greens living

A glimpse into Christmas

2012-01-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

We have so many pics to download from Christmas that I don't know where to start, so I will just give a glimpse into what it was like this year...

Lots of fun with some silly on the side.

Nov back in Colorado

2011-12-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

Even though we spent half of the month in Louisiana holding babies and playing, we still had a busy month back at home in Colorado

Nov 1st Madeline had her Halloween class party, hence the costume. The local rec center was already celebrating Thanksgiving.

Georgetown, CO

The Santa Train on the Georgetown Loop ride. Beautiful scenery, not that the girls cared about that part.

First time I have ever seen wild turkeys. There were 10 of them just walking around at my aunt and uncle's house in Golden.

My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Charles decorating their neighbor iron horse (because what neighborhood doesn't have one of those). Girls of course loved to help with anything and everything!

Happy Holidays!

Nov Visit to Louisiana

2011-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Love us some baby Jacob

Girls' first plane ride to see him...

and it was Anna Kate's 3rd birthday too... big day for her!

Miss Queen Anna Kate! Happy Birthday silly girl.

We had a great time seeing friends and family and of course playing, ALOT!

Also we ate lots of ice cream. My dad should have stock in Blue Bell:

Halloween 2011

2011-11-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Different costumes, different days...

If you have girls you know everyday can be a moody outfit day. There were many princesses, veggies (pumpkins), ballerinas costumes, ect...

Not to mention Steven and I got in on the action (just go with it!)

and of course this evilness in our house, which didn't last long!

Denver "Boo at the Zoo"

Oct 2011

2011-11-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

First Snow fall, time with friends and celebrating Halloween...

Florida vs. LSU game:

White Fence Farms, Lakewood, CO

Anna Kate's Main Bday present early... of course Madeline gets one too, don't want to start WWIII

Buddies at our house...

Anna Kate's Birthday, with her best friend. Nathan, whom also has his birthday on the same day...

Needless to say AK was worn out, as were we this month!

An oldie but goodie

2011-10-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

Found this today on our computer. Guessing it was last year.

Autumn Colors 2011

2011-10-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

Took a drive in the mountains this past weekend... Truly in a state of Awe!

The pictures really do not do nature's beauty justice.

September 2011

2011-10-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

Wonderful month in CO...

Anna Kate started pre-school. No tears, such a big girl. Very proud of her. If anyone knows her, knows she can stand on her own very well!!!

Mimi and Papa came to visit! Always such a treat and look forward to them visiting us.

Uncle Joseph came to visit and arrived on my birthday. It was an amazing birthday...week, lots of celebrating with the family.

Gift from Joseph... Friends purse! Goodwill is awesome.

Louisiana Saturday night in Colorado!

What?

Steven and I celebrated our 8th year of marriage with a trip to Breckridge, alone. Thanks to Mimi and Papa for watching the kiddos.

T-shirts!!!

The girls are growing up fast...

The sunset from our deck... Thank you Judy for this picture.

I told Steven today during a little mountain drive... "it is so pretty here I almost can't look directly at it."

Don't worry family, it doesn't mean we don't get homesick and miss y'all like crazy!

We found our camera!

2011-09-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

We thought we forever lost our little camera I carry around my purse...but we found it hidden away!

There is a ton of pictures on it from way back in May but I just wanted to put a few more from our Louisiana visit.

LC:

Princess Madeline. I love how Sale Road is in the background. I feel a little homesick.

First Cousins on a Swing:

This picture was taken right before we left LC so it is a very good thing I was behind the camera *major tears*

Granny and Grandpa heaven!

Ruston:

Aunt Jen feeding the kiddos good food!

Our Welcome sign by Sophie and Emma.

Olivia straighten Madeline's hair.

More cousins...

Mimi's heaven!

August 2011

2011-09-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Going back home to CO... hotel stay. The girls were impressed with the lobby view.

We were not impressed with the hotel since our vehicle was broken into. Thanks Double Tree in Farmers Branch, TX (Dallas). Don't stay there, they were not helpful at all!

Soccer Camp

This is what AK did during camp.

Cousin Antoine came to visit!

Lots of fun time with friends!

Over night camping trip time with a beach

Train Time: Mrs. Jackie and the kiddos on a train.. yes more train trips.

Bowling Time

Birthday Party Time at Monkey Business. Madeline got all her nervousness out on the "big kid" equipment and used up all her energy at the party.

Shopping time. AK was pooped out!

Grilling Time on the new grill.

LSU Footfall Time!

Pet Fish Time:

This is spongebob.

This WAS Nemo. Yes, Nemo did not do well, already ;-(

Family Time in Boulder at Anna and Giovanni's place. Welcome back to the states A and G!

This is one for good measure... you can pick your friends and your can pick your nose but you can't pick your friends noses, unless it is for pictures.

Steven relaxing

Louisiana Summer Visit

2011-08-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hometown

Granny's piano time with the grandkids

Meeting Lane Broussard

Baby T at her best making a sweet mess!

Getting to visit our best next door neighbors ever in LC!

My other momma Ms. Nancy

Grandpa, Granny and Therese trying to smile for this pic. Classic!

Grandpa teaching Madeline about golf... good luck!

AK is so happy to be at Grandpa and Granny's house

Special friends

Loving on Nanny Sarah

Daddy's hometown
Love their cousins

and of course their Mimi

So this is the ONLY pic I have of me and Steven together the entire trip down south.

Silly pics in Ruston

July 2011

2011-08-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Lots of activity for the Green Family in July

We did our 1st hike as a family. They hiked a mile. So proud of them. Steven actually carried AK on his shoulders most of time.

Several train trips on several different trains

Tiny Town

Highlands Ranch Carnival

Colorado Train Museum in Golden, CO

Madeline trying see the mini town with the train running. Very neat!

Snacking in between trains at the museum with their besties, Nathan and Ava.

Our 1st real camping trip in Somewhere cold and rainy, CO. We had fun though.

