Wescott Family Blog

Can you hear me now?

2012-02-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

I have been sick for about two weeks. I think. It seems to all be blending together. For about a week I have pretty much lost my voice (did you hear my kids collectively cheering in the background). Today, it seems, that I am getting it back. Still a bit squeaky but definitely better! Now, GO GET DRESSED! Sorry. Just trying it out on you guys first.

Now that I am back :) I should give you a recap on our life. Yep, it is still snowing. I hear that in the mountains it does that sort of thing until June or so. Scott and I are good, just working a lot (at home and the stores) and keeping up with the kids. Sam just finished a very pleasant basketball season and is now on to snowboarding. Alice is waiting patiently on the list for swim team at the rec center. She is not interested in doing anything else at this time except for practicing her swim strokes during Paige's swim lessons. I keep reminding her that she is 5th on the waiting list and may not get in this season. She wants to wait and see. Paige is taking swim lessons and continues to be a self proclaimed backstroke expert. Whatever she says. She has mastered the monkey bars at school which has elevated (no pun intended) her friend status at school. That is a very good thing. She is not so quietly anticipating her birthday in March. I am refusing to allow her to turn seven. I just don't understand what happened between two and six. Where did that time go? Mason is doing great. He seems to thrive in any situation. He is letting his hair get a bit longer (like his bigger brother) and is cute as a button. He is taking a gymnastics class at the rec center on Thursday morning and L.O.V.E.S it! You should see his back bends. The wonderful thing about his class is that the instructor is male and all the kids in the class are BOYS. Love that. He runs, jumps, balances, skips, somersaults forward and back for a full 45 minutes. And then on Friday morning, he sleeps in....ahhhh. Love that too.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! We are swimming in chocolate and red paper hearts over here. The amount of chocolate is diminishing fast.....
Jennifer

Obsessed

2012-02-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Yep. It sucked me in. I knew that it would happen. I didn't even try moderation. My new best friend is Pinterest. Have you been there? Are you just as sucked in as me? I might need an intervention.

If you know me, you probably know that I love to craft. If I can make it, I will. Soooo, much to my children's dismay, every year we make ~~our~~ their school valentines. I love it. They do too. Sometimes. This year I found awesome ideas on Pinterest. ~~I have made~~ The kids have made their valentines and they are cute this year. Really cute, if I do say so myself. We are still working on an idea for Mason's cards but they will include a picture of him with googly eyes.

Alice's cards were the easiest. Sam's had the most cutting. Paige's cards were the most time consuming by far. I still have crayon under my nails.

I will happily admit that none of these ideas were my own and I found all of them under the DYI and craft tab on Pinterest.

Enjoy the pics.

Happy early Valentine's Day!!!

It always feels good to be (almost) done with a project.

Love, Jennifer

He shoots......

2012-02-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

......he scores!

excuse the blurry pic. Straight out of the phone :)

After many, many basketball games and thousands (okay, maybe fifty) shots on the basket,
Sam finally made a basket!!!!! I may have shed a few happy tears. We were so excited that we took the whole fam out for frozen yogurt. I think we all deserved it. Way to go, Sam!
_______________________

Has anyone seen the children that belong in these boots?

Ha Ha. I found that when I take the kids out snowshoeing, by myself, it is definitely easier and warmer if I get all their snowshoes set up before we go. We put them on in the living room and then take them to the car pre-loaded. Once we get to the trail, the kids can just slip their boots on and are ready to go. It was Scott's idea. I hate to admit it but he came up with this fab plan.

____________________

Sunday morning, after church, we headed to our favorite doughnut/breakfast place in Breck and ordered up some yummy doughy goodness. We took our treats and headed down the street to the snow sculpture competitions. The Young's were in town, so we met up with them and toured the amazing sculptures. It was a beautiful morning with great friends. So glad that we got to spend some time with them while they were in the county!

Hope you all had a great Monday!

Jennifer

Running {Away}

2012-01-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

For a few days, anyway.

Thursday night, Scott and I headed (slid) down the mountain to Denver for a trade show. This was Scott's third trade show this month but my first. It was cool. We met lots of great people and checked out a lot of skis, boots, binding, split boards, skins, etc. We even got to go out to dinner alone. Crazy awesome. It's the little things, I tell ya. I love this guy.

Saturday morning we met three of my dearest friends for a 10K. I have been so excited for this day. I love living up here in the mountains but I surely do miss my friends. We ran, we chatted, we laughed and we ate Italian food (after running). It was a perfect day. I love these ladies. Thanks Kristin, Kim and Lana for making it such a fun day!

Above, Kristin (in bright blue) and I (and some random girl) running the last 1/2 mile of the race. I felt good at the 5 mile sign but quickly faded :) Kristin is my running rock. I don't really like to run without her. Bummer we live 2 hours apart. She is an awesome runner and keeps me going when everything inside my head says this is stupid, stop running, walking is way more fun.

Soooo many thanks to my parents for watching the kids for a few days. Scott and I had much needed away time and that is always so valuable. We enjoyed our time together and with friends. Despite the foot of snow and high altitude, they stayed with the kids and I know everyone had a blast (the kids keep asking when we can go back to Denver).

I hope you had an awesome weekend!

Jennifer

What do they do?

2012-01-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Chores.

We all hate that word but there are jobs around the house that have to be done. Like dishes, vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, feeding the dog....well, I could go on and on forever. Chores are never-ending. Are your kids responsible for certain chores around your house? How much responsibility do you give your 10 year old as opposed to your younger kids?

Now that I am working more it is hard to find time to get it all done (and who am I kidding, I couldn't find enough time in the day when I worked at home). Plus, the kids are getting bigger and (in my opinion) can handle more responsibility.

Our kids do help out around the house a bit. They set and clear the table, empty the dishwasher, make beds, and fold dish towels and napkins, among other things.

What do your kids do? Do you have a chore chart or schedule? Feel free to give me your ideas and suggestions. Thanks!

P.S. Don't mention this to my kids. They might go on strike :)

Saturday Sledding

2012-01-16T18:51:00.006-07:00

The kiddos had the day off from school today so we got out and did a little sledding. My tailbone is still yelling at me!
We have had a great weekend. Friends from the Springs (who have a condo in Summit County) came over for dinner on Saturday night. We had an awesome time relaxing, laughing and catching up on life. Thank goodness for great friends.
Sunday morning, Scott went ice-climbing with some guys from the shop and the kids and I stayed warm indoors. In the afternoon, Alice went to a birthday party for a friend in her class and the rest of us feasted on yummy Mexican food. Today we are getting more (and more and more) snow. It is really pretty and makes all those ski people really happy. We hope you have had a wonderful weekend.

Goodnight!

Jennifer

This snow means business.....

2012-01-07T20:26:00.001-07:00

The kids and I decided to snowshoe a different trail this morning. This trail is one of our faves in the summer because it follows along Ten Mile Creek and there are plenty of places for little people to stop and play and be adventurous. One of the kids favorites spots is at a small run off near the beginning of the trail. In the warmer months, my kids love to dam it up with pebbles and figure which way the water will run. Today, their favorite little stream was pure ice and that seemed to be just as fun. We spent about 2 hours on the trail just hiking along and stopping when someone needed a bit of a break. Alice got the Snowshoer of the Day award. She led the way, never complained and even wanted to keep going when the group was ready to turn around. It was a great snowy morning. By the time we arrived back at the car we all had about 3 inches of snow on our hats and jackets. It was a beautiful day to be outside, that is for sure.

