Sometimes there are no words.
Being a resident of Denver today has been overwhelmingly sad. The streets were oddly quiet, the grocery store nearly empty. It was as if our city was paralyzed. How did this happen here? Again?
I work in Aurora, drive through Aurora and see Aurora from my front door. Every day. Former students and the daughter of a dear friend who babysits for us often were in attendance in Theater 9. Details are scarce but I do know they are all safe.
Media is everywhere. Helicopters, photographers, satellite news vans. Everywhere. It is all so surreal.
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families affected by this horrendous tragedy as well a huge thank you to all the over 200 fire fighters, paramedics, and police men and women who responded.
Hug your loved ones for just a little bit longer tonight and always remember to tell them how much you love them. Each moment is precious.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Kitchen Chaos
There's something to be said about doing your own home improvements. The feeling of pride, accomplishment, and savings from doing the work yourself can be exhilarating!
And, then there's the feelings of frustration, fatigue, and why did I ever decide to take on this project?!
That's where I am.
A few weeks ago, when my sister was here visiting, we decided to take on a long-time project goal of mine: re-doing my kitchen. It included painting the cupboards, painting the walls, adding new hardware to the doors and drawers, removing the current backsplash, adding a new backsplash and replacing the countertop. Yeah. Big project.
But we knew we could get a huge portion of it done together. With years of experience under our belts from working with our dad, we took on this project without hesitation. Frist stop: repainting the cabinets and walls. They turned out BEAUTIFUL! We cheered, drank some wine to celebrate and enjoyed the rest of Kristen's time in Denver playing and relaxing.
A few days later, Kristen returned to Michigan and the cabinets peeled.
Yeah.
I almost cried. Well, I did cry. All that work down the drain! We had gotten some bad advice from "The Fix-it Store" as Sofia calls it and the paint reacted poorly with the wood. Ugh.
After regrouping and putting in a new plan in place, I started over. And I mean really started over! I stripped, sanded, washed and primed all the surfaces to make sure that NO paint would be coming off this time. I have spent every spare minute over the last two weeks working on this kitchen -- while the kids have napped, staying up late, getting up early, etc. Finally tonight I reached a major milestone: the first coat of paint on the upper cabinets is finally on! I'm super excited about the final product and can't wait to get everything all done!
The countertop and backsplash will be attacked in August some time when we've had a little break from all the kitchen chaos.
I really am proud of this project. :) Even cooler is how Chris is so trusting of my abilities and has let me just do my thing. It feels good to be taking charge of my own house like this! And for this, I am thankful!
And, then there's the feelings of frustration, fatigue, and why did I ever decide to take on this project?!
That's where I am.
A few weeks ago, when my sister was here visiting, we decided to take on a long-time project goal of mine: re-doing my kitchen. It included painting the cupboards, painting the walls, adding new hardware to the doors and drawers, removing the current backsplash, adding a new backsplash and replacing the countertop. Yeah. Big project.
But we knew we could get a huge portion of it done together. With years of experience under our belts from working with our dad, we took on this project without hesitation. Frist stop: repainting the cabinets and walls. They turned out BEAUTIFUL! We cheered, drank some wine to celebrate and enjoyed the rest of Kristen's time in Denver playing and relaxing.
A few days later, Kristen returned to Michigan and the cabinets peeled.
Yeah.
I almost cried. Well, I did cry. All that work down the drain! We had gotten some bad advice from "The Fix-it Store" as Sofia calls it and the paint reacted poorly with the wood. Ugh.
After regrouping and putting in a new plan in place, I started over. And I mean really started over! I stripped, sanded, washed and primed all the surfaces to make sure that NO paint would be coming off this time. I have spent every spare minute over the last two weeks working on this kitchen -- while the kids have napped, staying up late, getting up early, etc. Finally tonight I reached a major milestone: the first coat of paint on the upper cabinets is finally on! I'm super excited about the final product and can't wait to get everything all done!
The countertop and backsplash will be attacked in August some time when we've had a little break from all the kitchen chaos.
I really am proud of this project. :) Even cooler is how Chris is so trusting of my abilities and has let me just do my thing. It feels good to be taking charge of my own house like this! And for this, I am thankful!
 |
| Before |
 |
| New Hardware for Cabinet Doors and Drawers |
 |
| Upper Cabinets Halfway Done! Lower Cabinets Yet To Be Stripped and Redone. |
 |
| I even installed the new wine rack on the wall! |
 |
| My Make-Shift Drying Rack |
Monday, July 16, 2012
So Long For Now
This weekend, our hearts broke for Sofia. Her best friend and next door neighbor moved away to Minnesota. For three years, Hayley and Sofia have been inseparable and often mistaken as sisters. Hayley truly was an extension of our family - as was the rest of her family!
We are so sad to see the Townsend's go. But in the end, we know this will not be goodbye...simply, see ya soon!
We are so sad to see the Townsend's go. But in the end, we know this will not be goodbye...simply, see ya soon!
When the lines between friendship and family blur, it's definitely something to be thankful for. April, Hayley, Jake, and Tony -- we will miss you dearly. Thank you for three wonderful years of friendship and love!
Friday, July 06, 2012
Disappearing Act
So I disappeared for a while. I didn't write here. I hardly posted on Facebook even.
I traveled, played, relaxed, and observed. I got some much needed R&R.
I spent time with family and friends, read, wrote, and found reasons to fall in love with my husband all over again.
I disappeared for a while. And it was nice. :)
In a life that is typically hectic, it was good to slow down and take in everything. I've got lots of stories to share.
And for this, I am thankful.
I traveled, played, relaxed, and observed. I got some much needed R&R.
I spent time with family and friends, read, wrote, and found reasons to fall in love with my husband all over again.
I disappeared for a while. And it was nice. :)
In a life that is typically hectic, it was good to slow down and take in everything. I've got lots of stories to share.
And for this, I am thankful.
 |
| It's been 8 years! Loving my husband more with every day... |
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Two!
Our wild, crazy, unbelievably lovable, sweet, curious, and whip smart boy turned TWO today! It is so hard to believe. We have been so blessed with our two kids and it is always such a joy to celebrate the day they each came into to this world.
Happy Birthday, Nico! We love you!
Happy Birthday, Nico! We love you!
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