HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Teri and I had our annual executive session at Starbucks to discuss our/my/her goals for 2007. We agreed to six for the year.

1) Acquire a car with an automatic transmission for Austin to drive. Whether we add to our car lot or just replace my 5 spd pickup with an automatic, he really prefers to develop his confidence with something that has only 2 pedals. He is still 7 months away from his 16th birthday, so we have plenty of time.

2) Find a church home. Holiday shopping now behind us, church shopping has begun. We have two in the immediate area to try out plus a third about 6 miles away, so that is the January schedule.

3) Sell the 1971 Jimmy. It simply is just time and although emotionally attached, it would have been nice to have that garage parking slot for my pickup during the last 2 blizzards.

4) Weigh the same on day 365 as I/we do on day 1, 2007. Having acquired the treadmill a few months ago (which has gotten great use), should help. But we must confess,this one gets harder each year you age.

5) Give our master bathroom a facelift. Who was the inventor of carpet in the bathroom after all, really a poor idea.

6) Acquire some investment property in the hill country of Texas, our final resting spot!

Cheers to a prosperous 2007 for all of you bloggers!

BLIZZARD...(update)

....underway, we will keep you posted!

Two differences- for sure this one is much 'wetter' snow, so real back-breakers for shovelling and, most noteworthy, I have to go in and work this one! Without doubt, I will have a 911 story to share...

The last time Colorado got smacked with two big snowstorms within about a week, Harry Truman was president, the Cold War had just started, and "It's a Wonderful Life" was in theaters.

These two storms occurred within eight days of each other and we've only seen three other storms in the last 60 years that have come back-to-back in a span of eight or ten days. But fortunately, we were 'spared' by getting only 12 inches. Any other time, a foot of snow is significant.

Work was extremely quiet as most folks heeded the advice of the 1st storm to remain indoors. But the 'usuals' did call in. One citizen noticed on a local website denoting the busineses, schools, government offices, etc that were closed due to the storm and commented to a 911 calltaker "It said City of Lakewood is closed-- does that mean I can't leave my house". (Uhhh..with that kind of brilliance, we dont want you to).

And yet another called in 9 months pregnant and had gone into labor and did not think she could make it to the hospital herself due to the conditions. She indicated she could feel the baby's head wanting to come out.

Fire Dispatcher:"Do you actually see the baby's head?"

Caller:"No mam, I still have my pants on"

Fire Dispatcher:"Is the baby's dad with you to assist in removing your pants?"

Caller:"No, he is not here, but I can get my boyfriend to help."

Yup, another child entering the world to fight an uphill battle day one...

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2006!

Let’s move into the 21st century… and instead of mailing our Christmas letter… put it on our blogs! Most of you stay up-to-date with our lives via our blogs anyway so I don’t know that we have much news for you. Anyway… here’s the recap…
2006 has been a year of anticipation, triumphs, adventures, and getting back to the simple life. We celebrated our 2nd year in our “new” home and still enjoy this blessing that God has given us. As of 2 days ago, we experienced our first blizzard in this home and neighborhood and were housebound for 2 days! It is large enough for each of us to have our own space, but warm and comfortable enough for us to be “family” too!

Austin is 15 and a sophomore at Ralston Valley High School (whose claim to fame is the new band, The Fray). He joined the Boys Cross Country team this past fall and had a great time building relationships there as well as challenging himself to run faster and faster. He also took Driver’s Ed but has not had much of an opportunity to practice what he learned as 3 out of 4 of our vehicles are standard transmissions… He’s patiently waiting for the clutch/gas thing to click! He’s a soft-hearted kid who has typical teenage tendencies… sleeping away the morning, staying up late at night and communicating via texting and im to all of his friends!

Cameron is our young adult now… 18 years old and contemplating moving in with a friend in his apartment. He graduated from high school this past May… found his “dream” job (as far as 18 years of dreaming can go) working at his flight school as a dispatch manager. He’s completed his first semester of college at Metro State College in Denver with all A’s and one B. He stays busy between his two jobs (at his flight school and the church he’s worked for a couple of years), his girlfriend, Nicole, his buddies, his flying, his school and studies, hunting, 4-wheeling, and anything else that might interest him at the moment. This is the kid who can’t sit still and our housebound blizzard days had him chomping at the bit! He’s coming close to completing his instrument rating (where he can fly in the clouds).

“Our third child”, Brynn, is now 19 months old, and keeps her Aunt Sissy busy and laughing every moment of the day! Austin loves finally being a “big brother” figure in someone’s life and is teaching her how to say all kinds of words! Her first two-syllable word was Au-tin… She loves helping… and is quite the domestic help… she helps unload the dishwasher and load it… frequently rearranges the dishcloth drawer and cereal cabinet, vacuums ferociously with her popper, sweeps the floor with a broom three times her size, carries the mail box key ever so carefully while we walk to get the mail, and helps put clothes in the dryer, one at a time. She loves to read books, especially the “I Spy” books with bugs being her favorite things to find (in books and outside)! She has the cutest smile and most beautiful dark eyes and is a joy to have in our home 5 days a week!

