Fall Foliage

We had a family outing today to Golden Gate State Park - about 30 miles northwest of Denver. The weather was perfect and the Aspens were at their peak of fall color. We got a few pictures before my batteries died (I thought they were charged, but apparently not). Matthew did much better coming down than going up. He decided he needed to sit and rest because he was tired. Why do children have so much more energy when they are playing in the back yard and want Mommy to chase them everywhere and then when they are out doing something Mommy and Daddy want to do they suddenly have no energy!?!? We must have worn them out because Matthew and Tyler both fell asleep in the car on the way home, so of course naps were non-existant this afternoon, but it was worth it just the same.

Firestation Visit

Friday I took Matthew to pre-school so he could join his class to visit the fire station. He was so excited and the kids had loads of fun. The firman put on his full outfit with coat, pants, boots, gloves, hat, oxygen and oxygen mask. He sounded like darth vader, but it was great for the kids to see.

The kids also got to see two of the firemen slide down the pole and then they were allowed to sit up in the firetruck. Last, but certianly not least, they actually got to shoot water from the fire hose. What fun!!

Sword Fight

Matthew and I made paper daggers yesterday and he and Steve commenced to sword fighting in the back yard. It was a lot of fun to watch my "little kid" and "big kid" play together.

"Superbugs"

I am personally opposed to the number and frequency of vaccination for children in America. I have read article after article that continues to support the belief that many children are being harmed in the process of supporting the idea that all these vaccinations are for the greater good of everyone. I'm glad we still have a choice whether we choose all, some or none of the vaccinations recommended (not required) by the CDC and state governments, but I fear the day when the choice is taken away. As a sample of what I'm talking about take a look at this article. Vaccine Tied to "Suberbug" Ear Infection
Parents need to educate themselves on other forms of medicine (homeopathics, herbs, chiropractic, food sensitivity elimination, probiotics, medicinal foods, etc) that can fight these virulent forms of bacteria and virus that are being introduced or we are going to have some very sick kids. No, I'm not being an alarmist, I'm being honest.

Pachalbel's Canon in D

A friend forwarded this to me from a blog. I'm sure many of you will be able to relate.

Back-to-School Night

Steve and I experienced our first school event with Matthew. What a crazy thought. Matthew goes to pre-school Tuesday and Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center. Mrs Terri and Mrs. Torri are his teachers.

He led me by the hand down to his classroom, sat on his little carpet square and kept still (sort of) when the teacher was telling us about a typical day at pre-school. In the middle of her explanation Matthew pipes up and says "Excuse me, Teacher, I need to tell my Mom something". So the teacher obliges his request and with everyone in the room watching and listening Matthew comes over to tell me that he mixed two frostings to put on the cookies. "Wow" I said and he went back to his carpet square content to listen to the rest of the teacher's dialogue.

He loves his pre-school, asking everyday if he gets to go.

Pure Silliness

When we were at the pediatrician's office a while back Matthew noticed that the Doctor's hair was styled to stand up and be kind of spikey. Never shy, Matthew asked to touch the Doctor's hair. Ever since then Matthew asks if I can make his hair spikey, so we use gel and hairspray to goop it up and he thinks it's sooooo fun. This is one of those silly times.

PJ Twins

We got matching PJs for the boys - don't they look cute!!!

A quick moment with Mommy, then Tyler was off to help Daddy play guitar.

Tommy Emmanuel

I married a guitar player. So more times than I can remember Steve calls me over to the computer to see another guy playing a "smokin riff" on the guitar. But of all the guitar plays Steve has introduced me to my favorite by far is Tommy Emmanuel. Let me introduce you to a man I call the quintessential entertainer. He shows such passion and feeling for the music he writes and plays. If you live in Denver I would highly recommend going to see him Sept 21 and 22 at Swallow Hill. See the link below for more info on venue and tickets. You'll find other links to his performances at the bottom of my blog page or just do a search for Tommy Emmanuel on YouTube.

http://events.swallowhill.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=677&c=47&pg=2

Here is just a sample of his talent.

Remembering Morgan

Blair, Heather and Ashlyn, Morgan's Sister
A little over two years ago I received a phone call from my friend and former roommate Heather (Miracle) White. I'll never forget that call as she told me that Morgan, her 4 1/2 month old baby, had died in her sleep. Morgan was born with Down Syndrome and was a very sick little girl. She finally came home from the hospital when she was three months old on Fathers Day. I had the privilege of seeing her a couple times and was touched by her struggle to live and the love I saw between her and her Mommy and Daddy.

Each year I join Heather and Blair along with their family and other friends to remember Morgan at the Mile High Down Syndrome 5K Walk at Clement Park to raise money for other local families who are raising some of these special kiddos. As we started the walk three volunteers were standing on the side cheering us all on and they started cheering for Morgan. I almost lost it, but remembered the picture I had in my mind just after her death of Jesus taking Morgan in his arms, sitting her on his lap, and rocking her in a comfy rocking chair. I know that someday Morgan and her family will be reunited. Until then, we walk.

This year Morgan's Miracles joined "Brice's Buddy Bridage" so that the money raised would go to someone who would benefit from the MHDS and from the prizes. The team raised $11,409!!!

My First 5K

I did it!!! I ran my first 5k race this morning.

I was originally signed-up for the James Cooper Memorial race at Chatfield park, but I got an e-mail Thursday night that the race had been cancelled. I couldn't believe it!! They didn't even include any info about why. So, I started searching the interenet to see if there were any other races being held this weekend, September 8 and found one in Golden. The race was described as challanging, but I signed up anyway. The "Golden Gallup" was supporting research for a cure for Pancreatic Cancer. Kind of appropriate since that was what my Grandfather died of many years ago.

My sweet friend Kym and her son Reid came to cheer me on as Steve had another commitment this morning. I really appreciated having them there. The course lived up to its description - challanging. The first 1.5 miles was mostly downhill or flat ground (except for the first 500 uphill ft from the start line). Then the last 1.6 miles was UPHILL!!! I didn't incorporate any hill climbs in my training, so lost a lot of time, but I still finished the race in 38:51 minutes. For my first 5K I think that is an acceptable time. I can't say I was bitten by the running bug. I'm glad I did it, but I think other types of training are better for me. We'll see.

Labor Day

We got out for some fun and a picnic at the park yesterday. Here are a few memories from the day.

He's Growing Up!

Matthew started Preschool last week. His excitement filled our house last Tuesday morning as he kept asking me if it was time to go. Each time I've gone to pick him up he was playing with other little boys and didn't want to leave. He comes home exhausted and falls into bed with little resistance. When I dropped him off this morning his teacher met him in the hall, took his hand and walked with him down the hall. It was a sweet sight seeing him talk with her about his weekend, his little backpack bobbing up and down as he walked. My sweet boy is growing up! I tried to get some pictures of his first day, but he wasn't very cooperative. Fortunately Mrs. Terri (his teacher) sent home some cute photos, but I haven't gotten those scanned yet.