The Business of Snow

2012-01-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

So, most of you are now aware that we have uprooted our family from sunny, mostly warm Colorado Springs to the small, sunny, usually cold and snowy Frisco. They are only two hours apart but the weather varies greatly. This winter has been a bit different than past years. We don't (well, we didn't) have much snow. It started out with a bang in October, flurried pretty consistently through November and then stopped. I do believe that we only had two days of the white stuff in December and no accumulation. Two days ago I ran OUTSIDE in short sleeves. It was just that warm. Between you and me, I really am loving it. It seems like a gift from God to have a nice and easy (and warm) transition into this crazy new way of life that should be including feet of snow. Okay, so I do realize that God probably doesn't give a hoot if we do or do not get snow. Maybe He got tired of hearing my no snow prayer over and over again. I think that He really has bigger problems like disease and war, you know. Anyway, I digress. Thank you God! (for all the bigger blessings of which I am greatly undeserving).
When you own an outdoor store that caters to backcountry skiing and touring, snow is helpful. Pretty important actually. Everyone in the county is walking around looking at the sky, wondering. Where is this elusive snow we speak of? Sam's basketball coach commented last night that in all the 20 years he has lived in Summit County, he has never seen the grass in January or something like that....
Today it is snowing. Really snowing. Scott was so excited that he started shoveling at 7:15 am right outside our bedroom window. I not so politely let him know that was a bit crazy. He stopped.
Snow is great for business. You (mainly me) would think that people would stay home when it snows, indoors, all snugly and warm. Or....run to the ~~ski hill~~ mountain and make some turns on really honest to goodness snow. But no. They flock to the store in need of skis, boots, gloves. It is really cool and amazing how this phenomenon works. Since we have had ~~a handful~~ a month full of warm sunny days, I will take this snowy one. We might even get out and enjoy it. We do have those new snowshoes. Scott will be busy working and ringing customers out so I will say a little prayer that the snow sticks and that Scott gets to not only look out the window on this beautiful day but also may he get out and enjoy it too. Amen.

P.S. Hopefully beautiful snowy pictures to follow :)

A Year in Pictures {2011}

2012-01-05T22:19:00.001-07:00

For the last couple years, sometime in January, I have written a year in review post. This year, mainly because it takes me soooo long (my brain is turning to mush) to remember or go back and read about the important happenings from each month, I am only going to post my favorite snapshots from each month of 2011. This way you can use your imaginations:) Have fun on the year long picture walk!

This year has been full of changes. We have changed jobs, houses, towns, cars, lifestyles, weather and schools. With all this transition comes some minor bumps in the road but overall we are thrilled with the changes that we have made. We look forward to what 2012 has in store for us!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

We hope you all had an awesome 2011!

Love to you all,
Jennifer

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Traditions and Gifts

2011-12-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Like most families, we have some holiday traditions that withstand changes in life. Changes like moving. This year was no different. Every year, on Christmas Eve, after dinner and church, we put on our jammies, jump on the couch and read Twas the Night Before Christmas. At this point, the kids know most of the words and can read it along with us. We are so blessed by these four precious gifts and amazed that we have been given the privilege of being able to raise and teach them.
I hope your family enjoyed the traditions and gifts of Christmas. We are enjoying all of ours.

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-23

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:14:00.002-07:00

We are enjoying our winter break and our Christmas presents from Grandma Peggy and Papa Gary. Snowshoes! Merry

Christmas from our trail to yours.

(somehow, Sam missed being in front of the camera)

Merry Christmas.

Jennifer

Thankful Thursday {Paige in glasses}

2011-12-22T15:13:00.002-07:00

I am oh-so thankful for this sweet girl.

We just picked up her new glasses today.

Doesn't she look so much older!

Paige, our sweet, sweet lovebug.

Everything is just a little bit clearer today.

Down

2011-12-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I am feeling a bit homesick today.

I am missing my family. I am missing my friends. I am missing the usual routine of the Christmas season. I am missing my church family. I am missing my morning run with my super duper running buddy. I am missing the wildlife (I know, right, I haven't even seen a bunny). I am missing the fabric store. I am missing my neighbors right across the street. I am pretty much missing my life.

A very wise woman once told me that a pity party is no fun because it is only a party for one. I am the only one at my pity party today. I guess I better get up off the couch, put the Christmas cookies away, take off this old FHS sweatshirt from 1992 and get moving.

Today is the first day that I have really felt sad about moving. We are so blessed and grateful for this move. Living here rocks and I do love it. But today I am missing all the familiars just a bit.

I keep telling the kids that even when something (school, routine, friendship) looks different, it doesn't mean that it is bad. Just a different kind of good. Maybe I should be taking my own advice.

Chin up, Jennifer. Life is good.

***WWHBUT

2011-12-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

***What we have been up to.

It has been a crazy month. Isn't December always a crazy time and it blows by so fast? It is a mystery to me. It is so hard to believe that Christmas is only a week and a half away. No matter how much we try and enjoy the season, it seems to speed by in a flash of red and green.
So.....here are some pics from the last couple weeks. Warning: these pictures are *SOOTC. No editing was involved in the making of this blog post.

* Straight out of the camera.

Yeah, we got Christmas spirit. Do you?

Alice decorating the Christmas tree

Where should this ornament go? So many spots, so far away.

Decorating gingerbread choo-choos. Are we having fun yet?

Sam and Mason displaying their gingerbread house. They were just happy to have finished before their sisters.

Friends from COS come to visit and the girls perform a dance.

Mason hanging out with his "girl"friend. They were showing off their weapons.

Scott's parents are here visiting for a week. They got to see the stores today and check out the kids' school. Last night we attended the school holiday program. It was very cute and so worth the third row seats. I, of course, still had on my crazy parent hat on and got to the school gym 25 minutes early to get some decent seats while all the other parents came strolling in at the suggested time and got their seats with no worry. I gotta lose this hat, like seriously throw it in a ditch full of snow. Oh! Did I mention it is snowing? We love snow.

I hope you are all having a fantastic and blessed Christmas season.
Love, Jennifer

Hiking to Rainbow Lake

2011-12-11T17:13:00.001-07:00

This afternoon, after watching two movies, our kiddos needed an outdoor break. Scott has been running a lot of the trails around Frisco and scouted this one out just this morning. It was a little over a mile up to Rainbow Lake. Very hikable (probably not a word) for the 10 and under crowd. It was a perfect trail for releasing energy. The kids had fun sliding on all the ice. Knees, bellies and bums all worked for slip sliding around.

Now I know during the summer months you all get very tired of seeing us running around in bathing suits. Now you better get used to seeing us in hats, boots and winter gear. It sure is pretty in the winter but I know we are going to appreciate those warm summer months too!

Off to make some hot cocoa and warm up!

Jennifer

The Hunt

2011-12-03T15:39:00.001-07:00

Our annual hunt for THE Christmas tree started out really well. We were actually hunting for two trees this year, a large one for the basement and a smaller one for the front window. We found the smaller one pretty quickly but the hunt for the daddy tree went on longer than four kids can handle. After quite a few tears and a stop back at the car to warm up hands and toes, THE tree was found. Alice and Scott did the honors of cutting it down. We hauled both of the trees on top of the car and headed home (well, Scott hauled them on top of the car but I was there to take pictures and moral support so I am going with WE). Here are a few of the many (113 to be exact) pictures I snapped.