Who's the only 1 crying?

Then we came home exhausted to find this nasty thing on our front porch. Ironically we didn't see animals camping.

June 2011

2011-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ridiculously busy summer in June

Summer Parties

AK chasing one of the many rabbits in the yard

Watching elk from the backyard... very cool

Mimi and papa came to visit us!

Spending time with friends!

Driving around with daddy (that's AK waving in the backseat) and

working out with mommy. They are working on their yoga posture!

May 2011

2011-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Lemonade Stand with the girls' new "best friends", our neighbors.

Madeline turns 4

Ballet dancers

Madeline's end of school party. Graduation from the 3 year old class to the 4 year old one.

AK won't be getting diaper rash on her face anytime soon...

Late Spring Sunset from the deck

Father's Day

2011-06-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

Dress up!

2011-05-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

The girls are loving dress up now!

I always wondered when this phase would hit hard-core!

Thanks to MiMi for these outfits.

April 2011

2011-05-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Parents visit us!


On our way to visit family down south... this is the scariest & loneliest places on the trip: Grenville, NM.

Easter time!

My big helper in the kitchen

One of AK's favorite spots in the world!

Dancing with friends video

2011-04-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Fire Station

2011-03-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

The girls and I went to tour the fire station. Great learning experience. Firefighters are amazing and dedicated people.

About a minute after the tour ended they were called out to a grass fire which ended up burning 1200 acres about 20 miles away from our house! Yikes! Fires have been crazy around here, the plains and the mountains. With less than an inch of snow this month (the snowiest month up here ironically) and high winds firetrucks have been putting in some miles.

Why is AK on the ground?...because she is doing what she loves, which is pouting. She is sooo 2 years old! Luckily she is sooo beautiful.

Madeline was scared of the firetruck at first. The vastness of it got to her. But she warmed up and had wonderful time.

They are growing so fast I can't get over it. Bittersweet!

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

ST. Pat's Day 2011

This is my attempt at getting AK to show off her art work from a St. Patrick's Day Party:

This is what ended up happening... Madeline having to hold her art work and the 2 years olds' work. They had a great day.

For supper they had a pancake playgroup with mom's getting to have a wine playgroup! Yay St. Patrick's Day :-)

This was last year 2010:

Our little girls are growing so fast!

Fat Tuesday and Big Girl Events!

2011-03-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Fat Tuesday... AK's silly face. One too many milks on Mardi Gras!

AK's Big Girl Bed

Coloring with their "Baby Kendall" (a friend down the street)

Madeline's Big Girl Bike

1985 The last picture with all my grandparents

2011-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Galveston 1985 @ the beach house.
Both sets of my grandparents with me (5) Kate (3) and Joseph (10 months).
My grandfather (the one holding Joseph) passed away the next month.

Ridiculous!

2011-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

February has been crazy weather around here. Yesterday we hit a high of 65 degrees (almost a record). About 2 weeks ago we hit record lows of -20 with a wind chill of -40!

I like the cold but that was RIDICULOUS! Some of our pipes even froze, not shocking but very annoying. Oh the joys being home owners again. Did I mention a love paying plumbers...I should have become one, I could almost be retired by now!

Once we were at a balmy 20 degrees we went outside to enjoy it:

(that's right -10)

Mommy and Madeline's first snowman we made together.

We have a variety of animals in the open space and trail behind the house:
rabbits live underneath our deck, saw a herd of elk, ducks in the now thawed pond, plenty of birds that live in the brush and coyotes. They don't bother anyone and seemed to be alright with people. Whew!

Anna Kate got to hang out with Madeline one day at school since not many children showed due to the ridiculous snow and cold...but my children WILL go to school! Mainly for my sanity!

Ridiculous amounts of cuteness and love all around...

Moon set and Sun set

2011-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

This is the morning view in the new house...this particular morning the moon was full and setting for morning. Amazing!

This is the sun setting, view from the deck, naturally pictures never do justice...

Moving day...

The last snow fall in the old house. Madeline helping shovel. Steven and MCG made a snow worm.

Too many to choose from...

2011-01-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

So if you have lots of time and feel like looking at a million holiday pictures from our world, here you go...

November 2010

December 2010

Life in slow motion

2011-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Okay so we closed on the house last week. Are we moved in yet? Yes and No! Steven and I have both been carrying boxes and the awkward things in our vehicles since the closing to the house.

Steven has been working non-stop since last week and because of that we have not been able to move the big stuff. Sha baby he wants to just have his family settled. Oh, I just love him for the man he is and the father he is. However, life does move in slow motion, at times, and because of that it makes me appreciate what all we have to be thankful for...

I am thankful to be able to move into a "new to us home". I am thankful we get to live in a place we both dreamed about living. I am thankful we have family and friends that loves and supports us. It was not an easy decision to move far away. But we went for it and now, glad we did. Still get homesick but if that is worst that this move brings I will take it.

PS This is not the view from our new house...I wish. This is just a picture I found in our file since we have no pictures downloaded of the house or the past 2 months for that matter.

Jan 2011

2011-01-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for all of us!
We closed on a house today. In which made Madeline start a new preschool, also today. Anna Kate went to her first little child care center this morning (mainly because we needed peace for the closing, no one wants a wild 2 yr old around). My poor kids we keep moving, this house though we will stay in if we can help it!

We have not uploaded the million of pics on our camera in 2 months but, I think we will sometime this year.
I will post the wonderful holiday memories soon.

PS: I just noticed the mess in the background behind the kids. 3 yr old + 2 yr old= forever a mess :) One day when they are moved out I will miss their messy little ways.

So Sleepy

2010-11-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

Out like a light with her new teddy bear, which she named "teddy bear" and her monkey, which is name "he-hoh" (which is the sound a donkey makes but when she was little she got it confused)

Happy Birthday Sophie

2010-11-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 10th Birthday to our sweet and loving niece Sophie!

