tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-337344189456292902024-03-05T17:36:01.393-08:00Bronx to BoulderMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-2048023333849122562017-04-10T18:29:00.001-07:002017-04-10T18:29:46.469-07:00To Be Back...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAK_yYOGYu1fx5RhSY_RAKYNKUCW7i1qeQyYwLAeyJApEHtN9OAuXaEjoqtI1sYF7Gw6Ayfsq6APrvaB18_QUootd6KFBYUHgnTushpa42CYzNXKxSb0tPlGBU5Ft1VSrKgiMEy7xMMU/s1600/IMG_7989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAK_yYOGYu1fx5RhSY_RAKYNKUCW7i1qeQyYwLAeyJApEHtN9OAuXaEjoqtI1sYF7Gw6Ayfsq6APrvaB18_QUootd6KFBYUHgnTushpa42CYzNXKxSb0tPlGBU5Ft1VSrKgiMEy7xMMU/s320/IMG_7989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The Boys Hiking Shanahan Ridge Trail</i></div>
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I have to admit. </div>
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It was good to be back in Boulder this last week. </div>
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It felt like we had never left. </div>
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Like Dec. 31st, the day that we were last there</div>
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was like the day before we arrived this time on April 4th. </div>
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Like we still lived there. </div>
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It's like time stood still for us. </div>
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For while we are in Washington, our view of Boulder and friends in it is a still one. </div>
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Though time didn't stand still for all of our friends and acquaintances. </div>
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It had been 4 months since we were last there</div>
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and alot has happened, there have been changes:</div>
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the boys' pals are taller, friends of mine are pregnant, </div>
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new stores/restaurants have replaced old ones. </div>
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Like where the Boulder Cafe used to be on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder</div>
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there stands a bank. A bank!</div>
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Our poor beautiful Boulder cafe!</div>
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Travesty. </div>
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My world was rocked a little momentarily.</div>
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However, other things are the same. </div>
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Like the Shanahan Ridge Trail above that we hiked one day. </div>
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Walking it was like walking back in time. </div>
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Doing what was familiar brought comfort and contentment</div>
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Reinforced the sense of "home" in our hearts.</div>
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Because Boulder is still home to us, even as Seattle and its Eastside is becoming home to us. </div>
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Our only regret:</div>
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the time there was so short! </div>
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Not enough time to reintegrate for a long while. </div>
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But we plan to make that up in July. </div>
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Our hope: three weeks, at least. </div>
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In a place that is still home to us. </div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-55096469650522840502017-04-01T17:15:00.000-07:002017-04-01T17:15:00.064-07:00New Beginnings/Changes/A Revival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroEgf7FoJaercN4KSEksiZ9JuHnGVYT6KUtZRaR7CTlKqnUzrfZ5VErl-4Zacl8KU_oCY0AB282Qtb7SAbK-II7OZPQLLzpifzJHFWjJBfYxeYaH75PyPH-KC9X22u-BQ4loTIC_oHdQ/s1600/IMG_7442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroEgf7FoJaercN4KSEksiZ9JuHnGVYT6KUtZRaR7CTlKqnUzrfZ5VErl-4Zacl8KU_oCY0AB282Qtb7SAbK-II7OZPQLLzpifzJHFWjJBfYxeYaH75PyPH-KC9X22u-BQ4loTIC_oHdQ/s320/IMG_7442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Juanita Bay, Kirkland, WA</i></div>
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Another year later and here I am...</div>
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We are now living in Kirkland, WA, the boys and I. </div>
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We have joined the husband/Dad full time. </div>
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I am no longer a stay-at-home Mom who subs in school from time to time. </div>
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I am a full-time working Mom for the local school district. </div>
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Due to the loss of the job the husband is no longer at - one that was taken away the week the boys and I officially moved here. </div>
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He is working again, in a slightly new industry and loving it. </div>
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It has been a new beginning with more changes and new beginnings as my job has shifted twice and will possibly shift again. </div>
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And now there will be a new change as this blog will have a partner. Another blog known as <a href="https://eastsidestoriesviaseattle.wordpress.com/">Eastside Stories. </a></div>
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Feel free to check it out. </div>
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Like this blog, that blog will carry stories and experiences but from our new digs here on Seattle's Eastside. </div>
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As I continue to share experiences and stories on this blog based on life growing up in the Bronx and our life in Boulder (which still exists when we visit between 2-4 times a year)</div>
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All from this city girl's perspective, of course. </div>
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Look forward to seeing you around. </div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-1448686113163088512016-03-31T22:06:00.000-07:002016-04-07T13:14:35.485-07:00Changes/New Beginnings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE8cMpfjBxHVPX_c1a5DZP0NN9josMh7U7KHlMQHs47LQB6wNG4F8ttO6VXtOujpd6_4oNsSyBhMfhmnETxXwSkcCZy63a2AJLanaV1d21cIy69bmbHKf2vK-d2QTzYPyyGqRR4IW32o/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE8cMpfjBxHVPX_c1a5DZP0NN9josMh7U7KHlMQHs47LQB6wNG4F8ttO6VXtOujpd6_4oNsSyBhMfhmnETxXwSkcCZy63a2AJLanaV1d21cIy69bmbHKf2vK-d2QTzYPyyGqRR4IW32o/s320/IMG_4646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Changes. </div>
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Are Inevitable. </div>
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And there are some looming for me. </div>
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This Bronx 2 Boulder blog will soon have a new home because it's author will be moving to a new place. </div>
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Yes, this Bronx girl will be leaving Boulder and heading to some new digs in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle, Washington. </div>
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I'm still wrapping my head around it though the boys and I have visited at least three times. </div>
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The above photo was taken on the beach along Lake Washington, the lake that separates Seattle from the Eastside -- the region across from Seattle. </div>
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This beach is across the street from our soon-to-be new home. </div>
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I am moving from Boulder officially in two months. The husband and I aim to visit Boulder a few times a year (we are keeping the house so we have no excuse to come back) - we have built ties here and we just love Boulder. The plan: coming back a few times a year, during breaks, during holidays, long weekends...we'll revisit Boulder, we'll explore more of Colorado...</div>
