Updating

I know, I know, I haven't posted in a while. And it may be a while until I post again. I have been working on my items for the craft fair I signed up for in November, which is three weeks away, and since the only real time I have to work on them is at night, I'm having to limit my internet time. It was looking like I was going to get everything done on time, but then my Grandmother passed away Oct. 18 and so we were in Utah for her funeral last week. But it also meant I wasn't home to work on anything. So now I have three weeks left and A LOT of work to do to get ready. So sorry for all those that live to see what new things I have posted...just take me off your "check daily" list for a while. I'll have lots to talk about when I have the time!

More balloons...

A few more pictures of the balloons -

Balloon Fiesta!

This past week we had Rhett's parents and sisters and their families and my parents and little brother and sister in town for the balloon fiesta. We got up early to see the mass ascensions and no matter how many times I see them, the balloons are amazing each time. No matter where you look, the sky is filled with balloons - and then you turn around and there's more! We had a great time with the family. Everyone is welcome next year!!

Hunt Tricks

Today we spent the morning at the park. It was a beautiful day - the sky was clear and blue, the temperature was just right and it wasn't windy at all - something that is very unusual for Albuquerque this time of year. It was so pleasant to be outside. The boys were playing on the playgrounds and having a great time. As I hung around the playground to help when needed (especially Andrew), each of them discovered a new "trick". Porter went across the monkey bars by himself, Andrew learned how to go down the slide by himself, and Zach learned to climb up the "web" to the top of the jungle gym by himself. As I marveled and celebrated their achievements, I couldn't help but feel saddened at the reality that they didn't need me any more. Rather than being a helping hand, I had merely become a spectator. Even though I love their independance, it's a sign that my baby boys are growing up. Maybe it's time for another one...

It's finally done!!

Our backyard is finished! It only took 700+ square feet of sod, 9 sprinklers and 120 feet of PVC, 5 cubic yards plus 10 bags of compost, 200 feet of wood, 3 flower beds, a 12x12 slab of 3 inch thick concrete, 3 tons of rock, and 54 plants (including the ones that died and I had to replace!), 1 sandbox, and LOTS of work. But it was all worth it! We love to just be out there - I do my "flower and garden walk" every morning to make sure everything is growing right. We have the greenest backyard on the block and am proud to say, except for the concrete, we did it all ourselves! Come visit sometime - we'd love to show it off!

The Balloons have Begun!!

Today was the first day of the Balloon Fiesta! We watch for balloons in the sky every morning after we take Porter to school, and this morning, there were lots of them! This morning, the Trader Joe's balloon launched from a field by Porter's school, so we got up a little earlier and watched it. The balloon handlers lay the balloon out on the ground, then use a fan to blow it up. Once the balloon is pretty inflated, they light the torch which heats up the air in the balloon and makes it rise. Once everything is in place, they load up the basket with people and take off! It was so cool to watch! And especially exciting since that's what I'm going to be doing in three weeks! YIPEE!

P.S. Sorry about the crappy picture - that's the view from the front of our house!

Happy Birthday to...

Me!!! Not to toot my own horn or anything... :)

The big 3-0...wow. I can't believe I'm now one of those thirty-somethings...I always thought of those people as being old. Not really old, but old. As people who already have their life established. In your twenties, so many things happen - college, marriage, new jobs, kids; but in your thirties, all those things are already established, so the only thing there is to do is carry on with life. Maybe I should be ambitious and make some goals or set some new resolves for the next decade - there's always room to make myself better.

My first 30's goal was to not do any work today on my birthday; I was just going to play. Do you know how hard that is?!?!? I couldn't believe the natural tendancy I have to just pick up and make things cleaner and neater. Rhett cooked me dinner today (crab legs, YUM!) and I tried, TRIED to stay out of the kitchen and let him do all the work. But I found myself, on more than one occasion, in there picking up a spoon to stir something, or grabbing the knife to cut something. Even after dinner, I just wanted to take the dishes to the sink or put stuff away...I had to force myself to just let it be. Rhett kept getting after me, telling me to go lock myself in a room and take a bath or watch a movie or just go to bed; but it's hard to just let the boys be when they are always asking, "mom, can you do this?" "Mom, what is that?"

But it has been a good day. Thanks to all those who sent birthday wishes and thought of me today! It's friends and family like you that make birthdays that much more special, even at this old age... :) And my boys are a big part of that. I think they sang Happy Birthday to me a half a dozen times today. Rhett is really good at making sure I relax and have a day off. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

P.S. My gift from Rhett was a trip in a hot air balloon later this month!!!