tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56865524112198002662012-01-23T23:10:29.095-07:00Alejandro, Danilo & ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comBlogger6791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-67231136292978157322012-01-23T23:10:00.000-07:002012-01-23T23:10:29.110-07:00

Whenever I consider sharing parenting advice, I immediately hesitate mentally and think that maybe I should file away whatever idea it is I want to share until Danny and the rest of our (not yet existent) children are twenty-something and well-adjusted in the world.  You know, when I'm a parenting expert. And then I realize that now is when these ideas are fresh on my mind.  Now is when I am

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-5735280930061300352012-01-23T13:28:00.002-07:002012-01-23T13:28:00.450-07:00

Italian Chicken Soup Bruschetta Chicken Craisin Salad Chicken Quesadillas Caprese Salad Anyone hungry yet?  Head on over to Mi Cocina (my cooking blog) and snag the recipes!  They are mmmmmm-mmmmmmm good!!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-48950406969197235192012-01-22T11:42:00.000-07:002012-01-22T11:42:09.883-07:00

Last week, I was sick and my mom was here taking care of us.    It was a challenging week, but a good week.   There were morning sessions of bed-head-and-face-squishing. There were pajamas all day long. There were puzzles. And lots and lots and lots of trains. There were fast food meals  and lots of home-made meals  and tickles around the table. There were hugs and squishes. There

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-13424134731853992132012-01-19T00:15:00.002-07:002012-01-19T00:36:04.303-07:00

Hole up with the boys from time to time.   Talking may not be necessary.   Sit close. Dig deep and persistently for the treasure. Slay the dragon.  Rescue the princess. Kiss Mama when you get home. P.S.  Want to see Halloween pictures from last Fall that I never posted?  Just click here.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-54854500275462056992012-01-16T19:26:00.000-07:002012-01-16T19:26:48.245-07:00

I'm sick today.  Here's the saga...  In December we were all sick and after I'd had a sinus infection for a week and a half, I was prescribed an antibiotic amoxicillin.  Two days after finishing that dose, I began having an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin and headed back to my doctor.  He prescribed me a mild steroid called dexamethasone, which was supposed to act as an anti-inflamatory and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-8680232463735223902012-01-10T00:24:00.000-07:002012-01-10T00:24:20.830-07:00

I'm still here...  I've just been kind of surviving this prescription of a mild steroid that has got my brain fuzzy, my body clumsy and worn down and jittery all at the same time.  I've not posted because it's enough just to get through the day, but also because my creativity has been completely sapped by this thing and because my brain-to-mouth-filter-function is a little... well, absent.  And I

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-67746552435987604092012-01-06T09:03:00.001-07:002012-01-06T09:04:27.320-07:00

Renee:  So yesterday I saw my doctor.  I adore my doctor.  Blessed, sweet, Jesus-loving, fantastic man that he is, is fixing me.  Yesterday I walked into his exam room, equipped with McDonald's and trains so that Danny could play and eat roll around on the dirty floor while I lay helpless on the exam table to keep him away from germs.  I explained to Dr. Baiza (at Academy Women's Health Care on E

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-43122063411678421042012-01-05T05:26:00.001-07:002012-01-05T05:26:59.555-07:00

Remember last Spring when I was sick a million and one times? Remember when they put me on the antibiotic amoxicillin? Remember when two days after finishing the dose, I started itching all over my entire body for no apparent reason and didn't have hives or a rash or any other symptom except exhaustion and the doctor thought it was mono? Remember how it took five weeks to go away and nothing

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-54280407125236621422011-12-31T05:59:00.000-07:002011-12-31T05:59:07.815-07:00

Five a.m. on a Saturday morning and I can't sleep, so tippy-toe I go, down the stairs, in stealth-mode so as not to disturb the two men in my life.  I feel like I'm coming out of a fog, or coming up for air after a long time under water.  December has been a rough month for us, and I've not had words to write.  I've battled to find joy and while I truly have loved (I always do) this season of

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-73126181187821839482011-12-24T23:14:00.001-07:002011-12-24T23:17:07.910-07:00

Merry Christmas! Love, Alejandro, Renee and Danilo P.S.  And now that I'm on a dose of antibiotics and I'm feeling human once again after a week and a half of being really sick, I hope to be around here a lot more often.  ;)  I miss you guys!  

