11.24.11

3rd Annual Turkey Trot

Well, my time wasn't as good as last year, but it was better than two years ago...working at getting back to my "Tri for the Cure" fitness level. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

07.19.11

Thunderstorm

Last week we had a number of storms roll through Castle Rock...unfortunately, I wasn't at home to enjoy them. Tonight we had a storm come through that had a TON of lightning and it was GREAT. This is one of the bolts that hit just on the other side of the interstate - just about 2 miles away. We had one that was literally just across the fairway, but didn't manage to get a shot of that one.

I loved the chance to sit outside, under the deck, and enjoy the rain, lightning and thunder...there's nothing like a good rumble.

07.04.11

Budweiser Backyard BBQ House Party

We had a wonderful night with family! The weather was perfect, the burgers were yummy and the free Budweiser beer was cold! I was selected to host the House Party (you can check them out at: http://www.houseparty.com). One of the items included in my party pack were plastic cups...we did find another use for them! :o)

05.18.11

Golf????

Wednesday evening means golf league...even on nights like tonight! I actually wouldn't have played tonight if we wouldn't have had a scramble tournament. They had been calling for rain all day and it was raining off and on. At the beginning of our tournament we were lucky in the fact that the wind died down. Just two minutes after I got this photo, it started raining - with small hail mixed in. Other than some wet pants...we survived!

05.16.11

Eggs

Yesterday afternoon I got a little scare...I saw a pile of feathers in the middle of the backyard. Upon further investigation I couldn't rule out the possibility it might be the female bluebird. I kept a close eye out for her the remainder of the day yesterday, but no signs. I also didn't see her this morning before heading into work. Fortunately, around 5 o'clock this evening she peaked her head out of the box. I decided to do a quick next check and discovered 6 eggs!! VERY excited!!

05.15.11

New Project

Well, Kelly and I got a new project underway today...creating some animal letters for the soon to be arriving Jack. We managed to get the animals picked out (I still need to create the patterns for those) and we got the first coat of paint on for the letters. I will be sure to update you on the progress.

05.12.11

Springtime in Colorado

Yesterday we had a storm set in over most of Colorado. We had probably an inch or two of snow and some rain. (When I checked the rain gauge around 5:30 there was just over an inch + one small bug.)

Today we woke up to this! By around 8:00 we had about 4 inches and the big, wet flakes were still coming down!

Snow in May isn't that unusual for Colorado. For the unusual part, check out my blog post from May 12, 2010! http://everydayinaphoto.blogspot.com/2010/05/051210.html

05.08.11

Nest

We have a nest in progress! I have to admit that I was very concerned...I haven't seen very many blue birds in the neighborhood or around the school. I'm once again participating in the Colorado Blue Bird Project and I'll be anxious to see the results for this year. Looking forward to another nesting season!!

And HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

05.7.11

Rubber Duckies!

There were rubber duckies EVERYWHERE today. We held my sister's baby shower today and the theme was...rubber duckies! Two years ago I made some fun cupcakes for her bridal shower, so I only thought it was fitting that I make something for her baby shower. The weather was PERFECT so we were able to hold the shower outside and it was a GREAT afternoon!!

04.27.11

Spring in Colorado

We woke up this morning to just over an inch of snow. It was a beautiful morning!

I did see the mail blue bird around the box this morning. Also had a swallow on the deck.

04.25.11

Photo Contest-Need Votes!!

I would appreciate ANY votes you would like to send my way...vote for as many as you like!! I have photos on these pages:
http://photocontest.islands.com/photo_contest/65/photos/all?page=10

http://photocontest.islands.com/photo_contest/65/photos/all?page=9

http://photocontest.islands.com/photo_contest/65/photos/all?page=8

You will have to complete a quick registration to vote.

THANKS!!

04.23.11

Birthday

Well, I realized that I took NO photo of my mom's surprise birthday party...what!?!?!? I guess it must have been because we were crazy busy.

With or without a photo, we had a WONDERFUL night!!!

04.21.11

A Single Flower

On my way back from the mailbox I noticed that a single tulip had made its way up out of the rocks.

04.20.11

Spring Flowers

As I was leaving for work this morning the daffodils resting in the sun caught my eye.

04.19.11

First Storm

Well, today we had our first "storm." I was out for a walk during my lunch and noticed that the clouds were rolling in fast. I cut my walk short and just in time...the rain and hail began just about 4 minutes after I got inside. The hail was small and I was able to enjoy the smell of the rain.

This morning I also saw my first pair of swallows hanging out on the deck.

04.16.11

Mussels

We finally gave mussels a try! We were at The Union here in Castle Rock. The mussels were steamed in safron chile broth with a baguette and garlic aioli. We both liked them, I think me a little more than Chad. I am anxious to give them another try.