We love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Anna Kates turns 2

2010-11-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

Birth Day

1st Birthday Day, such a cutie!

Is the saying terrific 2's or terrible 2's?

I think I know the answer...

Luckily she is a great sleeper, that is all I am saying!

October 2010

2010-11-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

So where did the month of October run off to...

waiting for daddy to finish the race!

Mimi and Papa came to visit

Boulder trip on Pearl Street:

Crocs were founded in Boulder and they recently opened a Crocs store. Madeline has big shoes to fill.

We all went to Estes Park:

Having fun in the car...or am I going a little nuts in the very back of the car?! :-)

We watched the amazing autumn colors. I can't believe we live here! Unbelievable!

Madeline is in Ballet classes:

And of course Halloween!

Pumpkins, Mountain Fun & More

2010-10-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

The end of September:

Pumpkin Contest...the biggest one weighed something like 1200+ pounds. Unbelievable in person!

Anna Kate's pushing her little pumpkin on her stroller.

Evergreen, CO

A little mountain town with things to discover

The girls were obsessed with popsicles this year like never before...

Last but not least, a swing for both the girls to share in the park by Madeline's school.

Her new favorite spot

2010-09-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

I found her talking to mom on the phone like this.

Madeline tells me her new thing is "climbing like a bear!"

I am sure there is a pun to this, so whomever gets the funniest pun wins :-)

September -Fun Family Time!

2010-09-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe September is almost over! Another busy month for us.

Steven and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.

Madeline's first day of school- all smiles! Whew, I was a little nervous of the tears but she did great!

Here's some Alexandria Zoo pics from our camera

Cutest little niece, Baby T, look at this kissable face

Mom and Dad's heaven:

Ruston Trip

Emma and me

Olivia and Anna Kate

Proud Papa, surprise pic! Your welcome Papa :-)

Joseph came up to Ruston to visit

These 2 pics are from the ride home from Ruston, La to Colorado - kids got bored and started finding things to do (or pick) on the long ride home.

Highlands Ranch Days (hometown's historic festival)

This is held where the original "Highlands Ranch" still stands and is a working ranch, not to mention the mansion. Loved learning the history of this amazing place.

Birthday Time. Steven and Madeline made a cake. It was so yummy!

I turned 31 years old which sounds like an adult, grown-up age but, I really don't feel like that :-)

My Anna Banana came to visit from Italy. So good to see her. She is a little tan, I am NOT and looking a little tired in this pic. Great visit though.

August 2010...here we go

2010-09-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Random selected pics from the hundreds. Finally downloaded, thanks Steven!

Mom and dad visit:

Estes Park/ YMCA Cabin/ Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park

Red Rocks, Morrison, CO

Amazing concert arena built into the rock, very cool

Denver Children's Museum

Visit this place if you are in Denver {and of course have kids}. 2 stories of fun!

Family Time

Silly Time- "stick your bellies out"

mom and the girls were crying they were laughing so hard

Last but not least, this is where Steven bikes and runs, just outside our small neighborhood {which consists of 100k people! Geez, still getting adjusted to the crowds}

What an August

2010-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Literally have not stopped the past several weeks.

Mom and dad came to visit for a wonderful 8 days!

Then last week we went to visit Mimi and Papa and the rest of the crew in Ruston, LA.

We also met mom and dad and the Dawsons at a half way point at the Alexandria Zoo

Just got back and still unpacking

Whew!

When I looked to see if Steven or I have downloaded any pics from August there were none...

still in our camera.

Will show them once we sit down and actually get those pics organized.

This is all I have of some good times at the Alex Zoo (thanks to dad):

This is what Anna Kate did to the walls and front door last night:

I used a whole Magic Eraser and it still on there. Ahhhh!

Again, once the millions of pictures are downloaded I will update this blog.

While the Greens were here

2010-08-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

While Steven's parents were visiting us they recommended that we go ALONE on an over night trip.

It took us about 2 seconds to agree to that. We ended up going to Estes Park (shocker!)

Thank you to Judy and Mickey for that 24 hours of peace and quiet with no strollers, snacks, milk, crying and the dvd played stayed off in the car :-)

The only picture of us together and there is a guy "growing" from Steven's shoulder....thanks Mr Stranger.

On top of a mountain. This road is called Trail Ridge Road and it is one of the highest in North America.

This is where we have been staying the last couple of times visiting Estes Park (Rock Mount Cottages).

Highly Recommend them!

Uncle Charles and Aunt Sharon's Bicycle built for 2! Judy you look a little concerned with Steven driving.

Monlezuns visiting Monlezuns...well look who is in the background! I couldn't stop laughing at this one. Mickey you always gotta be funny :-) Look closely.

Down on the farm

2010-08-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

"Girls what do you think of the farm?"

IT STINKS!!!

Honestly, this is an amazing place to take the girls. You can...

Feed the animals with their provided corn

Play in a hay playground

Picnic under the trees

Ride horses

and be a farmer for the day!

We had a great time.

If you live in the area here is the website {go early due to the crowds}:

http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com/

Location, location, location

2010-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is "The Chapel on the Rock" {circa 1916} on the way to Estes Park, CO.

Everytime we pass it we are amazed at her beauty.

I just had to share this place with yall. The pictures of course do not do this place any justice!

Remember this place mom and dad?

July

April

http://www.saintmalo.org/chapel.htm

2010-07-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate just could not go anymore.

I thought she was following me up the stairs to go to her room and take a nap...

she did not even make to the second step.

Sha little baby girl

{AK slept a full 3 hours...in her bed of course}

The empire called: Facebook

2010-07-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

I finally signed up on Facebook after telling myself I will never do so...

and now I can't stop! This is why I didn't but I was tired of wondering where is fill in the blanks? How is fill in the blanks?

HELP!

Oh well, the evil empire got a hold of my laptop. FB is now my friend, I 've crossed over.

