Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

Tonight we celebrated our 19th anniversary at home with an easy dinner. We watched stopped at the store on the way home and came home Owen a card and roses for each other. I guess we really are a good match. 

It seemed like today was a day we were meant to think about our anniversary m. D-man learned about diamonds and divorce in Social Studies today and while we were eating dinner, the Peanuts song (our Exit song) and the “the way you look tonight” (the song I danced to with my Dad) both came on Pandora. 

We celebrated with sparkling cider, champagne and cheesecake. Happy anniversary to my rock, my love and my partner in crime. Life would not be the same without you. 

Hotel de Smiley

We were long overdue for a trip to stay with the Smileys. We didn’t arrive until midnight on Friday night as we had so many mid activities. The beauty of leaving that late is that the traffic is nonexistent. 

The men skied in Beaver Creek on Saturday while the woman relaxed at home for a bit before heading on a walk and then into Edwards for pedicures, shopping and some lunch. What a fun day! 

We then had delicious steaks cooked up by Dave for dinner followed by games and cards. On Sunday, we all relaxed around the house - playing ping pong/pool, virtual reality and cards and rummy cube. I even got in a couple different car naps before heading home around 5:45. There was a bit of snow, but the traffic was minimal and we made great time. 

When we pulled into the driveway, D-man stated it had been a successful trip. I couldn’t agree more. 

Life Advice

A friend asked for advice for her younger friends on Facebook. Here’s what I wrote and thought I would capture it here. 

And I saw this at the school last night as think it is also great advice 

• The kind voice you use with others - use it for yourself. We often talk to ourselves in a much more negative voice than we would ever use with others. 

• Experiences, not things. 

• Mistakes are how we learn. 

• There will always be someone with more than you. There will also be others with less. Don’t compare yourself to others - live your own life. 

• Take care of your health (mind and body). You can’t get another one. 

• Where you are is exactly where you are meant to be. It may suck in the moment, but life is messy and it makes you who you are.

Jazz Dance

The Monarch middle school jazz band, along with three other neighborhood middle schools, performed in the 20th annual Jazz Dance concert time raise money for their programs.  It’s a fun evening with food, dancing and music. Proud of T-man for trying something new! 

The Final Basketball Week

This week marked the end of the 2019-2020 basketball season for D-man - and it was a busy one with four games. two sophomore and two JV games and all ended in victory. 

It was a great season and so much fun to watch. Even move importantly, D-man had a great time. It’s a little bittersweet it is over, but so proud of D-man and what he accomplished this season. 

On the big court for JV 

Victory formation 

Overtime win for the sophomores! 

End of a great seasons with a great group of boys 

In the JV game again for a bit 

Great season son 

Good friends 

Winter Park

It was an interesting weekend in Winter Park. Always fun, but the hot tub never worked, Alana tore up her knee, D-man didn’t get to hook up with friends and none of us skied on Monday. On a high note, the boys went up Friday morning and got a day of skiing in and we had incredible snow on Sunday. And no matter what , it is always good to get away for the weekend. 

On the top of Pano 

Sun on Saturday 

Ready for a snowy day 

My handsome ski date 

Happy hour and a splint 

JV Baby

Unbeknownst to us, D-man got called up to play JV on Tuesday night in Loveland. Unfortunately, we weren’t there to witness it as we were in Louisville watching his brother wrestle. So proud of his efforts on the court and seeing all his hard work pay off. 

Pictures credit to friends at the game 

Look at that smile! 

Ready to go in 

Champion!

T-man brought home the top honors in the first wrestling meet of the season. He battled really hard and came out on top. He was beaming after his last victory and we were so proud of how hard he worked. 

So proud of him and his accomplishment!

Ready for the day - #24! 

Champion!

So proud of this kid!

Sophomore Basketball

Volunteering

D-man has really had to crank up his volunteer hours to make sure he has a enough hours for his National Honor Society application. Last weekend he picked up trash, and this week we delivered groceries to a family with a critically ill child, he picked up more trash and we helped sort and organize clothes for Dress with Success. The best part about doing this volunteering has been and spending 1:1 time with my son. We talk about life, we talk about the charities and hardships and we count our blessings. 

From Dress with Success: 

Good advice for all 

Winter Ball

D-man did not attend Winter Ball last year as we were skiing, but was able to “attend” with his friends this year. I say “attend” in quotes because most kids don’t actually go to the dance. It is an excuse to dress up and do other things. In this case, it meant pictures, getting a party bus with other sophomores, having dinner at Carrabbara’s, driving around on the parry bus, heading to a girl’s house for a party and then sleeping over with friends. 

As with past dances, D-man did not have a date so was hanging with the other bachelors of the group. I hope he had a good time. I’m glad he has his tribe. 

Boy moms 

His posse 

The group 

Winter Hike

T-man and Marshall did a snowy hike on Saturday to earn points for outdoor ed. T-man told Marshall that he enjoyed hiking way more in the snow than if they had gone last weekend when it was 75. Marshall said they had a great time. They also got Snarf’s after the hike which was a great way to wrap up a great outing! 

Cute!!

Love this one