I hope you are having an awesome Saturday!
Much love, Jennifer

It's beginning to look a lot like.....

2011-11-27T19:39:00.001-07:00

....a big huge mess, that what.

This morning I finally got our family room organized and cleaned up. This afternoon, we made a visit to storage and hauled over about 8 big boxes of Christmas "stuff" and now it is sitting in my clean family room. Lights and ornaments and angels, oh my!

We made a really good effort to cut down our Christmas tree today but that didn't work out. Hopefully we can get the tree next weekend or else we may have to visit the dreaded Christmas tree lot. Scott's least favorite place during the holidays :) He REALLY enjoys cutting his own tree. And it is a lot cheaper. A lot.

The three older kids all got a couple hours on their skis this weekend. Scott took Sam and Alice yesterday and Paige got her turn this afternoon. It was perfect weather for hitting the slopes, sunny and warm. Hopefully one of us will be able to ski with Mason sometime this week.

Sewing has been on my mind a lot lately and I am hoping to get to it this week. All that fabric, so little time. I have a couple projects started that really need to be finished. I could really use a couple more hours in my day.

I haven't taken any pics in the last couple days so I thought that I would find some on the old hard drive that I didn't get a chance to post. Actually, these are some that I took for my mom as a birthday gift. This was on one our last days in Colorado Springs before moving on up to the mountains. It was a gorgeous day and I could have stayed out all day snapping pics of the kids. Not sure if they were equally as excited as me :)

Happy Sunday night! Have a great Monday!
Jennifer

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T18:49:00.001-07:00

We have been blessed with the love of family and great friends and we have so much in which to be thankful.
Yesterday, we had a wonderful day with our family in Colorado Springs. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast playing with their cousins outside. Many thanks to my sister (in-law) and brother for such an awesome Thanksgiving dinner and also to my parents for putting us up at their home for part of the week.

Now we move on to Christmas. It's the happiest season of all, for goodness sake.

Jennifer

You know you live in a ski town when.....

2011-11-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

.....a winter hat with tassels is stylish year round.

....you can wear snow boots anywhere anytime with any outfit.

....you can wear snow pants anywhere anytime with any tasseled hat.

....the check-out guy at Target greets you with a What's Up, Dude?

....your vocabulary starts to include words such as shred, fatty, avie, to name a few. Let's just say shredding has nothing to do with cheese.

....you have to pick up your mail up at the post office because there is too much snow for home delivery.

.....you go to pick up your sick kid from school and the last child to be signed out before yours was signed out to go shredding (again, nothing to do with cheese).

....the amount of SUVs totally outnumbers the amount of mini-vans in the school pick-up line.

....long underwear is just referred to as underwear.

We are getting some serious snow today. We have has pretty nice weather and awesome blue skies but that came to a screeching halt this morning. I love the nice days but snow is really good for business. So, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. This morning Scott and I had our first of many live spots on the local news channel. I don't think that a career in television is in my future. Probably because I sat frozen for four minutes and didn't utter a sound except for a tiny thank you at the end of the interview. Scott did great and he will definitely be back on next week.

Have a great Saturday!
Jennifer

Mason's first day....

2011-11-15T18:14:00.001-07:00

Today Mason started preschool at the elementary school. He was so excited all morning and could hardly wait to eat lunch and head out to school. When we arrived, he quickly hung up his coat, put his snack in the fridge and got busy learning. He didn't even look back at me. For a split second I was a bit sad that he just skipped off without so much as a kiss or wave. And then I was thrilled. He knows that he can go to school just like Sam, Alice and Paige and that I will be there at the end of the day.

When I asked him what he had done at school, this was his response. Let's see, I had a nack, lurned, behaved and haved and haved, even I did an obstacle course, just stuff. It was super fun.

Well, that sounds like it was a good day. At least he haved. Good havior is very important.

Jennifer

P.S. While Mason was at preschool, Scott and I took a break from work to get out for a short trail run. We got some exercise and enjoyed the beautiful views of Lake Dillon. Now that is very good.

Tied up

2011-11-14T19:49:00.001-07:00

Every night at the dinner table we take turns giving our highs and lows of our day. We go around the table and everyone gets a chance to speak. Today, Paige's high was that she figured out how to tie her shoes. She said that her new friend Ivy was getting pretty tired of tying her shoes so she decided that she would tie them herself. And she did. After dinner she continued to practice and practice and practice..... After she had mastered her own shoes, she tied Mason's....over and over again.

Way to go Paige!

I guess that when you have to do the shoe/boot exchange a bazillion times a day, you figure out how to tie your shoes pretty quick.

It probably helped that she found out that her slightly younger cousin could tie his shoes first. Immediate encouragement.

A Little Bit of Life

2011-11-12T19:39:00.001-07:00

Really, a week?!!?!?! It's been one week since I have blogged. I am trying here, people. Really.

We have had a crazy week. I know you get tired of hearing it, but seriously. The good news is.....we found the snow pants in storage. Well, it might not be too exciting to you but it was fantastic news to my kiddos who have been asking for their snow pants since their first day of school. See, the kids have to wear snow pants to recess. If they don't wear them, they are restricted from the playground field. So, they are thrilled and even though there wasn't much precipitation last week, they wore them every day.

Now, let's talk precipitation. Yesterday we had to go make the two hour trek to Colorado Springs for one more load of garage stuff. Can we get a collective UGH? Where does this stuff come from????? The weather in COS was beautiful. It was super windy but really really warm. I like warm. Today we were under a weather storm warning in Frisco and since we were hauling a trailer full of stuff, a long ladder and a bike, we wanted to beat the storm. We resembled a traveling band of gypsies. We did beat the storm, just barely :) There was that one spot when we were coming down the pass and the Cruiser started sliding toward a cliff.....but we made it safe and sound. Luckily, we are now a settled inside our warm house while snow is falling and accumulating quickly. Winter in the mountains. Only six more months of snow. Oh boy.

The kids are good. Sam was a bit emotional as we were leaving today. It is hard for him to see the house empty. He is adjusting so well to his new surrounding but leaving home is tough. We went around the house once more and took pics with our murals in the basement.

I don't think I have opened another box since the last time I blogged. That is the bad news. I am really getting too old for this moving thing.

On a positive note (my running partner will appreciate this) I did get out for a run this week. It wasn't as much fun by myself but I had fun exploring some of the paved trails around town. I am going to definitely have to update my Ipod tunes. I don't think that I need to post my mileage. It was pretty measly.

Scott and I are good too. Really good. We are adjusting well and loving this new place. We miss our friends and family terribly but really feel like ultimately it will be a great fit for our fam. Scott has already skinned up/skied down at Keystone and he is in heaven. I am looking forward to getting out on my snowshoes very soon. Hopefully this week.

I know that I promised house pics but my camera battery is dead and I have no idea where that silly charger is hiding. Probably in one of those boxes that I have yet to open. Guess I better get busy. I know you don't want to read my drivel for much longer.

Have a great weekend. We are thinking that we will try out a new church tomorrow. Please say a little prayer that we can find a home to worship that fits all our needs.

Snow snakes and ski bunnies,
Jennifer

Visitors

2011-11-07T17:27:00.002-07:00

Saturday (and Sunday due to weather) our friends, the Young's, came up to visit. We had an awesome visit and can 't wait for them to get snowed in again sometime soon :)

Wordless Wednesday {scarves}

2011-11-02T20:37:00.002-06:00

Okay so almost wordless...