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We believe we'll enjoy and appreciate Colorado even more...</div>
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However, life will change drastically. </div>
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The hubby is already there, waiting for us to join him. And the boys and I are excited to. </div>
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Yet, I believe...</div>
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We are not completely gone. </div>
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Just here, part-time instead of full-time. </div>
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The only change won't just be in location. </div>
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This blog will get a few of its own - content wise.<br />
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Stay-tuned....</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-85020564679657693792014-12-29T07:43:00.000-08:002014-12-29T07:43:58.403-08:00This Holiday Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Christmas/holiday season is here. <br />
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Though Christmas Day has come and gone, we are in the middle of a two week holiday break and I am embracing it so much that I don't want to let it go. <br />
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In fact, I am wishing that I could add an additional week since I know this second week will just zoom by.<br />
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I love breaks. <br />
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Now this could mean that I am lazy at heart and love lounging around and not dealing with my worldly responsibilities (i.e. bills, kid activities, appointments, etc.) and not going really anywhere...<br />
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Or it could mean that I love the balance that a break brings to my life when put up against the everyday busyness that can be my life. <br />
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I like to think that the latter is true.<br />
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It has been a good holiday season so far. We had family in town - still have one: my mother, - and it was good to have a holiday with them and the kids. In fact, the four year-old bawled when his aunt left on Saturday. <br />
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My three boys are social beings and they love their family. <br />
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Even though they ignored the adults for about 70% of that time, they relished in their presence. It was comforting to them and so were the little mini routines that started with the family being here: the meal times together - we actually sat around the table every day of the week that the family was here, - the hugs to each one before they went to bed. <br />
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The photo above of the boys (taken a few weeks earlier) says it all, expressing the happiness of the holiday season for me so well.<br />
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It was a good time that came to an end pretty quickly.<br />
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Like this next week will, I'm sure.<br />
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But kudos to this holiday season that is bringing us joy and a balance. <br />
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I'm so not ready for it to end yet. Can I have another week, please? <br />
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Please?<br />
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<b>So was your holiday a break for you? Or not?</b><br />
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<b>Feel free to share because this Bronx girl would love to hear your thoughts. </b><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-62196259974612929892014-09-24T08:45:00.001-07:002014-09-24T08:47:07.040-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Their World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pZq8JuuekUxHVD-JdB5YMFwVSeWkH2w1X8xyLfT8h9FGX3aFmrRvduTmi-lu-CeOEh-cDC8MMXH_bKTJqvBUEiY66KHoSgsWeOvkoyB2sFrcM2TJc7Wf-nBQh4RUFdBSF_f8xAwewS4/s1600/IMG_9725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pZq8JuuekUxHVD-JdB5YMFwVSeWkH2w1X8xyLfT8h9FGX3aFmrRvduTmi-lu-CeOEh-cDC8MMXH_bKTJqvBUEiY66KHoSgsWeOvkoyB2sFrcM2TJc7Wf-nBQh4RUFdBSF_f8xAwewS4/s1600/IMG_9725.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have three sons. </div>
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The soccer ball and the airplane above</div>
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are supreme symbols in each of their lives. </div>
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Play soccer almost every day. </div>
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Love transportation: planes, trains, light rails. </div>
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This is their world now. </div>
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Pure and simple. </div>
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And I'm soaking it all in...</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-24821108280304461952014-08-28T12:02:00.001-07:002014-08-28T12:02:39.049-07:00Yes...Yes, We Live in Boulder...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiIvDCqXpeVqWZHMO7Df0E5a4CSTV0k81UcL5u0h_Q8DJFikG4GaKA-0CtExw8FhRGxjUQ1F9K_MNB_sDJzUHBh3xjXAPD8BzzO9hX0-BQYAUVUeZmhh3AXQPJgIwwuoG9dZ42RFgfN8/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiIvDCqXpeVqWZHMO7Df0E5a4CSTV0k81UcL5u0h_Q8DJFikG4GaKA-0CtExw8FhRGxjUQ1F9K_MNB_sDJzUHBh3xjXAPD8BzzO9hX0-BQYAUVUeZmhh3AXQPJgIwwuoG9dZ42RFgfN8/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So begins a series of
posts about life for this Bronx girl in Boulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been 7 years of Boulder living and
fairly interesting. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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“You’re not in Boulder!” someone told me (still a Boulder
newbie) with passion and gusto when we first moved to our neighborhood, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which is northeast from the central part of
town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Our house sits in a cul de sac in a neighborhood that is
surrounded on three sides by open space (aka fields, pastures, lots of grass
and few trees).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A creek runs along side the neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes, we are,” I would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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“But where you are is not Boulder!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s Longmont!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I shake my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not
according to my address,” is always my light-hearted answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both address and zip code are in
Boulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are in a neighborhood next
to a section of town known as Gunbarrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At times, people put us in Gunbarrel, which is fine, though officially
we aren’t in that section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
it’s just easier and quicker to say “Gunbarrel”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gunbarrel is a section of town that is a combination of two
cities/counties:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boulder and
Longmont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>South of the main dividing
road in Gunbarrel contains Boulder, north of that same main road is considered
Niwot/Longmont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In moments I give this explanation to those “in-town”
Boulderites and out-of-town Coloradans who question the validity of my living
address. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other moments, I just nod
and smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it’s not worth the
energy to go into details such as these. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re in Boulder
County!” another person exclaims to me in one huge epiphany as she tries to
rationalize how I could be in Boulder but don’t live directly in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s it!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, yes, I am.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So this is not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boulder</i>
