Getting Crafty with Advent Calendars

Thanks to one of my favorite mom blogs, 24/7 MOMS, the girls had fun this afternoon making a paper chain advent calendar. Our nanny said it was a super easy, quick project and it only cost $3 to make. The girls picked out  Christmas themed paper from Hobby Lobby earlier this week. I still can't believe tomorrow is Dec. 1.

Exploring P-town and the Fall Colors

I ask every new person I meet what some of their favorite things are to do in Pueblo. Exploring our hometown is rather fun and leads to some decent adventures. I must admit (sadly) that having lived in Denver since I was six, I stopped exploring it. Everything was so routine, really too routine.

One of Ashlyn's school friend's mom (if you can follow that!) told me about the Nature and Raptor Center down near the Arkansas River. I signed up for the weekly e-newsletter a month or so ago and this past week, it mentioned that fall colors were still pretty good so off we went! We skipped the Raptor Museum this trip, but enjoyed playing on the playground, hiking the trails, and throwing rocks, sticks and whatever else we could find in the Arkansas. A bit of history, the Arkansas River was formerly the border between Mexico and the United States. Next Saturday, the Raptor Center has a Halloween Family Fun Festival from 1- 4 p.m. if you are looking for something to do with your kiddos. 

What should our next day excursion be in Southern Colorado?

A night at the ball: "A British Bash"

You know those evenings you just look forward to? The type that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat the day before it happens? Since I was 11, my dad has asked Elizabeth and me to attend an annual Father/Daughter Ball. I think I have missed only two or three over the years. It is one of my dad's favorite events of the year and mine too. We have professional photos to document every year and while our attire and hair styles have become much more fashionable, the memory of the night remains the same!

It is rather sweet to see my handsome dad dressed in his tux. It reminds me of prom night except there is no drama and we can legally drink! We purchases corsages and a boutonniere for each other; Ashlyn's and Keegan's itty bitty corsages are always so stinkin' cute.

Thanks for a memorable evening, dad! Love you always.

She isn't so little anymore...

Today, we celebrated a very special four-year-olds birthday. It was the first time we have all been together as a family on Ashlyn's actual birthday. Usually I skirt the kids off to San Diego to escape Shawn's member/guest tournament every July, but alas a change in Shawn's job and a move to Pueblo meant there was no trip this year.

We had the "bestest day" (to borrow a quote from Ashlyn) and I didn't think twice about the beach or the crashing waves (ok, maybe just once!). We skipped a birthday party this year and spent the day blowing bubbles, looking for shells at Rock Canyon Swim Beach at the Pueblo Reservoir and skipping rocks.

Ashlyn made out like a bandit for her birthday - as she always does - and between new wheels, a Hello Kitty Umbrella and a new wardrobe, she is one happy camper! We are headed back to Denver tomorrow and she can't wait to have cupcakes with her friends at Annie's (her old daycare) on Tuesday. Happy birthday to our amazing little girl - we love you so much.

 We opened and read every single card before diving into the presents.

Strawberry blond or blond? Hair color changes weekly!

 A tad big, but she will grow into it!

We missed our standard birthday cake from Mulberry's. This one didn't compare.

We survived our move and June!

What a long two months! Living apart from Shawn during April and May was no easy task. From renting our house to finding a house for us in Pueblo to hiring movers to packing the house to moving, I was exhausted. We were so appreciate of all the extra help from family and friends and can't say thank you enough.

Thankfully my tears have been far and few. I certainly have my "just missing Denver life moments," but my decision to slow down at work was a good one. For those that know me well you will find this hard to believe, but I am embracing spontaneity and enjoying the laid back life in Pueblo. Love to you all!

Our mover's truck broke down the day of our move, but they were able to rent two 20 foot trucks 

(and found a third at the last minute).

When it isn't 100 degrees plus in Pueblo, the girls love spending time in the backyard 

pulling leaves from all the trees, blowing bubbles and digging in mud. 