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the fun belly-dancing scarves. They work really well on our heads too!
Love, Alice and Paige

Halloween

2011-11-01T18:53:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated Halloween, Frisco style. The kids celebrated in their classrooms during school and then we walked downtown for trick or treating. Downtown Frisco closes down for two hours and all the Main Street stores passed out candy. Who knew that every kid in the county would head to Frisco for the good stuff. We passed out candy from our store and we went through 5 huge bags of candy. There were little kids (and big ones too) everywhere! Our kids had a blast running from store to store and Mason and I just trailed behind them. Once their bags were overflowing, we headed back to our store to check and sample the loot. Usually we combine all the candy and then eat a piece a day for about a week and then I start throwing it out. This year we are going to pick out a few of our favorite pieces and then send the rest to Uncle Mick in Afghanistan. All the kids thought that was a grand idea. This year we had a Christmas elf, Hermione Granger, a skeleton and a hooded knight. I might be a bit biased but they were the cutest trick or treaters around town.

We hope you all had a safe Halloween! Now we move on to Thanksgiving. Oh my!!! Love to all from Scott, Jennifer, Samuel, Alice, Paige and Mason!

Pumpkins!

2011-10-30T11:25:00.001-06:00

There are some things that always stay the same.

Pumpkin carving is a favorite tradition in our family.

Friday night we went out on a hunt. Normally we wouldn't wait quite this long to find the perfect pumpkins, but with packing and moving, the hunt for pumpkins got moved down on the priority list. We ended up at our local grocery store and lucky for us, they had four left. One was a bit soft so we heaved three big ole' pumpkins and 5 bags of candy into our cart and headed for the checkout.

Last night, after our visit from Grandma and Grandpa, we designed and carved pumpkins. Sam and Mason shared a pumpkin and designed a very sinister face with horns and a vampire mouth. Alice went with the star eyes (oh so fun for mom to cut out) and a huge smile. Kinda like an Alice self portrait. Paige's pumpkin took the cake. She had glasses and freckles. Scott got very creative with a bike tool from the garage and made a lot of freckles on that pumpkin. Carving pumpkins is always a ton of fun and we wouldn't miss it for the world, even during a move. Who knew that packing paper would work great to save the table from pumpkin guts.

After the official pumpkin picture, we devoured the roasted seeds and headed for bed. Well, five of us headed for bed and one of us went for a run. I won't mention who went for a run.

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for driving up to Frisco for a fun but way to short visit! More on that later.

I can't fight this feeling....

2011-10-28T16:58:00.001-06:00

Okay. Cheesy, I know. But it kinda sums up what I am feeling right now about living in this small mountain town. Yep, my feeling might change once the tourist season is upon us, which could happen any minute. And it has only been a week. Trust me when I say, I know small town. We have lived in many different types of areas, big and small. I can truly say that we are all enjoying this slower more casual pace of life. Okay, I know it has been a week.
Scott and I ran errands this morning and everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed. Sometimes it is a bit creepy that people we have never met, know who we are. Sometimes anonymity is nice but for now we are enjoying the welcome people here have given us. We dropped the kids off at school, made a quick stop at the post office, dropped off some paperwork at the city office, bought dog food at our local pet feed store and stopped at our Frisco store. It was so awesome to get so much done together and so easily. We didn't hit any traffic or cranky people, no road rage or construction. Life in this small town is informal and easy going and that is how we like it. I think that is will take me some time to get over being in a hurry all the time. Don't get me wrong, I know that we are in the honeymoon stage here and soon enough all this nicey nice might get old but for now I am riding this feeling. Deep inside of me. Okay, I am done.

Once more of the boxes are emptied I will post some more pics of the new abode. I hope it gets done this year. Moving is fun except for all the packing and unpacking. That part~not fun at all. Tonight we are going to get our pumpkins. Life is a little bit the same where ever we live and that is good too.

{10}

2011-10-26T17:10:00.001-06:00

Happy 10th Birthday Samuel!

We love you beyond words.

Mom and Dad

Alice, Paige and Mason

Settling into Life

2011-10-26T12:18:00.004-06:00

Well, the moving van has come and we are officially moved out....or in. I guess it depends on your perspective. Now I am just trying to dig my way out from under all the packing paper and boxes. We really like the new house. It is smaller in living space but with the same amount of bedrooms. We can walk or bike to town, the store and school on nice days. It takes me 3 minutes to drive to school in the mornings. That rocks!!!!! When we arrived last Friday morning, the weather was beautiful and we have had some gorgeous days. Today, winter arrived. Big time. The kids started in their new school this week. Sam and Alice had great first days. They both met some nice kids. Paige started today and was a bit nervous. I can't wait to find out about her day!
Happy Birthday to our sweet boy Sam. He turns 10 today. I am not sure where the time has gone but he has grown up to be a super smart, sweet, responsible boy that I am so proud to call my son. We love you Mr. Man!!!!! I am hoping to get some good snow shots with him after school. Check back for those. For now, check out the pics from our first week in the mountains.

The awesome view out of the girls room window.

The biking/walking path behind our house. You can get just about anywhere on a bike path in Summit County.

Being silly on our hike.

The view behind our house this morning. Wow!

The snow on our deck an hour after Scott shoveled it all off.

That awesome view out of the girls room after the snow.

I think I will go and find my boots.....and a boot tray, boot warmers, boots, boots, boots......

Fall is in the air.....

2011-10-14T19:51:00.000-06:00

Well, amidst getting ready to move and sell our house, we got out today for some autumn fun.

Caramel apples.

The kids had much fun and consumed much sugar.

Thanks Victoria, Ellie and Brendan for hosting such a great party on our day off!

Movin' On Up

2011-10-13T09:30:00.001-06:00

To the top.
Literally.

The Wescott clan is moving. Again.

We are moving up to the mountains. Remember all those previous more on that later and simplifying the house comments. Well, it is most definitely later and when I said simplify, I meant packing.
Scott and I are moving our little family to Frisco, CO. Frisco is a two hour drive into the mountains and sits in the valley next to Dillon Reservoir and between Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain ski resorts. We have purchased a business in Summit County and are moving our life in a new direction, to like 10,000 feet. We are really excited to start embracing the mountain town lifestyle. Please say a little prayer for the kids as they transition into a new school and life. We have been so blessed to live in such a gorgeous place with wonderful friends and family. We will miss it all dearly. This new life holds great possibilities and adventures for our family and we are super excited to go but already missing our life here.