but Boulder county!<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Um…actually it is both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Boulder rural property taxes that we pay tell me so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because thankfully to a real estate friend
of ours, we discovered Boulder is divided into three sections on most real
estate maps: Boulder West (next to the mountains, in the hills), Boulder (in
town) and Boulder Prairie (us).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s all Boulder,” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he
concludes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s what happens when people move out from the town and set
up roots in the rural area surrounding Boulder because of the desire for more
living space, which happened in the late sixties and seventies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence an extension of the existing Boulder
community was born amongst vast fields and open space. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and let’s not
forget, the address is a big indicator, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am sure if we lived in Longmont, my address would actually say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome to the country. Some look at as “suburbs.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cringe, no offense to anyone who lives in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re awesome but rural Boulder is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>the suburbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is open space and farmland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the prairie dogs live and where in
moments, coyotes roam, with your occasional mountain lion. Not to mention field
mice, foxes raccoons, skunks, and bunnies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In moments, it really does feel like the prairie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is countryside and for this city girl, it was a faraway
land like several of my in-town Boulderite friends viewed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A no man’s land and so far (like in 15 minutes
from downtown Pearl street far).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sooo far. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now living in this no-man’s land for six years, I get
that it’s an amazingly special place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We get to pass by cows, horses, sheep and alpacas on our way
into town everyday and have the quiet of the country right on our
doorstep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can literally hear the
engine of a pickup truck as it goes by four streets away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is the community of our wonderful neighborhood of
1,000 families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we’re surrounded
by open space we’re all we’ve got…until you drive out of it and go across the
street to the Twin Lakes neighborhood (actually in Gunbarrel).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re a naturally gated (via open space)
community of friendly people of all types. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a time of listening to the naysayers, I started to doubt
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever we drove back into town
along Highway 36 (Boulder-Denver turnpike)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d find myself looking at the gorgeous view up ahead of Boulder, trying
to spot my neighborhood in the distance and wondering out loud, where is the
dividing line?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we really live in
Boulder?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband, driving, next to me would just shake his head
and smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Duh?</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His facial expression would read with a ton of
endearment following it because he was confident enough and right enough to
know (before the explanation of our real estate friend) that the answer is a
resounding “Yes!”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes…yes, where we live is Boulder, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No need for an identity crisis, sweetie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Months later, at school, a fellow Mom exclaimed to me, “Oh,
you guys moved!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flustered I said “What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do you mean?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, I was looking at the school directory and noticed you
have a Boulder address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weren’t you guys
in Gunbarrel?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out pops my characteristic smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, we still are,” I answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her forehead crinkles. “But you have a Boulder address.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I inwardly sigh and launch into the explanation, “It’s
Boulder. The southern part of Gunbarrel is Boulder…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it goes on... :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-58129236574784362292014-08-27T11:08:00.001-07:002014-08-27T11:08:29.543-07:00Here's The Truth...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the truth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not ready to be back in the frenzy that is the new
school year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not ready for laid-back summer to be over, where we are
not on a schedule or pressured to be anywhere early. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For other parents, this is the most wonderful time of the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids are back in school and
they get a little more freedom and a break. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I still want to wake up and wander around the house with the
kids, pull them close to me and hold them on a weekday morning, while we’re
hanging out in bed, with no where pressing to go or be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not to say that I am not excited for their new
school year – and all the new things that they will learn and do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am ecstatic and can’t wait. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I am very happy to reconnect with the Moms and Dads who
are part of the school community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
good to see everyone again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, at times with the school year comes complexity and stress
and worries and pressures: is the oldest having good experiences today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the kids being nice to him or is he again
being ignored, rejected, and teased by some?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is he maintaining self-control with his body and his emotions or is he having
another meltdown?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Multiply the above frets by two as it applies to his two
younger brothers as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With summer – for us at least – we could just be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A freedom to just spend time with each other
and be ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not have to face
weekly injustices or attitudes from others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a part of life, I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An important part of life for the growth of my
children and myself even as a person. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just can't help but love my season of summer and all that it brings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And with all the busyness and sometimes
complexity our lives become during this school time, summer is always a welcome
