New York Friday 5/23/08

I had some stimulation overload. So many people and things to see. New York is so busy and so full of adventure. I loved getting to see Steph's apartment and her neighborhood. We had good food and bad service for the whole weekend. I liked looking in her neighbors windows and making up stories about the people. I looked for rats in the subway ( thankfully none!) and started getting my bearings around the subway. (thanks steph). Friday was our Tourist day- I think we walked more than I had in ages. The last time I had been to New York I was in High School. It was fun to see the city that I see on tv, in movies and read about in books. Stephanie lives on the Upper West side, I loved seeing the little cafe's and shops. We explored a ton- we fit more in the two days that I was there than I could have imagined!

*We visited Ground Zero and went in the church across the street that is dedicated as a memorial. I was truly touched by the place. I remember going there with my parents in 1988. It was amazing to think of the enormity of the buildings and the hole that is left on the skyline and in the hearts of many Americans.

*New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street.

* I made Steph find Trinity Church ( from the movie National Treasure.) It was beautiful and quiet in a sea of commotion. I was able to stop and pray and enjoy the majestic stained glass and beautiful architecture.

*The Brooklyn Bridge was celebrating its 125th anniversary! We walked across and enjoyed the view.

*This is the United States Courthouse from Law and Order. I was so excited to see it.. I picture the stars walking up the steps. I am such a nerd.

* I enjoyed seeing Rockefeller Center and the Plaza outside the Today Show. I remember going here with the CCHS band in 1990. Steph and I shopped at the NBC store. I got a Dunder Mifflin hat for Duane and Steph enjoyed seeing a bobble-head of her friend, Jack, from 30 Rock.

*After dinner at the Italian place in Steph's neighborhood, we went to Times Square. I had only seen during the day as a kid. It was fun to see all the lights and people. I would have liked to make it to see a Broadway show - guess it will save until next time. Maya would have killed me if I had seen Wicked without her again! My first day in New York was exciting and exhausting.

End of the school year

Carriage House Museum. We visited for Homeschool for Maya's Colorado History book. This carriage was a Cherry bouncer used by kids.. We loved this tour guide who let us try it out.




Our Cinco de Mayo party- Maya was a senorita and Charli a little cowboy, I guess. We had enchiladas and broke a pinata in the back yard. ole!

Glen Eyrie Castle. We wandered around for a while. Maya was particularly interested because she had been studying General Palmer for our Colorado History unit. We loved the carriage house and the grounds.

Don't mess with Maya

Maya got her Yellow Belt in Karate. She is so excited. We watched her belt test- she was a little nervous. We took Karate at High Country- a first for us. She was the tallest kid in the class, besides the teacher helpers. She made a friend eventually and enjoyed going. I am not sure she will continue to do Karate, but it was a good experience. I hope she remembers some of those self defense techniques!

Lemonade for sale

Lemonade $.25. Despite the good deal, there were very few takers. It was our Neighborhood garage sale day and Maya insisted on participating. I bought several glasses, so did charli. Our beloved neighbors, the Butlers, were also loyal customers. She had several other treasures for sale, but alas, sales were low. I love seeing her get excited about it though.. anyone want a glass of Lemonade?

princess shoes

This is why we don't sleep well at night. charli doesn't sleep well because she wakes up each time she wants to roll over and gets frustrated because she can't. Duane and I don't sleep because we hear her wake up and or we bring her in bed with us. Maya decorated Charli's braces with stickers, we call them Princess Shoes. I theory, it should help her feet turn out.

Here are my precious girls. I thank God for them both and pray these prayers for each one.
God, Maya's freckles and sweet smile are my favorite parts about her. She has such a tender and precious heart. I love that we have had this great year together, I love that I have had opportunites to glimpse her character. I Pray that you continue to mold her into the young woman you want her to be and that I will be just the Mom she needs.

Charli is an answer to prayer. Thank you, Lord for her beautiful blue eyes filled with wonder and her cuddles and kisses. She is all I could ever ask for in a baby and more. Thank you for protecting her and for allowing her to walk. I have an image that mom gave me of Jesus helping the little girl walk. Continue to guide her and help us know what to do about her little foot.

blogging

This is my first blog. Not even sure where to start. My sweet new friend, Sara, got me motivated to write. I am hoping that this will be an avenue to connect with new friends and record the many blessings in my family here in Colorado Springs. I need to get my mom and sister on here, so we can share photos and keep connected.

I am married with two beautiful girls. My husband, Duane, works as a GS for Missle Defense Agency. We have been married almost five years. Sometimes he drives me nuts, but mostly I feel very lucky that God sent him to me and that Duane chooses to love me in spite of myself.

Maya is my oldest. She is nine and becoming such a sweet young lady. I have been homeschooling her this year and have loved the quiet moments alone with her to glimpse who she is becoming. She has been playing volleyball and jsut got her yellow belt in karate. She loves reading and playing games with her vivid imagination. she is a talented writer and singer and enjoys sharing her gifts with D and me. ( she only charges us a quarter to see her shows).

Charlotte is my 17 month old. It is hard to believe that she could be that old. I prayed for her to come to our family for three years. When she finally came, she had a little club foot. Through a year of Physical therapy and two surgical procedures, she started walking in February. Hallelujah! However, we are not in the clear yet. She started back to pt this month. hopefully we can fix her foot without anymore surgery. She loves to bang on pots and pans, climb in cabinets, throw her food, read books, swing and ride her bike. such a joy!