Bring on the moving trucks!!!
I will try and keep my blog updated but please be patient with me :)
Jennifer

Little Bit of Everything

2011-10-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

When we woke up this morning it was snowing. SNOWING!!!!! A couple days ago it was 80 degrees. The hammock is still on the deck for pete's sake. Actually, right now, it is quite pretty, big flakes blowing around. Gotta love the fall in Colorado. Alice had a volleyball game this morning at very early o'clock and Paige has a very chilly soccer game following the volleyball game. Soccer and snowing does not sound like a good combination to me but I cannot say too much since I am not the chauffeur today. Not this morning anyway.
Last night we attended the annual school Sock Hop. Fun was had by all. Okay, who am I kidding, I stood back and watched the kids dance and have fun. They all ate way too much junk and we left with a couple of sore tummies. Alice was suppose to have a sleepover after the Sock Hop but only lasted an hour before her tummy ache set in.
The kids had their last cross country meet this week. They had a great season and ran awesome. As Alice was coming into the finish line she was neck and neck with one of her team mates. I most definitely was not screaming at her that she could pass that girl in her sleep. Nope that was not me :) Last weekend I took them to a local kid race and they tore it up! Sam finished 6th in his race (9-11 year old boys and girls).
Alice's scout friends held a little party for her yesterday. More on that later.... They had fun playing games, eating not-so-healthy snacks and twirling their poodle skirts (see Sock Hop).
Scott spent the day in Summit County yesterday. More on that later....I bet it is really snowing up there. Like the skiing/snowshoeing/puffy coat wearing kind of snowing. Oh boy.
Thanks to everyone who noticed that Paige got a cute new hair cut. She wanted her hair cut in a way that would allow everyone to see her earrings. I call it her Julie Andrews hair. Really she would look cute with a buzz cut. She also has four very loose teeth. Pretty soon we will be pureeing her food.
So here are some pics from this past week. A bit random but so is my life! There are no pictures of Mason this time. He and the time-out chair have become really good friends. Let's just say, he is working on Momma's patience level.

Happy Saturday!
Jennifer

A Walk and A Dog

2011-10-03T21:48:00.000-06:00

This afternoon while dinner was cooking in the oven, part of the Wescott clan went out for a walk. The weather has been so gorgeous and warm that I just had to get out of the house for a quick jaunt around the neighborhood. The leaves are beginning to turn and signs of fall are all around us.

These two monkeys are so silly. They don't always play nicely but have had a great couple of days. Yesterday they were in cahoots to destroy any dignity the dog had left.

Poor Jesse. How humiliating....
She is such a gentle, easy going dog. I can't believe even she put up with this torture.

Happy Monday.
Love, Jennifer

Wordless Wednesday {her thing}

2011-09-28T18:44:00.000-06:00

lost

2011-09-24T17:52:00.000-06:00

As you can plainly see, Paige lost the first of her two front teeth. Like all my kids, she waited and waited for it to get loose enough. Believe it or not, she has been wiggling it since last spring. It finally popped out! It is always so bittersweet to see those sweet baby teeth fall out. Well...for this sentimental momma anyway.

Up and Down

2011-09-22T14:04:00.001-06:00

First they go up the hill.

and then Mason rides down....

Happy almost Autumn!

Jennifer

Run Like the Wind

2011-09-20T20:46:00.000-06:00

The big kids had their third cross country meet today. Lucky for us, it was at our home school this week, which makes our lives soooo much easier. Since we pretty much sprint from cross country meets to two different soccer practices, our Tuesday afternoons are anything but relaxing. All the kids ran really well. There are a lot more kids running this year. When Paige was lined up to run I counted well over 60 1st grade girls. She finished easily in the top 20. Alice finished 9th. She was disappointed but we were hugely proud of her. Sam ran really well and left nothing on the course. We had a beautiful afternoon for races and the weather could not have been better. The Masonator hung out, jump off everything he could find, rolled in the grass and cheered on his siblings. He is ready for his turn to run. I have a feeling anything that Mason sets his mind to, he will achieve.

I am trying hard to ignore it but the laundry is calling my name. I hope you had a great Tuesday and look forward to Wednesday.

Jennifer

Feel the Love

2011-09-10T20:06:00.001-06:00

Today we spent most of our day at church. Twice a year we have a community block party at our church. All is free, open to anyone, lots of good fun. The kids had a blast, running around like crazy between bounce houses, crafts, balloon animals, games, food and events. It was a gorgeous Colorado day and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Again this year Scott had his bike repair tent and had tons of bikes stacked up for sizing, tuning and fixin' up. He did step out of his tent to participate in the pie eating contest. And....he won. Now he is belly-aching about eating soooo much pie.

Have a great Saturday evening!

Jennifer

Lost and Found

2011-09-09T09:38:00.000-06:00

I have been cleaning out closets this week in an effort to ~~get rid of lots of #$%@~~ simplify our life. Deep, I know. Because I couldn't see the floor of my sewing room/spare bathroom/closet, I set my sights on that space last night and didn't give up until it was organized and "simplified". I threw a lot of stuff away. Under a pile of fabric, I found a picture disk, labeled Paige's birth. Really?!?!? I can honestly say that I did not know this disk existed. Obviously, at some point, I must have had knowledge of it, because it was my handwriting on this mystery disk. But I have no recollection of it. Seriously. My only excuse is that Paige was my third birth in less than 4 years. I had a toddler, baby and newborn. I was crazy. Out of my mind in mommydom. I could have made that picture disk, put it up on a shelf and never thought about it again. Sooo, after finishing up my simplification (is that a word?) of the spare bedroom closet, I popped that disk into my computer and here is what I found. I will admit to you that I did tear up a bit. I had sweet, sweet babies.

Paige's birthday

do you see that they are holding hands?

Dr. Clark delivered Sam, Alice and Paige. He rocks!

Check me out. I am so funny!

precious adorable Alice

excited to be big brother and sister

brand new baby Paige

(see I was crazy, I let a todder hold a newborn)

Anyway, I now have 75 pictures of Paige's birth that I didn't know I had when I finished her baby book. Looks like we might we adding a few more pages.

Aren't they cute?!?!?!

I know, I know.......

2011-09-07T22:44:00.000-06:00

I admit it...I have been absent. Absent from this stinking blog. Really not here. People are noticing. Really noticing.

Just out of curiosity, I checked back to my posts from this time last year. I was a bit absent last year too. If you are a parent, you know why. Life is crazy at this time of the year. Driving here. Running there. You know how it is.... Crazy.

Now that I have given my excuses and my apology.

Sorry.

Okay, now that I have really given my excuses and apology, I will update you on the end of our summer. We traveled to Michigan at the end of the summer and arrived home 2 days before school started. It seemed like there was no time between washing swim suits and towels and getting back to school shopping finished. Now the kids have been back to school for three weeks. Sports practices started this week and my head has begun to spin once again. Sam and Paige are playing soccer, practicing on the same two nights, same time, different locations. Go figure. Alice is still playing piano and just started volleyball. Her practices are on a different day, thank goodness. All three big kids are running cross country after school and will have weekly meets around town. Mason started preschool today and loves it. Loves it. His favorite part of school is lunch :)

Scott and I are good. We are working on some changes around here. More to follow. It is so awesome to have Scott working from home. Today we ran errands and had breakfast together. Love it, again. He is starting to run again. If you weren't around at the beginning of the summer, you might not have known that he ran a 50 miler and then realized that something was wrong with his leg. Oh yeah, it was a stress fracture in his fibula. Yep, he did run a 50 miler on a fractured leg. He is a little bit crazy in the head. Anyhoo, he was on rest for 3 months and just started lacing up his shoes last week. I thoroughly loved my summer with the kids. We had a ton of fun and stayed super busy with field trips, art projects, cooking, etc.

My pictures are a bit random but a recap of the end of summer and beginning of a busy fall.

Alice and friends at Girl Scout Camp

Scott and kids volunteering at Feed My Starving Children

Mason on his first day of preschool

Samuel reading in the tent

Alice and Abby take a hiking break

Paige always looking cute!

