Happy Friday

Well, it's been a good week. I finally got a better night's sleep last night which was awesome. Today Leah and I went to watch her daddy's band perform at Blinn-- she was VERY good so she got a ham and cheese kolache for breakfast. We then went to walmart and to Must Be Heaven with some friends. (*peeps) I had a really good avacado and sprout sandwich.

Think now it's time to clean up a bit. Think motivational thoughts towards me so get stuff done!
Hope all is well,
Karla

Not much

Well, I have been waiting for something to inspire me before adding a blog.... but... nothing... so I at least thought I would write an update.

Let's see... we'll start with Eric. He seems to be doing well. Of course, he is preparing his band for contest which is always a busy time, but he seems really good.

As for me... I am just teaching lessons and helping when I can band-wise. I am enjoying this beautiful weather! I didn't sleep well last night at all, so I am really hoping a nap with Leah is in my future.

Bailee just finished her last soccer game of the season. (Thus the blue cupcake celebration) The Wildcats had a good season and we had fun. She is going to play piano guild in May so we are starting to memorize her 4 pieces for that. She is also writing her first book report on a biography of Pochantas. She is really really excited about that... I wish her love of homework would stick with her forever!

Leah is my Leah. She is a real goof who lives in a world of baby dolls and kitchen! Her school is getting ready to do her Spring Music Show on April 10 so we have heard a lot of practicing at home.

Easter was good. We went to my parents house and Bailee and I went and saw Brooks and Dunn at the Rodeo. It was really fun. Jim's family came over for Easter lunch. My mom and I tried to get pics of all 4 cousins... but as you can see it was a bit tricky. And yes... Bailee is wearing a dress up dress and Leah is wearing one of my mom's shirts. They were playing princess.

Hope all is well!
K

IT

I like to think of myself as a pretty reasonable, level-headed person. I stay pretty calm... I don't rattle easily, but every once in a while, IT hits me. What is "IT"... you ask. Well, it kind of depends, but it's that feeling where you are not exactly sure if you are breathing because you get so overwhelmed with something and you have to talk to yourself to make sure you are still here. (Does that make sense?) Sometimes the "it" is a bad thing... missing a loved one, being overwhelmed with stuff, etc. The good "its" are so much cooler and that is what happened today. I was sitting there eating a salad and watching tv when IT hit me. All of a sudden I felt such love for my kids that it brought tears to my eyes. I wasn't looking at them and I wasn't really thinking of them when IT hit me... and IT hit hard. I just let the thoughts fill me for a minute... I could hear Bailee laughing and picture her beautiful smile. I could feel Leah wrap her arms around my neck and put her sleepy head on my shoulder. IT was amazing. No, I am not strangely hormonal right now... not pregnant! I hope you all get to feel the good ITS in your life. (I also hope you don't think I am psycho.)

Things are good. Here is an explanation of the pics:
1. Leah loves to dress up and have big adventures with the 2 liter coke bottles. In this pic, she is taking them all for a ride on a school bus. She also reads to them, feeds them, and takes care of them. (yes she has toys)
2. Cowgirl Bailee at the Children's Museum in Montrose.
3. Glenwood Springs from the top of the mountain.
4. The kids watching movies in the car.
Hope you are well.
K

Snow #3

Good Morning! Well, last night I slept in my own bed and it was so nice. We did have such a great time though. On the third day in Glenwood, we went to the recreation area there and I went ice skating. It was fun... and I didn't fall which was an added bonus. We then went downtown and ate at a place called Doc Holiday's Tavern. It was there that Dr. Tomas introduced me to some interesting cuisine.

We went to Montrose the next day to pick up my babies and spend one more day before heading out. We went to Ouray and swam in the hot springs and looked around downtown. We also saw the ice climbers and ate some great chocolates from there. It was nice to spend time with family and we can't wait to come back!

The drive home was fine. Eric sat between Matt and Leah for part of the trip and that was good. The kids also zoned out to many, many movies! Swimming in the hotel in Amarillo was nice too. When I got home, I was exhausted but I grinned from ear to ear! I had a lovely note from Jonni on my car, I had balloons and signs on the garage from "my peeps", and I had a welcome home card on my email from Amy Bentke. it was great! We unpacked, ate pizza, and I took a shower and crashed!

Hoping to download some pics soon. Hope everyone is well.
K

Snow #2

So today we took a horse and carriage ride in the snow at Red Stone. It was BEAUTIFUL. I have never seen such big fat snowflakes! We shopped and ate lunch at a little Inn. I had fish tacos that were really good. it was a relaxing day.

Eric said the skiing was awesome. He said it snowed there most of the day and he got to ski on fresh powder.

Tonight we are going to the hot springs to swim.... outside. I am very excited about going.

The girls are doing fine. Today has been relaxing for them. I am not sure what tomorrow has in store. I miss them like crazy, but am glad that they are having fun.

Hope all is well!

Snow #1

Well, we are Colorado having a wonderful time! I will give you a quick update before I head off to Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. The car ride was not nearly as horrible as I thought it would be. We had Matt and Aleesa with us so 3 kids total. They watched a lot of movies (which made Bailee a bit sick in the switch backs of Colorado. Thanks Aleesa for helping her when she was losing one of her many McDonald's meals!) We surprised Earl and Carolyn by getting to Montrose 2 days early. In fact, Carolyn was so surprised that she couldn't remember our names. It was awesome. The girls are now with Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Heidi while we are up here enjoying the High School kids. Eric is probably in heaven now-- skiing on the fresh powder and I must admit that I enjoyed my relaxing morning, my shower AND my bath in the jacuzzi tub-- all without someone going "Mooommmma!!!" I do miss the girls, but I am so excited for them because they get to spend time with their "Colorado" family. They will pick up Uncle Aaron today.

Other than car sickness, the only drama was Leah discovering that if you stick your bare hands in the snow and leave it there it really hurts! (Boy, did that bring tears) Leah and Matt did have their moments where they weren't exactly kind to each other, but for the most part, it was good.

Ok, I am outta here! I will try to update soon!
Have a great day!

Daughters

The girls have had a really good few days. Bailee and her daddy went to the Girl Scout Father/daughter banquet on Sunday and they had a great time. Bailee felt so pretty and proud. We painted her nails and she wore her "rose dress". She was most proud to be on her daddy's arm. They really are close. Leah and I went and got hot cocoa at Starbucks and got TV dinners from HEB and went home-- her idea! :)
Leah had her rodeo on Monday and she was all about it! She had her King Dollar hat, her red boots (Thanks sue sue), and her little vest. She is my serious kid but she had a great time showing mommy and daddy how she could be a real cowgirl by riding in a wagon with Drew and taking a lap around the "corral" on her stick horse... holding tightly to her hat.

Hope you enjoy the pics from their special events! I have so loved watching the wonderment in their eyes as we get to do new things. It has made the hum drum of everyday life take on a new meaning.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." --unknown