Shelly, our canine daughter, arrived 11 years ago today into our household, and she doesnt look nor act more than 11 months old!

David is anxiously, but patiently, waiting for his time to end at his job as a police dispatcher. He’s been there 18 years with 2.5 more years on the horizon. He’s still working our Ebay business for extra money that will now be going towards our “rewirement” (more on this in a bit). He’s become quite the expert in thrift shopping for jeans and athletic and ski wear. He still loves to eat so therefore he still runs! We purchased a “new-to-us” treadmill a couple of months back for days like the past few (blizzard) so he can keep eating what he wants. He’s still slim and trim with that beautiful head of curly salt and pepper hair! Truly my knight in shining armor!

I am enjoying finally being in my dream role and one that God completely ordained for me and my family… a stay-at-home wife, mom and auntie! While Brynn keeps me busy during the weekdays, I enjoy my domestic role immensely. I’ve met some kindred spirits online and am a part of a very active group of Christian ladies who share my interests, hopes and desires. I am so thankful that God has led me to these ladies (Heather, Kristen, Annie, Mary, Mary J, Jenn, Jen, Steph, Jamie, Melissa and Raquel)… love you girls!

We still have not found a church that we can call home, but then we haven’t look really hard either. We’ve got the mindset that we are only here in Colorado for a few more short years, it makes it hard to establish roots only to have them pulled up again. Austin is still attending our old church and is comfortable there. Cameron struggles like all college students in where to worship and build relationships. David and I have continued to attend our old church off and on but it’s just that… attendance. So while we have visited one other church, we aren’t gung ho about “starting over” in establishing relationships. I know, something we need to pray about and are.

In April, my Grandma Harpster passed away and we flew to Austin with Brynn to then drive to attend her funeral in the Rio Grande Valley. I got a blast from the past as I reconnected with some high school friends and friends of my parents. My grandma was such a significant part of my entire childhood and I have such special memories of her… in my heart and mind and in my home. I treasure quilts and dishtowels she’s made for us, recipes that take me back to her home on Delta Lake and her love for all people… everyone loved Elsie Mae.

My parents blessed us by coming to Colorado several times this year! They even supplied the authentic Texas fajitas for Cameron's graduation party. My mom filled in for me in keeping Brynn while we were on our summer vacation and a couple of weeks ago when David and I went on our anniversary trip. Mom and Dad both made the trip two more times... once to celebrate Cameron's graduation and Brynns first birthday and another time this past fall.

This year our summer vacation took us to very hot Playa Del Carmen, Mexico at the end of July… beautiful resort, kind people, crystal clear blue water… but very hot! We all enjoyed lounging about the beach and pool and then stuffing ourselves at the buffet each evening!David and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary by flying to Jamaica (our first stamp in our passports!). This was our first major trip away from our kids and their first time staying at home alone! What a difference a season makes as far as temperatures in the Caribbean! Once again, beautiful blue waters, perfect 80 degree temperatures and a “no problem” type of attitude allowed us to relax and enjoy each other with no responsibilities!

As we look forward to 2007, we have lots to “look forward” to. Our Ebay business is allowing us to prepare our way to move back to Texas. We are looking for property (at least 1 acre) to purchase this next year in anticipation of our “rewirement” years! We will take a trip to the Hill Country hopefully in the Spring to start this process! We’ve been looking and dreaming of this for several years now and are ready to take the plunge. Austin has 2.5 more years before he graduates high school and we plan to move shortly after that. He’s even casually mentioned going to University of Texas (Go Horns!). And he’s our only native Coloradoan! This Texas thing goes deep =). Dan and Kelli have mentioned moving back too which would make it all the easier for us to have Brynn continue to be close by!

I am thankful to God for His handprint in everything that happens in my life. I am thankful that He is in control and that He uses everything, good and bad, for my best interests. I’ve grown to love Him more and trust Him more. He’s my daily strength and my purpose for everything I do. He’s touched everything that has happened to me and my family this past year. Everything goes by Him first and He’s using every little detail to fulfill His purpose for my life. I’m so grateful for His love, tender mercies, grace, forgiveness, strength, omnipotence, and for just being God.It is my prayer that this season and the upcoming year will bring you closer to Him. Allow yourself to sit quietly and know that He is God. He is everything! Peace is not a season… it’s a way of life. May Jesus Christ bring you peace this season and in the upcoming year.

Blessings, T

SEND A HELICOPTER!

Latest Update as Snow Has Ended:

SNOW TOTALS updated 2:00 p.m. These are not official NWS totals
ARVADA
31.0"

It looks like it will go down as the 4th worst storm in Colorado history. Oh yeah, our snowiest month on average is March.