Everyday homecoming

2010-07-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

When Steven gets home from work rather it is on his bike or his car the girls 99% of time this is what it looks like {if not pre-occupied with fighting one another}:

the waiting...

DADDY'S arrival finally!!! Not mention mommy is also happy to see ~~her help~~ him!

Seriously everyday it is like this. When is the last time someone was this glad to see you with delighted laughter and cheers and jumping up and down {besides your dog}!

An Oxymoron: Colorado Boudin

2010-07-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

I found this treasure {well, what I thought was "treasure"}.
Being somewhat of an optimist I thought we should try this boudin of the west.

A local Colorado company trying the most southern food one could possibly try to make north of the Mason - Dixon line, what could go wrong?

ALOT!

It is awful spicy tough sausage with some flakes of rice in it. The casing one could eat! Doesn't everyone know if it is TRUE boudin one does NOT eat the casing because it is made from pig intestines.
Westerns please stick to the original recipe of the cajuns: if making the food turns your stomach it is probably delicious! Just like eating crawfish with the poop on top...yummy! :-)

Hackets and Market Basket we miss you!

Side note: The company is by Sara's Sausage. I should have known because I spell my name with a "h" Sarah. Don't trust things when your name is spelled incorrect, this is my new motto in life.

Summer Time Visitors!

2010-07-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

We have had family and friends come visit us this summer..more to come too :-)

Having loved ones here helps with the homesick feeling big time!

Sophie, Anna Kate, Emma and Madeline swinging, both right side up and up side down.

Anna Kate and her Uncle Mick

Olivia and Jennifer on the edge of a cliff on Look Out Mountain

Madeline and her daddy watching the Bear Creek river

Sophie and me watching the river too, taking a break from the hike

Mimi and Papa enjoying their whole family in Colorado

Sophie and Madeline enjoying a Popsicle

{might I add it was 9 @ night- too much fun staying up late with cousins}

We had some friends come from Austin, Sophie and Mrs Jae

Born on the 4th of July!

2010-07-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

To a wonderful dad, husband, son, brother and friend,

Happy Birthday Steven!

Couldn't help but add this last one, Steven. I think it says it all!

{Please note I was about 7 months pregnant for Madeline - little hormonal and probably hungry}

Fish out of water

2010-06-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

It was 49 degrees in June people!

Add rain and standing in line for a good 30 minutes to go to the Denver Aquarium and you will get a southern girl looking like this...

But it was a great time and worth every minute and penny (seriously why is it so pricey for tickets to a huge fish tank?)

Louisiana Trip Part 2

2010-06-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ruston family time!

I can't get over how green everything is and how big people's yards are. Missing it already.

Again we had an incredible time and were so sad to leave.

To view more pics click here

Papa and Mimi got Madeline dress up clothes for her b-day

Love this pic of her:

The girls were treated like gold by their cousins including pedicures by Emma...

and Sophie

This is Anna Kate's reaction to armadillos

and this is Madeline's reaction with help from Mimi

We went to see Avery Anna's grave and took Madeline with us. This is by a beautiful huge oak tree that I had to get a picture of in the cemetery. After getting this pic I noticed the vines of green had 3 leafs on them. Yikes!

{know the phrase, leafs of 3 let it be and leafs of 5 let it thrive}

Luckily no one was injured while taking this picture.

This is on our way back to Colorado. The girls did great overall.

Louisiana Trip Part 1

2010-06-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit. Thank you to our wonderful family and friends for an incredible time!

I am going to have the LC pics in Part 1 and then Ruston in {you guessed it}Part 2

For more pics click here

Meet Dancy
{this is Madeline's Dora/ Fancy Nancy had-to-have outfit- thanks Granny & Nanny Kate}

with her had-to-have Unicorn Slippers

{thanks eBay for an almost impossible find in May!}

Helping

2010-05-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Madeline took me literally when I asked to please "Pick Up" her toys. Too cute!
{If she could have fit more on the table she would have}

Helping daddy BBQ

Helping make brownies...

and eat them!

Helping Cousin Ben with his new iPad.

Helping Uncle Charles and "Uncle" Sharon, as Madeline calls her, enjoy hiking in Golden.

And this is helping mommy feel so grateful she has 2 sweet girls that are the best of friends...

Tiny Town

2010-05-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Tiny Town in Conifer, CO is such a treat to go experience. It is literally a tiny town with probably 50 very detailed buildings. Some of them are replicas of buildings around Colorado.

Plus you can take a train ride around the tiny town on a tiny steam engine train. Very cool!

Madeline talks about Tiny Town alot now. Guess we will have to go visit again. This place makes me want to get into doll houses again like I did when I was a kid.

Congrats Grads!

2010-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

So proud of our graduates!

Jason Thibodeax, B.A. D.D.S.

Aaron, his brother, Jason, me and my sweet cousin and good friend to J, Whitney Broussard, PhD (so proud of him too, graduated a year or so ago :-))

He is holding up his crisp, clean and oh so wonderful acceptance letter to Dental School!

So happy for you J, you definitely deserve it!

Mr and Miss J.D.!!!

Sye and Jackie both graduated from Law School.

You for sure have earned it! So excited for yall.

Congratulations!

The proud mama, my Godmother and Sye

The 3 Brothers
Whitney, Sye, Branton
Hello handsome men!

A Dentist, Attorney's, PhDs, geeze people please become more successful!

Makes me want to go back to work and use my BS and MS degrees.....
and miss my children everyday while they are stuck in daycare.....
and have no time with them or my husband.....
and be annoyed every time I had to pay the overpriced daycare for taking care of my children....
nah!
I will take living on a budget for awhile :-)
Gotta go ~~my boss~~ Anna Kate needs her yummilious diaper changed

I Heart COCO!

2010-05-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day Steven and I went to see Conan O'Brien, which is one of our favorite people!

He is such the entertainer. We had an awesome time. Thank you again Steven for a very memorable Mother's Day.