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Pouring my heart out today with Shell</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i> at <b>Things I Can't Say</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3e3d3d; font-family: Candara, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://thingsicantsay.com/" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #f6567f; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://thingsicantsay.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pouryourheart1.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-73666807463971365242014-08-22T09:51:00.000-07:002014-08-22T09:51:13.192-07:00First Day of School (aka "Summer Break is Over!")<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8hpBBQs2aLXdjA1c_fKrDeB9BWOm91qhhX3llLbVfRKVicNMmJLwLH4W22FcPuesrLGFMuUrdC2xgKgDrN5bBNcvW6cqQ35rZDf2WnFBCsdemRrqbTlUpF03cebSPdd0_-C_XGE6uu8/s1600/Noah:Rhys+-+First+Day+of+School+-+8-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8hpBBQs2aLXdjA1c_fKrDeB9BWOm91qhhX3llLbVfRKVicNMmJLwLH4W22FcPuesrLGFMuUrdC2xgKgDrN5bBNcvW6cqQ35rZDf2WnFBCsdemRrqbTlUpF03cebSPdd0_-C_XGE6uu8/s1600/Noah:Rhys+-+First+Day+of+School+-+8-2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday, the new 4th grader (on your left) and 2nd grader (on your right)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
had their first day of school. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Goodness grief, they are growing up so fast!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I still can't get used to August school starts having grown up starting school in September. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The first day of school ends our wonderful summer break. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm excited for the boys but sad that our break is over. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was missing both of them with a fierceness yesterday. I had grown so used to them being around during the day with their Xbox game playing and their Lego building of towns and stadiums whose names they made up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Their presence was comfortable and reassuring </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(even with the moments of shouting, yelling and bickering). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
:-(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, I still have this little guy below. The 4 year old. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4rV5aAbUHfUWwc3zQD2lMVZr_k_2-AR3ZO8AiZSNoTdvNeNZrHuIf2LuduFZDv5t-joPU_QiBd1eVWgYYdg7JQF4g9xUifM8SVmk4UoPRFEYNuMgGLa9LswVqo8lTF5xT4UfklV3tRI/s1600/IMG_9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4rV5aAbUHfUWwc3zQD2lMVZr_k_2-AR3ZO8AiZSNoTdvNeNZrHuIf2LuduFZDv5t-joPU_QiBd1eVWgYYdg7JQF4g9xUifM8SVmk4UoPRFEYNuMgGLa9LswVqo8lTF5xT4UfklV3tRI/s1600/IMG_9376.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He doesn't start preschool until September 2nd </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so I am not completely alone for at least a week and a half. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"It's Mommy and me time!" he shouts to his brothers yesterday. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, yes it is. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was eager to get home yesterday and today so that we could have our home alone time, just me & him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I am going to soak it up as much as I can</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in the midst of my grownup responsibilities. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
September 2nd can just take its time coming around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-88112248752764388942014-07-23T09:34:00.002-07:002014-07-23T09:34:56.683-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Summer...Is Happening<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V8rbXXBrWCYzl-NA3d3VlqPl4YEpIvqa7tkdYB6T7g-Kdy0KHcUdM7excMNTY9bpo7_AC8CMYs4AFBapZdjPE6xz9TatkiqX6E3oCo5ioJlzZRe9Ocg0PYw_Fs0_9xREJ-jIrI3dtxI/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V8rbXXBrWCYzl-NA3d3VlqPl4YEpIvqa7tkdYB6T7g-Kdy0KHcUdM7excMNTY9bpo7_AC8CMYs4AFBapZdjPE6xz9TatkiqX6E3oCo5ioJlzZRe9Ocg0PYw_Fs0_9xREJ-jIrI3dtxI/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer is happening. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A sandbox and flowers in the backyard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Symbolic of the season and child's play</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and all that I love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about my favorite season. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One downside, though: It is just going by too fast!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 more weeks before school starts. :-(</div>
</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-35566983879327469562014-06-12T10:53:00.000-07:002014-06-12T10:53:10.623-07:00Here's To Summer Break! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_A5ym_Lq7PjLx_JK2L5oFeaR0zHvhEYuT8bkYHpm-gTGxplAMRmq_FA_zLuiXQ2bPelSFy8wH7687cCugAmehHq9a6hM1J_kstvHFcqmPoBEKI_f1u0DRX4ZemC8tARff1UIY4wR6g8/s1600/IMG_8192+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_A5ym_Lq7PjLx_JK2L5oFeaR0zHvhEYuT8bkYHpm-gTGxplAMRmq_FA_zLuiXQ2bPelSFy8wH7687cCugAmehHq9a6hM1J_kstvHFcqmPoBEKI_f1u0DRX4ZemC8tARff1UIY4wR6g8/s1600/IMG_8192+-+Version+2.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
At 7 this morning, the 9 year old and the 6 year old, along with the husband (aka "camp counselor") left to go away for four days to a sleep-away camp hosted by our church, which left me thinking: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Summer break is actually here. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello. That was fast. Where did Spring go? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Okay, I am going to stop myself before making a comment about how quickly time has gone by (as I often do when I blog). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Summer break has started and it feels good. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Feels good not to have to wake up at dawn to get the boys to the school bus on time. Sleeping in is definitely underrated. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Summer break for me is a chance to reset. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Begin again. Start anew. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is balance - a chance to relax from the crazy, busy school year. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is a chance to step back and refocus on those tasks that have gotten away from me:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cleaning out the garage</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cleaning/Reorganizing the house</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My photography </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My blogging</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And give even more focus to those things that I have been doing:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Novel/Screenwriting</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Spending quality time with my family</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I say, here's to summer! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To several fun trips, soccer and baseball and lacrosse for the boys, softball games for my husband, more photography and blogging and of course writing for me </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And most importantly to a good amount of fun, relaxing days spent together as a family...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because there are about 80 days of summer vacation (at least here in Boulder) and that will just fly by in what will feel like the blink of an eye...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And I will stop here before I start rambling about how fast time flies. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy summer! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-55660817680613929592014-03-07T15:20:00.002-08:002014-03-07T15:20:54.466-08:00My Sweet Three<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UhaTtvIbSp8ocAdcNoVNspfMTo08uPnk3VFJw2uvTKRbqxBICs6EPkT-pD3BeTDEG3uWNIaWctI_67NhiRrdizLCXthuAMfaYReigor7gqd-gYXUP159vo-EgywjwsvtWmyiyW4TR0w/s1600/IMG_5044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UhaTtvIbSp8ocAdcNoVNspfMTo08uPnk3VFJw2uvTKRbqxBICs6EPkT-pD3BeTDEG3uWNIaWctI_67NhiRrdizLCXthuAMfaYReigor7gqd-gYXUP159vo-EgywjwsvtWmyiyW4TR0w/s1600/IMG_5044.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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3 is the magic number. Oh, yes it is. Oh, yes it is.</div>
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These boys above are my sweet three. </div>
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Not that they're always sweet. </div>
