Concrete Work

In all our efforts of house updating and remodeling, Kenny and I have been putting off one job that seemed pretty daunting. There is a spot in the back yard where the rocky patio meets up with a concrete patio and there is a triangular place in the middle where there is NO concrete. It is just dirt. Like this...

Besides it looking kind of odd, rain water runs off the roof, puddles in this spot and is making the concrete around it start to sink down. Eeeek!

So, this Saturday Dad happily agreed to come over and help us repair our concrete. We started early in the morning to keep things cool, set up Dad's huge canopy to keep the sun off and got to WORK!

Dad made some perfect straight cuts in the concrete for us to butt the newly poured concrete right up against, and Kenny set to work jack hammering away the extra concrete.
We (Dad & Kenny) eventually discovered that man power was stronger and faster than the jack hammer, so my hubby (Thor the god of thunder *winks*) sledge hammered with all his might and busted that stuff all up!
And so while the men did the heavy work I got to try my hand at the jack hammer...*laughs* I lasted all of about two minutes, whew, that thing is HEAVY!

After we got all the excess concrete out of the way we put some wire mesh down to reinforce the new concrete.

Then Dad and Kenny hefted bag after 80 pound bag of concrete into this awesome mixer of Dad's.

Talk about heavy! I couldn't even lift one of those bags and Dad and Kenny lifted over 45!!

Well, we mixed and we poured, mixed and poured, mixed and poured...

Made some plans...

Then Dad and Kenny ran a smooth level board over the surface to "screed" (my new word) off the surface and make it perfect.

Next we began the whole process over again to fill in another spot...

Whew, this was an ALL DAY project! We were so thankful Dad was willing to help us! We never could have done it without him.

And now voila! Our back patio is picture perfect! Yay!

Phillips 66

Today is my AMAZING Dad's birthday!! I hope he doesn't mind me telling his age, he looks like he's about 35 to me! *winks*
Ever since I was a little kid I used to think and daydream about the day my Dad would turn 66. You see, his last name is Phillips and I thought is was so amazing that someday he would be "Phillips 66"!

I had it all planned out in my mind, I'll be twenty seven by that time, and that's really old and totally an adult. I'll have loads of money by then! I'm going to buy him a 1957 Pontiac (his favorite car) for his birthday and he'll be able to get a free tank of gas from Phillips 66 because it's his special day!

Well, now that that day has rolled around twenty seven doesn't seem quite so grown up after all...*laughs*

Dad, I'm sorry I can't buy you a car yet, but I hope you know how much we all love you anyway!!!

I was trying to come up with the top adjectives to describe my Dad and I think I've got them figured out...

1. Selfless- Having, exhibiting, or motivated by no concern for oneself; putting other people's interests before one's own.

My Dad is constantly amazing me by his willingness and desire to do things for others. His family, his friends, his neighbors, his co-workers, he would do anything to help another person. He would give you the shirt off his back or the keys to his car. Not only is he willing to do this, but at any time, day or night, he's always ready to help!

2. Patient- Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness. Tolerant and understanding.

I can't think of a time in my life when my Dad has lost his patience! Seriously, I am wracking my brain and I can't think of one! I CAN think of a million times when he could have easily lost his patience, but didn't.

For example...

• while helping your second daughter with her car (selfless), banging your head so hard you see stars...
• having our boat motor sputter to death in the middle of the lake...and saying so kindly, "well shoot, I didn't mean for that to ruin our day"....I'm telling you, he's ALWAYS thinking of others!
• Waiting week after week, year after year for five girls to EVER be ready for church on time!
• Nearly chainsawing your thumb off while helping me (once again) trim my shrubs and shrugging off the pain with a smile and thanking me for a band aid.

3. Encouraging- Giving courage, confidence, or hope.

All I have to say here is not a single time goes by when I see my Dad that he doesn't say "I'm proud of you" and "I love you". Wow!

4. Funny- Causing laughter or amusement.

My Dad tells the best jokes, sometimes even when he's starting a serious story my sisters, Mom and I will all look at each other, have to stifle laughter and ask "is this a joke??"

5. Intelligent- Having a high degree of intelligence.

Dad is one of THE smartest people I know, but also the most humble. What a combo!

I could go on FOREVER because he's that great, but I think all of the above adjectives just add up to tell you that he is an amazing example of a Christian Dad.

Dad, thank you for loving The Lord the way that you do and for following Him so you can be an example and leader to us. We love you to the moon and back!!

Fourth of July

Happy Independence Day!!! This is one of my very favorite holidays! I love that it's hot and summer time, filled with memories of the July 4th parade, great food, family,fun and FIREWORKS! Plus we get to honor our country and all the brave men and women who have served to keep our country free! Thank you!
This year was no different except that I got to host the party at my house! Wow (feeling so very grown up) *grins* And we were planning a secret surprise baby shower for Lisa and a (little bit late) Father's Day celebration for Dad! whew!