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-46182349822738590792011-12-17T10:47:00.000-07:002011-12-17T10:47:07.032-07:00

It's been a little quiet here, with a flurry of pre-Christmas activity, but I think it's about to slow way down soon and I can update you on what we've been up to.  Remember our home-made Christmas last year? Well, we are continuing the tradition.  We are also continuing the tradition of getting everything to the mailbox late.  Uh, sorry family.  We've also all been sick.  After the bout of

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-67141232422327959362011-12-12T22:26:00.000-07:002011-12-12T22:26:37.841-07:00

...but at the moment, I just can't think of what.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-84496963678928510472011-12-09T11:00:00.000-07:002011-12-09T14:23:59.243-07:00

So Danny and I are home sick today. We came home from urgent care last night with a positive diagnosis of pink eye and drops for our eyes.  Actually, neither one of us feels very sick, save for the four times a day I have to put drops in our four little eyes and Danny throws a raging fit as though I were requiring him to consume mud.  I'm not even certain that I have pink eye, except that I'm

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-28200139359335566432011-12-07T00:35:00.000-07:002011-12-07T00:35:20.057-07:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-45395080114374588412011-12-05T11:05:00.001-07:002011-12-07T13:29:07.169-07:00

Frustration flows, when I want it to ebb.  This God-given frustration at dreams unrealized... at the picking feeling that I still reside in the mediocre and not in the promised land of The Calling.  Frustration because I know not how to change it. And then this:  (Phil 4:8) Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-91581093811605387682011-12-01T00:02:00.000-07:002011-12-01T00:02:34.255-07:00

Just a small reminder  that when I wonder what he's doing he has probably been watching me.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-52061385347088359562011-11-28T22:10:00.000-07:002011-11-28T22:10:27.242-07:00

I love change.  I just love change for the sake of change itself.  New places, new looks, new arrangements, new scenery, a new project, a new system.  Sometimes I change my systems just because I get bored with what I've been doing.  I sort of sabotage myself that way.  Often.  So I try to resist. But when it comes to furniture, houses and decorations, change harms no one, and it's super super

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-90104804563095865882011-11-25T22:31:00.001-07:002011-11-25T22:34:22.827-07:00

Well, we did it! We cooked our first Thanksgiving dinner!  It was scrumptious, and it was SO MUCH FUN!  I really enjoy making a great meal.  I don't like the cooking part, so much, but I do love to put it on the table and call it mine.   So around 2 p.m. (I know, a teensy bit late) I gathered all the ingredients for the five recipes I would be responsible for, and set to work. My Mom hung out on

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-20348594321580367402011-11-24T22:22:00.001-07:002011-11-24T22:28:40.241-07:00

Here I am, thinking I've done a fairly good job at keeping up with posting all of my pictures, but a fairly poor job of taking many pictures this month.  As it turns out (and as I discovered when I opened my memory card tonight to post recipes and pictures from our Thanksgiving Dinner) I've just done a horrible job at emptying my memory card!  I haven't even posted pictures from Halloween!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-68798931317858943642011-11-22T15:40:00.001-07:002011-11-22T15:42:09.290-07:00

Did I mention it?  We're cooking Thanksgiving dinner at our house for the first time ever.  I'm REALLY excited!  ...granted, I'm sort of taking the easy way out to start off.  I omitted the dreaded turkey.  We decided on ham.  (I'm sorry, Shaun!)  But it will be ham with pineapple and cherries and home-made apple jam and all sorts of deliciousness.  I'm super excited.  Alejandro's cooking the ham

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-62018898869364296162011-11-19T09:10:00.001-07:002012-01-19T09:19:35.793-07:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-50741122028673811232011-11-18T14:19:00.000-07:002011-11-18T14:19:45.149-07:00

Ok, that might be a little strong.  But in all seriousness, I really hate To-Do lists.  They drive me crazy and get mostly passed on from one day to the next without being done.  I don't think they actually help us very much. One thing I've spent quite a bit of time getting good at, as a result of my Mary Kay business, is time management.  I am SO not the master I wish I were, but I do think

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-5532735066573314332011-11-14T22:15:00.000-07:002011-11-14T22:15:52.167-07:00

We really enjoy making homemade gifts at our house, so for Alejandro's birthday, I had a last-minute inspiration.  I decide to let Danny paint for the first time.  I pulled out a set of body paints (the only paint I happened to have in the house) and let Danny go to town.  I sort of expected a mess. I should have known our neat-freak of a child would dirty no more than the tip of his finger.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-63199274264357761682011-11-14T15:24:00.001-07:002011-11-14T15:26:30.386-07:00

My sister is getting married in February so she's doing all kinds of reflection and spiritual preparation these days.  I can't even begin to articulate how much her daily texts with scripture and questions regarding spiritual matters encourage me and bless me.  I am SOOOOOO proud of her.  (I love you, Lisa!) Anyhow, she recently asked me a question about the "S" word.  No, not the four-letter

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-67469345947949411382011-11-13T03:33:00.001-07:002011-11-13T03:37:16.580-07:00

Between the windstorm going on outside and the heart-storm going on inside, sleep is proving elusive tonight. He has been speaking to my heart about His children.  I struggle much and often with materialism, yet recently, God's words of Grace have reminded me of so many out there who have so little and need so much spiritually.  While I am filled to overflowing, both materially and spiritually,

