the lights.
Brian and I enjoyed our first Christmas morning with just the kids and no where to be until after noon. For me this was the best gift of the year, relaxing in pjs and getting to stay home and let the kids play with their loot. I have never had a Christmas where I got to do that...making this extra special.
The theme of gifts in our house this year seemed to be winter activities. Brian, who got skis for his birthday, received all his skiing accessories; Madison got skis and boots; Maddox got snow shoes; the kids both got sleds; and I got a new ski/snow outfit. So of course we used a few days of the break to go enjoy the new gear. We took the kids to Sunlight for a fantastic day of skiing... Madison has become quite the skier, and Maddox is on his way to becoming the next Super G gold medalist (I knew those tree trunk legs would serve their purpose). We also headed up to the Mesa for an afternoon of snowshoeing and sledding. We were fortunate that both days were beautiful.
I also got an amazing gift from Carrie an Rob... a signed picture from Peyton!!! (ok, it isn't like he actually sat down and wrote the message himself and signed it...but I can pretend....right?) It was pretty funny when I was opening it, the room of family stopped and watched me, there were cameras flashing, and unknown to me, Rob was filming my reaction... In summary I seem to have given them all the reaction they hoped for!
It is an annual tradition for Carrie and Rob to take Madison to the cabin between Christmas and New Years, and this year they took Maddox too. I was invited, but the lure of 3 1/2 days completely to myself was just too great! Instead I braved the snowy roads loaded up on books as well as supplies to pain my room.
(Last year I bought a new bed spread, but it totally clashed with my dark blue walls, ever since I have been waiting patiently to steal away some time and paint.) I must say that these three days have been a pure slice of heaven! I got the room painted and put back together in one day..
I still need to find some decorative pieces to adorn the walls and windows...I finished one book and started another, I got all the laundry done, managed to get in a long run on the tread mill, uploaded pictures to flikr, blogged, and watched a few movies. Brian had to work the New Years holiday, but was home early every day. We got to spend some much needed time together. We went to the movies (saw The Fighter... loved it) and went to sushi with Jim and Allison. I have truly enjoyed these days to myself, but am glad to be seeing my kiddos later today.
Learned: I am just a few short hours away from returning to the real world of work; it has been pure bliss enjoying this holiday with my friends, family, self. I am so thankful to have received these gifts of time.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
31 And Better Than Ever!
Today I turn 31 and I can honestly say that I feel amazing...
Let me elaborate: I feel more confident and secure with myself and my place in this world than I ever have before. I feel stronger and healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I feel loved and my life is enriched with many positive relationships. I truly feel amazing.
This has been the BEST birthday I have ever had. Brian did an amazing job planning a great birthday surprise party for me on Friday night. The most amazing thing is he was able to keep a secret from me...for over two weeks he kept the party a surprise. It wasn't until the day of that both he and Madison started acting weird about stuff... Like dressing nice for what was supposed to be a bbq hang out night at the Mueller's,
(see how nice and "matchie" they were) or snapping at me for looking at a blank card on the counter, or asking "is that how you are going to wear your hair", or having a strange phone conversation with someone while on our way... you know hind sight is truly 20/20!
Brian invited all of the most important people to me, and he even got Vycci to make the trip from Denver!
(Taken at breakfast the next morning, another surprise was they stayed with us and we got to stay up late and talk then continue through out the morning till they had to leave.)He enlisted the help of Anne and Ari in this huge undertaking and they both did an amazing job in keeping the secret, making a delicious spread of food, and great decorations(blue and white- GO COLTS - thx Ari!). It was a great evening of friends and family that I will cherish for a long time to come. The only bummer is that because it was a surprise for me I didn't have my camera along, so no pictures were taken. Maybe someone else got a few... if they surface I will post them too.
Here is a list of everyone who was able to make it... just so I don't forget! Anne and her family, Ari and her family, Kelly Marachien and her family, Heather (my team teacher) and her family, Vycci and her family, Carrie and Rob and Myla, Dillon, Amy and Cecil, Mom and Dan, and Jerry and Maria and their kids.
Call me crazy, but on my actual birthday I wanted to run Serpents Trail. It was all about proving to myself that age is just a number and at 31 I can still kick some butt running a super difficult trail run. So I got up early and headed out for our weekly run. I truly have the best friends around, (Ari, Me, Anne, and Jan)
they got up early on a Sunday to run with me, then had a birthday doughnut complete with a candle and the birthday song (see picture at top), and a Bolthouse Farms Mocha protein drink. Maybe we should have run it 3 times to counter act all the extra calories I consumed! Another thing that made this birthday completely out of this world... (and I admit this is totally superficial) Brian gave me tickets to go see PEYTON MANNING when they play the Broncos on September 26. Ari and I got tickets on the SECOND ROW right behind the visitors bench!!! And if it couldn't get any better Ari got me a WHITE Peyton Manning jersey... Now I can coordinate "outfits" with him! (See I told you it was totally superficial).
