Brrrrr!

It has been COLD the last few weeks... getting down to -16 for the overnight low. And that's not bad compared to other parts of Colorado. Needless to say I'm glad Puxatony Phil saw his shadow -- here's hoping for an early spring!

Work has been super busy but I love to be busy and I love my job. The house is coming along, SLOWLY but surely. The painting's all done, except for a door frame or two and the kitchen. My wonderful Uncle Duane is going to clean my carpets this coming week. Once that's done, I'll be moving in! Will still go to my parents frequently for a free meal. ;)

Cliff and I were in the East Bay last weekend for a celebration of life service for a WONDERFUL man, Mark Antes. Cliff's brother is married to Mark's daughter, Natalie. It was a busy weekend and was nice to spend time with the family. There wasn't time to see most of our friends, so another trip will happen - I promise!

My nephew Noah turned 2 last Sunday and Aslyn will be 4 next month. I can't believe they're so old already! My parents went out to SoCal to celebrate Noah's birthday with them. I'm looking forward to a trip out there hopefully very soon. Especially when Aslyn asks me on Skype "LuLu, will you please come to our house again?" I miss my kiddos.

Once I'm in the house and have my computer set up I will be much better at keeping this up-to-date...with pictures!

I hope everyone's having a great 2011 so far and remember, spring is right around the corner!

C.O.L.O.R.A.D.O.

A month sure does go by so fast... yet it feels like so long since I've seen all of my friends and family in California.

Here's a synopsis of the past month:

• Had a week without work to get my great-aunts house cleaned and painted...did NOT complete that task. I still have plenty of painting, sorting, packing, carpet cleaning and unpacking to day. I have a feeling I'll be at my parents a bit longer than anticipated.

• As of two days ago half of the house was painted...painting over already painted wood paneling is harder than you'd think!
• Started work 2.5 weeks ago - love it.
• Have caught up with many friends, particularly two of my very best friends here in GJ (Steph and Carina)
• Began a 13 week financial course through Canyon View Vineyard Church, Financial Peace University - Dave Ramsey.
• Cliff came for a wonderful 4 day visit. We went skiing (Cliff boarded) and we had the BEST day ever; it really was just amazing. He gave me a beautiful diamond necklace & earring set (which I wear every day).

• A dear family member/friend, Mark Antes, passed away, so Cliff and I will be going to CA in 10 days for his service.

The last month has been full of changes, heartache and many many blessings but I absolutely know God's hand is leading it 100%.

Bear with me...

The last two weeks have been just so busy trying to clean and paint the new place I'll be living in, among life just happening. It doesn't look like I'll be able to move in for another week, maybe two. Once I'm in the new place I will have my OWN computer set up, will share pictures with you and will keep up on the blog... I promise!

Happy New Year!

The last couple of weeks have been quite busy... and somewhat of a blur. My dad and brother left Colorado on Christmas morning and drove to California to move me back. We arrived Tuesday night and I woke up to snow and cold Wednesday morning. The temperature has been the hardest thing to get used to (got to -10 degrees last night).

I dearly miss everyone in CA but am also glad to be home, beginning this next chapter in my life. I'll write more after I get unpacked, settled in and start work a week from tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year... here's to 2011!

Goodbyes have begun...

Seeing as I'm leaving California in 8 days, the goodbyes have certainly begun. They are never easy, but as someone once told me, "just because I'm leaving California, doesn't mean my friendships end." Thankfully these words are so true. I have made amazing friends and memories in California over the past two years. The Lord has placed each person in my life for a reason and I'm confident they will all remain in my life, no matter my location.

Friday night my dear friend and co-worker, Yvonne Botta, took me out for a nice dinner. She has become my big sister and I'm going to miss her so much.

Yvonne (aka Latte)

Last night my friends/boss who brought me out to California, The Cummings, and my friends the Botta's took me out for a nice dinner. Each one of these friends have touched my life and I'm so thankful for each and every one of them.

Brent, Yvonne, Keagan, Danielle & Toby

Ezra's 1st Birthday

Meggs and I are lucky enough to be aunts to this adorable 1 year old, Ezra David Swenson. It has been so fun watching him grow and change this past year. He is so adorable and full of personality. His lovely parents, William and Jessica, threw a family birthday party for him last week.

Ezra is so lucky to have these two beautiful ladies in his life (Auntie Meggs and his mommy Jessica).

Jessica made yummy cupcakes that Ezra just loved!
What would a 1 year old birthday party be without cupcake in the hair?!

This is Ezra and his #1 pose (notice the cupcake covered hand).
Happy birthday Ezra!

I'm Seeing Spots!

Prior to moving to the Bay Area, I had only heard about my mom's "California Cousin" Vicky Failing. I first met the Failing's when I moved out here two years ago, and have been so blessed to get to know this part of my family, to have them close and to spend time with them.

The newest addition to the family... and always the life of the party is their beautiful Dalmatian, Keira. She is quite possibly the cutest puppy I've ever seen.

We had a family dinner this past Saturday at their home in San Jose. Their daughter, Lindsay (same spelling and we recently found out we were named after the same person... bear in mind our parents had not seen one another in 30 years until I moved here) and her husband Ian, came from San Francisco... with delicious persimmon cookies (a new fav)!

We always have such a great time together. I'm certainly going to miss them all!

(I love this picture of Lindsay and Keira)