Project: Sparking Her Imagination

Eric and I often talk about how important it is to have a magical childhood, one of wonder and mystery. A childhood that is full of possibility and fun is what we want to give our girl.We want Cordelia's imagination to be constantly inspired (ours too). We have lots of ideas on how to facilitate that process (not that she wouldn't do it on her own). One idea has been percolating for a while.

So, yesterday afternoon we took a trip to the local craft store in search of a small door like something for a dollhouse. We found some, but they just didn't fit the bill; we had a vision. Finally we found ourselves in the unfinished wood projects section and we spotted a small door that we could finish off.


Here we have the unpainted door. Originally it had a couple of steps leading up to it, but Eric sawed them off so that it could sit properly against our wall above the trim.


I painted the door a light blue with white trim. I made the bricks three shades of red: dark, medium and light.


We searched for the perfect place to put the door. We wanted somewhere unexpected that would pique Cordelia's imagination. We settled on a spot in the upstairs hallway.


The door is already a success. She regularly knocks to see if anyone is home.


Then she asks me to open the door for her.

What do you do to spark the imagination of the little ones in your life?

In-Laws

We spent our long weekend with the in-laws, or my in-laws, they are Eric's actual parents. They drove up from New Mexico, arriving on Thursday evening. We took it easy, showing them the sights and letting them get reacquainted with Miss Cordelia.

Here is a photographic taste of our weekend...

Tea Party at the Museum (awesome hairdo)


Blocks with Grandpa


Evening snuggle


On a hike with the gang


My handsome hubby


What can I say, we can't get enough of that beautiful waterfall!

They left early this morning, headed back to the land of enchantment and I should mention that today is their 42nd wedding anniversary!!!! Congratulations!

What did you do with your weekend?

Someone Today

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

Something About It...

Once upon a time Eric and I swore we would NEVER live in Wyoming. I think it was shortly after some guy yelled at us to go back to Colorado as we were trying to rescue a stray dog. Or maybe after a visit during the winter when the wind slams the cold air straight through your being and into your very soul. I am not sure when we said it, but I remember that we were driving out of the state having the discussion and we both eagerly agreed that we could never/would never live in a crazy state like Wyoming.

Before my parents moved here I only knew it for my extended family, the year that my father did an internship here, and the Me and My Veggies book (author from WY), and for the rumor that on windy days toilet water in the basements was known to move.

Of course I don't exactly recall our reasons for having said that, but we almost certainly sealed our fate. We are now residents of Wyoming. We have been living her for just over 2 years and I must admit there is something about it that has grown on me.

Perhaps it is the wild characters. Maybe it's the unapologetic attitudes (good and bad). I tend to think of Wyoming as a place for real individuals, not the "individuals" that normal people know, but the kind of folk who live in the mountain and eat bark while wearing loincloths and talking on their cell phones about how they cried during the last episode of Oprah's show(OK I don't actually know of anyone like this, but you get the idea).

I think more than likely it is the wild quality that the state has, untamed. Wyoming is a bit like bedhead, it's sometimes a little embarrassing---but it is also kind of awesome. The trees and plants have to be tough, the animals and people committed to living here. I can't quite put my finger on it yet but there is definitely something about it...

Thirteen Again

A few years ago I did something drastic. I cut myself some bangs. Since then I have been back and forth---should I grow them or should I keep them?

I have a memory of being in junior high of growing out my bangs. I was all limbs and feet still having a child sized torso. I wore a lot of my father's old farm shirts. I rarely felt cool. I think the term I am looking for is painfully awkward. My half grown out bangs were really just the cherry on top.

Now it is time to revisit my glory days and grow out my bangs. I have reached the point of no return. My bangs are pushed to the side or pinned up in a little retro bouffant, but somewhere in there is still an awkward young girl and I really love her. I am so thankful that I had such a vulnerable phase, that I fell all the time (OK I still do that), that I said the wrong things at the wrong times, that I laughed until I cried, that I deeply related to embarrassing lyrics, that I wore cartoon t-shirts,that I felt so misunderstood. I cherish that period of my life.

What were you like at 13?

In My Shoes

Last night before bed we found ourselves hanging out in the basement. We talked. We listened to music. Cordelia showed us her first comedy routine....


Putting on my shoes


Kicking the tennis ball


Kicking the tennis ball action shot


Resting


The shoes wouldn't fit in the bucket

Overall she was quite pleased with herself! How was your evening?

A Day Outside

Yesterday was one of those perfect weather days. The temp was in the mid 70s F. The sun was shining. There was only a subtle breeze. My mother stopped by in the morning with the newest member of our family. His name is Bode (pronounced Bodie---apparently that is a trend with my family...see my name in the About Me section if you don't know what I am talking about). He is a Hungarian Viszla puppy and he is sooooo sweet. I get to be his dog babysitter.

Meet the new guy


Playing with Bumblebee

We (Cordelia, the dogs and I) spent the morning playing in the yard. The dogs played. Cordelia and I worked in the garden.

