Grandpa Ed, a runner.

Grandpa Ed was a runner. An exceptional runner. He not only inspired kids in his physical education  classes, he inspired his own family. 

With the approach of grandpa Ed's birthday, it made me think about his influence and the trickle-down effect in my own family.

Three-year-old Lily went for her first official run with me last night. To most people this would seem like a silly thing to celebrate. For those of you who really know me, however, you know that this meant a lot. I couldn't be more proud and more excited of the hopeful runs ahead of us!!

Grandpa Ed (and grandma Betty) cheered me on in many races. His passion for running and enthusiasm for sport showed itself in a small way last night in Lily. Love that!! To the trickle-down effects and passion for running and sport, and to grandpa Ed, a runner!

One of many runs that he cheered for. Heather in Grandma'sMarathon. 

Fresh from the garden

Have a look at Lily's proud garden moment. #precious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atSGIx9ILt8&sns=em

Game time, baby!

The Denver Broncos' season is officially underway! My team and I took in the NFL season opener/Bronco home opener last Thursday, and I was reminded how much fun it is to live in Bronco Country!!

Here we GO!!!! (#nosebleedseatsarestillfun) 

WEEEEEE!!  Up, up and AWAY!!!!

If the predictions are correct, this could be a season for the books! Let's go Broncos!

Jeff and Dina

This post is dedicated to memories; to life and to its journey. 

In 2001, I set out to find what exists outside of Wisconsin's green, tree-filled boarders. I packed my little silver Saturn to capacity and landed in sunny LA, CA. As dad headed back to WI, I sobbed, wondering if I had made the right decision. 

Jeff and Dina opened their home to me. They showed me the ropes and helped me acclimate to Hermosa Beach.  Jeff made  sure I remembered to laugh and Dina was like a big sister to me, always there to listen, give advice and help me navigate my way.

Years have passed and we both now live in Colorado, have families of our own and have created paths for our lives. As they set out on their next journey to Saudi Arabia, I just want to reflect on all the good thats come of the moments, memories and milestones we've shared.  Love you guys and miss you already!!!

Lazy Summer Days

From time to time it's nice to find a little time to just unwind.

Believe it or not this is a saying that was on a little pencil pouch I had as a child. I know this may come as a shock to some of you, but I tend to put words to song in my everyday life...it was no different for me, as a kid. Because my friend and I put those words to a tune, as we giggled like giddy school girls, I can still remember them to this day. How true it is! We do need to find time to just relax. To just BE. 

We finally had a chance this weekend to enjoy Denver and enjoy some of the things in our own backyard that make us smile. Refreshing, to say the least. 

Rain gauge fun!

Marching!!

Sisters. Enjoying life. 

Life can get going so fast. Remember to take time to enjoy the simple things.

 Life is a journey not a destination. Enjoy every moment.

AZ. We went, saw, survived (the heat)!

Nothing says hot like a July day in Arizona. We took a trip with all of the Doerksen crew and coincidentally selected the hottest time of the year… Hundred degree temperatures combined with humidity makes for quite the combo.  Flying with two small kiddos is always a challenge but our girls did pretty well and loved seeing the sights of the desert, meeting their great grandma, seeing palm trees and swimming in the pool!

For the first time, Lily was actually a huge helper. She insisted on pushing her sister in the stroller through the airport, both leaving Denver, and returning. It was a hoot! We got many chuckles as we made our way through the crowds. It's kind of insane that we have to pack so much for only three days. I think Robb and I (or maybe just I 😉) need a class in consolidation when traveling…

This might be one of my very favorite photos from the trip! Great grandma sitting with her little great-grandchildren. So precious! She loved each and everyone of them so very much and it truly made her day(s) to have them near. She gave Molly the nickname dumpling… I tried not to take offense, as I know she was just having fun, but I guess she agreed that Molly is not under-nourished. LOL. 

Papa Doerksen enjoyed his time with the kids, as well. We have many photos capturing the joy in all of their eyes, as the kids climbed all over their papa!!

A good trip. We were left a bit exhausted, but that's what fun memories often do.

#memories

The rocks

If there is one venue, view and feeling that I never get sick of it's a concert at Colorado's Red Rocks amphitheater!! Robb and I searched high and low and finally landed tickets for the Philip Phillips/John Mayer sold out show at the rocks .... And what a show it was! 

We've seen John Mayer at Red Rocks three times now and he has never disappointed! The evening weather was perfect, the air was full of energy and the show was beyond words!

Most of you know this but one of my very favorite bands of all times is the Dave Matthews band. Philip Phillips, in my mind, is a little Dave, waiting to explode into fame! I loved watching his show and can't wait to see him again!!

Great night! Worth every cent! #memoriesforlife

An app that will make the difference!

Here we are. If you used to look at this blog frequently or even remotely frequently, you'll appreciate that this is the first post in approximately eight months.  What I appreciate is 1) your dedication to standing by this blog and continuing to check in and 2) an app that's now available and seems to be convenient enough that I should be able to update this blog on the go wherever life takes the hive. 

So here's to catching up, staying connected, memories, and life in the hive… Brought to you by an iPhone app and a mom rededicated to making the effort! 