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-49733839094645656542011-11-09T21:09:00.009-07:002011-11-09T22:42:50.976-07:00

Today my mom sent me a couple pictures that I just HAD to post for you...  even if I did already post tonight. When we were growing up, we had a tradition of always taking a summer family vacation.  Each year was different.  Sometimes it was really extravagant.  Sometimes not so much.  But it was always memorable.  Those were some of my favorite times as a family. One year we packed up and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-88872580034592640392011-11-09T20:11:00.000-07:002011-11-09T20:58:43.102-07:00

I did it!  I finally made it through ALL of the photos from our trip to Salida!  Here are the last ones... Some friends of ours loaned us their ATV so we got to explore the great outdoors as we'd never done before. Under the bright sun, bundled up for cold weather, hanging on tight from behind my husband, I snapped as many pictures as I could get away with. We drove up over a mountain pass...

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-36636581849569455212011-11-06T15:32:00.000-07:002011-11-06T15:32:19.766-07:00

One of the best things about posting pictures several weeks later is that I get to remember sweet times anew.  We've been back to the Mountain Goat Lodge twice now, and we plan on going back many times more.   The quiet mountain atmosphere... ...the friendly goats... ...llama... ...and chickens... ...the escape from every-day life... ...a chance to look upward.  And inward. Oh, and the

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-10317312281465756312011-11-04T23:11:00.000-06:002011-11-04T23:11:02.961-06:00

I've sorta' had my head in the sand lately.  I've been dealing with some icky stuff, none of which I can blog about. I recently got a new Android phone (Tmobile MyTouch) and I love it.  It is seriously changing my world and helping me to get so much more done and stay much more on top of what I need to.  Technology is a beautiful thing.  Most of the time, I think. My sister is getting married

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-33089980798857988982011-10-31T22:22:00.003-06:002012-01-19T00:32:26.011-07:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-27682404113259109342011-10-31T15:28:00.035-06:002011-10-31T15:28:00.100-06:00

Last weekend, one of my husband's anniversary gifts to me was the drive to Salida with the freedom to photograph my heart out and stop as often as we wanted to take pictures.  We actually ended up stopping only once, but I did get quite a few photos I was pretty please with.  Take a look.  Here is where we stopped: Here is the scenery from that stop: Back on the road: Have I

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-86647513734739533582011-10-30T13:18:00.002-06:002011-10-30T15:48:55.759-06:00

Last weekend, before getting in the car to head back home from our weekend in Salida, we got to watch a little bit of a skating/biking contest that the locals were having.  I'd never seen anything like this in person, and I jumped on the opportunity to play with the action setting on my camera.  Check it out... The coolest member of the audience:   Serious?!  I couldn't have  

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-86982645603854047382011-10-29T22:47:00.000-06:002011-10-29T22:47:38.077-06:00

I have been trying to articulate this same opinion for years, but my pastor did it better, so ya'll should just read what he wrote. I could not have put it better myself.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-24405540346207654822011-10-27T11:51:00.001-06:002011-10-27T11:55:09.278-06:00

You are two years and almost four months now.  You are loud as October colors, both in personality, character and voice - at least when no one else is around.  You are bossy and assertive.  Particular and determined.  Oh, how I love that you are this way!  I know some complain about the difficulties of this age, but with each challenge, and each new way you finagle your way, I can't help but see

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-27787369093642479662011-10-27T00:37:00.001-06:002011-10-27T00:51:53.859-06:00

Up until this morning, our street looked like this. Today?  It looks like this. I love it!  Both are so beautiful, I can't decide which I like better.  Which is good, because in a few days it'll be back to looking like Fall around here. I was completely resolved to go to bed early tonight.  I had it all planned out.  Enough of this 1 a.m. stuff. Time for some balance. Then my husband

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-33623117426102073562011-10-25T08:41:00.000-06:002012-01-19T08:57:37.756-07:00

Our neighbor has two apple trees.   Looks like I've got some work ahead of me!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-1026340596823328262011-10-24T00:30:00.000-06:002011-10-24T00:30:45.647-06:00

***Post warning: This is going to be disgustingly mushy and romantic.  :) Months ago, my husband asked to be in charge of our anniversary weekend, and started saving, unbeknownst to me.  About two months ago, he told me I was going to have to trust him and quit asking questions.  And quit looking at his checking account bank statements.   A few weeks ago, he let me know when we were leaving and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-76203384543804677782011-10-19T22:48:00.001-06:002011-10-20T11:46:17.871-06:00

So October is crazy for us.  CRAZY.  I totally love it!  But it IS crazy. Every October, we celebrate Alejandro's birthday, our wedding anniversary, a Mary Kay retreat, and Halloween, all packed within two and a half weeks.  So I have loads and loads of pictures to share with you.  If I could only get on the computer to share them!  So yeah, crazy. A couple of months ago, Alejandro casually

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-51399725021536372392011-10-17T23:08:00.000-06:002011-10-17T23:08:18.687-06:00

Our neighbor has an apple tree.  Therefore, we have APPLES.  Lots. So last week for our date night, we stayed up until 1 a.m.  Alejandro made apple pie from scratch.  The crust and everything.  Seriously?  What guy does amazing stuff like that.  He's so cool.   He insisted I zoom in on the caramel-ish juicy stuff in the pie before he covered it and put it in the oven. I made apple preserves.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-3718413881353528612011-10-11T23:30:00.000-06:002011-10-11T23:30:02.144-06:00

Other men build them. 