Life is always busy but so good. We are so blessed by our children and the family and friends that surround us! Late in the summer, we lost a friend in a tragic accident. It has really made me stop and realize the beauty and fragility of this life. Cherish your babies, hug your friends, love with your whole heart. Love each moment. Life is so precious.

Jennifer

Paige

2011-08-31T18:46:00.004-06:00

My sweet girl.

Just one of those days

2011-08-19T13:19:00.001-06:00

I was looking back at my summer pictures last night, while searching for a pic that Alice needed, and I came across these shots. It might have been one of the best days of our summer. You know those moments, when you look around at your family and everyone is happy, not a care in the world and everything is right, just for those few precious moments. Kids are laughing and having pure fun. This was one of those afternoons when we didn't need a Wii or an ipod or even a book to entertain us. We had tree stumps, wide open spaces, wild flowers and even one big pile of snow on a hot summer day in the mountains.

One of those kinda days that we wish could go on forever.

Jennifer

Back to School

2011-08-17T10:55:00.000-06:00

I am never ready.

Never.

My three biggest went off to school today.

For another year.

Why do they do this to me?

Back to school.

I never look forward to it.

Never.

Family

2011-08-16T08:37:00.001-06:00

Our last ten days have been filled with lots of family time.

Two long days together traveling in the car.

Two adventurous days at Grandma and Grandpa's MI house.

Five fun filled days with Scott's family at Houghton Lake.

One day visiting with Scott's Grandma and Aunt Betty in Birmingham.

We were also blessed to get to spend time with some family and friends that we don't see very often. My aunt Judy and cousin Amy visited us while we were at the cabin. Friday night we had dinner with one of my college roomies. We lived with or near each other pretty much all the years I was at CMU. Love you Summer! It was also great to visit with high school friends Mark and Nikki, and watch Mark's band play.

As usual, I took an obscene amount of pics. Enjoy!

Well, in the spirit of Wescott craziness, I must close this post and go get my kids ready to start school tomorrow. Yikes!

See ya later summer, hello fall. Just like that.

One Man's Castle

2011-08-01T18:09:00.000-06:00

Today, with great friends, we headed southwest into the San Isabel Forest to Bishop's Castle. This place is a hoot. It is a castle on the side of the mountain being built by one man. He started this project in 1969. When I say a castle, I mean a huge, massive place with towers and a dragon. My description is not doing it any justice. Check out the pics. Thanks to Kristin for taking three of my kids, along with her three kids, up to the tippy top of two towers. This was no easy job because the spiral staircases were made of metal and had no handrails.

After the trip to the castle we headed back down the mountain to the San Isabel Rec Area. We had a picnic on the beach and the kids spent the afternoon ~~swimming~~ wading in the lake, throwing rocks and enjoying our time together.

Have a great Monday night!!!

Jennifer

Thin Ice

2011-07-31T22:20:00.000-06:00

This evening, after spending half the day at a swim meet, we took the kids ice-skating. I know (in the words of a 3 year old Sam) we are a little crazy in the hair. Loopy, for sure.

Sooo, last week, on our weekly field trip, I took the kids to the U.S. Figure Skating Museum. Yep, right here in Colorado Springs. It might have something to do with that silly Olympic Training Center, I don't know....Anyway, we saw lots of sequins and trophies. I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of ice-skates. Seriously.

After visiting the museum, I thought that it might be fun to go ice-skating. After mentioning ice-skating out loud (big, huge mistake) I quickly realized that taking four kids ice-skating was more than I could handle alone. Well, since these kids never. forget. a. thing, I had to hold true to my promise of skating. Not just any skating, but ICE-skating.

So, between Scott and I and a whole mess of orange buckets stacked together, we took the four kids ice-skating. We not only lived to tell about it but had an awesome time. Sam and Alice did pretty well right off the bat, Mason definitely was a bit spazzy without the buckets and some parental help but Paige was the bucket skater extraordinaire. She held on tight and skated around and around and around.....and did not want to stop.

These kids had so much fun that they didn't even realized we had ice-skated right through the dinner hour. If you know my kids, they don't like to miss a meal, ever. This skating thing had to be super good to miss dinner.

Taking the obligatory shot of the museum sign...

Have an awesome start to the week! We are going to fill in as much as possible in this last week before heading to MI and then starting school. Hard to believe that our summer break is winding down!

Love to you all,
Jennifer

Sleepy Saturday

2011-07-30T21:35:00.001-06:00

Sam

and his silly sisters

swam on a sunny Saturday

in a swim meet.

We are all seriously sleepy.

So long Saturday. See you Sunday.

At another steamy swim meet.

Still Here....

2011-07-27T22:38:00.001-06:00

Okay, I know it has been a few days since my last post. We have been pretty busy around these parts. Life doesn't really seem to slow down for summer break but is just a different kind of busy. As the end of summer gets closer, I start to feel the back to school panic. Do you ever have that feeling or is it just me? We haven't had quite as many field trips as we would have liked and we are still working on our meadow/mountain mural in the basement but we have had a ton of fun riding bikes, hiking, hanging out at the pool and enjoying our time with Scott home. I hope to post again soon with pictures of frolicking children but for now you get this. This is pretty much how I am feeling right now :)

Good night. Sleep tight.

Jennifer

$7.25

2011-07-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

The best money ever spent. On the clearance rack at the local drug store. I could not pass it up.
The kiddos, three of them at least, thought this sprinkler was the best. (Sam thought he was too big for a sprinkler).

Yurting

2011-07-19T13:00:00.000-06:00

Yurting. Doesn't it sound so nice and fancy. Like a hike could be a mere jaunt in the woods. Yurting is our version of camping light. Instead of putting up the tent and sleeping on the ground we drive up to our yurt and lay sleeping bags out on bunk beds. Very comfy and plush compared to, well, the ground. Don't get me wrong, we love to tent camp. It is a great way to vacation around the state on the cheap. This past weekend we headed southwest to the Ridgeway/Ouray area. The San Juan mountains tower over this part of Colorado and it could be one of the most beautiful areas we have visited. So, we reserved a yurt in the Ridgeway campground and got busy checking out the area. Highlights of the weekend included hot springs, Ridgeway beach, waterfalls, steep cliffs, charades around the campfire and Frosty's (hey, we gotta keep all these kids quiet somehow!)

hike to Cascade Falls in Ouray

enjoying campfire popcorn

Mason fishing in a pond near Ridgeway Reservoir

Smores are yummy!

The Badger Den~ our home away from home for 4 days

All that fresh air really wore Jesse out.....

the view from our campsite

Sam making sand castles (could somebody get that kid a burger!)

Sam and Alice messing around

Cascade Falls from across town

more sand castles

Box Canyon Falls

Now to the fun part of camping, washing clothes, putting away camping gear, etc..................

I hope you all had an awesome weekend! We are having some hot (like melting hot) weather and I love, love, love it!!!!!

Jennifer

Another Day, Another Swim Meet

2011-07-13T15:43:00.002-06:00

Happy Wednesday to you!

Jennifer

Sam Runs....

2011-07-10T11:10:00.000-06:00

and runs....and runs.....
The kid loves to run.

Sam ran his first 5K race while we were staying in Summit County. We had been talking about running one together for a while but it is so hard to find a race and a date when we are not busy. So, as luck would have it, there was a trail race at Copper Mountain the first weekend after we arrived in Breckenridge.

He did great! He did get a pretty nasty cramp in his side but with some breathing practice that will get better. We both enjoyed the sport jelly beans at the aid station, yum! Way to go Sam! I am so proud of you!
He ran some killer hills and lived to tell about it :)

Now I have another running buddy!