Then my father came over for lunch and a little play in the yard.

Lunch break with my dad

Later in the day, after Bode (Bodie) had gone home we still enjoyed ourselves and the perfect weather. I weeded. Cordelia crushed some flowers. Overall it was just lovely.

Bumblebee laying the the Mountain Ice (I think that is what it is called)

Ophelia watching through the screen door

We settled in for the evening. Bathing the girl, reading a dozen books and some snuggle time before I put her down for bed. How was your day?

Kindness Bandit: Eric and the Case of the Hustling Husky

Well this week the Kindness Bandit award goes to my handsome husband. On Sunday night after attending the graduation ceremony Emily, Eric, a sleeping Cordelia and I were pulling into the yard when we noticed a mastiff and a husky running in our yard. We recognized them as our neighbor's dogs.

There was a moment of hesitation as we were not sure if the mastiff would be aggressive or not (it likes to bark at us through the window). Eric decided that he had to do something. So he hopped out of the car and followed the dogs back into the neighbor's yard where the mastiff seemed happy enough to return home.

Eric knocked on the neighbor's door and told them the situation. They were totally unaware that the dogs had gotten loose. Then the husky, who had not let Eric get a hold of him (her?),bolted happily down the street. Our neighbors told Eric that the dog will just keep running. They hopped in their vehicle and drove off into the darkness after their pooch.

Most people would pat themselves on the back and go back to their own business at this point, but not my man. Eric hopped in our car and drove off in the other direction to help in the search for the hustling husky. When he got around the block he encountered another family desperately trying to corral their own pooch. Eric stopped the car, whistled and picked up the dog. He returned it to the family and continued on with his original mission.

After several near misses he finally found and cornered the husky in some random garage. He grabbed the collar (hoping that the pooch would not be aggressive) and led him/her to the car where the dog happily hopped in, apparently pleased with the evening adventure. Eric returned the dog to the bewildered family who had thought he was gone for good.

Meanwhile we (Emily, Cordelia and I) were inside wondering if Eric was being mauled by an angry mastiff. He returned after 30-45 minutes (I am not sure how long) and told us of his adventure.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that story because I am so proud to be married to him.

Weekend Review

Well, in case you missed it Emily of Bananas and Bees came to visit us in Wyoming this weekend. I had a sneaking suspicion that we might be kindred spirits and I was right! We have had a lovely weekend; we've even got inside jokes now y'all!

Anyway we decided to show her around our region a bit. We took her to Freemont Canyon and Alcova Lake.

Emily and I


Emily, looking gorgeous.

Behold Nature!

We also visited the waterfall.

Had deep conversations about nature.

We also spent some time checking out the town, hanging in the yard and just relaxing in general.

Then to top it off we thought Emily would really enjoy going to a graduation ceremony (because who doesn't love to attend high school graduation ceremonies?). So we all headed to the event's center and watched Sam graduate. Emily and I entertained ourselves with invented games (they were really awesome game like find the best last name of a graduate---we settled on McCool).

Eric and Cordelia at Sam's graduation


The crew


Sam is on the end

When the time finally came it was all about Sam! I pushed my way as close as I could get and kept myself from screaming his name. I did give him a loud WOOOOO. I will also admit to blinking back some tears as my brother made his way across the stage, but I did not officially cry!

Sam is nearest

We came home later in the evening. Eric had a KB moment (wait until tomorrow) and we spent the rest of the evening relaxing.

I have had a wonderful weekend with Emily and my crew! What have you been up to?

Graduation Day

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."~Dr. Seuss

Emily is Here!

Yesterday afternoon we (Eric, Cordelia and I) stopped off at our small local airport and went up to the observation deck to watch the planes land. Cordelia was transfixed. We were looking for one important plane, a small jet (?) coming in from Denver. We watched as it landed and taxied in.

We ran down to the gate and held up our sign. We watched as people walked down the hallway and then there she was, I recognized her instantly, Emily. She was just as I had hoped and more. She has a subtle accent and a great sense of humor.

We welcomed her happily and headed to our house. We spent the afternoon chatting and then in the evening we visited a couple of art openings and had a glass of wine while Cordelia spent time with her grandparents.

Interactive art


Checking out some art


A glass of wine at the Wonderbar (not Wonder bra)

Now we are off to yoga! What are you up to?

Our First Guest

Today is a very exciting day! My friend Emily is coming for a weekend visit! She and I have never actually met so this is something of a leap of faith on both of our parts (we each hope the other isn't actually a 50 year old male truck driver, just kidding I know she's not). We know each other through years of blogging, but this is our first actual face to face meeting. Strange because I know her, but I don't know the sound of her voice. So true with many of my blogging friends out there and vice versa. For all you know I could have a super deep voice (I don't...or do I).

Last night we finished prepping for the visit. The guest room is mostly done.











Cordelia and I made a sign to greet her with. The airport is small, so there is little doubt that she could miss us...but it seemed fun!



What are you up to this weekend?