Thanksgiving Pics

Shame on me for waiting nearly three weeks to post these fun pictures from our Thanksgiving day with both sets of Pope's. Enjoy the day in photos....

SELF PORTRAITS

ACTION SHOTS

Story Time

Last weekend Cole and I went to Barnes and Noble to listen to Principal Leatherman do storytime. Emerald Elementary was having a fundraiser and we took part. First reading, then crafts.

Deep Thoughts: Venting

I’d like to write about venting. I think venting is, at a reasonable level, a healthy activity. In essence, just the mere ability to talk about things and get them off your chest can make you feel better. I vent about all sorts of things – Cole, work, family, and yes even my husband. And while I may have pet peeves about each of these things or issues, it doesn’t mean I don't love Cole or that I'm going to quit my job, or divorce my husband.

It just means that temporiraly I am conflicted or just plain aggrevated. That’s the beauty of family and friends. The ability to share, in some cases, negative thoughts or feelings and have it be ok. Because that’s the way it should work.

But, sometimes, it doesn’t work like that. Sometimes, because your family or friend loves you and wants to protect you - even though that’s not what you need, you just needed an unconditional ear – they take what you say and use it against you in a way. Maybe you vent about a friend to a family member and then that family member treats the friend you were venting about like an enemy. Your family member shouldn’t be judging your friend just because you were venting about them or because you are having a personal conflict with them.

It’s hurtful and wrong. And it betrays a level of trust in confiding in that person because of how the person or other people they told acted in return. So when someone vents to you, it’s for your ear, not your advice or judgement. Be careful how you use information that people are confiding in you. It's a personal responsibility and an unspoken oath you take as a friend.

To lighten this heavy post up a bit, here's a shout out to Rachel, who has NEVER, in our 10 years of friendship, used anything I've said against me or anyone else. It's a mark of a true friend. I love you girl.

--lighter post next time I promise, just had to get this off my chest.

Happy 36th Birthday Brother!

We celebrated Derrick's birthday yesterday (it actually fell on Thanksgiving) but Veronica put together a great party on Friday to celebrate his birth. There are a few things I know about my brother - I know we are quite different and I know that he knows everything about every sport and every person who plays sports. You see, it's his photographic memory. He just can't help but remember every stat from every game. And this gift helped in college too I might add. Jealous? OK, maybe just alittle bit. There are photos of the two us, one taken at Cole's 4th Birthday party at Chuckie Cheese, one taken on the day he proposed to Veronica, ones when we were little, that I absolutely adore. It's good to have a brother and it's great to be able to celebrate his life.

Imperfection is Perfection

Occasionally I get in a rut about perfection. Perfection with myself, my husband, my son, my house. It ends up creating a whole bunch of useless frustration because the perfection I seek often times, isn't realistic. So today, I give thanks to the non-perfection. To rest and be satisfied and truly grateful for who I am, who Chris is, who Cole is, and for our wonderful house.

The other night, I got myself all worked up because I was stressing about the imperfections of our house: the cracks, the creaks, the oldness, the unpainted this and the unfixed that, the half finished projects, etc. But as I laid in bed analyzing my crazy behavior, I found peace in those exact things. Our house isn't perfect and there will ALWAYs be lots of things to fix and refinish, but it is our home. It's where we spend a majority of our time - where we play games, have dinner parties, watch movies. It's our sanctuary. Be grateful and thankful.

So, I sit here at the bar, smelling the aroma of fresh baked cranberry-pear pie, I AM grateful and thankful for soooo many things. And my blessings outweigh any imperfections this life has to offer me.

New Friends

Murphy is this adorable, absolutely beautiful fiesty little girl who lives in Solvang, CA. She is the girl version of Cole. They finally met this weekend because Murphy was in Colorado for a dance festival.

Later in the day I said, "Isn't Murphy pretty?" Cole responded, "She's more like hot!"

We think they should get married and have three little babies that are gorgeous and fiesty just like them.

Same Old Same Old

Some recent happenings:

Math Night at Emerald - SUPER FUN

First Report Card - AWESOME

Praticing Counting, Spelling, Reading - BABY GENIUS

Cole is getting so smart. He loves Kindergarten, his teachers, his friends. He is one HAPPY little man.

I will say though, that he has required lots of patience these days. Sassy pants. I have absolutely no idea where he gets it from....ha.

Nothing too exiting to report - except we're excited for Grandma Carol, Grandpa Jack, and Aunt Emma's visit next week.

