My dad

I am here in Arizona right now.  My dad just had his knee replaced.  He hasn't been doing so great.  He is in a lot of pain, he gets dizzy.  I feel really bad for him.  I admit, his scar looks a lot worse than my left knee does.  It is really hard to watch your parents grow old.  I am not enjoying this at all.  As a child, you always think your parents will life forever but as you start to grow up you realize it just isn't going to happen.  I am so glad I am here to help.  This morning when I got up, he knee was really swelled and hot to the touch.  It was a little alarming and we thought we might need to take him to the emergency room but I think he is okay, it is normal.  Right now the nurse and PT are here.

I have felt bad about having to leave my kids alone.  Brad isn't able to watch them because he is working and I have been in Tucson at the hospital.  I was lucky enough to be able to spend a little time with Tyler on his birthday.  My big boy turned 7 on Tuesday.  I will have to post his answers to the many questions I will ask him.

Pondering

It has been a couple of weeks since the Waldo Fire here in Colorado Springs.  

It was a crazy few days, especially for those people who were truly effected by the fire.  32,000+ people were evacuated from their homes, some with only minutes to get out.  On that Tuesday evening when the wind started to blow and we saw the fire start to crest over the mountain my heart ached for all those many people who lived West of I-25.  It was an eerie feeling, almost helpless.

On Tuesday when we were out taking these pictures the smoke in the air was overwhelming.  It felt like we were sitting at a camp fire and there was no escaping the smoke.  I was worried for Tyler and Katie not being able to breathe.  I wouldn't let them get out of the car and for the most part had them keep the windows rolled up.

When we went home that evening we were glued to the TV.  Every local station was covering the fire.  All the many people being evacuated  were shown.  The traffic was stopped.  Bumper to bumper.  I am so thankful they were able to get out.  346 homes were lost that fateful night on June 26, 2012.  The fire was so bad even the firefighters had to retreat.  

2 weeks later we were driving around the Mountain Shadows area, not wanting to overstep our bounds, it was so devastating to see the disaster.  Homes burned and there was nothing left.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

I am so thankful we were kept safe.  I am thankful to the many men and women who risked their lives fighting this fire. 

This truly puts life into perspective.

I am so very thankful for my family.  I am thankful we are together and safe.

  

Station 19~Colorado Springs

Yesterday we had the fantastic opportunity to serve our local fire fighters.  With the Waldo Fire happening, our firefighters have been so busy.  Not only are they working their regular shifts, they are working the Waldo fire as well.  

We were able to take them dinner.  It was a great experience for all of us but especially for Tyler and Katie.  It was great for them to see the fire station, the trucks, and all the things they do.  Jeremy was kind enough to give us a tour of the trucks when we arrived.  Tyler was so excited he wanted to wear his Halloween costume from 2 years ago.  It is a little small but he loved it!

In talking with Jeremy, he said this is the first time that everyone was called in.  He said even if it was your day off or you were on vacation (unless out of state), they were called back to work. 

They were so kind and so appreciative of us bringing us dinner but we are the ones who have been served.  

Last year Katie almost died, and luckily for us the firefighters came and helped save her.  When we arrived at the station Katie said to them "Thank you for all you do for us and for saving my life."  It was really touching.  I am truly thankful to the men and women who serve in our communities and also far from their homes who protect us and allow us the many freedoms we have.

They loved every minute of their tour.  Katie kept asking questions about everything on the truck.  They were able to sit in it and to see the lights go off.  I especially love the last picture of Tyler and the look on his face when Jeremy was explaining what everything was.

Thank-you Colorado Springs Fire Fighters!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July.  I love getting together with family and friends.  I love celebrating the many freedoms most of us take for granted every day.  I know I am not always aware of what we have.  I love the BBQ's, the fireworks, the colors, our flag.  My list could keep going.

Since we didn't go to Arizona this year, we decided, kind of last minute, to have a bike parade and pancake breakfast at our house.

When I was growing up in the small town of Solomon, most 4th of July's we would decorate our bikes with create paper and streamers and have a bike parade and then a pancake breakfast.  I loved it!  My brother's bike was ALWAYS decorated better than mine.  I wanted Tyler and Katie to have this same experience and possibly make this a family tradition every year.

We invited about 25 people over.  There were about 10 kids with their bikes or wagons.  It was fun!

We started with our pancake breakfast.  We had fruit, pancakes, muffins, eggs, bacon, juice, milk and lots of talking and socializing.  The kids couldn't wait to get outside to ride.  As soon as most people were done, we headed out to the cul-de-sac and let the kids show us their stuff and ride, ride, ride.

I think everyone had a great time.

Thanks to everyone for coming and enjoying this great day with us!

We rested the afternoon and then went to a late lunch and to the movies to see Brave.  Katie thought it was scary and Tyler said can we buy that movie.  

Overall it was a fantastic day.

Unfortunately, we were not able to see any fireworks because there was a ban on them this year because of the Waldo Fire.  Everything is very dry.  But there is always next year and possibly pioneer day if we are able to make it to AZ.

The Mom Challenge: Week 6

Last weeks challenge was to find something that your child does that makes you proud and celebrate.

I admit it was a tough week at our home.  With the Waldo fire happening in our city, we weren't able to go outside because of the air quality so the kids were bouncing off the wall.  Needless to say, this mama was going crazy.  However, Tyler and Katie helped me clean the house, their bedroom, the toys downstairs and they mostly played well together.  So Saturday night, we went to the $1 theater and saw the Lorax.  I thought it was a great movie and it was nice to be together as a family.

Week 6 Challenge is to FOCUS ON OUR HOPES AND DREAMS FOR OUR CHILDREN and come up with a mission statement.

I am really excited for this because I frequently envision Tyler and Katie when they are grown up, maybe what their profession will be, if they are married and have kids.  Last night Brad and I were talking about it as they were doing their own things and we decided Tyler would be an artist because he loves to draw and has a great imagination.  Katie would be a graphic designer as she was drawing on the computer.  All I know is it is up to me to help them develop their talents, to find their own personalities and discover who they are and what they want to be.