We all woke up bright and early and Julie came over to finish up some last minute decorating at my house. Kenny was still in Kansas with his family getting to see his Grandmas and such, so Julie was my partner for the day! *winks* Thanks girlie!

We drove over to Mom and Dad's and all headed off for the parade. We really had a fun time. I love to hear those marching bands play and see the flag waving in the breeze. Lucky for us there was a breeze and a few clouds or it would have been HOT!
There were horses and old classic cars and lots of people throwing candy to the kiddo's. Bryce loved that! He had such a great time waving at the floats and saying "happy fourth of July"! Awww! Who wouldn't want to give that sweetie pie candy!?

After the parade finished up we all headed back to my house to get the party started! I'm glad to report that Lisa truly was surprised (yay!)
We jumped right in the pool first thing and you know what!?! A few rainy sprinkles started coming down!!? What in the world, in the middle of July in a drought and the one day I have people over to swim it rains!? Oh well, it was only a few drops and we had fun anyway *winks*
We spent the afternoon in and out of the pool and had some yummy good sandwiches and all sorts of treats! Then it was time for presents!
Dad got some great gifts, and Bryce was a helper with Lisa's gifts *grins*
This little outfit (above) is from Lori. Neil and Julie got her this awesome Nursing Necklace. It's made of extra sturdy materials for the baby to play with while nursing so they don't pull on Mommies clothes or earrings or hair *winks* Bryce is modeling it (below)
Kenny and I bought this cute "little brother" onesie when we were in Colorado. I can't wait to see Griffin in it!After the party we all decided to rest up for fireworks that night and you know what!? Boom! Crash!! Pow!! (no, that's not fireworks) it's THUNDER & LIGHTNING!! A H.U.G.E. thunderstorm broke loose and the fireworks had to be postponed *sniff, sniff*

Oh well, we had fun chatting the night away, and since the fireworks were delayed I would get to view them with my Hubby after all! Hooray!

Henna Party!

Have you guys ever heard of Henna? It's this amazing paste like substance that you can put on your skin in a pattern and it will leave a pretty little stain for several days.

Well, Lisa requested that all the girls have a henna party and decorate her pregnant little belly *grins* We really had a blast! She even had some glorious glitter that you could sprinkle on the paste while it dries to make it all sparkly and fun!

Julie free handed this amazing design on Lisa's belly! Isn't she talented!?!
Lisa painted this flowery vine on Julie's back
Lori got a pretty fleur de lis on her wrist...
Julie designed this shell on my shoulder for "Schell"... Mom even agreed to get a pretty flowery design on her shoulder *winks*
What a great idea Lisa! I love spending time with my sweet sisters and Mom!

Manitou Springs

Denny and Kenny took their motorcycles out for a drive in the mountains again this morning. So Cecilia and I ventured off to the little town of Manitou Springs. Boy, that must be one popular place, we had to hunt for a parking place *laughs*

Eventually we found one a little way off and hiked down into the town. Immediately we saw a big banner advertising a castle....A CASTLE! Woo Hoo! We decided we must check this out!

It turned out to be Miramont Castle. Originally built by a Catholic Priest, Father Francolon, as a home for himself and his mother then it was later donated to The Sisters of Mercy as a Sanitarium.

It was really amazing to explore all the old rooms with their original furnishings and some period clothing. We were really amazed that the beds were so small in the 1800's. No such thing as a King (or even Queen) sized bed back then I guess *grins*

One thing that I really loved was a large music box that was continually playing. It was beautiful, crystal clear and plenty loud. Really amazing for such an old treasure.

There was a gorgeous sun room on the second or third floor that let streams of sunshine in on the plush settee.

This next room is special because the ceilings are 24 carat gold! Wow! And, look at that enormous fireplace! I bet THAT would keep you warm in the Colorado winters huh!?
We finished off the tour with a walk through the Victorian Gardens. We really had a teriffic time exploring the whole place. Then we continued on into the heart of the city to wander through the little shops.
It was a lot like Old Colorado City, some art galleries, antiques, jewelry, etc. We found a good deal on some tee shirt souvenirs and then decided it was about time for lunch.

We discovered a neat German style restaurant and once again perfectly split a sandwich. We're such good sharers *winks*

After lunch we drove back to our hotel in Woodland Park to meet back up with the boys and finish off our evening. A rainstorm let loose just as we got back inside and ended in the most amazing rainbow you've EVER seen!!
Can you see that!?! There are TWO seperate rainbows it's so intense! This is one of those rainbows that makes you want to go hunt for the pot of gold *winks*

And you know what? It was the perfect end to a glorious two weeks of vacation! We had dinner and I got my bags all packed and prepared for my flight bright and early then next morning, all the while saying a little prayer of thanksgiving for our Yellowstone adventure!