TBS is my new late night station when he goes on air this fall! Good Times!

This is right after I got to touch his arm! Woohoo! I was such the groupie at that moment :-)

In a way only Coco could entertain, this was 1 of his ridiculous outfits. He also wore the "Eddie Murphy Raw" outfit from Eddie's show in the late 80's - the purple wild leather suit.

This was his tour bus...not sure what my head is doing but we had to take the pic fast before some type of security would come.

Again groupie alert!

Not to mention this was out first date since we moved to Colorado, so thanks to Uncle C and Aunt S for keeping the girls.

Spring is finally here!

2010-05-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Still wearing light jackets but Spring is finally here!

Seems impossible to get a picture with both of them in it!

Madeline enjoys pretending like a group of something has a mommy, daddy, sister, ect. She is growing up so fast. She has quite the imagination. She is showing off finger puppet and telling us who is whom (who, whom, which one is it?)

This was her idea!

2010-05-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Down the street from our house there was a garage sale. To kill some time we took a little trip down the road and found a world of wonders, including but not limited to Madeline's Halloween costume for this year!

I mean she could not wait to try it on at home.

Since it is still so cool here IN MAY (no really I am ~~not~~ okay with it), I figured on Halloween the warm outfit would be necessary.

Happy Birthday Emma!

2010-04-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Emma Claire!

We hope you have a great day

Miss you and love you

Princess Party

2010-04-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

The area we live has different little classes (aka "parties") for children about Madeline's age, Easter egg coloring, making flower wreaths, Mardi Gras masks, tropical fun ect.

This party was for Miss Princesses only!

This is the whole reason people have girls, right- to dress them up in pink?! The dressing up part is one of her favorite things to do. She put on all her princess skirts with fairy wings in tow.

I had to get one of Anna Kate, a diva princess herself, with her big sis in the ~~class~~ party. AK wanted to stay really bad, poor thing.

She had her nails done, but not her hair the teacher said because she didn't want to mess up her crown. She also made that little bracelet on her right wrist. This gives me a great idea for a birthday theme next year :-)

I also wanted to give a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Brie!

Have the best day ever as a new 31 year old. I am right behind ya.

Love you and miss you

Let's go to the zoo

2010-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

We went this amazing zoo in Colorado Springs set on a mountain side.

I am not a supporter of zoos. I am a supporter of animals in their own environment and not caged up. So sad! However, I digress because this zoo was really good with the way their "zoo environment" was set up.

We had a great time and I didn't get sad about the cages but once...maybe because it made my kiddos smile to see the animals in person and not in a book {sorry PETA}

The peacocks run around this huge zoo. One little guy found me interesting maybe because we were dressed the same :-) He even hit me with his plumes.

Man on the Run

2010-04-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Steven ran in his first race in Colorado

He placed something awesome like 33 out of 128 in the 10k, even with the thin air up here!

We are proud of you!

YAY Family!

2010-04-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

So excited that some family from back home came to visit in Colorado! It was too brief but felt so good to hug their necks.

Here is Madeline, John David, Luke and Brady. They played so great together.

Madeline told me "Mama, those boys are fun!"

We went to a train museum. Very cool. Madeline didn't love them at first because of the colossal size of them but got over it quick.

So glad to see yall....miss you already. See you next month!

JD, Rhonda, Madi, Luke, Brady and John David

Easter Time

2010-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

1983

2010-04-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

My dad just found this picture of Kate and me in 1983! I am not sure if she is crying because I want to kiss her or if she is smiling and is loving the kiss. Kate remember this, any thoughts?

Humm so who does this above picture look like:

and this last one was too cute to pass up on Anna Kate and John Paul 1 year ago this month! Time flies when you're having fun and kissin'

Quick Moments

2010-03-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

So sweet...this actually was in the local paper last Sunday.

"Sunshine" is her little nickname, you can see why.

Here is Anna Kate watching her new love, youtube & netflix on the computer. YAY for mommy's babysitter while I try to do things by myself!

Yes, this is from the other day with the whole "diaper and no pants snow day!"

Don't judge me!

Cookies, Family & "Snowmams"

2010-03-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate doing what she loves to do (besides follow momma around) is eating!

Here is some of our family that lives in CO.

We had a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon at Ed and Katie's with their sons Jack (in the red shirt) and Beau (not pictured: sleeping), my Aunt Ursula, Uncle Malcolm and awesome Ben (my Chandler;-)). Thanks y'all for a wonderful time, it is so nice to have family around - makes us feel more secure so far from LA.

We got about 15'' of snow a couple of days ago. Gotta love Colorado in March! Snow only makes for an incredible spring and summer (that is what I keep telling myself).

Madeline is making her first, what she calls, "Snowmams"

She got a little upset when he lost his rock eyes and banana nose because he melted a bit the next day. He is still there, sort-of, but going to get another 5'' of snow tomorrow so we can remake him!

They used to play in my potting soil. I think they rather the potting soil because they lasted minutes before getting a little chilly.

Bad parent alert: If you look closely Anna Kate has a diaper on with no pants! H-E-L-L-O mom! Just an hour after she ate the cookie (earlier in the post) and I didn't have pants available before AK about lost it when she couldn't get outside that second Madeline was going out. Go leg warmers and a thick coat! Whew, saved the day.

What a difference a day makes!

2010-03-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

A playful afternoon on Pearl Street in Boulder, one day...

The next, a warm St. Patrick's Day morning in the park...

TO THIS THE NEXT DAY!!!

People warned us that we will see 1 more "Winter Blast" before this so-called Spring begins (whatever that is, I can't remember)!

They aren't kidding

Luckily by the next day the streets are cleared, thanks to the sun and snowplows. I guess we are not in the south anymore!

ITS A GIRL!

2010-03-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

My New Niece!

