Thursday, September 17, 2009

A Bit of Randomness


It's been awhile since I rambled, so here goes. The biggest thing lately, literally, has been the new patio, of course. DC worked all day today filling in the gaps with dirt. He'll have fun formulating the new landscaping, more than likely in the spring. But who knows, he may start this fall.

I am quite amazed that the foliage around the old patio survived the process. Our hibiscus plants haven't done as well as usual this year, but not because of the work. But I love this blossom - when it first popped out, it almost looked like a tulip. I love the sun shining through the full blossom.







Last week, on Wednesday, my two friends from high school and I got together again. This time we went up to a place above Estes Park to eat - called the Baldpate Inn. It is in a glorious location and has wonderful food. The menu is the same every day - soup, salad, muffins, and pie. Of course, they change every day and all are delicious. It's a very rustic place, and is a Bed and Breakfast as well as a restaurant. The name is taken from a mystery novel called
Seven Keys to Baldpate. If you go to the link earlier in this paragraph, you can read the most interesting thing about the inn.




Every summer young men and women go to the Inn as interns for their degree in Restaurant and Resort Management. They stay in rooms above the dining room and have a great location for their learning experience. Our waitress was a beautiful young woman from Spain. When it was time for dessert, she brought over this handsome young man - her brother. They both had scholarships from their country to spend the summer here working on their English. I wish I had a picture of both, but I did surprise the young man, whose name is Jesus, with this shot. His name tag caused the bright flash. They were delightful young people.






On the way back down to Estes Park, the sun was shining and it was pouring down rain and really small, soft hail. I wanted a picture so badly, but opening the window for a picture resulted in my getting very wet. Soon, it cleared up completely and I got this lovely shot of Long's Peak.





Last Sunday night the kids in our church treated us to an evening of music and joy. They'd been working all summer on this mini musical. Feisty has been excited the whole summer about being in her first play ever. The director and her daughter are so talented and energetic. The younger woman made all of the costumes and they always do a fabulous job on the props. I directed the children's musicals for years when our kids were little, so I appreciate the work that goes into these productions so very much - and enjoy them immensely.

The play was called "Arkeology." Feisty was a pink poodle and Care Bear was a monkey. It was so much fun especially watching Feisty - she didn't miss a note or a motion. Of course, Care Bear did great, too, but she's a veteran now. It occurred to me that it won't be long before the twins are up there, as fast as time goes.



















Here are the lyrics to my favorite song in the entire performance. I especially love the four lines I have highlighted in red and italicized. What a blessed truth.


All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong

Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ

No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place

Lyrics by Scott Krippayne


And last but not least -- some fun stuff with the littles -- I can't really call them babies any more, but keep forgetting that. They are bonafide toddlers - heading for their TWOS. Can you believe it? Emma talks the most. Katie has become quite the little entertainer. I have them two days a week now and am having so much fun watching them change every week. Remember "laptime" at the library? Today Emma sat in my lap as I helped her with the activities. Katie, on the other hand, was in the middle of the floor the whole time jiving around and being totally uninhibited. It was so much fun to watch.

This is one of their favorite new tricks - throw everything out of their beds during naptime and nighttime. Yesterday I went in after their naps and found them nose to nose in their little mesh beds, chatting it up. Everything on the floor.




They LOVE brushing their teeth - I have to pry their brushes out of their hands for bedtime. Or when we're ready to go to church --




They LOVE corn on the cob ---






Which of the four are these two little cuties??






I'm enjoying the beginnings of autumn here in Colorado. The air is so wonderful. The leaves are changing. I just finished the Civil War trilogy by Lynn Austin - fabulous books. I'm excited to read the latest Nicholas Sparks book, The Last Song (does anyone know why they made a movie before the book even came out?) and the latest Faye Kellerman book, Blindman's Bluff.

Then next week, I'm giving myself a fabulous birthday present - a trip to the Women of Faith conference. Can't wait!

Have a great week-end. How could it be the end of another week already??



20 comments:

nannykim said...

Estes Park--isn't that the park that the blogger Grammy goes to--or am I confused? HEy--I didn't see any pics of the new patio! The Inn sounds like a cool place!!

Love the words to that song--I may copy them for a friend! Have a blessed weekend.

Unknown said...

I just finished The Last Song about an hour ago. I love Nicholas Sparks. And I did not know they had made a movie until I read the Acknowledgments in the front of the book, when he thanked "the Cyrus family, especially Mylie." I had to read it twice before I realized why those names were familiar to me.

It's a movie I'd love to see.

Amy said...

I can't believe how big the twins have gotten!

I'm in the metroplex to help my friend do pre-employment drug testing for the state fair. I do this every year and it's loads of fun.

A Hint of Home said...

Hi Dawn,
Our daughter and family have been to that Park and had a great time.
The girls are so cute in their costumes. I have made so many similar ones throughout the years. Our grandchildren are now wearing them. Our mouse costume has gone through 6 kids already and Jonas will make 7 this year. That is including my nieces.
Thanks for your sweet comments. Enjoy your weekend.

Linda said...

It is always so nice to chat with you Dawn. The lunch sounds lovely - nothing better than good food and good friends!
I love those children's musicals too. You're right, it won't be long before the twins are up there too. The years go by so swiftly.
I am looking for a good book. I have so many in my "to read" stacks, but none of them suit me just now. I'm in the mood for a cozy mystery - preferably a series. Once I find a character I love, I don't want to say good-by!!
Have a blessed weekend Dawn.

Mary said...

