New Year's Eve

Spent New Year's Eve with some friends from my Mom's of Children from China group. We had dinner, played games, and just had a plain old good time. We learned how to play the card game 13. Everybody seems to be hooked.

Here's to 2013

Our favorite memories from 2013...

Kailei - our family trip to South Dakota and starting dance
Keara - starting middle school
Zeb - Alaskan cruise
Chris - our family trip to South Dakota and my New York Broadway trip

Update on last years resolutions...
Kailei - exercise *not so well
Keara - eat healthy *did OK
Zeb - exercise more *did great
Chris - spend more time with family and drink more water  *let's just say I need to keep working on this and let it be known that I hate water

This years resolutions...
Kailei - eat healthier and exercise more
Keara - get fit
Zeb - not make any new year's resolutions :)
Chris -  lift weights more consistently and learn to say no

Our Girls

After Christmas Shopping

Headed out Brighton early on this after Christmas shopping day. Picked up my friend Judith around it clock and started our day off with a donut at Krispy Kreme. Headed up to flatirons crossing mall and we shopped, and shopped, and shopped. Finally called it quits around 5 o'clock and headed back down to Parker where we finished our evening seeing the movie The Hobbit. Great day!

Zeb's Christmas Artwork

The Archer Family Christmas

Headed over to mom and dads around 10 AM for our annual Christmas breakfast. Mom and Dad served up eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, cinnamon rolls, Kaiser rolls, fruit and various drinks. We stuffed ourselves. After breakfast and cleaning up the kitchen we were once again spoiled with mom and dad's generosity.

I think my favorite part of opening the gifts is that all of us want to give each other the gifts that we purchased which just brings more meaning into it all. It simply warms my heart.

Mom cooked up a wonderful turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce and ambrosia. Once again we all stuffed ourselves which lead to a few naps. 

Games were played. Ticket to ride with the big one this year and all the boys and Keli played it. It was in the lead until at the last minute mark pulled a switch on them and ended up winning. Nicholas not too happy. Tracie and mom played another game but apparently they made up their own rules and laughed hysterically as they played. 

Another wonderful Christmas with my wonderful family.

Kailei's Christmas Poem to Me

Christmas Morning

Kailei woke us up at about 6:30 AM. We managed to stall until seven and then finally she got us up. Both of the girls were excited to get down to see what Santa brought them. I think they were pleasantly surprised with the goodies that they received. I love seeing how excited they get. Makes it all worthwhile.

This year Kailei got an iphone (without the phone number). She was very, very excited. She exclaimed "I feel like a woman now that I have an iPhone." She also got a couple of games, some clothes, and quite a few items for dance.

Keara received a chromebook as well as an iPhone 5. Naturally she was very excited as well. She also got some clothes, some perfume and some jewelry.

The girls were very generous with Zeb and I. I got a wonderful note that Kailei put together for me and Keara got me a fit bracelet. She even used half of her money to get it. I was very touched.

Zeb received a paperweight with a nice quote in it from Keara and Kalei gave him a few decks of cards so they can play games together.  

It was a great morning.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent in the traditional way. We all gathered at church around 3 o'clock. It actually started at 3:30 and wasn't supposed to start until four, but that just meant we got out early so we weren't complaining. Made our way over to my house again this year. Enjoyed our party food of sandwiches, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips and dip, veggie tray and of course, cookies. We invited numerous people over but unfortunately many couldn't come. My friend Judith however made the trek over here and we enjoyed having her company. 

Cookie Day!

Today was cookie day! I look forward to this day every year. Lynn came over and once again we baked till we couldn't take anymore. The girls helped for a little while but soon lost interest leaving us with quite the mess. We made carmelcorn, rice krispy treats, split-second's, fudge, oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, peanut butter blossoms, nutter butter reindeers and coated pretzels. We tried some different recipes this year so two of our cookies turned out pretty good. The others still need work. Lynn and I were not born to be bakers but we sure did have fun.