Meet Therese Marie Dawson

Born March 14, 2010

1:45 AM

7lbs 11oz

20 1/2''

For more pics

click here

So happy for yall. Love and miss yall sooo much! I CAN NOT wait to hold her (tearing up now)

Very hard to be this great distance for such a special time. Thank goodness for skype!

With Skype I was able to see Therese, Kate and the rest of the family right after the birth (not the same but I will take it).

The past month from the move

2010-03-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

To keep a promise to my mom I will try to update and post as many pics as one would care to see of us!

Here we go...

Heading across New Mexico for the big move we start seeing this weather in our 4x2. Not great and a bit nervous.

Having to Stop at the first town in Colorado Madeline and Anna Kate enjoyed the snow. For the first time in my life I did not want to see the white stuff.

This is what we woke up to the next morning! Yikes! We stayed until check-out time and cautiously slide carefully onto the road. Steven literally looked for a 4-wheel drive car dealership while we were stuck in the motel room on the internet- not one until the next bigger town (go figure).

We made it and are semi-moved in the house. All is back to normal drinking milk and eating apples.

Mommy's new babysitter while unpacking and daddy is now working at his new office, no longer at home :-(

Here is part of the trail behind our house...all that come visit will be pleased with the view. We can not wait until it is a little warmer and the grass is green. Actually it's snowing right now as I post this. Spring where are you?!?

Within a week we traded the ol' Southern 4x2 SUV and got an all-wheel drive wagon...yes, that's right a wagon. Steven pointed out how uncool we now are. Oh well, mom and dad' s are suppose to be worried about safety not coolness! Plus Colorado is fulled with these types of vehicles so at least we are all uncool together :-)

First little drive headed west since we got here...

This is an amazing place called Red Rock amphitheater just outside of Denver- here everyone from the Beatles to U2 have played here. Sting is coming in June, trying to talk Steven into surprising me with tickets :-)

Steven is down there waving his arms. There was an all boys choir practicing so neat!

The girls and me. Denver skyline is over my shoulder in the back ground.

Of course my all time favorite band the Beatles. I guess this is the closest I will get to them in spirit. We have seen Paul McCartney play in Denver which was wonderful but, nothing I am sure like seeing the magical 4 play here at Red Rocks.

There we go, the first set of stuff we have done 'round here.

Moving Day pics

2010-03-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

The only 2 pictures I have right now from the move. My awesome aunt took them while she was helping us out on the moving day. Luckily I have 2 sets of aunt and uncles in the area and cousins that are so precious to us up here.

This is me trying to hide my tiredness behind the smile in the back of our house. The snow is almost gone by now...I think we will get some soon this week :-)

Madeline and Anna Kate are beyond tired in this one. My aunt took them on a trail literally behind our home for several hours while the moving guys were there. Like she said, if this were spring the grass would so green and the flowers plenty. But, this is March where spring is weeks away.

The Rockies are there in all their beautiful glory. I drive around in awe...I can't believe we are here. Love it! The air is clean (and thin :-)) and the scenery is unbelievable.

Sea of Boxes

2010-03-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

We are here in the "new" house, living upon a sea-of-boxes!

Leaving the home where we brought our children to and absolutely loved was not in anyway easy. I cried pretty much all day on the day we closed. However, our calling is to Colorado, which I am finding out (again) why! The mountains, the weather, the events, the parks, ect... we are settling in just fine.

No pics just yet and I barely have a get wireless connection right now.

Moving 1/3rd across the country was "easier" than I thought. Of course there is always a story, we were 3 hours away from Denver (after 13 hrs on the road), on the way up here when our 4x2 rear-wheel SUV did not do great in the snow storm in the New Mexico/ Colorado boarder so, we had to stay in a $49 night motel (first 1 we saw off the interstate). Can we say worst shower I have ever taken in that room. Yuk! The beauty of it was that we had to stop, breath and watch the snow fall - watched our children dance in it. As I secretly wept missing my family and friends already, I knew that this is what was meant to be. Our girls have done wonderful and are such a treat to me everyday.

Love, love, love, you family and friends! Thinking of yall everyday. Kate, I am waiting for that EXCITING phone call when little James David appears! :-} I can not wait to kiss and hold him (or her, I hope :-0 lots of clothes for the girl your way ), very soon! Peas and Love, your Colorado native - by heart <3 - I tell mom and dad it was them that introduce us to the Rockies years ago. Great place to visit and vacation! Hint, hint :-)

Moving West

2010-02-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

The house is sold and the boxes are in the moving truck headed for Denver!

We are a huge mix of emotions right now (needless to say) and can't even begin to wrap my head around any of this right now.

Why leave family and friends in an area where people rarely move from, you ask?

#1 the j-o-b

#2 Because Colorado is an awesome place to live (lived there before without kids)

3# My hubby can use his 4-wheel drive in the snow...hopefully

(contrary to popular belief it doesn't snow there like people think)

For privacy sake, I will not say exactly where we are but I can tell you that all the houses look alike! I feel like I am in an Edward Scissor Hands neighbor.

We are renting a house because buying something is just too permanent for us. We really need to relax and feel out the area.

More to come when we actually get moved in and get the net up an running...

until then please wish us luck.

Avery Anna

2010-02-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know how to start this post. I have been sitting here looking at my computer in grief unable to think clearly.

Avery Anna is no longer with us.
She was born in early December and on Sunday she passed away in a New Orleans Hospital.

She was a fighter.

Everyone did everything they could to help her.

Avery Anna is our niece I wrote about here in this post.

The sadness our family is feeling is so great and heavy.

"A life so brief,
A child so small,
you had the power to touch us all"

We love you Avery Anna. You will always be in our hearts.

Our little Cowgirl!

2010-02-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

Granny & Grandpa took Madeline to the Livestock show last week.

I just had to share this precious picture from that trip.

Kissing Cousins

2010-02-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

John Paul loves on his cousin Anna Kate

(what is with the double naming in this family)

The 3 musketeers!

