Well, we are slowly getting back at it after the holidays. We are getting ready for the girls to head back to school on Monday. I think Emma is reasonably ready to go but Audrey is pretty distressed. I would have thought it would have been the other way around. Emma is going from a class of 30 to a class of 300 whereas Audrey is going from a class of 1000 to a class of 300. I think what is really hard on Audrey is that she is leaving her friends. However, I have let her know that her friends are welcome to come to the Springs any time they want--I'll even drive both ways if it keeps her happy and her friendships connected. Of course shes texting and talking to her friends all the time so at least technology is helping.
Now that we are in the Springs I am able to go into the office every day! From my parent's house it takes me exactly 5 minutes to get to the office. I know that might seem like a drag to some people, but it is a real bonus for me. I love the office and the people that work there. I get to work with such a great team and it is fun to feel like I am contributing. It is incredible to not have a one hour commute on either side of my work day. Good stuff!
My dad and I have been able to take a couple of hikes over the break. The most memorable one was a night hike up Cutler Mountain. The moon was full and we went with the Colorado Mountain Club. It gave us great views of the city and the moon was amazing. The hike was only about 3 miles round trip but it was also about 13 degrees out! My brother-in-law Wade gave me some great outerwear for Christmas so I had totally great clothes to wear and my boots that my dad got for me worked great. It was fun to hike with some new people--there were definitely a few "characters" but it kept things interesting.
Yesterday Emma came with us on a hike. For Christmas my dad completely outfitted Emma for hiking and Joanne and I had gotten her some hiking boots. She has a great kids pack, a water bottle, a pocket knife (her favorite gift of all), a fleece hat and hoodie, and some hiking socks. She is ready to go. She came on a 2 mile walk with us yesterday at Ute Valley Park, which is just five miles away, and she did great. Again it was very cold out but Emma was a trooper--no complaining and she really keeps up a pretty good pace. Fun to hike with her and dad.
Joanne is settling in to life at my parents house. She, as well as the girls, are thrilled to have access to TV. We haven't had TV for about 3 years so they have a lot of catching up to do. Joanne's favorite is "What Not To Wear." Emma is glued to Animal Planet. I have to admit that I am stoked to be in front of the TV for bowl season. I have always really loved college football so I am basking in the opportunity to watch.
We are eating well too! When we were in Denver I had a very limited menu of things I could prepare for the family. We ate a lot of pasta, ramen, eggs, and other stuff that was easy to put together. Here we are getting home cooked meals every night. I jumped in this week and volunteered to cook dinner. I made homemade meatballs and a great sauce. Unfortunatly my meatballs ran over the edge of the pan and trashed the oven and made the whole house fill up with smoke. I was trying to do something helpful and ended up just making a mess! But the meal was tasty.
We are almost moved out of our house. We probably have just a half dozen boxes to move into storage and a few pieces of furniture to get loaded out. Then my mom and I will "stage" the house for showing. Praying that the house sells quickly!
I guess that's about it.
Prayer requests:
1. Please pray that we can finish getting the house in order and that it will show well and sell quickly.
2. Please pray that the girls would have a good first week of school. Maybe they will each find a friend. That would be huge!
3. I am so thankful for a good job. I know a lot of people who have been out of work; some of them for a long time. So I feel blessed that I am able to make a living.
Toben
It is so wonderful that you continue to update us all in cyberworld Toben! I for one really appreciate the time you put into it. Your family is in my prayers.
Posted by: MomPlusKid | January 03, 2013 at 01:09 PM
praying for your family and you Toben. Glad to hear everyone is settling in well. praying for the girl's to have a great 1rst week of school. And am so glad you are so close to home while at work.
Posted by: Patty | January 03, 2013 at 02:01 PM
I'm glad to hear the update! I'll be praying it for y'all (as we say here in the South).
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | January 03, 2013 at 04:30 PM
My husband and I will be married 42 years this year.
God Bless
From
Pamela in WV
Posted by: Pamela | January 03, 2013 at 06:16 PM
It sounds like there is a bit of peace in the changes. What huge hearts your parents have to take on all that is required--now we know where your heart grew from!
Wishing you and your family a happy, blessed new year!
Posted by: Tena | January 03, 2013 at 08:38 PM
Hey T, we are glad to have you in the office as much as you can be. You are contributing greatly, especially for the things I need on the web site.
Know I still pray for you and all your girls.
~Stacey
Posted by: Stacey Frazier | January 03, 2013 at 10:01 PM
Lifting your family in prayer
I hope Joanne will get to watch 'Downton Abbey' and also "Call the Midwife' on the telly. I know she would enjoy both :)
Posted by: gail | January 04, 2013 at 10:24 PM
Praying that school is going well for the girls. Glad you have a good change with the drive and more of a chance to spend time at work. It does feel good to contribute and spend time with colleagues, especially if you like & respect them. Now I'll pray that Joanne feels comfortable and good in her new surroundings.
Posted by: Carrie | January 08, 2013 at 04:27 PM
your site is very nice and i read a you posts is very nice
Posted by: Online University for Nonprofits | January 09, 2013 at 02:21 PM