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-89252247547434701792011-10-08T14:32:00.004-06:002011-10-08T14:42:10.844-06:00

So today is the first snowy day of the season and all of Colorado is in an uproar.  Half, because we love it, and half, because they hate it.  Can you tell which camp I'm in?  We live in Colorado.  You know, where it snows?  At the foot of the Rocky Mountains?  Yeah.  So if you don't like it, you should probably move.  Ahem.   Anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, the first snowy day of the season.  And

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-73168076110764843942011-10-06T21:59:00.006-06:002011-10-06T21:59:00.210-06:00

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.   My. Absolute. Favorite.   It's something about mild weather, alternating cool and warm days, changing colors, and the anticipation of the holidays around the corner.  Oh, and the food.  There is of course, the food.   As a mom of one, I'm experiencing everything differently than ever before.  Everything is new and fresh through the eyes of a two year

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-4236097510942344392011-10-05T22:32:00.000-06:002011-10-05T22:32:55.875-06:00

Not knowing what this evening would be like, I scheduled a couple pictures and a light-hearted note to post this evening...  First of all, let me start by saying, Danny's just fine. That said, Danny was shoved today and fell and hit his head.  {{HARD.}} It was the absolute worst thing I've ever endured watching.  I know that some of you out there (particularly those who have children who are

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-11233795695985040192011-10-05T21:30:00.001-06:002011-10-05T21:30:00.282-06:00

This is the view looking down our street, from our front yard.   Yes, that's Pikes Peak. Yeah, we're spoiled.  Especially in Fall.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-36063733143105292952011-10-04T20:50:00.000-06:002011-10-04T21:20:14.974-06:00

I live in a household full of boys. Even the dog is a boy. So wrestling yelling tackling pulling tickling running away making faces chasing hiding finding hiding again finding again are common love languages  at our house.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-91283957819533144792011-10-01T22:58:00.002-06:002011-10-02T22:15:08.267-06:00

Danny's language seems to be exploding these days.  He's saying all sorts of new words.  Especially when we tell him to.  It's loads of fun!  And most recently, he asked to pray, so now he repeats prayers after us, word by word.  More on that in another post. Despite his attempt to say all sorts of new words, the pronunciation isn't always quite right, and unless you know what he's trying to

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-51848107733401055532011-09-30T22:57:00.001-06:002011-09-30T23:12:35.962-06:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-47433666201134826062011-09-26T11:39:00.001-06:002011-09-26T13:36:54.178-06:00

It's Fall, officially, and one of the best things about Fall is all the yummy hot drinks there are to partake of.  So of course, I didn't even wait until the Fall equinox to let Danny have his first sip of hot lukewarm chocolate. I'm pretty sure he likes it.  What do you think?

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-54933741024238517102011-09-25T10:46:00.063-06:002011-09-25T11:10:37.667-06:00

Two weeks ago, Grammy came to town, bearing all sorts of fun gifts! We thought Christmas had arrived at our house really early.   I guess it did! These wooden cars are a delight to my little one.   There were many other goodies that were shared, but I only was prepared with my camera for two of them.   This gift was by far, one of the best and biggest Danny's gotten!  Kingdom Mama did an

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-2871096855667539312011-09-24T16:11:00.000-06:002011-09-24T16:11:49.612-06:00

Today I got to guest post over at Kingdom Twindom, so head on over there and read all about how we met!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-56101811090181535742011-09-23T10:14:00.000-06:002011-09-23T10:14:13.403-06:00

This morning, for whatever reason, I'm feeling tired and frazzled, pulled in a million directions.  Chaotic.  Before I even got out of bed, I'd already snapped at my husband and was impatient with my son (who happened to be climbing all over me, dragging me out of a deep sleep).  I was not a happy camper. In that grace-filled and blessed moment, the Spirit spoke to me and reminded me that I am

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-32192301664732119412011-09-19T23:15:00.001-06:002011-09-19T23:17:14.721-06:00

Want to know how to make this? Why, yes.  Yes, you do.   It's over at Mi Cocina (my cooking blog). You're welcome,   ;-)

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-85190858670036999202011-09-17T15:24:00.000-06:002011-09-17T15:24:15.668-06:00