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In fact, the attitudes can abound.</div>
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Along with screams and pouts and hits. </div>
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In moments it can get physical,</div>
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Sometimes one after another in triple succession.</div>
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However, </div>
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When I look at their faces</div>
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Or listen to their chatter</div>
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And hear their laughter</div>
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It reminds me of how lucky I am. </div>
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However, ...</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-5184745976653525832014-01-07T22:44:00.001-08:002014-01-07T22:44:33.144-08:00365 Project: 7/365<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFDfwsAQfeJTuMTqyxGInopUvU5nEqcNLLxu7gt9RMVBH_L_j0MSYw0pZCT9gwhBUWfwQjRngQDg2dXQ_CBPkPq_GnMeAZc6GsK99nwRihDn_ngjnZT_he9lNUcHDqcJwDKbsTrHqZtI/s1600/IMG_6013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFDfwsAQfeJTuMTqyxGInopUvU5nEqcNLLxu7gt9RMVBH_L_j0MSYw0pZCT9gwhBUWfwQjRngQDg2dXQ_CBPkPq_GnMeAZc6GsK99nwRihDn_ngjnZT_he9lNUcHDqcJwDKbsTrHqZtI/s1600/IMG_6013.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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7/365. January 7, 2014</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-3456674507051291892014-01-04T12:12:00.001-08:002014-01-04T12:12:50.424-08:00Starting at Square One...Again...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I find with life happening, it is tough to blog which is ironic because I started this blog mainly to chronicle this time in my life as a woman, a writer,a wife, a mother, a transplant from New York City living now in Boulder, Colorado. <br />
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It seems like life is happening too fast and my fingers are a little too slow when it comes to getting on the laptop. I'm sure there are those of you out there who can relate. <br />
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I'm not giving up though. This blog is still my baby - along with a couple of others I have - and I plan to nurture it in the next coming months. Really pay attention to it in the midst of the craziness that is life. Have it available to share with you. There may even be an updated look/design in the future. <br />
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Once again, it feels like I'm starting at square one. I feel like I've had several of these "starts" in the last year. I'm brand new again. Have to figure it all out - again. <br />
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This is good, I believe, for me personally. A little lesson in perseverance. And faith.<br />
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I can wake this sleeping baby and keep her active. She'll be my vessel for sharing, for leading me places, for reconnecting me back into a wonderful blog community.<br />
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It's at times intimidating. Remember, I have had several of these "starts" before. <br />
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I look forward to it, though. <br />
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It will be so worth it.<br />
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<b>How do you manage to find time to blog while life is in full swing? How do you plan your schedule to make time for your blog? This inquiring mind would love to know. </b></div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-82916533495581029622013-11-06T13:09:00.001-08:002013-11-06T13:09:54.965-08:00Wordless Wednesday: Becoming A Boy...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been awhile. </div>
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You know, life happens and you can't ignore it. </div>
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But it's good to be back on the blog train. </div>
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I hope to keep it going. </div>
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And I begin on this Wordless Wednesday </div>
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With a photo that moves my heart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaTT2a8vJ5NxXqp3laTsFH1Tvi-_gr1Y8bXyszCgN48a_okLRhVnyQvaAAj1iV20NpN0mDUwvjfzxGi0rQMQV2Tk-huMfPQscKwK82oMbdmUrbIrodPbJxnckur7qjbpxQtlyUZ92rl8/s1600/IMG_4039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaTT2a8vJ5NxXqp3laTsFH1Tvi-_gr1Y8bXyszCgN48a_okLRhVnyQvaAAj1iV20NpN0mDUwvjfzxGi0rQMQV2Tk-huMfPQscKwK82oMbdmUrbIrodPbJxnckur7qjbpxQtlyUZ92rl8/s320/IMG_4039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This Fall Moment. </div>
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This is my youngest - the baby. </div>
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Love the light and shadows in front of him. </div>
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His walking so independently symbolizes how my baby has become a little boy. </div>
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Where did the time go?</div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-29159166505815346642013-09-25T10:52:00.003-07:002013-09-25T10:52:47.443-07:00Flood Waters <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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From Wednesday, September 11th to Friday September 13th, Boulder County along with other counties in Colorado experience heavy rain storms which lead to massive flooding all over the city of Boulder, including our neighborhood.<br />
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Friends and neighbors experienced major flooding in their basements and crawlspaces up to a foot and 1/2 high. Roads were washed out and schools were closed.<br />
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Above is a picture of our main road which was flooded. To my boys' amazement, their road of 75th - a road we drive on at least 4-5 times a day, to get out of our neighborhood and go to other parts of Boulder - became a river as water flowed from the creek beside it. A creek that swelled to about four times its size and became a rushing mass of murky water. <br />
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Over the road and onto the acres of land that run beside this main road. As far as the eye could see covering over land that animals used to graze on.<br />
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Surreal and Amazing. <br />
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Colorado is a dry place usually with little rain. That changed in a matter of hours. <br />
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Boulder and parts of Northern and Eastern Colorado haven't seen flooding like this in about 1,000 years they're saying. And probably won't for another 1,000. Ironically, we are a part of history.<br />
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This photo above of our three boys standing in front of our road - my husband took, speaks volumes. <br />
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I sent it to CNN/iReport and they<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1035825"> posted it</a> with a news note because this photo does really does say it all. For several days, Boulder and the counties north and east, especially those in the mountains and in the Eastern plains were covered and surrounded by water - roads washed out, homes damaged, people stranded. <br />
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We feel spared and blessed. We had limited mobility due to flooded roads, our basement sustained a little damage with water, but we are fine. Our school too but it too has been cleaned up and the grounds are drying out. Other schools didn't have it so lucky.<br />
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So over a week later, Boulder is in recovery mode - drying out - though some of our friends who live in the mountains are displaced - they won't be able to go back to their homes for about 9 months to a year which is when the county is expecting the roads to be repaired. They are living and renting down here - starting life over, literally.<br />