Visited a dear friends cabin in Westcliffe and enjoyed a morning on the lake!

 The two (land driving only) captains!

A hidden gem in Pueblo - City Park rides. 

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day and never crowded. 

 The girls are so stylish!

 Our nanny found these women-sized sunglasses at the Riverwalk. Ashlyn begged her for them; I laugh everytime she wears them. It is so hard not to.

Final night of Shawn's member/guest and he was still standing upright - with a mohawk. Our new favorite summer drink is a Moscow Mule.

From love poems to SHMILY

Our kids are into everything these days. I turn my back and poof - they manage to uncover and find things I have tucked away for only me to find.

Today, Ashlyn uncovered a love poem written by Shawn to me. I was instantly taken back to being 21 years old. I was smitten, absolutely head over heels in love with Shawn (mind you, I still am today!). He used to leave me love notes in fun places to find, especially before he left for a golf tournament. One might be under my pillow or another in a book or maybe on the dash of my car. They always had one thing similar - a poem or a verse from the Bible.

Sadly, my find today is not dated, but here are the words:

I just want to see you

When you're all alone

I just want to catch you if I can

I just want to be there

When the morning light explodes

On your face it radiates

I can't escape

I love you till the end

I just want to tell you nothing

You don't want to hear

All I want is for you to day

Why don't you just take me

Where I've never been before

I know you want to hear me

Catch my breath

I love you till the end

I just want to be there

When we're caught in the rain

I just want to see you laugh not cry

I just to want to feel you

When the night puts on its cloak

I'm lost for words don't tell me

All I can say

I love you till the end

~ Shawn Wills

Most of my love notes from Shawn are hidden in my hope chest. My own chest filled with memories - my memories. Ashlyn and Keegan haven't figured out how to open it, but one day I hope we sit down together and relish away the hour giggling, celebrating and answering questions.

While the love notes are a distant memory (hard to believe Ashlyn's arrival changed our lives so much!), Shawn's and my love is expressed in new forms. We have our special phrase - S.H.M.I.L.Y. - that is just right for us. See how much I love you.

Kitchen Bloopers: Apple Cider vs. Apple Cider Vinegar

You would think one would know the difference between the two, right? Apple Cider is a deliciously sweet drink and apple cider vinegar is bitter and tart. How could anyone mistake the two?

Yesterday, I carefully made my grocery list - yogurt, sandwich meat, cheese, chicken sausage, ground turkey, butternut squash, "apple cider," etc. With Keegan in the Baby Born (a must-have for grocery shopping with two!), Ashlyn in the shopping cart and my list in hand, we quickly dashed the aisles. It took just under 40 minutes. I was thrilled we had NO tears, no potty breaks and I managed to remember everything, including the apple cider!

As I was making our dinner (Cider-Glazed Chicken Sausages with Butternut Squash), I didn't think twice when the recipe read 3 cups of apple cider. I dumped the vinegar in liberally and waited for the dish to boil. The recipe, from this month's Everyday Food magazine, mentioned the cider would get syrupy. So, I waited and waited and it never happened. Finally, I decided it was just time to eat - Ashlyn was hungry! The dish was paired with a fabulous butternut squash mash (a perfect entree for a baby, I might add). We gobbled it up. Even though Ashlyn made numerous bitter faces and drank a lot (I mean, a lot) of milk, I still hadn't realized I goofed.

Check out her facial expression when she rubs her mouth. She really wanted a piece of Easter candy!

It was when I sat down to write this post about how tasty the mash was that I chuckled to myself! Ashlyn was honest and told me she didn't like it, but she knows the rules: if you don't eat dinner, you don't get dessert. My sister on the other hand, said it was "pretty good and the mash cut the tart and bitter taste." Shawn had to eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich after dinner to "get rid of the bitter taste."

This apple cider mistake was certainly a first for me! I will absolutely try this recipe again as long as I have apple cider in my refrigerator. It was super easy, fast and pretty healthy.

What are some of your favorite kitchen and recipe bloopers?