Dragon Dash 2009

Fitness is really important in the Velez household and racing is how we motivate to stay fit and meet goals. So, it's an important day to document that Friday, November 6 was Cole's first race. It's an annual celebration at Emerald Elementary and it was precious. He had his own bib, he had his running shoes on, oranges and water at the end. The whole school participated, even all the teachers. The Kindergarten classes went all the way around the school. Police closed off all the streets and the kids race, Bolder Boulder style from start to finish with water stations along the couse.

Great job baby! You did so awesome!

Indiana?

Saturday:

"I want to go to Indiana," Cole told me.

"Why Indiana?" I asked.

"Because Mrs. Stephens wife lives there," he said. (doesn't make much sense but ok)

"OK," I said.

Sunday:

"I really want to go to Indiana," he told me again.

"OK," I said

"Do you know why they call it Indiana?" he inquired, prepared to tell me.

"Why?"

"Because that's where all the Indians live."

What's what

What is 3 and 2?

What is five zero zero?

What does "stashed" mean?

What is 4 and 7?

32

500

to put away; to hid something

47

Don't you just love Kindergartens? I do, especially my little Monkey. And according to the Chinese Zodiac, he really is a monkey. Described perfectly: You are very intelligent and are able to influence people. An enthusiastic achiever, you are easily discouraged and confused. Avoid Tigers. Seek a Dragon or a Rat...or a Rabbit (since that's my chinese Zodiac, I thought it would be safe to add). Mr. W is a Monkey too.

I wonder what happens when you realize your baby isn't a baby anymore? Cole is still my baby, he always will be. But lately, he just seems so grown up. He doesn't pronounce Yellow, LELLOW. He doesn't say Haer for Halo. He knows how to spell simple words and do simple math. He can write sentences all by himself. He is self sufficient with getting ready. He knows how to operate the remote for the TV/DVD and fast forwards as he sees fit to the parts he likes most. I think we still have awhile for him to be baby, but not much longer. Oh, those soft cheeks, the snuggles and cuddles he still lets me do. How I love to lay in bed with him and touch his soft skin. When will he not want me to do that anymore? I hope no time soon.

It's funny when I use to hear parents say that "it goes by so fast." It's so true. There are times I want my little baby back and other times that I'm ready for him to be 10. But there is nothing quite like loving these moments right now.

Happy Halloween

You just never know what Cole will be for Halloween, given that he has like 6 costumes that he wear randomly throughout the year. His official costume this year was a Zombie Convict. His mask was pretty scary too. We celebrated at Kiddie Academy's Fall Festival Friday night. There were games in different rooms, all his teachers dressed up, there was a chili cook-off. It was tons of fun.

For official treat-or-treating, he was Spiderman. He met his friend Eric for a little party and then it was neighborhood friends who gathered to go treat-or-treating together. The pumpkin fairy will visit tonight and exchange all his candy for a sweet little toy....think Astro Boy this year. Meanwhile, Dad and I already got dibs on the candy we wanted (tootsie rolls - it's my version of crack).

Happy Halloween to all!

Perspective

I don't know what to write about tonight, only that last night when I took the dogs for walk, I wrote a blog entry in my head with intentions of actually getting online to make it official, but I opted to read instead.

In case you don't have one, you really should get a Kindle. Let's talk about the Kindle because I had an interesting conversation with a woman at a birthday party Cole went to about the Kindle and expense and the non use of the library. Expense, yes. Library check-outs, no. I love the library. I miss studying at the library, the quiteness, finding books, doing research. And yes, library books are free. But there is something innovative, futuristic, forward thinking that makes reading on the Kindle a treat. So, I simply must say, I love it. And I still also love my local Mamie Dowd Public Library right across the street.

On a different note, I'd like to point out:
My boss got fired
I now report to someone else
My "new" car is having problems
My feet are killing me and making me very frustrated
Money is short

BUT
I have the most beautiful family ever! Seriously, you've seen Cole right? And Mr. W looks very fashionable in his new winter hat.
We have a wonderful home - who cares that it's cracking in all sorts of places, that our walls have been empty since my living paint job this summer.
We have silly, playful and lovable dogs.
We have the best neighbors - they invited us over for tea and pumpkin spice cake last night. It was such a nice treat.

It's all in our perspective of things. That's not to say that I haven't been stressed out over the other stuff, because I surely have....just ask CV. But, in the end, today was a great day and tomorrow will be too. It's our choice!

Ellie-Bellie Photo Shoot at the Great Halloween Pty

I'm pretty sure this is the cutest little kitty around!

Age

The best thing about Facebook, for me, is reconnecting with my old high school and college friends. It's a bit nostalgic to reminisce, day dream of the crazy adventures we had. Here's to the good old days.