Visit from Mom

My second mom came into town this week. I was lucky enough to take the morning off and go to breakfast with her. So much fun to see her. I miss her so much. We had a great time catching up. I think she talked me into going to Houston to visit her soon.  :)

Sydney Gets Third in State Gymnastic Meet!

Today was the state gymnastic meet. Sydney worked hard this season and qualified to compete. The competition was tough but we had high hopes for Sydney. She did a great job. Sydney secured third placed in state with her best score of the season.  It is certainly a tribute to her hard work and determination. And of course her love for gymnastics. The day was topped off with dinner at Good Times (we do live it up, don't we?)

Davison Christmas

We had the Davison Christmas this weekend. Phyllis drove up and everybody congregated at my house. It was my turn to cook so I made ham, scalloped potatoes, corn, rolls, and Phyllis made baked beans. We opened our presents in the afternoon and the girls were once again spoiled by everybody. With everything from a bathrobe to the suitcase to the fleece jacket and to cold hard cash. They loved it all.

After we opened presents it was time for dinner. We all sat down and I even broke out the nice China. We sure missed Merle not being there but we thought of him every moment. 

After dinner I had invited my Mom and Dad,  Alva and Janie, Margaret and John, and Paula over for dessert. Needless to say there were plenty of sweets. Had a good time catching up with everybody.  Love spending time with family.

 

Warrior Strong

With the anniversary of Sandy Hook a mere 24 hours away, Colorado experienced another tragic event.  A student entered Arapahoe High School intent on hurting both students and teachers.  One student was shot before the shooter took his own life.  It all happened in a matter of minutes and now that school and that community will never be the same.  

It is so hard to understand why someone would do something like this.  It is heartbreaking for everyone.  They don't ever prepare you for something like when you get your teacher license.  You are never prepared to have to talk about something like this with your own children. All we can do right now is pray.  Pray for the young lady whose life was cut short, pray for students and staff of Arapahoe High School, pray for the families and community members directly and indirectly impacted by this horrific event...just pray.

One of teachers at my school has a wife who works there.  He shared with us a letter that she wrote.  She is a survivor of 9-11, and she is now a survivor of this event.  Her last sentence of the letter is what I'll leave with..."Scar tissue, it turns out, may be uglier than unassaulted skin, but it’s also thicker and tougher, and man, does it run deep."

Adoptween - Zoo Lights

Adoptween had another event tonight. Kailei of course wanted to go. I think it's so great that she's a part of this small community of teens and preteens. They went to the Denver Zoo Lights. It was a cold night but I think they kept warm running around and looking at all the animals. Friends Lily, Lucy and Katie all went.

The moms of course took advantage of the opportunity and we went out for dinner. Enjoyed catching up with Beth and Diane. Can't wait until next time.

MWCC Holiday Celebration

Well, the day started out perfectly normal until we received a phone call that the pipe burst in the community center that we rented for our MWCC holiday party. After a quick meeting with the family we decided to host it here.  We all sprang into action and managed to make the place look presentable. Thank goodness for closet doors and drawers! It was a community effort with the dinner which seems to be tradition. Little did I know that I scheduled it during a Bronco game so we did not see much of the men as they were downstairs watching the game. The ladies spent an evening talking upstairs. The kids ran a muck were having a good time. We missed having the Lawrences there but hope to see them soon. Another year of friendship is our greatest gift.

Highlights of our year together.

Christine's First Painting

Kailei's Favorites

Book..........................Missing May
Food...........................Snow crab legs
Color...........................Red
Movie.........................Kung Fu Panda
Sweet treat..................Milky Way
Ice cream....................Cookie Dough
Thing to do.................Sing, dance and play piano
Place to go..................China
Dream place to go......Paris
Holiday.......................Christmas
School subject............Science
Animal.......................Panda

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If she had a million dollars she would....go to China.

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She is most thankful for.....family, friends, pets, and a home.