That window still has my favorite light. It's still your favorite spot. Those cars are still your favorite toys. And you still have my favorite little-boy grin. My favorite piggy toes. My favorite little praying hands. My favorite small fingers. Even when you stick them in my camera.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-15421803450556567162011-09-15T14:11:00.000-06:002011-09-15T14:11:33.489-06:00

Mary Anne Radmacher said, "Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, 'I'll try again tomorrow.'" Ann Voskamp said, "When you're in covenant with Christ, it's His responsibility to cover your cracks, to be all your competency and completeness."  Thank Goodness. Today's a get-back-up-again type of day.  It's a do-the-next-thing sort of

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-69259726049496284302011-09-10T13:08:00.000-06:002011-09-10T13:08:49.553-06:00

This week has been crazy, it seems.  More crazy than most.  I'm not sure why. So I'm sitting in a cell phone store right now, waiting for the techno guys to move all my info from my old phone to my new one.  Usually when I have wait-time, I entertain myself with my phone and email or text people back.  Now of course, I can't.  So what did I decide to do? I whipped out my laptop and opened it

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-33625746402134241292011-09-05T18:38:00.000-06:002011-09-05T18:38:19.201-06:00

So sorry everyone!  If you read the Seminar Memories post that went up, it wasn't finished and somehow I pressed "publish" before I finished writing it!  :(  Because there was an unfinished sentence (and an unfinished thought), it looked like I was being pretty haughty and exclusive!  :(  I'm so sorry and will definitely re-post it once I can complete that thought and it will make SO much more

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-14213122735039990282011-09-05T10:27:00.000-06:002011-09-05T10:27:54.547-06:00

Four months ago, we tried converting Danny's crib into a toddler bed.  He was ecstatic to help!   And to jump into it!  He crawled in, snuggled up, and was ready to sleep. For about 3.67 seconds. And then he got up and down and off to play! After 24 hours of attempting to get him to stay in the big boy bed (for naps and bedtime), we decided he wasn't ready, and the toddler bed was

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-34602352337112404242011-09-04T09:44:00.000-06:002011-09-04T09:44:20.673-06:00

Yesterday, the weather stayed below 75°F the whole day, so we all thought it was Fall around here.  Since it was windy enough to blow my little kiddo away, we stayed inside.  And what do you do after spending all summer on the back deck with the tricycle and water and all of a sudden you have to entertain yourself inside?   You reach into the recesses of your mind and remember Facebook posts in

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-18253103536331299732011-09-04T00:27:00.000-06:002011-09-04T00:27:31.713-06:00

Two weeks ago, our Wednesday Morning Mommy Walking Group (unofficial name) went to the zoo! Danny got to touch a baby wallaby.  Awww! This is the face he gave me when I tried to take away the pacifier for a picture.   He also got to ride on the children's train!! He was so funny!  He was quiet and serious, but you could tell his little imagination was going a hundred miles a second as he

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-37001516196416071902011-09-01T21:37:00.000-06:002011-09-01T21:37:37.448-06:00

The other night was date night, and there was this. Then last night he surprised me with a babysitter and an evening out!   I don't know what has bit my husband, but it is truly fabulous.  I really love seasons in which we thrive.  This seems to be one of them.  I am just so thankful!  

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-51153441189623594012011-08-29T00:56:00.000-06:002011-08-29T00:56:47.789-06:00

A week ago, my husband came home from work with a box.   "It was injured," he said. "¡Pájaro!" exclaimed my son. "Oh..." I said.   "I'm going to rehabilitate it," Alejandro said.   He really meant me, because he would be working each day all day.   Fortunately, rehabilitating a wild bird requires nothing more than leaving it alone in a box with plenty of food and water and keeping the dog and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-31265265559459426802011-08-26T19:34:00.002-06:002011-10-05T22:42:58.733-06:00

You are doing so many new things this month! You are almost 26 months. On Monday, the 5th, you woke up with a dry diaper and when I asked you to go potty, you agreed. Then I sat you down and you went. You followed it up with a huge smile and you said, "Yay!!!" "Apparently today's the day," I thought, and I decided right then and there to potty train you immediately. You went all day without a

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-12016031313433652132011-08-26T11:35:00.000-06:002011-08-26T11:35:42.834-06:00

This morning, around 6:30 a.m., Robin texted me.  She said (to me and to all of us), "Thank you soooooo much.  I will never have the words to adequately express what you've done for our family." Best text ever.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-86090704674501521482011-08-25T22:00:00.002-06:002011-08-26T11:37:49.090-06:00

Hi guys!  Ok, I'm back, with an update on Hailey.  If you're new around here, just scroll down and read the previous two posts to find out what we're up to.  In short, Hailey is a five year old little girl with a life threatening disease of the brain.  She's qualified for a drug trial that is VERY expensive, and so we've been fundraising to help her get the treatment she needs.  We here at MQF*

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-36317195483948420802011-08-25T09:57:00.000-06:002011-08-26T11:37:49.092-06:00