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It's like that here. A sense of disorientation and disruption in our lives for a week because of the floods and now life starting over again now that the floods are gone. Getting back to normal - a new normal, for a lot of folks. <br />
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School is open again and soon the boys will be able to have their soccer games again - the fields are drying out. <br />
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The sun is out nowadays - bright and shining - but as I drive I still see the residual from the floods -- small ponds and lakes in the middle of fields where there weren't any before and lots of mud and dirt across and on the side of roads where the water once covered it. Homes with murky pools of water still standing in their front yards.<br />
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This back to Normal - this New Normal for some - it will take time. <br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-43304179960101378982013-09-11T08:32:00.004-07:002013-09-11T08:35:21.362-07:00Milestones: First Day of School Ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My 3 year old. <br />
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The youngest - my baby.<br />
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This photo - taken two weeks ago to this day.<br />
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He was on the way to the car when Mommy told him to turn around and smile for a picture.<br />
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I needed one to mark this very special milestone.<br />
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The First Day of School for this 3 year old Ever.<br />
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To him, it was a new adventure -- school, a new teacher, new things to do, being with new people.<br />
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To me, it is the end of an era -- of having baby/toddlers in my home, hanging onto my legs, going on walks with me.<br />
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And to me, it is the beginning of a new era - having independent time alone in the mornings. Thinking for one, instead of two - at least for two and half hours, anyway. <br />
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With busy school activities filling in a few of the mornings in the last two weeks, it may take awhile for this new independence of mine to sink in but it's there. It's there for me to use as I see fit.<br />
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I have to confess though - I do love it when the 3 year old runs out of school, backpack on and his arms open wide, with a big grin on his face, screaming "Mommy!" <br />
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I get to have my pal back and we get to spend a few hours alone together until it's time to get the big boys.<br />
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Specialness.<br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-55619372719250368522013-08-06T09:29:00.000-07:002013-08-06T09:29:46.202-07:00Milestones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"The following information will help you prepare your preteen to come to camp." </i><br />
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This is the first sentence on the Kids Camp Guidelines form.<br />
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My preteen? Preteen? <br />
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When did I become the mother of a preteen?<br />
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I have a preteen.<br />
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And I will be sending him off to sleep away camp for the first time ever, through our church.<br />
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For him, the first time ever being away from home. <br />
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Four nights up in the mountains.<br />
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My sensitive, moody boy who believes all things in life should be fair. Must be fair.<br />
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My train loving transit kid. <br />
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My little engineer who has to have things exactly the way he wants them.<br />
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My heart clenches. <br />
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I want him to have a good time. The best time ever.<br />
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To grow and make new friends. Maybe even find the BFF he has been longing for.<br />
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It will be the first time he'll be hanging with his peers for an extended period of time this summer. It's been mostly hang time with his younger brothers. <br />
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I'm excited for that or should I be?<br />
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How will he do?<br />
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The unknown makes me and his Dad a little anxious.<br />
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But this is good. <br />
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For him and for us. <br />
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I've got insurance though. Yes, his Dad will be working up at the camp as a counselor. ;-)<br />
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Far enough away from him (Dad will be with the 5th grade group), yet still nearby.<br />
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Just in case.<br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-33349891307645607162013-08-02T21:46:00.001-07:002013-08-02T22:09:50.815-07:00Summer's Upon Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Can't believe it's been over two months since my last post. <br />
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The summer started off with a bang - less than two weeks since school ended and we were off to Toronto, Canada for a wedding and then to my hometown of New York City with the boys solo. Stayed in the home I grew up in back in the Bronx. It has been about 8 years since I stayed there.<br />
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The old neighborhood looked the same yet smaller. The subway cars the same. Tons of time riding them back and forth much to my 8 year old's delight.<br />
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2 weeks in NY and back to Boulder near the end of June. <br />
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And then fourth of July and a few sick days for me, and then summer in Boulder.<br />
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A birthday bash of a weekend for the new 6 year old - our middle boy (see photo above)<br />
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and then summer really began in Boulder.<br />
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And now it is August.<br />
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In less than three weeks the boys will have their first day of school.<br />
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The Back-to-School Commercials have begun here in Colorado. <br />
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Nope. Not ready for that yet. <br />
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Summer. Summer. My favorite season of the year.<br />
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And yet in moments, it doesn't feel like summer to me. <br />
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It's been more go-go than laid-back-feet-up-resting-on-a-chair. <br />
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More urban visits and less coastal visits. <br />
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Coastal visits, ocean views, beaches give me the summer feeling and haven't had an abundance of those, so maybe that's it.<br />
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It's been all good, though. <br />
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Not ready for it to end. <br />
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Nope, not at all.<br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-2168275074524785022013-05-24T10:38:00.000-07:002013-05-24T10:38:49.742-07:00Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So it looks like Spring is here to stay (cross your fingers!) in this part of Colorado. </div>
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April brought snow. </div>
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May is bringing rain</div>