The truck's cab was cleaned off before bedtime!

Our new one-way street.

The neighbors think the sidewalk is a priority :)

Chevy Tough!

Hoops anyone?

Send back pain meds!

You found my bone and gave me a place to pee--you're the best dad!

Hey, turn on the Christmas lights!

THE STATE OF COLORADO IS......

Simply amazing is the only way to describe our Holiday Blizzard of 2006. It appears from our 1st 10 hrs into this storm as it will be the worst we have ever experienced since arriving in 1988. I left my work and arrived home safely and am now on a 7 day vacation period, what timing! Absolutely whiteout conditions, even in the metro area, with visibility during broad daylight averaging about 250 feet! Our 20th wedding anniversary today will be easily remembered.

How bad is it:
Interstates into/out of Denver-Closed
Denver Intl Airport- Closed
USPS carrier delivery- Closed
The actual post office- Closed
Public Bus Service- Closed
ALL schools- Closed
Red Cross Shelters- Open

The latest update has our hometown of Arvada leading the way with snow accumulations with ONE FOOT already being dumped and simply no let up in sight. Sustained winds are near 20-25mph.

The one thing guaranteed: A WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Praising the Lord for a warm house, all of my family home and 4x4s....

Oh so misssing Jamaica

Evidence life isnt fair- 47 yr old shovelling, 18 yr old photographing

Driveway looking only four houses down to end of cul de sac, broad daylight

"Dad, I am a female dog peeing like a male one-let's move to Texas, I dont mind dealing with the fleas, I promise".

More photos to come.......

REDNECK ALARM CLOCK

My standard disclaimer--I cant make this stuff up...

Over the weekend, I took a call first thing one morning from an apartment manager indicating a male had just sprinted over to the office and was asked to call 911 and to get an ambulance over to his apartment. Before the manager could discern what was wrong, the male was running back to his residence.

Well, it seems his 29 year old wife had become unresponsive so he started CPR. She was transported to the hospital where she died 2 hours later.

Upon interviewing the husband, he claimed she had done methampethamines (just a little bit), but was unaware of any drug habit. He did elaborate they had lived on the streets for 8 years, neither worked, and recently became housed in the apartment, no doubt with government assistance. Well, the truth eventually surfaced. She was a Probation client with a possession of controlled substance conviction. She had two active felony warrants for failing to show on drug charges.

When asked to recount the events from the night prior, he indicated his wife and himself were watching TV until midnite. At 7am, he was then awakened by their pet squirrel who was frolicking in his hair. It was at that time he discovered his wife had just stopped breathing as she was drawing her bath.

So, once again we have a couple of life lessons. First, we can afford the drugs, but we cant afford the $15.00 basic one line phone service, which no doubt cost her her life as hubby had to run to the office losing precious minutes. Second, if you cant afford an alarm clock due to your drug abuse, just pounce on the backyard squirrel and bring him into the home.

From the front row of the circus...

Heaven on Earth!

WOW, what a wonderful 20th anniversary celebration! The trip was darn near flawless and the 85 degree days in Jamaica so welcome, especially after sitting in a plane in Denver being de-iced for 30 minutes on our way out. The RIU Ochos Rios hotel is Jamaica's newest and largest resort. Of the 900 rooms, I would guess it was maybe 30% occupied. Arriving there the 1st week of December was great as it was not crowded and hardly any kids due to school still being in session.

Our boys maintained order while we were gone doing an excellet job. Our simple goal was to return knowing there was no need to file an insurance claim of any type and that was accomplished. Did we miss them---absolutely! Did we feel guilty-absolutely not!

The photos say more than words can, so enjoy! It looks like the blog site limits photo space, so we have a second posting titled Heaven on Earth (Cont'd).

Our view, looking to the North.....

Our view, looking to the South...

The water color is unmatched--- anywhere!

One of two mega-sized pools...

The view standing shore-side looking back...

Breezy, as you can tell by Teri's hair...

Heaven On Earth (cont'd)

A return on the pedicure investment....

Our new favorite Caribbean drink-Rum Creme! Of course, we told them heavy on the creme....

This month's magazine features "How To Lose 10lbs. in 5 Days Laying On Your Beach Lounger!

Yes, a self portrait from our Hotel Room--now you know what we are smiling about :) . That's a touch of sand in Teri's hair (not gray).

Yummy Jamaican BBQ--but Teri rudely commented that they named the hut after me!

Yes, a 3rd grade Jamaican education gets you the job as Beach Cup Collector!

Okay--I have no shame. This is what Teri got me for my 20th anniversary gift. It's amazing how pronounced Speedos make my stomach muscles look (among other things).

Twenty years of marriage and she still wont listen to me. I told her when we got there "Teri, dont forget your sunscreen and watch your calorie intake at the all-you-can-eat buffets"..Oh well, maybe on our 40th anniversary trip she will listen..

YEH-MON, NO PROBLEM...