I am floored.  Just floored.  Not only did you all come through with all $1,000 that Hailey needs for her drug treatment, therefore making all other donations gravy and extra for her family in this very difficult time... but you did it with two days to spare! My Dad said this in the comments section of the "Ten" post: The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-56628033262293474132011-08-22T21:48:00.000-06:002011-08-26T11:37:49.094-06:00

Meet Robin.  Robin is a sister in Christ.  She is a sister Mary Kay consultant.  She's a fellow mom. Meet Hailey.  Hailey is 5 1/2 years old.  She's Robin's little girl.  Robin says, "She's smart, funny, kind, outgoing, loving and caring.  She loves her baby brother and anything pink. She is amazingly strong and courageous and is my hero." Hailey has something called Episodic Encephalopathy.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-33482750292793934742011-08-17T23:18:00.000-06:002011-08-17T23:18:41.584-06:00

Ok, first of all, let's be clear.  I am NOT any sort of expert on potty training.  I have one child and it just happened to go very smoothly, very early - much earlier than I expected.  However, so many moms have asked me how we potty trained Danny and how we did it so early that I do want to share worked for us.  I will definitely use the same method with other children in the future. I read

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-29476786326197083292011-08-17T09:40:00.008-06:002011-08-17T09:40:00.141-06:00

You don't know me.  But you will in a couple of years.  Right now, you are in Costa Rica for the first time, living with a family you barely know, speaking a language you hardly speak, feeling quite out of your element. But you won't feel that way for long.  You just made a decision that will affect my life profoundly.  Your Costa Rican host family just let you know that Fanny, the mom, is very

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-3081245699279902292011-08-16T09:49:00.000-06:002011-08-16T09:49:00.297-06:00

When Alejandro and I used to dream  of being self-employed work-from-home parents together,  we used to imagine  having days in which we'd stop for lunch,  walk outside,  sit down with our kids,  and blow bubbles. Funny how God answers prayers in unexpected ways.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-26671693601407369892011-08-15T05:39:00.002-06:002011-08-15T05:39:00.476-06:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-63119428120318781162011-08-14T08:36:00.001-06:002011-08-14T08:36:00.156-06:00

Ok, two more back-linked posts and then I'll be back to my regular posts (aka on my main page so you don't have to click).  Wanna see pictures of Danny's first fireworks experience? Just click here. Oh, and I never did post the pictures of the great Chinchilla Porras roofing project.   You can see them right here.  

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-11641414637885706072011-08-13T05:19:00.000-06:002011-08-13T05:19:35.445-06:00

Right after we went camping, we went off-roading in our Jeep!  I've posted these as links so they're still in chronological order on my blog.  Here are the photos:   Metberry Gulch, Colorado __________________ posted the other day:   I may have overdone it this time.  Two things I love:  camping and photographing.  Put them together - photographing us camping.  And may have overdone it with the

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-53021391431365013082011-08-08T00:26:00.003-06:002011-08-08T00:34:38.806-06:00

Anybody wanna' know who won 4 free training sessions with personal trainer Kristi Fox and a Mary Kay basic skin care set from me? Congratulations, Jen S.!  You were my 9th entree!! Email me so I can put you in contact with Kristi and send you your prize.  I'm SO excited for you and the beginning of your journey to a healthier you!  :-D   Thanks everybody for entering!! ...and because I can't

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-69281371251796944272011-08-06T11:15:00.003-06:002011-08-07T12:41:05.087-06:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-77867543093079885702011-08-05T10:45:00.000-06:002011-08-05T10:45:42.178-06:00

Since returning last week from four days in Dallas  I've been asked more than once what exactly we do for four days at our annual Mary Kay Seminar. "Is it training on make up and skin care?" Well, there's that. And so much more.   It's sort of hard to explain, exactly.  It is NOTHING like your typical business seminar.  I went to one once a few years ago after two Mary Kay Seminars.  Yeah.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-31220176122906583232011-08-03T00:08:00.002-06:002011-08-03T00:11:55.150-06:00

I am alive.  I really am. I just haven't figured out exactly how to make everything fit back into my life.  I have stepped up my Mary Kay business after four incredibly empowering days in Dallas in which God helped me see anew the potential to impact women and refreshed my awareness of His call on my life to leadership within this business.  I also have taken on a new tutoring student - a sweet

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-60442523480105331002011-07-30T20:34:00.002-06:002011-07-30T20:43:21.050-06:00

It is HIGH time for a giveaway on this blog...  and since I just spent a week in Pink Mary Kay land where we were given things every time we turned around...  and since I ate my dessert first.  Twice.  ...this giveaway is just fitting. Last year, I had the distinct privilege of being personally trained by one of the most fabulous personal trainers and dietary coaches I've met.  Kristi Fox is

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-41235155902571899972011-07-26T15:34:00.001-06:002011-07-26T15:36:09.943-06:00