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and because of that we get to experience</div>
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a visual wonderland of beauty. </div>
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Just several of my spring photo favorites </div>
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from a spring that has come late this year </div>
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(all from just last week!). </div>
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I stepped outside my front door on a rain-washed morning </div>
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and found these raindrops sitting atop blades of green grass. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTqPi1gLrhIJrgNaOuMpbwLASPSIuOxFETiNuNLZwqYKQzjLpfOQ89YwwHd9FIJ4IT8THaBk8iyhvYRPyfIioLrgAlLAFDq0T5532PrwjMVt5DgzJDVEhMYUQNiWePDHfVbZnZMjNqA/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTqPi1gLrhIJrgNaOuMpbwLASPSIuOxFETiNuNLZwqYKQzjLpfOQ89YwwHd9FIJ4IT8THaBk8iyhvYRPyfIioLrgAlLAFDq0T5532PrwjMVt5DgzJDVEhMYUQNiWePDHfVbZnZMjNqA/s400/IMG_1664.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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And outside on my back patio I marveled on the plant and what is to come </div>
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(and the lush green grass in the background). </div>
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On Mother's Day, took a walk down Pearl St., an outdoor promenade in downtown Boulder </div>
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and found what I'd been longing to see these last few weeks. </div>
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Flowers...flowers...and more flowers...</div>
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in all their orange, red and yellow glory. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTwuypk8YC9gshkFbp1DaHUnnf0ZLVxxt3YOwggSOdpkctit9JWJmHiZIFx1cFPfyXHsfiiKKDDRzDzg0IseOf561HOdpggjU_Pg189PMhn0gdH2ljdtknNEV-zMuK9RqRsEPn8Ao7Q/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTwuypk8YC9gshkFbp1DaHUnnf0ZLVxxt3YOwggSOdpkctit9JWJmHiZIFx1cFPfyXHsfiiKKDDRzDzg0IseOf561HOdpggjU_Pg189PMhn0gdH2ljdtknNEV-zMuK9RqRsEPn8Ao7Q/s400/IMG_1840.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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And down the next block, more in their purple majesty. </div>
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The striped red and yellow flowers stood out in between, </div>
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not wishing to be forgotten. </div>
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And in their classic red beauty, these tulips. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JRw74Ihpi3k-aBAJj8kp81A23Mf43e4EOK2dc01YFwGxMFdEzhG9UnymrLzGjeqrW3qTSkhGmKW3WpCRz2thqIYHMt9G810OFih9pPaGpJ3ebHM3P-WyDoWgU5rzDUw487nv-OTBUg/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JRw74Ihpi3k-aBAJj8kp81A23Mf43e4EOK2dc01YFwGxMFdEzhG9UnymrLzGjeqrW3qTSkhGmKW3WpCRz2thqIYHMt9G810OFih9pPaGpJ3ebHM3P-WyDoWgU5rzDUw487nv-OTBUg/s320/IMG_1795.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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An array of beautiful colors. </div>
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I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day gift after all of our snow. </div>
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I felt doubly blessed because the lens caught their vibrancy. </div>
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No editing needed to be done. </div>
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Sweet. </div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-21667841930176525712013-05-05T22:57:00.002-07:002013-05-05T22:57:55.964-07:00Outside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">Along with the love of photography, there is the love of writing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">My first love. My dream. My career path. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">It's been good to get outside this week, parking myself at a cafe to write. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that, there's been lots of progress - pages of a screenplay written. With the pages, that falling in love feeling again -- with my story, with my characters. Though I skipped this morning's writing time, I am planning on tomorrow night's writing time outside -- possibly at the Barnes & Nobles, a mile away from home. The goal as always is to be consistent. Doing something for 21 days creates a habit. That's what I'm hoping for.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">Yes and sometimes the writing seems endless -- the end goal, far, but having these writing times makes me see that I can reach that end goal. That I will finish a draft. It is possible.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, my life hovers around me -- there are only three weeks of school left -- and several school activities and events that will take up the days. Book reviews to write, a personal business to build but I will not despair. Despite the busyness, stress and anxiety, I will keep the faith.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe these voyages outside the home to write will help me with that. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I look forward to them in the weeks to come. </span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-9958054070825910492013-04-13T20:48:00.002-07:002013-05-05T23:14:58.412-07:00In Search of Joy...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
I realize what both my husband and I need is joy. More joy.<br />
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To enjoy life more with the kids. Cherish the moments instead of getting stressed out by them.<br />
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Today I had two fun, enjoyable events to go to. I felt like I should have been more positive, more happy and yet my joy was tempered.<br />
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Tempered by what?<br />
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My husband at home sick with the three boys.<br />
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The house being a complete disaster.<br />
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The two tasks we have for church in the morning: serving breakfast and teaching the kids, the latter we are not completely prepared for.<br />
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The worry about tomorrow - will the husband be well enough to teach? And if he is not, how will I convey the help I need? By the fact that there are several details to remember for tomorrow and I am afraid I am going to forget one of them and they are each important.<br />
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These worries are why I couldn't fully enjoy the baby shower I went to this afternoon, though I had fun.<br />
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I figured as I was driving from the baby shower, that I need to lean on God more. Surrender. A challenge for me and the husband since we're both by default self-reliant people.<br />
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And be 100% in the moment. <br />
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Don't worry about tomorrow.<br />
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Just focus on what's in front of me today and cherish.</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-73254336976253992192013-04-09T17:21:00.000-07:002013-04-09T17:22:13.155-07:00PYHO: Yes, I Am A Christian But Do You Really Know Me?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Almost twenty years ago, I made a decision to make Jesus Lord of my Life. <br />
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To live my life for God to the fullest extent.<br />
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It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, especially after having grown up religious. <br />
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I had to throw off every religious, legalistic part of me and really embrace the message that Jesus was sending to the world. <br />
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Think with my heart and my head and count the cost of what it means to really live this way.<br />
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Hard work. But one of the best decisions I've made in my life. <br />
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One of the wisest too.<br />