I didn't want to leave out the new baby cousin coming next month...if Nanny Kate lasts that long :-)

Granny singing to the girls. Madeline, I believe, is directing her.

Big News in the Green house:

Anna Kate FINALLY is growing teeth-3 teeth to be exact and 1 on the way.

She is almost 15 months!

Hooray! I thought I might have to get her some baby dentures.

She is covered in my lip gloss, the picture below does not show it that well.

I found her this morning in my make-up area. It's funny how mommy finds out that her child is growing up, literally, when weeks ago she could not reach into that drawer.

I could not get her to open her mouth for the teeth reveal

Congrats child, now you get your own tooth brush!

American Press

2010-02-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

Most parents get so excited when their little baby doll is in the paper.

Well, we are just that type of parent. Here is our little Madeline in the American Press on Sunday (bottom picture).

She went to the Livestock show with my parents and saw all types of animals. Loving it!

Even the goat is wearing Saints colors!!!

In the spirit of the Who Dat nation and a quote from some guy on ESPN Sunday night:

Hell is frozen over, pigs are flying and the Saints won the Super Bowl!

Projects!

2010-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

Project: Christmas Train before the mold starts growing

Nanny Kate & Madeline happily completed the "Christmas Gingerbread Train in January".

Madeline is still eating from it. I figured with swine flu and the stomach flu going around a little ol' candy can't hurt.

To be honest, the gingerbread train follows the fate of our lovely Christmas "2012 Gingerbread house" (click here for those pics). Those things are not that easy to make it look all on-the-picture-box pretty.

John Paul, Madeline and Anna Kate love the taste testing portion!

Project: Handmade Cards

Madeline's class is needing Valentine's exchange cards. Instead of buying the Disney Princess cards (or Garfield/ Snoopy cards, in my day) I was in the mood to be creative and make handmade ones. I have construction paper, glue, a printer and google- to ~~steal~~ look up ideas! I can do this!

I told my hubby, Steven, usually women blog about their projects but I was not going there because I am not all Ms. Creative. Steven said "oh yeah, well, I'm still going to take pictures of the creative mood."

Don't worry people I made a my appointment to get my roots and the hair cut next week! Geeze!

With Madeline's "help" (handing objects to me) here are her 1st Valentine's Day cards for the classmates.

Actually this is not my favorite. Toward the end I started "getting it".

Project: Shopping with babies

Anna Kate loves to be pushed around in anything! Strollers, carts, you name it...look closely

..the wheels are a bit in distress! All the milk & carbs will get to you eventually child, learn that fact young!

70 degrees in January...a complete 180

2010-01-21T14:16:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't live the south it has been warm! My a/c kicked on today, I was sad to say the least. For those of you who know me, know I enjoy the cold, maybe because it is such a luxury in this neck-of-the-woods.

We have decided to embrace the southern air and have little artists at work with sidewalk chalk:

A serious artist at work: do not disturb

"I draw someting for yooouuu mama."

Too bad I can't cut out the concrete and save all my drawings from Madeline.

Ohhh soooo sweeeet, sisters hugging!

...and it turned a little ugly toward the end of the ~~death-grip~~ hug :-)

Pee-pie! (never spelled that before)

Anna Kate's eyes match the color of the playhouse door. Love it! Our blue-eyed, blonde hair sweetheart. I had to throw this in the post.

Like father, like daughter...eating her favorite thing, apples!!! To be completely honest, I think her favorite thing is chips but, her 2nd favorite is probably apples.

2010...how do you say it?

2010-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

Okay so I want to be in-the-know of something:

Are we suppose to say "two thousand ten" or "twenty ten"?

I hear people saying "twenty ten". So I have deliberately tried using that term in my everyday speech to random people (yes, this could be weird but stay with me on this). Anyway, it does not sound normal from my mouth but, it is the correct way to say it and it is faster. Maybe if I keep saying "twenty ten" it will sound more and more normal. For example, like the word Wii (wee) is no longer used by someone going down a slide or being lifted up in a hot air balloon. If someone told me 5 years ago they got a "Wii". I would have directed them to the bathroom.

Silly thoughts on this rainy Saturday January 16, 2010...now think about how you just said the year. Next time you hear the "2010" go ahead and mark it down in your mind and ponder.

I am not the only one thinking about this:

http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-01-01/news/17466340_1_youtube-videos-grammar-twenty-ten

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saying-Twenty-Ten-Instead-of-Two-Thousand-Ten-Because-It-Sounds-Cooler/267926794744

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120470656

Last of 2009 & First of 2010

2010-01-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

Growing family!

2010-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

Darbonne Christmas...adding 1 family member at a time (by Kate not me...anymore!)

Moving up into the world, Joseph just received his MBA from UNO!

Please don't change Jose' just because you have a Master's degree...I am guessing that will not be a problem. Congrats little brother, love you!

A requested picture...this was NOT in the original post!

Okay Kate Here you go!...Madeline, I suppose, is remembering the good ol' days! :-)

New Orleans

2009-12-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

We went to New Orleans this past weekend to see our little infant niece who is at the Childrens Hospital. Out of respect for privacy I will not post any pictures of the baby.

I will say this, in Shreveport on December 3rd baby Avery Anna was born at 31 weeks with major heart concerns. She was 2lbs 11oz and 14 inches. She is a precious little angel and though she is sick, she is a fighter!

I have thought about not putting this on my blog for some time but, I feel that the more positive thoughts and prayers for this sweet baby the better. I would ask that you please think of her and the family at this difficult time in their lives. This is not easy on anyone mentally or financially.

The family is staying at the Ronald McDonald house until she can go home. The house is a beautiful New Orleans home with wonderful amenities. We exchanged gifts there. What a Christmas to remember!

One of our nieces Sophie on the porch with Ronald.

My girls!

Sarah, Steven, Madeline and Anna Kate about to stroll Canal Street, in front of the RM. house.

The 3 sisters:

Emma, Sophie, and Olivia

Madeline loving to open presents.