Keara's Favorites

Book..........................Charlie Jones series

Food...........................Tuna noodle casserole
Color...........................Blue
Movie.........................Secretariat
Sweet treat..................Three Musketeers
Ice cream....................Sherbert
Thing to do.................Reading
Place to go..................No favorite
Dream place to go......Greece
Holiday.......................Thanksgiving
School subject............Reading
Animal.......................Rhino and dog

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If she had a million dollars she would....go to Africa and save endangered animals.

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She is most thankful for.....friends, family and education.

Thanksgiving

Made our annual trek down to Walsh, Colorado for Thanksgiving. The drive was long but it's a great time to talk. It was just the girls and I in one car as Zeb had to work and would follow later.  I found myself thinking of Merle along the way. We sure do miss him.

Phyllis cooked up another great meal. Lieu fixed spring rolls for us in the evening. As usual, way too much food.

Lots of games were played.  Lieu tends to beat us all.  She is very competitive.  Alvi and Janie came later in the evening for a visit and shared in the spring rolls.  

Zeb and girls stayed through Saturday and I came back Friday to hit the stores and get my shopping done.  Christmas will be here before you know it. 

Kailei's Choir Concert

When you get to fourth grade at Pine Grove elementary school you can finally join choir. This is the year that Kailei's been waiting for. She's been practicing all fall semester and tonight was her choir concert. She did a great job. She is born to be on stage. She had a lot if fun and we have fun watching her. At the end of her concert we thought it was so sweet when she said that she always wanted to be able to sing in the choir with her sister. Love that girl! Ended the night with some pie and hot chocolate at Village Inn.

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Kailei-ism's

Me: "Can you please go get your sister and bring her here?"
Keara: "OK."
Me: "Kailei, we need to talk about cleaning the basement."
Kailei: "I knew I shouldn't have come in here."

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"Something in this kitchen smells. I'm not sure if it's the trash or some of the fruit or..."
"Or me since I tooted over there.", pipes in Kailei.

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Keara: "I think we should go to the South America."
Kailei: "We are already in North America. That is enough traveling for one day." 

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Kailei wanted to buy a hardback book at the bookstore tonight. I told her it was too expensive. She told me that it "wasn't too bad and we should be happy we don't live in Canada." 

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"Do you like my boots Kailei?"
"Sure, they are cool....ish."

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"We need to save the insides of the pumpkin for mom. She wants to make a pumpkin gut pie or somethin'."  

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Kailei: Spiders are evil...
Zeb: <raised eyebrow>
Kailei: ...because they bite people! But sometimes it's for a good cause.
Zeb: Really?
Kailei: If they bite bad people.

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Kailei, playing candy crush: "this game is hair-pulling, hair-pulling I tell ya!"  
 

Kailei "boxed" in

MWCC Dinner

Double date tonight...or a quadruple date as Kailei said. Went out with three other couples to The Melting Pot tonight. So enjoyed our dinner and conversation. Three hours flew by in no time then we headed to the movies. Saw Enders Game and enjoyed it. Much needed adult time. 

Date with Kailei

Kailei and I had a little mommy daughter date today. Headed out for tea and enjoyed cookies for breakfast. Then we went to Kohl's and got a Christmas outfit - complete with lip gloss.   We went to target and shopped around but I was basically trying to get ideas from her for Christmas. Really had a good time just being together.  xoxoxox

Surprise!

Surprised the girls tonight with "So You Think You Can Dance tickets. So excited!!! They had no idea. We just told him we had a family date planned. To have a date on a Tuesday night found them a bit skeptical but we went out to dinner and then headed up north. It was a lot of fun. Loved, loved, loved the dancing.

Zeb's Birthday

Last week was Zeb's birthday and since I knew I was giong to be out of town we celebrated the week before with dinner and a movie.  We ate at the Fresh Fish Company which was yummy.

While I was gone, I sent a fortune cookie his way.  Apparently it was a 12 pound fortune cookie but the girls helped him eat it.  

The girls and I are so lucky to have this man in our lives.

Work

Just had to share these pictures of 1290 Chromebooks that I need to set up for the school.  Bet you are wishing you were me?!