Oh yes she just did ...

Yep.  As if it weren't already a leading thought in our minds - it's captured on video and is official - Lily is such a big girl.  Robb and I were just talking last night about how she has become such a big, little person in the past few months.  When looking back at photos from one year ago, it's hardly possible to imagine all of the changes that have brought her to spelling and writing her name!  She is such a gem and we truly love every single day, as each is such a new adventure with her.  #lovebeingamommy

I have been trying to capture Lily spelling her name for quite some time now and finally last Friday - bingo - I turned off the volume on my video camera on my phone and tricked her! ;-)  She had no idea I was taping - that is the key.  She's pretty proud of herself each time she "writes her name" ... have a look!

Fast Forward

My how time flies.  Everyone told me it would.  With two little dolls that fill our time, it's tough to make blog updates a priority (obviously).  I apologize for the absence in my posting.  I will aim to make it more of a regular part of my week. 

Have a look at how the time really has flown.  The video post prior to this captured Lily meeting Molly for the first time.  Fast forward almost five months and Lily and Molly are the best of buds!  Lily is excited every morning to see her sister and Molly smiles the biggest when she sees Lily coming over/talking to her.  It makes my heart happy to see these two - so in love.

Lily meets her little sister, Molly for the first time

Our sweet Lily is the best big sister ever!!!  We could not have asked for a better initial bond between our two girls.  This video captures Lily's first glimpse of her baby sister.  I am holding back tears big time, as you will see...it's just so sweet to see how amazing Lily is with Molly.  She wakes up in the morning and immediately wants to see her sister.  She says, "Hi baby sister.  I missed you!  I love you!"  and gives her a tender kiss.  Simply priceless.

Our little BEE - a natural beekeeper?!

This video is fresh off the phone from yesterday afternoon.  Lily (all on her own) found a bee buzzing in the bushes and proceeded to try and get "Mr Bee" to come play with her.  It was the cutest thing I have ever seen!  She held her little hand out there for him to come land on and kept saying, "Hey, Bee.  Come here."  I think I got tears ... as most of you know the story of bees runs deep in my blood....  I am loving the chance to share this precious moment with you all!!  As Grandpa Schwartz says, "She is a natural little beekeeper...might take after someone else in the family at this age..."

Washing the dishes?

All you parents out there get this ... silence can only mean one thing ... trouble?!?  Last night Lily managed to find her bath toys and create play time in the sink.  She maintained she was "washing dishes" but somehow water got in her hair, all over the counter and at the very end of the "washing," all down the front of the cabinets, forming a puddle in the carpet.  Miss Bee.  She just makes me smile!  It's so fun to watch her do big people things like "bake, wash dishes, brush her teeth, get dressed, feed  and burp her babies, vacuum, clean..." (I wonder where she gets those last two from?? ;-))

My big fun with Auntie and Uncle

They're finally back from South Korea, and Lily is loving getting to know her Danny and Katy!  She played pretty hard with them last weekend.  I am not sure who was more tired out...  I was tired just watching!

Lily loves to RACE from the front door to the living room.  She stands against the door and commands, "Ready. Set. GO!"  Danny was a trooper and raced many, many times!!

Story time

Daddy and Uncle Danny took Lily to see Bob and Larry (of Veggie Tales).  It was an experience similar to the visit with Santa.  She liked them from a distance and then when they got close up, she crawled up Daddy!

Lily reading to Danny

Busy Lily Bee

Never.A.Dull.Moment!

I love this stage.  Exhausting; YES, but so worthwhile and rewarding on a daily basis!  Here are a few excerpts from Miss Busy Bee's little life...

Helping with dinner on Valentine's Day

Running.  Always running.  "Daddy's gonna get you!!"

"Those fish lips are silly, Mommy!"

"...and they tickle!" 

Off to the park...

If I only knew what that little mind was seeing and thinking...

"I spy with my little eye..."

This is how I...

I am a big girl and this is how I...

...get myself dressed, or at least try.

...celebrate Mardi Gras!!  I LOVED my beads!

...slide down the slide all by myself!

...play, play, play and laugh!

...smile for the camera!  Love you!

ABC's

My baby is SO big!  She can sing the ABC's now all by herself!  This video isn't the best representation - I will get another one soon but for now, you get the idea!  Of course, we are so proud of her and love to sing her praises!  Enjoy the little video!

ooxx

Baby Bee 2

This post is dedicated to our girls!  The bright, cheery yellow wall represents my growing joy and excitement around having two little ladies in our home!  Jennifer, you captured Baby Bee 2 so well ... we just love the images and smile thinking about the memories that await "the hive!"

8 Months and counting!

Can you believe it?  I can't!  8 months pregnant.  Wow.  Time has truly flown.  Although, when I think back to August, September, October, November ... being sick all day long, every day, that actually seems like years ago.  That's a good thing, right?!  I hope you enjoy taking a peek at our growing family, as captured by my very talented friend, Jennifer Logan-Stark!  We are excited little bees and a bear ... as we wait for the arrival of our baby bee 2!  Little lady, mommy can't wait to meet you, hold you, hug you and smother you with sweet kisses!