Dawn,

Beautiful photos of the Inn, your hibiscus and the toddlers. I can't believe they are almost two. Seems like yesterday we were praying for their safe delivery.

Our hibiscus bloomed sporadically over the summer, but now has dozens of buds on it and a few bright red blooms. I really like your hibiscus. Maybe we will get one that colour next year.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my giveaway. I appreciate your support.

Blessings,
Mary

Robin said...

Hi Dawn - Wow I feel like we haven't "visited" in a long time. Busy days!
I loved seeing the pictures of your patio transformation. It reminds me of when we did our patio a couple of years ago. It is actually used as another room of our house for about 8 months out of the year! We love it. I can't wait to see what DC does with the landscaping.
Your grands are growing up so fast! I love children's musicals too and wish we had them more often than we do. The costumes are so cute and your kids will remember being in these plays all their days. And the words to that song are beautiful - I hope they always retain those!
I haven't done much reading lately - knitting up a storm for Christmas though.
I finally met Sarah. She is a sweetheart. She will be coming in our office every week for a meeting so I look forward to getting to know her more. She is feeling much better - we have had many sick kids on campus. One confirmed case of the swine flu.
Have a great weekend!

Needled Mom said...

Yes, Dawn, the time is going by so quickly and I don't understand it. I can't believe that it is autumn already. It seems like it was just winter here. Where did spring and summer go?

The restaurant above Estes Park sounds wonderful. I'd like to apply for a culinary experience there. It's always fun to get together with friends.

The church program looks like such fun. That is really quite a production with all the costumes and long hours of work. It is wonderful to have people that still do them.

The toddlers are getting so grown up now. It's hard to remember them as babies, isn't it? Before we know it they will all be teenagers.

Enjoy your reading and please tell us your opinion when you are done. Also, have fun at the conference.

Midlife Mom said...

That looks like a fabulous place to eat! What fun, so nice you all can get together!

Pictures of the musical at your church are so cute! I think it is so good to get the kids up front and do a service for the older ones. It teaches them poise and they lose that fear of being in front of a crowd that so many of us have!

Yes your little gals are growing up so fast! Just as cute as little buttons!

Thanks for the prayers, we had a wonderful time in Texas and our flights were flawless, can't ask for much more then that!!!

Hootin Anni said...

...and where is your birthday trip?

Love the photos of 'bathtime'...so so darned cute.

And the drive through the canyon...oh what memories!! Dawn that hibiscus is awesome...we had one just like that in Tucson...I have yet to find a white one here...but I'll keep looking for one for myself. They ARE so pretty!! And delicate.

Hope your weekend will be super.

Just Call Me Grammy said...

Love all the pictures...the kids play pictures are adorable. I laughed at the twins throwing everything out of their beds on the floor. When it is naptime at our house, Olivia runs to get EVERYTHING she can get her little hands on and throws it IN the pack-n-play. She can talk and play and sing for an hour before she actually goes to sleep.

Sam said...

Well, do I even need to tell you how adorable Care Bear and Feisty are in their costumes? Really, they are just the sweetest!

And the littles! Adorable. It's so cute that they throw their toys out of their beds. Khai does that sometimes and I just think it shows so much personality!

The Inn sounds wonderful! I adore places like that. And a lunch with old friends is always a special thing.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Coe said...

I have eaten at the inn several times. It is a fun place.

Hootin Anni said...

Mornin'!

So, I posted, especially for you since you asked for a photo...a picture of me with long hair. On my blog today. And the Sunday Meme -question #38 is answered 'cause of your Gkids!]

Christa said...

What cute pictures of the girls. The twins, how remarkable, I remember their new born pictures. So cute. I so wanted to go to Estes Park when I was in CO. I hope to get a chance to visit on my next visit out. Have a great time at the WoF conference.
I am now catching up on my readings. It has been a pins and needles weeks here.
God Bless

nancygrayce said...

Your ramblings are so great! Love the pictures of all the little girls. What a cute play!

I need to catch up with all my blog reading. We have been out of town and at home things are just plain crazy busy! We're having Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year. 50 + people and just the seating is overwhelming me! Plus you know you always want to get stuff done that has been needing to get done forever! Oh, dear!!!

Mary said...

Dawn,

Thank you for taking part in the Five Word meme. Here are your words:

Granddaughters
Colorado
Childhood
Travel
Hobby

Have fun with them.:-)

Susan said...

Fun stuff. That Inn is exactly the type place we enjoy visiting.
I remember well the beauty of Estes Park.

The play looks fun. Such fun for the kids.

Do you know the November dates yet?
Yes, it will be here soon.

Where is the Woman of Faith Conference? Glad you are getting to go.
Susan

Sharon Lynne said...

I loved the lyrics. Thank you for writing them out.

The girls are so cute. Also, I noticed your dining room chair(s). I have similar ones--they're maple. They belonged to my mother.

Unknown said...

Awwww Dawn, those are just gorgeous snapspots you took of....well everything, the kids, the scenery, the close up flowers, mountain.....it all looks so gorgeous, wish I was there!

Sorry I've been a 'loner' for awhile. Things have been so incredibly hectic. Since both my kids were premmies too they get sick easy during the flu season and actually right before it. Plus I'm working on starting my own photography business and website, tending to the chaos of the house....I'm sure you can understand. I wish I weren't so busy because I tend to get overwhelmed easily. So easily.

I'll try to keep up more but am working on my family priorities which God gave me, to put them first and not make an idol of other things.

I do miss you though. You are so precious to me!!!

Keep the Faith!
~Sarah