Vegas Baby!

Pictures are worth more than words. What a GREAT time!

What a Week

One would think that not working would mean I have tons of free time. However, this really hasn't been the case. Between sick kids, unemployment and health insurance paperwork, and just managing the house, my first few weeks of unemployment have been pretty crazy.

Last Monday, both boys were home from school for President's Day so we headed to the Museum of Nature and Science. I think a jungle gym would have been a better venue, but we survived and even went out to lunch before we head home for a nice afternoon of naps, workbooks, and watching Ratatouille. All followed by our typical Monday trek to swimming lessons.

D-man also was off from school on Tuesday so I decided to take him up to Eldora outside of Boulder for a lesson. We got up bright an early and took T-man to school and headed off. It was a beautiful sunny day and I enjoyed reading my book, taking a nap in the car, and taking in the sun.

Eldora Mountain

I met D-man over on the small hill and he was able to go down a few times without the instructor and I was impressed by his speed and ability to turn and stop on his own. And most importantly, he had a good time and asked when he would be able to go skiing again.

me chilling on the deck 

 

Headed up the hill 

We wrapped up Tuesday with basketball practice and then picking up Boston Market to support Highline Academy. It was actually a great night for Boston Market because Mom and Dad made the decision to drive to Denver on Tuesday and arrived about the same time we got home. What a special treat to have some extra time with them. 

Wednesday brought a wonderful lunch outing with Mom and Dad at Benihana's. Our planned afternoon of relaxing was halted when we got a call from Drake's school and I spent the afternoon at the doctor's and getting a prescription (don't get me started about paying $107 for a generic prescription as I wait for COBRA to kick in and get reimbursed). Unfortunately, that meant that D-man wouldn't be going to swimming lessons, but Tanner was able to show off for Mom and Dad.

And after the start to this week, it meant that I was more than ready for our Vegas trip!

My Frugal Valentine

One might think that me losing my job is the reason for our frugal Valentine celebration. However, I actually can't remember the last time that Marshall and I went out for dinner on Valentine's Day. And we've never been big on the gift giving. Maybe it is because we don't like to deal with the crowds or because we don't want to hassle trying to find a babysitter. Maybe it is because our anniversary is the 24th of February or maybe it is just because we're frugal. Always have been, probably always will be. I remember celebrating our first Christmas together and Marshall asked if we had been dating long enough for him to use a coupon. I knew he was the man for me.

The boys and I spent a couple hours Saturday making homemade Valentine's which was a great way to spend time together and save money as well. Marshall and the boys gave me a couple small little gifts. I think it is always good for us to take every opportunity we can to teach the boys about giving - even if it is just a small candle, a plant, etc.

Our homemade Valentine's

As has become our Valentine tradition, Marshall and I made dinner after the kids went to bed - lobster tails, steak, asparagus, and potatoes. And of course, wine.  We actually cooked our Valentine's dinner Saturday night so we could enjoy it a bit more and not have to worry about getting ready for the week on Sunday.

That meant that we had a candlelit Valentine's Day dinner as a family. We talked about what we love: Marshall loves pizza, I love sleeping in, T-man loves me, and D-man, well, D-man wasn't really into the conversation. According to him, he loves nothing right now (Yes, he was being a bit difficult).  The biggest discussion during the meal was when the boys got to blow out the candles they gave me for Valentine's Day. Ah, the riveting dinnertime discussions with a three and six year old.

And yes, my Valentine and I may be frugal. But we are rich indeed.

Change

Granted, there are a lot of things changing in the Peavy household right now. Marshall started a new job. I'm no longer working. We'll have to change the way we'll think about our budgeting for a while. But, I'm talking about change around the really important stuff. 

The place where Marshall and I got engaged is being demolished.  I actually drove by the other day to see if there was any way to "get in" by chance, but the entire structure is surrounded by a fence and a nice banner hangs from the hotel window promoting its future demise.

The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on I-25 and Hampden that is scheduled to be demolished.

The hotel bar where we got engaged. We were sitting over by the window.

There is nothing particularly romantic about this bar. Actually, there isn't anything about this bar that is romantic. However, it was the place where Marshall and I met for "happy hour" one night after work (not our first official date). We had invited others, but we were the only ones that showed up.  It was definitely here that we had our first "connection" and although it wasn't officially a date, we both knew we had met someone special. And, it was here about nine months later that Marshall asked me to be his wife. 

The hotel is still standing and part of me would love to sneak in for just one more look before our special spot is gone. It's funny - this hotel is not far from where we live now and other than taking our parents there for their first meeting (soon after we got engaged), I don't think we have been back. I guess we won't get the chance now. For now, the restaurant we went to after the bar is still standing.

Another place near our house, America's Bar and Grill, is no longer as well. 

It was here I hung with friends from DU, where Jaima first met Marshall at one of the CIC happy hours, and where Marshall and I went to eat the night before I went into labor with Drake. Guess the spicy wings did the trick and kicked me into labor.  

It obviously makes me sad that places are gone. The good news is that I am not terribly picky about where I drink my beer so I'm sure we'll find new places with new memories. And most importantly, Marshall's still around and no matter what building is demolished, he is my true pillar of strength.

Random Thursday Thoughts

Not surprisingly this week, I have had some more random thoughts. Maybe it is because I don't have to worry about which campaign I am working on, what project is next at work, or what report I need to complete.

• Wonders if the folks from Lowe's here to stack my washer and dryer saw the beer bottle on the family room table and thought I was drinking it today?
• Thinks it is funny that when D-man was reading "A Fish Out Of Water" to me, he referred to the owner of the pet shop as "Mr. Crap" (instead of Mr. Carp). I never did correct him - it was too darn funny. 
• Considering my son thinks someone would be named "Mr. Crap",  I believe him when he says he doesn't know the "F word" (even though some kid said he said it and Drake received a detention because of this tattling). And yes, D-man has been asking me all week what the "F word" is....
• Couldn't believe I was busted by my 3 year old when he found his art work in the trash. "I want the Christmas tree on the refrigerator Mommy". 
• Thinks it is sad that one of the big concerns of losing my job is making sure we have health insurance at all times and follow all the right "rules" to ensure this..... 

Skates, Drake, and Cake

This past weekend we celebrated D-man's birthday with an ice skating party. I am so happy that D-man and I went the weekend before to practice. At the party, he put on his skates and took off (it probably helped to have a friend that is a good skater and someone he had to keep up with!). We even got T-man out on the ice with the help of a cone and Marshall and I enjoyed taking a few laps on the ice as well.

D-man also enjoyed his school and home "parties" as well. When he woke up on his birthday, I heard him say, "ah-yi-yi". Needless to say, he was a bit excited. Many wishes for more happy, happy birthdays to come D-man.