04.13.11

Outdoor Education - Final Day

During our time at High Trails, I have been working with the students in the Trapper group. During our time in the forest, students had the opportunity to build their own lean-to structures. I came across a number of very cool fallen logs. I've enjoyed my time with the kids, but I'm anxious to get back home. I will say that being out in the mountains makes me anxious to go camping this summer.

04.12.11

Outdoor Education - Day 2

I was very excited to wake up to beautiful, clear skies this morning! We were up early for our morning hike. This was the view looking east towards Pikes Peak.

04.11.11

Outdoor Education

Today was the first of three days at High Trails just outside of Florrisant, Colorado. This is a camp for the 6th graders - I went as a chaperone. We had great weather for our first day. This is a photo of an aspen tree...I loved the texture.

04.10.11

Downtown Urban Field Trip

The weather held out for my photo field trip class in downtown Denver. There were 10 of us in the class and we had the opportunity to get some pointers in using our cameras and then headed out to walk around and take some photos. This was part of a sign.

04.07.11

Cupcake

As many of you know, I have purchased the two Hello Cupcake books and have enjoyed baking some fun and creative cupcakes. A student at school delivered this cupcake for her birthday and I just had to take a photo.

04.05.11

Thankful

I know this photo of my car wheel probably seems random and isn't of high quality, but I was so thankful that it was still intact. This evening while I was traveling through an intersection here in town, another driver ran a red light and hit the car right in front of me. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

04.03.11

SNOW!

Well, it is 50 degrees colder than yesterday...it was 81 degrees and we were out playing golf - actually got a sunburn! Today it's all about keeping from getting blown away and not getting frostbite! Gotta love spring in Colorado!

04.02.11

Spring Golf...Again

We were lucky enough to make it out the Ridge again for some golf. The wind started off very calm, but ended up making an appearance. At least it was sunny and warm...80 degrees!! With all of these wind days I won't know how to play in nice weather.

04.01.11

Dusting Off

It's April 1st and the outdoor furniture has made its appearance!! They are calling for snow on Sunday or Monday, so I'm sure that it will get a little wet. Since the weather was so nice today, I was able to enjoy a little time sitting on it, watching and listening to the birds. (Still looking for those darn blue birds!!) I even broke it in with a Fijitini!! So looking forward to summer!!

03.31.11

Spring Golf

Installing tile and playing golf were on my "to do" list for spring break. The damn wind has been getting in our way for golfing. We decided to play at The Ridge today...the weather forecast was calling for winds to pick up around noon - not so much! We still managed to have fun...on most holes. :o)

03.30.11

Tile is Done!

Well, we have officially put our first tiling job in the books! We are VERY happy with how it all turned out. Chad did a great job of installing the new under-cabinet lighting.

03.24.11

First Blooms

The mini daffodils once again managed to be the first flowers to bloom this spring...there must be some snow on the way!

03.23.11

Let the Fun Begin!

The tiling project in the kitchen is getting underway today! This is our time tiling, so we are both a little nervous and excited. I'll be sure to post the after photos when we are all done.

03.22.11

Spring Has Sprung

I was in the backyard checking things out...I'm VERY anxious for spring! Came across these tulips making their way through the soil and mulch.

03.21.11

A Day of Play

First "official" day of spring break and I got to play...bubbles, seashells, popcorn, car wash, and hermit crabs!

03.16.11

Another Pair

This morning there was a pair of bluebirds hanging out on the desk this morning...they didn't seem to stick around long. Today was the first day I saw a couple of bluebirds in the neighborhood.

03.14.11

Beautiful Morning!

This picture didn't truly capture the morning colors. As the sun came up, there was a warm glow on the mountains. Getting very excited for spring and summer!

03.12.11

Perfect Picture!

We were out in the backyard this morning to clean up the old plants and grasses...no sign of any bluebirds. We came back inside to fix lunch and while I was looking outside and saw the brilliant blue!

There was a male and female around the box - both looking in several times. There was another female just a little ways away in the scrub oak. This is the most activity I've had around the box...anxious to see if they stick around!

03.11.11

YEA!!

This morning I had the first bluebird of the season in the yard (at least that I've spotted). It tried sitting on top of the nesting box but the wind was blowing so hard this morning that he couldn't hang on.

I had to come back and edit this post right after publishing it...a bluebird flew into one of my windows right when I had clicked "Publish Post." It appeared to fly off okay.

03.10.11

Wrong Type of Bird

I was excited by the bluebirds I saw when leaving school and since the weather was beautiful, I decided to sit out in the backyard and keep my eye out for some birds around the house. There were a few that made a quick dash past me, but this was the only "bluebird" I was going to be photographing today.

03.08.11

Party Pack Arrived!

Very excited today...the party pack for my DIGIORNO Pizza & Hoops House Party arrived today! Contents: coupons for food that night, coupons for the guests, hot pad, pizza cutter, spatula, timer, plates, fridge magnet clip, an over-the-door basketball game, inflatable noisemakers, and wet wipes.