Nana Banana and I

NY - Day 4

This morning headed up to Sharon's via subway. From there went to Jack and Bernice's for brunch. As usual, Jack made a great spread... french toast, pancakes, sausage and bacon. Great to see the kids and family.

We took beautiful walk afterwards with the kids. I think Jack enjoyed himself the most as he and Tighe lingered around the lake.

Naturally I couldn't be in New York without visiting Nana banana. So Sharon took me up there for a visit. It was short but very sweet.  

After I said my goodbyes, I took the train to meet Judith and we saw a comedy show. 

We made it an early evening. Got some burgers from Lucky's to go and watched the end of the Miss Universe Pageant. 

All in all it was a great trip!

Now I have 1290 chromebooks waiting for me to set up when I get back to school tomorrow. Fun, fun. 

NY - Day 3

Twelve years ago I visited ground zero after 9/11. Certainly a life changing experience. Today we headed downtown once again to visit the area. This time we went to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. Beautiful tribute. Community is amazing. Still life-changing.

Met cousin Sharon downtown for dinner. We had pizza at John's Pizzeria and then we headed over to see Pippin. I knew nothing about it and was pleasantly surprised. It's different but enjoyable.

NY - Day 2

Well it wouldn't be New York if it didn't rain.  So with umbrellas in hand we headed to the International Center of Photography and took a look at some great pictures. Still raining, we went to the New York Public Library. Quite the place. I've never seen anything like it.

We ate at Juniors tonight. I had a great hotdog. The show tonight was Kinky Boots. This show was the highlight of my trip. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Headed back to Juniors for chocolate mousse cheesecake after the show. Not a bad day. :)

NY - Day 1

Arrived in New York and Aunt Bernice picked us up. That made traveling to our home away from home easy. We stayed in an Airbnb off of 52nd. Arrived in town just in time to go to Carmine's for dinner. We ate at the bar which was fun because you get so much food that everybody decided to share with each other.  Got to have salad, calimari, pomodora, veal parmigian and some bread.  Lucky us!

Saw our first show tonight which was Newsies. Amazing choreography! Off to a good start.

Broadway Bound

Needed a Broadway fix so decided to head east.  Convinced (not that I had to try that hard) my friend Judith to go to New York with me. Four days, three Broadway shows. I'm so excited!

Halloween

Had a great Halloween. Started the day out watching Kailei's costume parade at school. Then I went into her classroom and ended up staying for the whole Halloween party. I usually don't stay for the whole time but it seemed like the room mom was shorthanded and I was having fun anyway.  Kailei appreciated that I was there.  There were some creative games played and the kids had a good time.

As usual Mom, Dad, Mark, Tracie and family all came over for Halloween. We had a combination of pizza and chicken for dinner because some of the people are not liking pizza these days and then headed out for trick-or-treating.  I stayed home because it was pretty chilly out and I'm a wimp. 

Sad to say that Keara did not go trick-or-treating this year. She just wanted to hand out candy. I tried to convince her to go trick-or-treating for me but it was no go.  She blamed it on her braces and not being able to have candy but I think she is just getting older.  Sad moment for me. 

Kailei was a cheetah this year and Sydney was a nerd. They both looked adorable. Another Halloween put to rest.

Kailei's Art Work

The Botanic Gardens

The girls and I went to Sydney's gymnastics meet today and then decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and headed down to the botanic Gardens. It was really gorgeous out. We wish Deb would've been with us but he was home doing chores. I could stay forever in the botanic Gardens at least if I had a book I could. Glad we got to go however.

Monster Mini golf

Had a blast tonight playing monster Mini golf. After Adoptween we went out for pizza with our friends the Lange's and the Rickett's. Close by was Monster Mini golf. Kailei has always wanted to go there. Seems perfect to do it around Halloween. It was a black light golf course with lots of scary decorations.  Loved it!

October Adoptween

Kailei participated in Adoptween again today. Her friends Lydia, Lucy and Samantha also went. As usual Kailei had a great time. They played games, painted pumpkins had snacks and enjoyed being with each other. It was especially nice to see our friend Hannah there who stayed with us this summer. Can't wait until next month.