Old Colorado City

Today I had a glorious day of shopping with Kenny's Mom, Cecilia! The boys got up bright and early and headed off for a day of motorcycle riding in the mountains so we had plans to entertain ourselves with shopping and sight seeing.

We drove about fifteen minutes outside of Woodland Park and arrived in the sweet little town of Old Colorado City.
There is a main street with all sorts of shops. We perused several amazing art galleries and were just flabbergasted by the amazing art. There were a few pictures of Colorado Aspen trees with beautiful inspirational quotes hidden within the bark. So pretty!

There were also lots of antique shops and jewelry shops and small specialty clothing shops. We just had a great time looking at all the unique finds.

By this time we were starting to get hungry so we stopped by a neat-o restaurant. I don't know about you guys, but I can't ever seem to finish an entire restaurant entree by myself, and it would have been tough to take any leftovers because we'd have to carry them around while we shopped, so we split a yummy club sandwich and onion rings! What a perfect meal *grins*

We just had a great time browsing and laughing and talking! *grins* Here is a picture of us from last year.
After lunch we headed back to Woodland Park to meet back up with the boys. We were all pretty tired so we decided to go for a dip in the pool to cool off.

After swimming we decided it would be fun to order pizza and rent a movie to watch together back in our room. So Kenny and I went and picked up Pizza Hut and decided on the movie "Taken".
It was a really good movie, suspensful and dramatic with a good plot and it kept us all on the edge of our seats! I'd say two thumbs up! *grins* It was a nice end to a great day!

Denver Zoo

This morning we got up early, once again to beat the heat, to visit the Denver Zoo. Can you tell we are animal people!?! *laughs* In a zoo, in the wild...we just like watching them!
Well, THIS was a busy day at the zoo! We barely found a parking place, and we thought we got there early!? Once we bustled inside we could spread out a little more and avoid the crowds. We got to see a bunch of adorable animals!
This elephant was just playing and playing with this big ball on a chain. It almost looked like he was trying to start a game of tether ball, but his buddy there in the background was too busy with his nap to come play! *laughs*
This Daddy and Baby mountain goat were pretty cute too! I love how Kenny caught the picture just as they're about to butt heads!
It was kind of shocking to see this dreary looking bear after having seen some in the wild! He looks so pooped, not healthy and frisky like the ones at Yellowstone. Awww, poor guy, I hope he's just having a sleepy day.
They also had a couple of Baby Giraffes!! My favorite! They look so soft and sweet with their big eyes and l-o-n-g eyelashes!

This zoo had an aquarium area too, but it wasn't quite as big and neat as the Omaha Zoo. I think we got a little spoiled at the Omaha zoo *winks*
There was a zoo trainer here with the polar bear. He had some fish that he was going to feed her if she did her trick. She was pacing back and forth and back and forth and he kept yelling "up on your rock....come on, up on your rock" over and over.
We waited with anticipation.....the trainer kept calling out.....eventually a crowd was forming to see what in the world was going on. Finally, after about twelve minutes of pacing the bear climbed UP on her rock, the trainer threw a big fish in the water and she dove off to get the fish! What a show!

I think she knew all along that the fish was going IN the water, so why in the world would she need to climb way up there just to get the fish in the water!?! *laughs*

We left to zoo about 12:30 and were on our way to find lunch and stop by some outlet malls on the way to Woodland Park to meet up with Kenny's Mom and Dad!

We ate some yummy good Chick-fil-a and explored all around the Castle Rock Outlet Mall.
We found several great deals! I got a banana republic shirt for $7.00 and an Eddie Bauer one for just $5.00! Woo Hoo! I love a good deal!

By this time Denny and Cecilia called to let us know they had arrived and we headed straight on over to Woodland Park.

Oh MAN we have fun!!

I'm so thankful that I was able to take some extra time off to extend our trip over into Colorado. One, I love getting a chance to spend time with Kenny's Mom and Dad. Two, (almost) any vacation is a good vacation. Three, it was like de ja vu of the trip we took here last year right after our Honeymoon in St. Thomas! Some hotel and everything!
We arrived just in time to check in.....another great hotel with soft, warm, yummy cookies in the lobby! And then we headed out to go eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant! Ohhh I had the best Taco Salad ever!!!

Eating all that good food was enough to send us to bed for the night! It's a good thing too because the boys had an early morning of motorcycle riding and Cecilia and I had an early morning of shopping and sight seeing planned! *grins*