It's been absolutely non-stop go-go-go, learning and inspiration from 7a.m. 'till 10p.m. and I absolutely love every minute of it! Kingdom work is being done. Women are being drawn to the Lord and taught about a more abundant set apart life and that is out-of-this-world exciting! I've just gotta' take the time to recognize you all and let you in on the honors I've received over the last two days

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-54909149516096619682011-07-25T00:48:00.000-06:002011-07-25T00:48:34.632-06:00

I'm just going to give you all fair warning right now...  I am at our annual Mary Kay Seminar Party Inspirational Workshop Theatrical Production Training Girlfriends Get-Away Beauty Pageant Seminar and I'm not even going to attempt to try to curb the amount of disgustingly gushy enthusiasm that is about to spill onto the pages of this blog. This is one of the funnest weeks of my year and I SO

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-520271079309664352011-07-22T20:42:00.001-06:002011-07-26T14:44:00.708-06:00

Tonight we decided to walk off dinner with a stroll through Lowe's. (Uh, yes, this is our idea of a relaxing evening. I know. We are sick and twisted.)After following Danny one lap around the warehouse, we headed back past the display toilets to use the restrooms. Alejandro perused sinks as Danny admired potties and waited for me. Then he spotted a business acquaintance who he'd not seen for at

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-78212650864619507692011-07-22T06:08:00.030-06:002011-08-13T06:31:15.045-06:00

Thank you, Josh!  We couldn't have done it without you! This t-shirt is so fitting.  Alejandro lived in Kansas - his first experience in the U.S. - in 2001.  During that time, he survived a severe tornado and then did roof work with the family business owned by the folks that hosted him as an exchange student.  The town came together and he helped repair damage, gained experience and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-32710830605046605462011-07-20T23:54:00.001-06:002011-07-20T23:58:51.361-06:00

A few weeks ago, Danny and I went to the zoo with Karina and her 5 kids.  It was awesome!  The kids had a blast.  The mommies got to have mommy time.  It was a great day.   I really like this picture of a lion making a really cat-like move, as opposed to the pictures of lions looking regal and majestic, which are more typical.   Danny was so fun to watch as he saw so many new sights! There was

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-75051461543104190322011-07-20T01:00:00.001-06:002011-07-20T01:00:16.081-06:00

This morning Alejandro and I woke up at about 6:30 a.m. and began a 14 hour work-day on our roof. Every single solitary muscle in my body aches.  My shoe soles have melted off of my shoes from the heat of the tar paper. I don't ever ever want to do that ever again. Ever. But the roof is just about done!  And I feel SO good about that.  Plus the fact that today I used a nail gun. Ha!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-84199685571652419672011-07-16T22:20:00.001-06:002011-07-16T22:20:00.591-06:00

Father's Day was a relaxing day for us.  We did very little productive - which was exactly the sort of day Alejandro wanted.   The dog that ate treats. The sky that shone bright above. The plane that flew over.  The cotton wood that snowed down. The deck that was fixed the weekend before.(As in we tore out every single one of the balusters and moved them so they are the proper width and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-46091906474070298802011-07-15T21:51:00.002-06:002011-07-15T21:55:49.977-06:00

Yesterday just after dark the guys finished putting all the "paper" on the top section of the roof (which is what makes it pretty waterproof). It's still far from done, but we can relax a little. Alejandro took a day off from work after four straight days of roofing and we (as a family) enjoyed some time with some of our oldest friends who were passing through town. The man is right tuckered out

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-79699801502340855482011-07-15T16:43:00.000-06:002011-07-15T16:43:37.577-06:00

Perfection.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-60100238232657620372011-07-14T22:12:00.000-06:002011-07-14T22:12:51.061-06:00

We love sushi at our house.   But really, what food do we not love at our house??  I blame the Pioneer Woman.  Or the promise of a banquet in heaven.  Or genes.  Or whatever.  I just really love all kinds of wonderful food.   Plus sushi is just all kinds of wonderful.   Aren't they pretty?  We make our sushi at home.  Because if I go to a sushi place, I end up eating nothing but bombs of sugar

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-21878853524957425512011-07-14T16:04:00.001-06:002011-07-14T16:04:00.223-06:00

During your visit to San Diego (which all of you are going to want to go do, right after this post), right after you stop in at the California Candle Gallery, cruise on over to the Seaport Village Fudge Factory. Yup, they make goodies right there.   Come to mama! And the fudge taste even better when it's served with a smile! I absolutely did not eat almost an entire bar of fudge within 15

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-25266449690313311512011-07-14T11:54:00.000-06:002011-07-14T11:54:00.580-06:00

Today I'm featuring two little shops in San Diego's Seaport Village that you MUST go see, when in San Diego.  I asked the shops' permission to take pictures and tell you all how great they are...  no compensation for it... I just really enjoy these two shops.   First off, we're gonna take a tour through the California Candle Gallery.   They design and create their candles right there in the shop