Jennifer

Heading Home

2011-07-08T07:14:00.001-06:00

We have thoroughly enjoyed our week in the mountains. It seems that like is just a little calmer up here at 10,000 feet. There is still lots of snow on the mountains and streams are overflowing their banks. The wildflowers are all in bloom. Yesterday afternoon we hiked. The kids had fun playing in water run-off and finding rocks to climb. Another beautiful day.

Off to pack up the truck and head for home.
Looking forward to a wonderful weekend!
Jennifer

Miles to Go

2011-07-06T22:05:00.000-06:00

Today we biked about 11 miles to Frisco and back. We toured the Frisco Historical Museum and stretched out our legs downtown Frisco before heading back to Breckenridge. The kids did awesome and we only had one minor crash :)

Happy Wednesday!

Love, Jennifer

Happy 4th of July~Pirate Style

2011-07-05T10:21:00.000-06:00

Just one day late :)

We are on vacation in Breckenridge, one of our favorite places in Colorado. We are spending the week relaxing and enjoying family and friends. Life is so good. Yesterday on the 4th we participated in the Breckenridge Parade. Last year we had so much fun that we knew we would do it again. And we did. We really did it this year. I am talking about pint sized pirates, a water canon, water balloons, candy coins, frisbees and much more. We decorated the trailer with black plastic sheeting, a mast and sail and pirate flag. We even had a few parrots "hanging" around. All the kids (and some adults) were dressed in their finest pirate garb and we took Breckenridge by storm and water balloon. We got really wet and had way too much fun!!!! Look out next year Breck, we are already planning our next attack!

After the parade we had lunch with my parents and then headed downtown Breck for the free Rusted Root concert. Our friends The Young's met us at the concert and then we hung out with them for the rest of the evening. We caught the Breckenridge fireworks and then off to bed. We were pooped by that point and the kids crashed. I have a ton more pictures from the second half of the day but the WiFi is super slow and I am having some trouble uploading pics. I hope you all had an awesome fourth and a great week!

Jennifer

Alice Turned Eight!!!!

2011-06-30T23:50:00.001-06:00

Well, ahem, technically it was last week. She had an awesome week of birthday celebrations. For her present this year, we are doing a mini-remodel on her (and Paige's) room. We have picked out paint and a few other things for her room that will spruce it up a bit.

Happy birthday sweet girlie!

Love ya!

Paint Mines

2011-06-23T16:13:00.000-06:00

Today was our field trip day. Like last summer, we dedicate each day of the week to something different. Monday- art project, Tuesday- cleaning, errands, Wednesday- movie day, Thursday-field trip, Friday- cooking.

Today we went to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan. Aside from being really hot, the kids gave the hike a thumbs up. If you are interesting in checking it out, wear a hat and lots of sunscreen because there are no trees out there on the plains. None. Nada. No trees whatsoever. Just letting you know......

I was really good and took my camera but unfortuately I left it on overnight and the batteries died, soooo I didn't take any pictures. Pictures are from http://www.discover-colorado-springs.com/. Thanks!

Tennis Anyone?!?!?

2011-06-22T21:48:00.000-06:00

Alice and Paige started tennis lessons this week. They might not have all the skills perfected yet but they sure do look cute trying!

Alice taking a break from tennis with a little gymnastics

If Paige doesn't get a scholarship to college playing tennis she always has this skill as backup.

Art Monday

2011-06-20T13:32:00.001-06:00

Guest Blogger: Sam Wescott

Today we painted a mural on the basement wall. Last summer we painted the ocean and this summer we are painting a meadow. There are mountains in the back. In the painting there will be animals like deer, birds, and a mountain goat(s). My sisters, brother and mom are helping paint. We are painting it on a wall in the workout area of the basement. There might be bugs in it also. So far we used the colors blue, brown, and green. I hope we do a good job on it. We don't want our deer to look like hungry bears!!! Stay tuned for more pictures!

It is fun to paint on the basement walls because you can get messy and we won't get in trouble for painting on the walls!

Sam

Our art work so far. We will continue to work on it throughout the summer!

Got It Goin' On

2011-06-20T08:08:00.000-06:00

Busy. Busy. Busy. Weekend.

We started out our weekend on Friday with a movie night at the neighbors.
Saturday morning we got up really early and drove 2 hours to get here.

Another swim meet. Eat my bubbles.......

After the swim meet and lunch we hung out in Denver for the day and then in honor of Father's Day we went here.

Denver Rockies vs. Detroit Tigers.

One of us was cheering for the Tigers. five of us were cheering for the Rockies.

Rockies win 5-4. Go Rockies!

Sunday morning five of us went to church and one of us went for a bike ride. After lunch we headed here.

Of course, the pool. My mom met us there for dinner and the kids (Scott included) had fun swimming and getting really dirty in the sandbox.

Happy Father's Day, Scott!

From the five of us.

No More

2011-06-16T16:49:00.000-06:00

Almost two years ago, Mason had the last casts removed. You remember those casts. The ones that he sported around town for three months. If you didn't know, Mason was born with bilateral clubfoot. He started a casting correction as soon as we brought him home.

He then started wearing these fancy shoes and brace for 23 hours a day.

After 3 months his feet looked so good that he only had to wear them 14 hours a day.

After 3 more months, Mason's doctor gave us the good news. Wear the brace at nap and night time. Yahoo! That was a good day.

Once Mason dropped his daily nap, he continued to wear his nifty brace at bedtime.

Well, last week he had another appointment and he got great news.

NO MORE BRACES!

Wilson UMC Mission to Costa Rica

2011-06-13T19:52:00.001-06:00

Swim Meet

2011-06-10T15:39:00.000-06:00

Well, it is that time of year again. Yep, you got it. The swimsuit edition.

Today was the first meet of the season. Our team always has a mock meet so that the kids remember the drill and new swimmers can get a feel for how a meet runs. Our weather has been gorgeous but this morning it was very cold and rainy. The kids were troopers and swam well despite the crummy weather. Today was Paige's first meet and she did great!

Have an awesome weekend!
Jennifer

Costa Rica

2011-06-08T16:48:00.000-06:00

I arrived home from my trip to Costa Rica on Monday afternoon. I was in the country for 9 days with a mission team from our church. Our missional goal was to make building progress on a parsonage at one of the local Methodist churches in San Pedro and run a successful vacation bible school for the children of the church and surrounding community. I traveled with eleven awesome men and women and could not have asked to serve with a more wonderful group of people. We spent 5 days working really hard hauling dirt and rocks, filling concrete forms, laying block, making mortar, moving concrete blocks and on and on.....Our afternoons were spent with the kids and were filled with music, crafts, bible stories and tons of fun. We met great families along the way, making it really hard to say goodbye by the last day. Our team was blessed to be able to worship twice with our new friends. Worshipping in La Iglesia Metodista was very much the same as we do at Wilson, very spiritual and uplifting. We had an wonderful week filled with hard work and great fellowship. All the glory goes to God, for the work He put in front of us and the ability to push through that work together.
I hope to write more later but for now enjoy some of the pictures...a lot of pictures...really a lot....

the Methodist seminary where we slept and ate most of our meals

an oxen cart on the way up to the volcano, Irazu

courtyard at the seminary

our first job was hauling concrete blocks

sifting dirt to make mortar

filling forms with concrete, one trowel at a time :)

our team at the work site

crab soccer with some of our new friends at the church

one of my new buddies I met during vbs

Costa Rican rainforest

We met this little guy on our nature walk, green tree frog

just one of many gorgeous flowers growing wild in the rainforest.