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Which I think is why it bothers me when I am viewed by people who don't quite know or kind of know me as a caricature because I am a Christian. Mind you, these are people who already have a pre-conceived notions in their head about Christians and Christianity and what a Christian is. Of course, it doesn't help when there are those who claim to be Christians who come across in certain, unappealing ways.<br />
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I am not preachy, self-righteous, living high on the pedestal of my soap box (ick!)<br />
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Nor am I a mindless robot, following a philosophy blindly and without rational thought.<br />
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I am not weak and co-dependent, needing a crutch to lean on.<br />
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I am a critical thinker.<br />
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A human being just like you.<br />
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I married a man who lives the same way. We are looking to teach our boys to be the best they can be in this world - strong, smart, tough, sweet, faithful, honest men of integrity and character where your word is your bond. Where your "Yes" means "Yes" and your "No" means "No". <br />
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I mess up. I admit I do - sooo hard! - and I love God for being there for me when I do.<br />
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I am not trying to keep up with the religious Jones' or even with the leaders of my church or any church for that matter. Or even with the hippest, latest philosophy trend. <br />
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I am just a woman who loves God and strives to live my life honestly and righteously with all those pesky flaws I possess. They are glaring, believe me. I see them every day. <br />
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I don't bible thump, I don't raise my hands, I don't judge others nor do I liked to be judged (but I don't have control of that one, do I?) :-)<br />
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I share my life. I share my faith. I share my words. I share my love even in the most painful times when it is so hard to do so.<br />
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Being a Christian in this world is not easy. Trust me, this is not me having a victim mentality or me complaining. It's just a fact, like being Black or being gay or heavy-set in this world is not easy, among other things. <br />
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Having those principles and living by them can lead to repercussions, some of which I don't understand. But they are there. And I have to continually remember that people come with all sorts of baggage and notions (religious and non-religious) so when they discover I'm a Christian, judgements are made. <br />
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I would love to be viewed as a human being who just has a deep love for God and is living her life His way.<br />
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I cringe at the Christian stereotypes. Or being "typed"in general.<br />
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I am just Me. Probably a lot like You.<br />
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Feel free to accept me for who I am, Christian and all.<br />
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Without judgement, please. (wink!)<br />
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And I promise I'll do the same with you, no matter who you are.<br />
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<i>Linking up with Shell and pouring my heart out...</i></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-18521196882070939922013-04-06T08:32:00.002-07:002013-04-06T08:38:12.157-07:00Yellow/Easter <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Spring is here. </div>
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Even though it depends from day-to-day here in Colorado. </div>
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Spring and a whole host of chances </div>
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for photo opportunities. </div>
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I am joining in with <a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/nurture-photo-challenge/">Nurture Photography</a> and their Spring 2013 Seasonal Photo Challenge series</div>
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through my <a href="http://www.melaniebatesphotographyblog.blogspot.com/">photography</a> blog. </div>
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Wonderful for this photographer as I photograph my way through spring. </div>
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I am excited to discover this season through my lens. </div>
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A week ago, the family and I took a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico</div>
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but we couldn't forget our family tradition of coloring Easter Eggs with Easter just around the corner</div>
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even while away. </div>
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So we colored eggs, in our hotel room. </div>
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My three boys colored their eggs all kinds of wonderful yellows, oranges, pinks, purples and blues.</div>
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Including the special three: one with each of their names on it. </div>
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And two days later, on Easter, after we returned home, there was an Easter egg hunt in our backyard.</div>
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One lone egg waiting for a little boy to find it.</div>
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A yellow egg found by the 3 year old</div>
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And a yellow bat too which made him quickly forget about the yellow egg and the egg hunt altogether.</div>
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A wonderful time. </div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-87255809687352838322013-04-03T10:00:00.004-07:002013-04-03T10:00:56.120-07:00Wordless Wednesday: It's All in the Lines...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A railyard in Santa Fe. </div>
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A beautiful spring day. </div>
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A boy who loves tracks and lines</div>
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enough to sit and marvel in the details of this ground</div>
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made of metal and brick</div>
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and be engrossed for awhile. </div>
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<i>Linking up for Wordless Wednesday </i></div>
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<i>with</i></div>
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<i> Kristi at Live and Love Out Loud</i></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33734418945629290.post-47957554974153692032013-03-13T07:07:00.000-07:002013-03-13T07:07:07.106-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Snowy Fingertips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9isRjTdFsvWi2HS1_poKqVCjfBGZE2f4BY9OItiITkevxUXRPYpUsFkEFAFb5RAEnZ_mOq3sCJfj8NFfrH_tCArOjp8tCKgVnl-pzxAgRh1xXMdZA-ohlzV31Tp88cXfrrPNdHoZD7oA/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9isRjTdFsvWi2HS1_poKqVCjfBGZE2f4BY9OItiITkevxUXRPYpUsFkEFAFb5RAEnZ_mOq3sCJfj8NFfrH_tCArOjp8tCKgVnl-pzxAgRh1xXMdZA-ohlzV31Tp88cXfrrPNdHoZD7oA/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's March and here, in Colorado, we've been going back and forth between snowy days and mild non-snowy days. Luckily they're all sunny.</div>
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My 3 year old decided to take advantage of one recent sunny day and decided to dip his fingers in the snow as it was melting in the sunshine. </div>
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As a result, he came up with watery, snowy fingertips.</div>
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Happy Wednesday! </div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15014066951851923567noreply@blogger.com