Looking forward to March 19th - I'll share a photo!

03.07.11

Busted Toe

There have been a number of times I've caught my little toe on the edge of the suitcase or some other item on the floor of our bedroom...it's usually no big deal. This time was different. Yesterday it was full-force into the edge of the suitcase and it was the toe next to my little toe that took the brunt of it. I think there's a good chance it's broken - just have to wear loose shoes and keep it taped for a little while. I guess it's better now than this summer when I'm playing golf!

03.05.11

Morning of Learning

This morning was great! Two other teachers and I planned and executed a great morning of professional learning for other technology folks in our district. We ended up with about 60 folks at the conference and had 10 different sessions for them to choose from. This photo is of the presentation done by one of my Discover Educator Network (DEN) friends, who is also a DEN Guru. She joined us virtually from Pennsylvania!

The crazy thing...the three of us never actually met in person to organize the ETIL Regional Conference. We met virtually via Skype and utilized Google Docs and email. A great use of technology resources to pull off a great technology conference.

03.02.11

Breakfast

Chad treated me to a great breakfast of steak, toast and soft-boiled eggs. We fixed the filet in the sous vide last night and Chad did the eggs this morning. This was the first time for doing eggs...they were yummy!! Thanks babe - it was a GREAT start to my day!!

03.01.11

Great Morning

The first day of March found me talking a morning walk on the golf course. It was great to see some familiar territory...it was so quiet and peaceful. I caught the sunrise over the Rock.

02.27.11

Grand Tetons

The sun was out and it was a beautiful day. On our flight home from Montana I spotted Grand Teton National Park out of my window in the distance. It looked beautiful...the picture doesn't do it justice.

02.26.11

A New Beginning

Today Joshua, my cousin, and Christy became man and wife. They had a beautiful ceremony in Bozeman, Montana - Christy's hometown. There were moments of mixed emotions today. At many points in time I so wished that my Aunt Julie could have been there to share in their special day - she would have been so proud.

One of those moments was when we released lanterns into the cold, night sky. I know there was at least one that reached heaven. We miss you Julie...

02.23.11

A Happier Place

After one of the toughest days I've ever had, I was able to get away to a happier place for a little while. The weather was nice today and I was able to get out and walk on my favorite trail behind the school. I ran into a few patches of mud and ice, but it was a much needed time out and in the sun. My heart is still so full of sadness...I miss my Bailey.

02.22.11

Our Brown Dog

Today we lost a family member of 14 years. Bailey has been with Chad and I since our first Christmas together. Whenever there was a mess to clean up or he did something bad, we would always joke - "He's your dog." But today...we lost "our dog."

02.14.11

Sweet

We had our "official" Valentine's celebration on Friday night with dinner at our favorite restaurant...Flemings. But today, even with a sick sweetie, I found two roses in my car after school. It reminded me of our college days. (The roses were usually left on the outside of my car, but it was very windy today.) Thanks sweetie!

02.11.11

New Apple Product?

This is the BEST!! I was in a classroom after school today and saw this. It may look like the newest and greatest Apple product, but it's actually a Valentine's box!!

02.09.11

Live

The first word in our school's motto. What did YOU do to live today? Today is Buddy Check 9 Day. Ladies...do a self-breast exam and remind your female friends & family. Men...remind the women in your life.

02.07.11

Duct Tape

So, I've come to a conclusion...duct tape is good for ANYTHING!! And for me, it serves multiple "foot" purposes. I won't bore you with the long story, but due to lost luggage, I had a bad fin incident on one of our dive trips...it resulted in me only being able to wear flip flops for an entire month when we returned home and scars on two toes - one on each foot. To this day I still get hot-spots on my toes. So what do I use?? Duct tape! I wrap small pieces around several of my toes and it works great!! Much better than the mole skin that comes off after one dive - I usually have to cut off the duct tape by the end at the day.

Well, I have now found a winter use for it as well. I've had these boots for years and they've become dried and cracked - resulting in water leaking in. With our recent snow and my crosswalk duty, I decided to solve that problem and duct tape them.! It worked great - no leaks! I wish I would have thought of this sooner! I only had one student comment on my new fashion statement.

02.06.11

Super Bowl

We had a great time at Kelly & Alex's Super Bowl Party. I had to honor their Packers with a photo of the GREAT cupcake and "cheese" cakes. Thanks guys and congrats on your Super Bowl Champs!!

02.05.11

Snow!

After bitter cold temperatures last week, and two cold days, it was time for snow. The storm moved in quickly and has dropped several inches in a short time...predicted to get up to 8 by tomorrow morning.

02.02.11

Cookies!

A second "cold day" off from school called for a "Matty Day"! I finally broke into the alphabet cookie cutters - been saving them for over a year. :o) We had fun making everyone's name...and every letter was "E!"