Learned? If every birthday from here on out brings me this much joy, I am ready for them all! Heck I'd have one every day!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Lake City via Corkscrew and Cinnamon Pass
Thursday we headed out of town with the Mueller's for a Jeep trip. We were due in Lake City on Friday morning to pick up our girls from horse camp at Camp Red Cloud, and thought we would take a mini adult vaca... It was absolutely beautiful and incredibly fun! We met in Ouray, where John and Anne rented their Jeep and headed out of town making our way up Corkscrew. The views were breathtaking! We were headed over Hurricane Ridge and California Gulch when a snow drift forced us to turn around and head into Silverton to get to Cinnamon Pass. It was a pretty detour, and we got to see the ghost town of Animus Forks too! Then we made our way over Cinnamon. Several years ago John wanted to take Cinnamon Pass home from Redcloud but they were in the mini van. On our way down they showed us how far they had made it in the mini van, and we were SHOCKED!!! They were almost to the summit when Jeep coming the other way ogled at them and said they should turn around. It is an ongoing joke now that always gets a good laugh!
We got into Lake City and checked into the lodge and had an amazing dinner! We also got a good laugh about the diversity of our stay: Lake City is a dominantly Texan town, the owners of the lodge were French (complete with thick accent and all), they made (amazing) Italian food, and had a Mongolian exchange worker for the summer who was trying to learn English from people speaking French or Texan accented English.
It was a great time with some great friends, in the GREAT outdoors!
Learned: I miss our Jeep....
We got into Lake City and checked into the lodge and had an amazing dinner! We also got a good laugh about the diversity of our stay: Lake City is a dominantly Texan town, the owners of the lodge were French (complete with thick accent and all), they made (amazing) Italian food, and had a Mongolian exchange worker for the summer who was trying to learn English from people speaking French or Texan accented English.
It was a great time with some great friends, in the GREAT outdoors!
Learned: I miss our Jeep....
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Weekend
When I think of Memorial Day, I think of baseball and BBQ... maybe because I have grown up with the JUCO World Series kicking off on this particular holiday. This year was no different; our town welcomed Junior College baseball players and their families, but it has been years since I have attended the festivities.
Instead I started my Memorial weekend with a dose of torture... running Serpents Trail for the first time of the season. We have quite a group joining us this year... of course there are the original 3: Jan, Anne, and I, and joining us: Ari, Kelly, and Lisa...all who we know through soccer, and Anne and Lisa's daughters Katy and Cruz. It is quite fun having all of us there together(if you don't count the intense burning in your buns and lungs for the 2 mile straight up climb). I of course did not make it even half way up with out stopping, but Ari and I continued up at a very brisk pace to the summit, then sprinted down, and headed up a second time. It literally kicked my booty...I have changed my after run recovery drink to something lower in calories but still high in protein so I hope to see some results this year! It is two days later and I am still WAY sore so that is a good sign...
Here are Ari and I at the top the first time... It was quite windy!
After a short rest and a shower, I packed up the kids and headed to the cabin, sadly Brian had to work. We had a great time at the cabin with Brian's family just playing and BBQ-ing, Boating, and Fishing. I even caught the first and largest fish of the weekend! Maddox and I came home Sunday evening, and Madison stayed for one more night having some time with Auntie and the grand parents.
This morning, Memorial Day, Maddox and I cut some flowers and rode our bikes to my Grandma's house; her (81st) birthday was Saturday. Then we headed home, played on the slip and slide, and had a BBQ with Allison and Jim and their kids. It has been forever since we all got together, and it was so nice to see them! We joke, but really it is kinda true, that I can only be friends with Allison during the summer when I am not working... funny...sad...but true.... So we have to fit in a lot of friendship in just a few weeks!
I had a great weekend, but was brought to tears when reminded of the real reason we even have this holiday... A friend from high school had an amazing Memorial Day weekend when she and her kids got to welcome their husband/dad home... his is in the Navy and has been gone for quite a while... so I'll leave you with this touching reminder of what our military sacrifices while we all BBQ and watch baseball...Thank you TJ and Melissa, and the rest of our military families!
Learned: A great weekend with friends and family, complete with a sobering reminder and being thankful for our military and their families... that they sacrifice time from their families, so I can have time with mine.