I was just typing my best friend from middle school and high school (before I ditched everyone for a guy) and while it's fun to reconnect, it makes me sad to know that 15-20 years have passed. 15 years that have been missed with someone I was so close to. Like sisters with. We were attached at the hip.



In my mind, thinking about those times, they seem like yesterday. I can remember the smell of of early morning track meets. I can hear the loud buzz of people congregating in the commons between classes or at lunch. I can see people's faces so clearly. Hear teachers talking. Remember Yearbook class, or Flag practice, or getting out of swim practice past dark in the cold. I can remember making waffles (all the time), slumber parties, first cars, first kisses, first best friends.



And grad school. Well, I remember Madonna concerts, parties, bars, and crazy (and I do mean crazy) girls weekends. Here's to BFF's, Rachel. To watching each other mature (or get old, which ever is easier on the ears), seeing each other get married, be professional business women, have kids. Here's to, in many ways, a simpler life. Where we enjoy smaller, more intimate dinner gatherings, with good wine, good food, and good company.



I can remember it all like it was yesterday and yet over 20 years have passed since I was in middle/high school; I went to college and graduate school, I'm a home owner four times over, an accomplished business professional, a mother, a wife, an aunt. I'm old!



When did this happen? When did I reach my mid-30's? Where did high school go? College? Youth?



While I wouldn't trade a day of my life, it's super fun to look back; to see old friends, reminisce about youth, being naive. Everything that has happened has gotten me to where I am today, even if I do feel a little old. Nothing that a day at the spa or shopping won't cure.

Balloon Festival

Last weekend, Katie and I took a road trip to Albuquerque, NM to watch the balloon festival. Turns out we weren't all that excited about seeing the balloons, but WOW. We were absolutely blown away. We woke up at 6 and watch out the window of the house as the "dawn patrol" was making their flight to test to the wind. We saw the after burn in the dark morning. It was magnificent. We drove over to a hill and watched from a distance as the mass assention started, something like 700 balloons. Then, we went and watched from the rooftop of the house as hundreds of balloons flew right over our heads. Next stop was down to the Rio Grande and watch some very skilled pilots do a dip and dash. Then back home for a warm bowl of oatmeal. Truly incredible experience.

Monster Mash

Well, we survived Cole's Halloween Costume Party, thanks to the good likes of Mr. Wonderful, Umple Joe, Deborah, Umple Derrick, Aunt Veronica, Grandma, and Cesar....(did I miss anyone?) They all stuck around and watched the 10 crazy kids in costumes, in a sea of chaotic adventure.

There are things I just know about myself. Like, I don't think I could ever be a stay at home mom. I've been home 2.5 days with my sick little monkey and I know for sure, I would gain about 100 pounds. Snack, snack, snack, oh, didn't get quite enough sugar with that snack, so another more sugary snack. My jeans feel tight today and I keep telling myself that it's because they just came out of the dryer. Wendy, just stop eating. Stop watching the Heene balloon nonsense on the internet. My dogs are even annoying me - they want out, then they want in, out, in, out, in---URGH. I'm meant to sit behind a desk from 8-5, in an office outside of my house.

I have though, been very crafty getting everything ready for Cole's 1st Annual Halloween Costume Party this coming Sunday. It's sure to be a good time. I just love watching 10, five year old run around having fun.

On the agenda:

Monster Mash - with the strobe light (that is a Cole requirement)

Skeleton Hunt - find the pieces and then put him together

Guess How Many Candy Corns

Zombie Tag

Candy Necklace kits

Cotton Ball run

Mummy Wraps

Add some sugary treats (of course sugary, because I can't seem to get enough of it) and some dry ice to the punch and you have yourself a party.

Blessings

Thank you for my life

for my beautiful Cole

for my wonderful husband

for my amazing family

for all my true friends

for all the hard things that make me grow as a person

for all the simple things for me to enjoy

Thank you for my life

Little Cole said tonight, "Mama, let's go in your room and lay on your bed and cuddle."

Who could ever pass that up?

He is learning how to read and when he recognizes a word, you can see how proud he is.

He learned how to skip a couple weekends ago

He loves to jump rope

I love to watch him do just about everything

to smell his hair after his bath

to feel his soft skin as I put lotion on him

to hear him say "Mom, you're pretty."

and I love surprise visits to my office

Sepsey Family - There is power in love; be patient. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I can just see John as he comes out of his coma try to talk with his jaw wired. It will be nice to see his smile again.

Broomfield Days 2009

I did mention how sweet my nephew is, right? I mean seriously!

Well, what about my niece? Adorable, right? I mean seriously!



And we all know how cute Cole is. I mean seriously!

Thanks for bringing the babies to the Broomfield Days parade. It was a blast!