Us with the awesome Lynndon, the guy that runs the house. He was so sweet and kind to us. He helped with the gift exchange.

Hi Mimi

Just swinging! The weather was incredible.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Please do not take anything for granted. Now go out and start hugging your loved ones!

Merry Christmas!

Everyone SING...

2009-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, my two front teeth!"

Anna Kate still has not one tooth, not even a hint of a tooth. She is 13 months old.

Madeline got her first one at 11 months. I have some late blooming teeth growers I guess.

Who has been naughty or nice?

2009-12-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

Oh yes sweet children, we will do this next year too...why, Because I said so that's why!

Don't worry Anna Kate loves sitting on this strange man's lap, she is just being her dramatic self. Madeline, ahhh Madeline, she literally will do anything for stickers!

If you build it, they will eat it!

2009-12-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

Yay! Look what we built!

Gingerbread houses are so much fun. The family quality time together, the bonding, the laughs, the smiles, sneaking bits of candy, all so "Together"!

Even the little one joined in and made it more fun...

What's this? I small crack in the roof, no problem, more icing please...

Oh nooooo!!! The "2012" Gingerbread house (as Steven called it) is completely destroyed, what is a 2 year old to do at this time "togetherness" or lack of rather?

Eat it of course!!!

If you can't beat it, join it.

Actually with the so-so tasting icing it was not that great but, fun nonetheless.

By the way, the picture on the front of the box of the gingerbread kit is not possible unless you are as talented as Kaela :-)!

Someone from the Institute of the Best Gingerbread School in the World must have done that one.

The moral of the post, go out a buy your 2012 Gingerbread House and have some lack of togetherness with your family today!

Merry Christmas and a Sweet New Year!

I am becoming more like my mother everyday with the puns, please excuse them as they will only get worse.

Memory moments...

2009-12-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Trimming the tree...

Playing games...Madeline and Anna Kate go back and forth on this table. They think it is so funny, as do I. They yell (aka talk) to each other. Little "memory moment" for me.

Dancing with daddy to a Christmas commercial, she could not understand why the music ended so quickly. So they danced with no music.

Walking in the leaves in Ruston with mommy. I love how much our children love us at this age. I will have to remember this moment with Madeline's face a-glow with kisses from mommy when she is a teenager!

Hooray both the girls can entertain themselves!!! Great memory, but a bit sad because this just proves they grow up. My sister would like for me to say this, maybe it's time for one more...nah! Life is getting a little too easy for that :-)

Then and Now

2009-11-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008

Madeline (18 months) was a little tired of pictures by this time of the night I think. Anna Kate (1 month) was learning to love her anyway...she still loves to look at her big sister all the time!

I tried and failed on getting any "good" Christmas pics with their matching outfits. OH well, this is all I got pretty much.

2009

Christmas Picture Session...rather, trying in vain to get Christmas pictures! It was so much easier this year though, no one cried or had a break-down! I think was a successful with just that fact.

Birthday Girl!

2009-11-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday Anna Kate

We love you as high as the sky!

Being thankful

2009-11-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Being a bit sentimental and nostalgic this time of year I look at the simple things in life that I am thankful for...

Laughing and smiling faces of princess ballerinas on Halloween

Picnics with the park on a sunny day with Grandpa and Granny and cousin John Paul

Rainy days

Families

Life long friendships:

Anna Kate with her Nanny Sarah's kiddos and Madeline

Princess Ballerina Kisses

Hugs from Mimi

and love from Sisters

...don't think I did not tear up at this one!

No matter what is going, remember you do have many things to be grateful about in your life!

Colorado

2009-10-29T10:43:00.001-07:00

Thank you to my wonderful Uncle Charles and Aunt Sharon for letting us crash in their beautiful home in Golden, for most of our stay in Colorado.
We really enjoyed it there, as I write this they are getting record setting snow and so I imagine this scene is in a blanket of the yummy white stuff!
We were there 4 weeks ago with sunshine and not a cloud in the sky the whole visit, so it is hard to picture it now.
We saw deer, 2 bucks, a fox and rabbits in their backyard I wish I had the camera.

Anna Kate enjoying an empty chip can for a toy while we all take a break from sitting in the car. Love this age ;-)

Home away from home: While staying in a cabin at Estes Park the girls enjoyed the movies...too cold to go outside after the sun goes behind the mountains. I think they are a little too close to the tv but I will not be the mom that says "your eyes will go cross if you stand that close!" We all know that is not true, I hope!

Outside the window from the cabin...This pic is so relaxing. I wish we could have stayed outside longer but the wind and some snow flakes kept us inside.

Downtown Estes with Steven and Madeline, Anna Kate is hiding...

...asleep, snug and warm.

Madeline loves strolling and shopping no matter how cold it is.
Foliage in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park

Downtown Boulder never disappoints us! Next to these fountains we ate "the best sandwiches" voted in Boulder. They were good, however Darrell's still is the best hands down :-)Our one family photo, thank you mister from Arkansas. This is the highest we could get in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park. Trail Ridge Road (which goes through the Rockies) had just closed that weekend due to snow until Memorial Day weekend.
The beauty of the Rockies is unbelievable. It is worth the 18 hour drive, I think. My husband and others could feel differently :-)
.

Halloween Fun!

2009-10-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

The girls played and helped daddy make Jack-O-Lanterns in the wonderful weather over this past weekend! Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, the season is changing for the better (love cold weather) and it is so close to holiday times!

Thank you Nanny Kate for the apron. As you can see she is most proud of it.
Anna Katherine is so close to walking on her own. She takes a few steps at a time now. She turns 1 in a few weeks so maybe she will be walking fully on her birthday. However, this baby still has no teeth. Madeline got her first one at 11 months.
I guess she be walking and talking before a tooth appears.

All done... They were very happy with it!

Madeline was a little scared of them in the dark. I think Steven did a great job! Yay daddy!