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-23046859175627650292011-07-13T20:07:00.000-06:002011-07-13T20:07:00.562-06:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future... ...You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord... (Jeremiah 29: 11, 13-14)There are only a handful of Bible verses I know by heart. This is one of them. I cling to it often. A

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-23843403481298320012011-07-11T14:00:00.019-06:002011-07-13T20:46:35.658-06:00

Today's a big day at our house. Alejandro (with the help of a friend) is re-roofing our house. I put Danny down for a nap in the basement - as far away from the pounding and banging as possible - but it still woke him up halfway through naptime. Chilly (because it's NICE here in the basement) and disoriented, Danny woke up upset and so we curled up on the couch together. My intent was to let

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-15127722585308728022011-07-11T09:55:00.003-06:002011-07-13T20:43:41.198-06:00

If you ever make it to San Diego, make sure you spend some time at Sea Port Village.  Especially if it's summer time.  Especially if it's a weekend.  Since my grandmother made our last trip there possible, we decided to treat her to a day at Seaport Village.We informed her we were stealing her away for lunch and an afternoon stroll by the bay.  There are all sorts of great things to see there.  

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-6136735361757947142011-07-10T15:03:00.000-06:002011-07-10T15:03:02.069-06:00

I can never resist posting my photography projects very long.  My photography is still most often a result of something that accidentally turned out, rather than something that was intentionally planned that way.  But that's ok.  I have a hunch that's how it still is for even most professional photographers. The only software I use is Picasa... it's a free download.  Here's the link.  I'd love

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-80812328258188674642011-07-09T14:08:00.000-06:002011-10-05T22:42:58.729-06:00

Dear Danilo, Ten days ago, you were officially two. Yep, you, with your endless silliness and your moments of sweetness that surprise me out of the blue between endless streams of constant action and energy.  You just don't stop, kid.  When you want to sit quietly and read a book with me or play cars - usually in the groggy moments after you wake up from a nap - I have to remind myself to sit

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-75265385206602821672011-07-08T23:05:00.001-06:002011-07-09T20:56:33.286-06:00

Two weeks ago, we had a second birthday party for my son...  this one thrown by yours truly and my husband.  We were up until 2 a.m. making the cake.  Because, people, there is no other way to do it.  At least for the Porras Family that is.  I've resigned myself to the fact that forever and always, plane trips and birthday parties will inevitably mean a 2 a.m. sigh of relief and the declaration

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-89825712878680778422011-07-06T12:55:00.001-06:002011-07-06T14:47:39.106-06:00

'Twas the night before the birthday and all through the kitchen there was chocolate and icing and hot wheels a sittin'. Tricycle wheels pieces were snapped into place. Sugar and candles added just the right way. Pieces were lost and cake designs were drawn. Everything put into place in the wee hours before dawn. (Because it's impossible for the Porras Family to do birthday planning with

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-13448492913208240222011-07-05T23:46:00.003-06:002011-07-06T14:48:31.948-06:00

It's 9:45 pm and I'm just home from one of my marathon 2-week grocery trips with tired feet, a bowl of cookie dough and iced coffee in the freezer almost chilled enough to drink.  Danny and I did dinner at McDonald's, I picked up my favorite salon hair conditioner, ordered some contact lenses and I got groceries all in one trip.  Gotta' love Walmart.  Plus, 3 hours in air-conditioning wasn't too

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-10538111751057517832011-07-04T23:55:00.001-06:002011-08-13T05:35:32.497-06:00

This year for Independence Day we wanted to do something a little extra special and we definitely were looking forward to Danny's first experience seeing fireworks.   We drove north to a neighboring town called Palmer Lake and joined the throngs of people who planted their lawn chairs around the lake for the fireworks show and waited for the sun to set. We brought a picnic blanket.  (Good

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-23182683197414889042011-07-04T22:13:00.000-06:002011-08-13T05:36:17.705-06:00

A camping weekend isn't complete for my husband if off-roading in our Jeep isn't involved at some point.  So after packing up the campsite and saying goodbye to Annie, Matt and Lydia, instead of heading back home, we headed deeper into the mountains Jeep Country to Metberry Gulch - a well known off-road trail.   It was, uh, steep.   It was also a great place to get some great photos. So long

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5686552411219800266.post-30880883276182784332011-07-04T20:43:00.005-06:002011-08-10T23:25:58.599-06:00

The view out of our front door for the weekend looked like this:   And out of our side window we could see our neighbors.  Our three chairs were by the camp fire. Toby took up residence in the stream in the gulch by our campsite. In Matt and Annie's camper, Dannie and Lydia played together. By the campfire, Danny and Lydia played together. "Oh Mama, what do I do with her?" Lydia discovered

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11447648898316884917noreply@blogger.com