Instead I started my Memorial weekend with a dose of torture... running Serpents Trail for the first time of the season. We have quite a group joining us this year... of course there are the original 3: Jan, Anne, and I, and joining us: Ari, Kelly, and Lisa...all who we know through soccer, and Anne and Lisa's daughters Katy and Cruz. It is quite fun having all of us there together(if you don't count the intense burning in your buns and lungs for the 2 mile straight up climb). I of course did not make it even half way up with out stopping, but Ari and I continued up at a very brisk pace to the summit, then sprinted down, and headed up a second time. It literally kicked my booty...I have changed my after run recovery drink to something lower in calories but still high in protein so I hope to see some results this year! It is two days later and I am still WAY sore so that is a good sign...
Here are Ari and I at the top the first time... It was quite windy!
After a short rest and a shower, I packed up the kids and headed to the cabin, sadly Brian had to work. We had a great time at the cabin with Brian's family just playing and BBQ-ing, Boating, and Fishing. I even caught the first and largest fish of the weekend! Maddox and I came home Sunday evening, and Madison stayed for one more night having some time with Auntie and the grand parents.
This morning, Memorial Day, Maddox and I cut some flowers and rode our bikes to my Grandma's house; her (81st) birthday was Saturday. Then we headed home, played on the slip and slide, and had a BBQ with Allison and Jim and their kids. It has been forever since we all got together, and it was so nice to see them! We joke, but really it is kinda true, that I can only be friends with Allison during the summer when I am not working... funny...sad...but true.... So we have to fit in a lot of friendship in just a few weeks!
I had a great weekend, but was brought to tears when reminded of the real reason we even have this holiday... A friend from high school had an amazing Memorial Day weekend when she and her kids got to welcome their husband/dad home... his is in the Navy and has been gone for quite a while... so I'll leave you with this touching reminder of what our military sacrifices while we all BBQ and watch baseball...Thank you TJ and Melissa, and the rest of our military families!
Learned: A great weekend with friends and family, complete with a sobering reminder and being thankful for our military and their families... that they sacrifice time from their families, so I can have time with mine.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Welcome Baby Esaias!
Our friends, Vycci and Danny, welcomed into the world their third child, Esaias Paul Sandoval, yesterday
We were supposed to be in Denver for soccer this weekend but the game was canceled, and we turned around at Vail to head home (I'll share this story later). It would have been great to have been over there this weekend and meet him, but I guess I can wait till next weekend.
I am so very happy for my friends, as getting Esaias here has been a long and difficult journey for them. I know that he will be a blessing in their life that far surpasses the heartache and hardship they faced to get him here.
Love you all so much!
We were supposed to be in Denver for soccer this weekend but the game was canceled, and we turned around at Vail to head home (I'll share this story later). It would have been great to have been over there this weekend and meet him, but I guess I can wait till next weekend.
I am so very happy for my friends, as getting Esaias here has been a long and difficult journey for them. I know that he will be a blessing in their life that far surpasses the heartache and hardship they faced to get him here.
Love you all so much!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Back To Work In T Minus 2 Days
This Christmas vacation has gone by so quickly. I had such high hopes and busy plans for the entire thing, but didn't do any of them. I did enjoy the time spent with my family and friends though.
I ended up being sick the very first few days of break with a terrible head cold that improved but lingered... I felt so tired and lethargic which might be why I didn't get much done. I finally went to the doc's today and have a sinus infection. So with some powerful antibiotics I should fell better in a few days.
I was hoping to go skiing or playing in the snow a few days but we didn't get that done. (maybe tomorrow)
I was hoping to kick some major fat booty and work out/run really hard during this break but only got one session in. During that session I felt like I was going to die -- like I have never worked out a day in my life! (probably due to the stupid infection)
Even though I didn't do everything I wanted, we did do a lot in addition to all the typical holiday stuff.
Madison went skiing with some friends in Telluride the first weekend, my mom and I went to lunch and shopping one afternoon, I took the kids to the theater, went and got pedicures with Madison and our friends, I got a few hours to visit with Allison while our kids played in the snow, and of course played with our Christmas toys, read, and watched movies.
The biggest event was my youngest brother's wedding on New Years Eve. It was a nice wedding with a relaxed reception. Madison was the flower girl in their wedding so the majority of the day was devoted to this event. When she was all dressed and ready she looked so beautiful and grown up. The best part of her "outfit" was she wore her polk-a-dot converse with her dress, it was so cute, so her!
We got home from the wedding at a decent time, so my other brother and his girlfriend watched our kids so we could go out. Brian and I rang in the new year at Beau and Crystals this year and got to see Keenon and Zeph as well as some other friends that we usually only see every once in a great while. It was a nice evening filled with lots of laughs and fun conversations.
