Emily came to visit me in CO :)

I was so thankful to have my dear friend, Emily (she was my roommate when I lived in Morton) come visit me in CO a few weekends ago! I had such a great time having her... it meant the world to me that she came to see me! After church on Sunday, I drove Em to RedRocks Park & Ampitheater... sometimes I like to go here (when it's warm!) and pray & have some amazing quiet time with God! This is also one of the most top rated places in the US for concerts... they have outdoor concerts here all summer long! Jack Johnson was here last summer... I wanted to go soooo bad, but it was sold out! People were trying to resell tickets for over $400!! Of course, I had to take her skiing up in the mountains!! Poor Em had terrible altitude sickness, but she sure was a trooper :) She got sick everytime we got to the top of the mountain, but then felt better and skied down.... and she did pretty darn good!! I took her to one of my favorite places for skiing... Breckenridge!! It was a great weekend!! Went by way too fast! Em was happy to see where I lived, meet the babies I nanny for, meet my friends, go to my church.... see why I'm so happy here and why I love CO!! :)

Mom and her girls....

"The best thing about having a sister is that I always have a friend." I thank God that I was blessed with so many sisters.... I'm so thankful for my mom and sisters! They will always be my best friends! A sister is the truest & best friend anyone could ever have! I love you girls!!!

Home for Christmas~

The time finally!! came to fly home for Christmas to see my family! It was so great... all of the family was there! I was able to spend time with all 9 of my precious nieces & nephews! all my sweet darlings...from the oldest nephew, Gabe to the youngest niece, Norah! sweet little Corbin James my buddy, Brady Michael... growing up so fast into such a good boy that loves God! Harper Grace! she is so fun... always wanted to be with me when I was home :) I finally got to meet my niece, Norah Lynne born 11-14-08! She is absolutely precious! I got up with her during the night when I stayed with my sister, Holly! I love my family so much & get so excited when I get to fly home to see them! I plan to go home in April for Corbin & Harper's 2nd birthday! Can't wait :) I feel so blessed to have the cutest nieces & nephews ever ;) and very thankful for the friendship I have with my sisters!! I love my family!!!!!

A REAL Christmas Tree :)

It doesn't take much to make me happy & get me excited :).... last night I went out and bought my first REAL Christmas tree! I love it! I'm thinking this is a start of a new tradition for me! I had a couple of my friends (Blake & Eddie) come with me to help me get the tree and set it up. I picked out a beautiful & full Christmas tree... and I love the way it gives me whole place the smell of a fresh, pine scent! Now we'll see if I can keep it alive for a few weeks.... ;)

21 days until I get to see my little sweethearts.....

Aren't these just the most precious kids you've ever seen?!?!? I'm getting so excited for my trip home to see my sweethearts at Christmas! I'm counting down the days!! Not only am I going home for Christmas.... I just got another flight home for New Year's! That's right~ I'll be home at Christmas and then I'll fly back here to CO for a few days of work & then jump on a plane, again for the New Year's! So, I will be back in IL for a total of 7 full days! I'll be spending those days holding my new, little niece Norah and playing with all the other kids & giving them lots of hugs and kisses! I love them so much! I'm so blessed :)

Norah Lynne.....

I had a new niece born 11-14-08! Norah Lynne.... I'm counting down the days until I go home for Christmas to see her! It has been so hard for me to not be there to hold this sweet, little thing! That is the hardest thing about being so far away... not being with my nieces & nephews! CO has been awesome... I have a great job, meeting many new friends & involved at church, keeping busy with hiking, biking, skiing... etc! But, how I wish my family could be here too! My nieces and nephews mean the world to me! I'm thankful that Norah is a healthy baby and she is just absolutely beautiful! Her 19 month old brother, Corbin, loves his little sister!! Everybody better step aside when I get home for Christmas and let me just love on little Norah Lynne :) Of course, I'm more than ready to love on all my sweet nieces and nephews! I hate to sound too proud, but I sure do have the cutest nieces & nephews ever!! I thank God for each of them everyday... they are my little blessings the Lord gives me here on this earth!

Ski season begins....

Blake & I went to A-Basin skiing today and also met up with another friend, Erin! The mountains are starting to open up for the season.... we've had really awesome weather still here in Denver, but the mountains have been getting snow everyday! I had a new, little niece born yesterday :) Norah Lynne... my sister emailed me pictures, but it is so hard for me to not be there!! Lots of tears :( So, I decided instead of sitting around depressed all day, it was time to hit the slopes! We had an awesome day... and I didn't kill myself :) When I first started down the mountain, I got a little too excited & was a little too confident and had a big wipeout :) I took it easy the next few runs and got the hang of it, again! The last run of the day, I was completely exhausted and had three huge wipeouts!!! I didn't even know if I had the strength to get all the way down the mountain! I even slid part-way on my rear!! :) I made it, though and had a great day and can't wait to keep skiing on the weekends and hopefully become a pro! (JK)