Denver's Finest - in miniature

Kyle had quite the morning! He went to the South Metro Fire Station 35 in Arapahoe County to see fire trucks.

The firefighters allowed Kyle and the other kids to climb in the trucks to see every nook and cranny. One fireman donned his gear to show the kids what firefighters need to protect themselves from fires.

In addition, we got a tour of the station and saw a fireman slide down the pole.


Kyle was a little overwhelmed with the other kids there, but was in total awe of being able to touch a fire truck. He kept whispering, "Truck. Truck," stroking the shiny red paint.

At the end, he got to take home a little fire hat.

The trip was arranged by the agency that provides his physical and occupational therapy services. How cool is that?

'Tis the season to knit (and do other stuff)

In a way, being ill has been good, at least allowing me time to finish Christmas projects for those living outside the walls of my home.

Knitting is about all I've had energy for the past few weeks (it's still all I really have energy for while feeling sick), but it's productive. On the table you can see Mr. Snakey and The Slug I knitted for my nephew Daniel. I had to chase Kyle around the house to get the snake from him and hide it until I wrapped it. Kyle's snake is my next project. It'll be purple.

The taggie blanket is for my nephew, Daniel, who lives in Philly. Kyle has a taggie, and it's his ultimate obsession along with drums. He won't sleep without it, and demands his "blinkie" when he's tired or not feeling well. He chose the print fabric for Daniel's "blinkie" and hopes Cousin Daniel loves it as much as he does. (It's been Booger tested, Booger approved.
Blogger doesn't flip photos and I don't know how to mess with the html to turn it or even create legitimate captions... hey, I'm a writer, not a computer programmer...

The is the first bear I've ever made. The snake and slug are my first toys. The bear is for my niece, Emillie Hope. (She was the one who became a forever baby a few weeks ago!). Her mom and I have been the very bestest of friends for 13 years!!! Making the bear was quite a challenge. Yes, it was a simple pattern from the internet, but I've never really had to piece things together before and spent time looking up the definition of "oversew". I also got better at correcting mistakes and learned how to knit Continental style. I'm about as fast at is as English style, but with more practice, that will improve.

In the middle of it all, John is dragging out all the Christmas stuff and we are putting up trees and lights. Today I am feeling stronger, so I think I can help with the Christmas tree decorating and putting up some of the knick knacks around the house. Booger doesn't know what to think yet...

Forever Day and Pig Pizza

Just a quick post. It's been a while and I'll go into that another day...

My "niece" Emily Hope, became a Forever Child yesterday - a little over a year after Kyle.
Check out the pictures.

Also, I've been getting hits on a post I wrote over a year ago about Victory Pig Pizza. People from all over the US who grew up in NEPA (North Eastern Pennsylvania for the clueless), are chiming in about their love of that gooey, cheesy rectangle of pure bliss. I have a feeling there'll be a campaign for shipping to transplants!

My dad, a friend of the Cecolli's (owners) is printing off the comments and taking them to Rich.

Now I'm hungry with a craving I can't satisfy... Ugh.

Rockies on the ROCK

Even those of us who aren't inclined to park in front of the flat screen to watch sports have been riveted to the dramatic rise of the Colorado Rockies.

I've been to a bunch of games, sung the national anthem at two (with a choir), and even own a few hats. Ignoring the excitement in our city isn't possible. It's been fun getting swept along in the tide and even watching (gasp!) the Rocks sweep the D-Backs.

Local news channels spend the bulk of air time on Rockies interviews and what's struck me is their humble attitude. They swept the Phillies (my old home team) and didn't take anything for granted. They never assumed a sweep with the Diamond Backs, even when they won 3 games and only needed one more win. I wondered...

Now I don't need to wonder anymore. Local papers have lambasted some Rockies players for mentioning faith. People wrote to the editor of the Post complaining about the mention of religion and baseball. Separation of church and mound?

Anyway, here's a link to a fantastic article about our Rockies. I'm so proud of how they ACT Jesus, rather than beat Jesus into people.

Christian Faith Guides Colorado Rockies, Individual Character Builds Team Chemistry

I'm not dead... yet

Sorry about breaking the three cardinal rules of blogging:

1) Post often.
2) Post often.
3) Post often.

I've been busy, mostly with the colorguard and marching band I help coach. Yesterday we were supposed to be in Grand Junction, Colorado competing in the state championships. Snow fell in Denver and on the mountains, making travel unsafe and impossible. The season's been extended another week, and the competition/conclusion to our season will occur next Monday.

Last week I had full days of band camp/Booger watching. Unable to find anyone to babysit while I worked, I was forced to take him with me. I have a greater appreciation for working mothers. Trying to do a job for 8 hours while keeping a toddler happy and warm in freezing cold weather was nearly impossible.

But-

God was gracious.

One of my student's fathers was laid off. He saw me trying to teach and clean flag routine while chasing Kyle across the parking lot. Not asking if I needed help, he saw it. He grabbed the Booger and took care of him for the entire day! As the wind howled at 60 mph, and the temperatures dropped into the 40's, he and Booger sat in a warm car.

What an answer to prayer!

The following day, the weather was worse. I didn't have help. That man's daughter is seriously ill and needed to stay home. Kyle didn't complain when he had to sit on the hillside wrapped in blankets for four hours. Not one tear. John was able to take half a day from work and rescue to itty bitty icicle.

God does take care of us in tiny ways - even when we don't see the answers. Sure, the circumstances were far from ideal, but He helped Kyle cope, and provided the help needed at the right moment.

So, I'm not dead... yet. I will be someday, but when I do go, I'll be able to thank God face to face for His small helps.