Now I am sitting on the sofa with my hubby spending one of my final days of vacation watching (and enjoying every minute of it) college bowl games while contemplating the pizza and wings we really want to order for dinner....I think resolutions can start on Monday!
Learned: Time flies when you are having fun, even if the fun is not the fun you had hoped for.
I ended up being sick the very first few days of break with a terrible head cold that improved but lingered... I felt so tired and lethargic which might be why I didn't get much done. I finally went to the doc's today and have a sinus infection. So with some powerful antibiotics I should fell better in a few days.
I was hoping to go skiing or playing in the snow a few days but we didn't get that done. (maybe tomorrow)
I was hoping to kick some major fat booty and work out/run really hard during this break but only got one session in. During that session I felt like I was going to die -- like I have never worked out a day in my life! (probably due to the stupid infection)
Even though I didn't do everything I wanted, we did do a lot in addition to all the typical holiday stuff.
Madison went skiing with some friends in Telluride the first weekend, my mom and I went to lunch and shopping one afternoon, I took the kids to the theater, went and got pedicures with Madison and our friends, I got a few hours to visit with Allison while our kids played in the snow, and of course played with our Christmas toys, read, and watched movies.
The biggest event was my youngest brother's wedding on New Years Eve. It was a nice wedding with a relaxed reception. Madison was the flower girl in their wedding so the majority of the day was devoted to this event. When she was all dressed and ready she looked so beautiful and grown up. The best part of her "outfit" was she wore her polk-a-dot converse with her dress, it was so cute, so her!
We got home from the wedding at a decent time, so my other brother and his girlfriend watched our kids so we could go out. Brian and I rang in the new year at Beau and Crystals this year and got to see Keenon and Zeph as well as some other friends that we usually only see every once in a great while. It was a nice evening filled with lots of laughs and fun conversations.
Now I am sitting on the sofa with my hubby spending one of my final days of vacation watching (and enjoying every minute of it) college bowl games while contemplating the pizza and wings we really want to order for dinner....I think resolutions can start on Monday!
Learned: Time flies when you are having fun, even if the fun is not the fun you had hoped for.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
First Snow Day 2009
Today we were blessed with over 6 inches of snow, and school was canceled! Of course I didn't get to sleep in because the district didn't cancel school till after 5:30, and I get up and start getting ready at about 5. So after I was fully awake I received a call from Santa Clause, wondering if I was a good girl (my AP Mick), and of course I have been, so he gave me the day off!
Maddox was also up early because he doesn't know how to sleep in past 6, and it took every trick in the book to keep him in doors till at least it was light outside. As soon as I could see the first morning light, I decided to give in thinking it would just be easier to bundle him up and go outside and he could see for himself how cold and windy it was and would want to come inside....after shoveling our driveway as well as two other neighbors, he finally got cold and decided to go in. (my ploy backfired again.)
Then we gathered up our winter gear and headed down the road to our friends the Turner's. The kids all enjoyed the snow outside while Summer and I enjoyed hot coffee a crackling fire and Pride and Prejudice! The perfect snow day activity!
I was so busy enjoying the day off that I did not click any pictures. But the snow is drifted up against the back doors, and piled at least a foot high on the grill. In our drive way the snow also drifted into a huge pile at least 2 feet high. The main roads are snowy/slushy, and our little street if is still snow packed.
Brian was the only one that had to go to work today; I was worried because he has a 45 minute trek on the interstate to get to and from work. Thankfully he is home safe!
Now the living room is filled with the glow of the Christmas Tree lights, the smell of dinner is wafting from the kitchen, my family is warm and safe and ready to snuggle in for the night....
Good night to a perfect snow day....
Learned: Today was priceless...(though picture-less).
Maddox was also up early because he doesn't know how to sleep in past 6, and it took every trick in the book to keep him in doors till at least it was light outside. As soon as I could see the first morning light, I decided to give in thinking it would just be easier to bundle him up and go outside and he could see for himself how cold and windy it was and would want to come inside....after shoveling our driveway as well as two other neighbors, he finally got cold and decided to go in. (my ploy backfired again.)
Then we gathered up our winter gear and headed down the road to our friends the Turner's. The kids all enjoyed the snow outside while Summer and I enjoyed hot coffee a crackling fire and Pride and Prejudice! The perfect snow day activity!
I was so busy enjoying the day off that I did not click any pictures. But the snow is drifted up against the back doors, and piled at least a foot high on the grill. In our drive way the snow also drifted into a huge pile at least 2 feet high. The main roads are snowy/slushy, and our little street if is still snow packed.
Brian was the only one that had to go to work today; I was worried because he has a 45 minute trek on the interstate to get to and from work. Thankfully he is home safe!
Now the living room is filled with the glow of the Christmas Tree lights, the smell of dinner is wafting from the kitchen, my family is warm and safe and ready to snuggle in for the night....
Good night to a perfect snow day....
Learned: Today was priceless...(though picture-less).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Souper Bowl 2009
Friday night we went to the PHS Souper Bowl with our friends Jason and Summer and their girls. The souper bowl is a fund raiser for the art club and culinary students at PHS. You purchase a hand made bowl, then get to eat all the homemade soups, bread, and desserts you want! I was pretty impressed with the quality of the pottery for high school students, and the soups were pretty good too!
Here are the bowls that my family chose:
Learned: It was kind of neat to break out of the normal "dinner and a movie" family activity.
Here are the bowls that my family chose:
Learned: It was kind of neat to break out of the normal "dinner and a movie" family activity.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year! (And a recap of Christmas)
I think the older I get the faster the years go by; 2008, in particular, flew by. We had a pretty uneventful New Year's Eve. Brian, Maddox and I went to dinner with his parents, then I dropped the boys off at home and headed to my friend Allison's to play games and drink virgin mojitos(which are very boring with out the rum). Brian had to get up and go to work today so he stayed home with the boy and attempted to get to sleep, as every neighbor was partying very loudly. Fireworks were going off from 11 till 2, scaring the dogs and Maddox. So no one in our house got any sleep.
I quit forcing my self to try and sleep and got out of bed at 8:00 to run. I was totally dragging butt, but at least I got up and out. It was a good way to start 2009.
NOW TO CHRISTMAS:
Christmas Eve we went to my mom's and sledded in the field behind her house. Brian was working but made it over in time for dinner. My mom made a scrumptious prime rib, roasted potatos, yorkshire pudding, and yummy green beans. My Grandma Barron and aunt Penny were there to and it was a very enjoyable evening. I took some great pictures, but they have somehow been lost...
Christmas morning we spent here with the kids. Maddox was so cute, he would open one present and then play with it for a while then come back to open the next present. Madison got cowboy boots that she has been wanting, she still really wants us to get land so she can ge a horse.
We headed to Brian's parents house about 9:00 for the Caster Christmas Breakfast. It is a mad house. Both of Brian's grand parents were there along with his siblings. It was my niece Myla's first Christmas, so it was pretty special. Every year I am amazed that so many presents fit in one room, they literally spill our from beneath the tree several feet into the living room leaving just enough room to sit on the couches. Amy made a tastey breakfast of eggs, hashbrowns, waffles, breakfast burritos...yummm!
Christie, Dillon's girlfriend, and I came back to our house to watch Mamma Mia! Then the rest of my family came home, the boys took a nap and Madison and I watched a movie.
For Christmas night we headed to my dads house for dinner. My dad got the kids a little 4wheeler, and sent them on a scavenger hunt to find it. It was a big hit, though difficult to drive on the ice packed driveway.
All in all it was a great holiday season.
I quit forcing my self to try and sleep and got out of bed at 8:00 to run. I was totally dragging butt, but at least I got up and out. It was a good way to start 2009.
NOW TO CHRISTMAS:
Christmas Eve we went to my mom's and sledded in the field behind her house. Brian was working but made it over in time for dinner. My mom made a scrumptious prime rib, roasted potatos, yorkshire pudding, and yummy green beans. My Grandma Barron and aunt Penny were there to and it was a very enjoyable evening. I took some great pictures, but they have somehow been lost...
Christmas morning we spent here with the kids. Maddox was so cute, he would open one present and then play with it for a while then come back to open the next present. Madison got cowboy boots that she has been wanting, she still really wants us to get land so she can ge a horse.
We headed to Brian's parents house about 9:00 for the Caster Christmas Breakfast. It is a mad house. Both of Brian's grand parents were there along with his siblings. It was my niece Myla's first Christmas, so it was pretty special. Every year I am amazed that so many presents fit in one room, they literally spill our from beneath the tree several feet into the living room leaving just enough room to sit on the couches. Amy made a tastey breakfast of eggs, hashbrowns, waffles, breakfast burritos...yummm!
Christie, Dillon's girlfriend, and I came back to our house to watch Mamma Mia! Then the rest of my family came home, the boys took a nap and Madison and I watched a movie.
For Christmas night we headed to my dads house for dinner. My dad got the kids a little 4wheeler, and sent them on a scavenger hunt to find it. It was a big hit, though difficult to drive on the ice packed driveway.
All in all it was a great holiday season.
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