Have a great week! Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Jennifer

Summer

2011-06-07T17:06:00.000-06:00

....arrived while I was gone. Wow! I am loving this hot sunny wearther and as you can see from the pictures, so are the kids! They played out in the yard most of the afternoon.

Check back tomorrow for my Costa Rica mission trip photos. I am still in the process of editing them, all 300 of them :)

Have a blessed day!

Jennifer

Greetings from Costa Rica!

2011-06-04T20:27:00.000-06:00

Hello all,

We are wrapping up our trip and will be back home early this week.I hope everybody has had a great week! Looking forward to sleeping in my bed and kissing my babies!

I Am Outa Here!

2011-05-27T07:28:00.000-06:00

Well, here goes.
Today is the day.
It is something that has weighed on my heart for a long time. One of those things that God has been whispering to me.
I am going on my first mission trip. I am leaving for Costa Rica tonight.
Yep, along with an awesome team from our church, I am leaving my babies and husband behind for 9 days and taking a huge step of faith.
I am going to miss them terribly but I know this is something that God has called me to do. Something bigger than me.
Totally nervous, anxious, excited, thrilled!
Please keep my family in your prayers and pray for safe travels for me. Please pray that the weather holds out for construction to take place. Please pray for the children that we will be teaching and loving!
I am hoping to be able to sporadically blog from my phone. I will have to wait and see how that goes once I am there. Sooo, it might be a bit quiet around here.

Hasta luego!
Vaya con Dios!

Love,
Jennifer

The Graduate

2011-05-24T10:57:00.000-06:00

Yesterday she was a Kindergartner.....

Now a first grader!!!

Congrats Paige!

Just One More

2011-05-23T11:47:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago, my mom and I visited a new (new to us) fabric store in Monument. We fell in love with this fun apple fabric. My mom bought a yard and I made her a large shopping bag with pockets. I bought 2 yards with thoughts of teacher gifts and this is what I made with my 2 yards. Three small bags for three awesome teachers. I thought I was done....

In the middle of the last night, while I was lying awake, thinking of all the other things that I need to do this week before I leave for Costa Rica, I remembered Sam's G/T resource teacher. Oops. No problem, I got right up this morning and made this cute bag for her.

During breakfast, Paige mentioned that her classroom aide would also like a bag. Oops. I probably should have thought of that wonderful teacher. So, after the kids headed off to school, I ran upstairs and made this fun bag.

While I was busy sewing the previous bag, I remembered Sam's student teacher. Yep, you guessed it. Of course, she needed a bag too. Soooo, I got right to it and sewed up this bag. I think this might have turned out the cutest, although....

I am really in love with that apple fabric.

Happy last day of school. My sewing machine and I are going to take a short nap.....

Jennifer

2011-05-21T12:28:00.000-06:00

~~Singing~~ Running in the Rain

Last night our kids ran races down at Bear Creek Park. The weather was pretty nice when we arrived but we could see the black cloud in the distance. We hoped that they would change direction or miss us but no such luck. It started sprinkling during Mason's run, downright poured and hailed during Paige's run, slowed down a bit for Alice's and the sun came back out for Sam's long run. Despite the rain, all the kids ran well. Mason finished his 1/2 mile race without any parental help. Paige finished in a very wet 3rd place, Alice came in 5th with a great big smile on her face and Sam finished top ten in 9:04 for his 1 3/4 miles. No matter how many races they run, I always tear up when they hit that finish line. Maybe because I know how tough it is to finish a race and the accomplishment of pushing yourself through the finish. I am a bit competitive and I do like to be near the finish to ~~scream and holler~~ encourage my children through to the end. Most of the other parents call me crazy but my kids just call me mom :)

Sam coming into the finish

A very wet Paige!

A blurry Mason at the start of his race.

Happy 36th Birthday to Scott! Today we are celebrating his day! We love you!
Jennifer

Celebrating Early

2011-05-17T21:49:00.000-06:00

It seems a bit silly, but with every effort to keep things fair and include everyone, summer birthdays may not go unnoticed. Okay, maybe because I had a December birthday, I am a bit unsympathetic to the whole "summer birthday" issue. If you have one, you know that with a summer birthday, there is no loud student led rendition of Happy Birthday, Cha, Cha, Cha or the passing out of a sugary snack to share with your classmates. Those kids whose parent made the devastating choice to have children during the warm summer months lose out, big time. Well, not anymore. It seems the new tradition is to pack in all those summer birthday celebrations right at the end of the school year. Hey, we don't have anything else going on, right???
(insert unnecessary temper tantrum)

With that being said, we happily celebrated Alice's soon to be 8th birthday in her classroom today. She chose powdered doughnuts as her treat. I may have tried out a couple ahead of time just to make sure they weren't injected with poison or something....aren't I a good mom???!?!?!? It did make me feel a lot better.
After the yummy treat, her teacher let her pick out a game to play with the class and she chose Hangman. Scott got to be the Hangman artist. I could tell that Alice loved having her Dad right up there with her. She picked big long words like Interesting and Satisfied, coming very close to stumping her classmates.

Happy Almost 8th Birthday, Ladybug! You are Awesome!
Jennifer

Block Party

2011-05-14T21:08:00.000-06:00

Scott and I have attended our small Methodist church for 11 years. We started attending as a family of two and now have grown to six. Our kids love going to church and it has become an extension of home for them. Our church family has grown to be just that, our family. It is a place where we feel comfortable, welcomed and spiritually renewed and uplifted. Today was no exception. We spent the day at our church's spring block party running games, tuning bikes, chasing kids, enjoying praise music and fellowship with old friends. It was an awesome day. The kids had a ball running around in their stocking feet between games, food and bounce houses. I tried to capture them all throughout the day but seemed to have missed Sam with my camera.

Paige enjoyed the craft table, as usual!

The cake walk is always a popular game. Hmm, I wonder why???

Mason and Melanie (our awesome babysitter and friend)

Scott doing what he loves, tuning bikes....

Alice and Abby hanging out in the fire truck. Also a favorite for the kids....

waiting for the bounce house

I hope you all had a fantastic day full with family, friends and fun.....

Jennifer

Mother's Day~ As Promised....

2011-05-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

If you are a mother, have a mother, know a mother....well, you know that Sunday was Mother's Day. As I often say, tongue firmly placed in cheek, everyday is Mother's Day at our house. Anyway, Sunday was dedicated to me. It was all about me....me, me, me.....Well a girl can dream, right?!?!

We started the day at church. Upon arriving at church, I pleaded with everyone to be on their best behaviors because it was mom's day. They did pretty good. They are kids after all and the snacks did look really good and they totally forgot that they could only pick one. After church we went out for a bagel lunch which is a crowd favorite at our house. Anything on a bagel works for us. We headed for home to put on some comfy clothes, hats and sunscreen and then we piled in the Cruiser and headed for the hills. We drove up to Monument and spent the afternoon hiking around. We found some fun new trails and beautiful views. Hiking with my family, camera in hand, is definitely one of my favorite things to do. It has become a Mother's Day tradition and I plan to keep it that way :) The kids kept the whining (hungry, thirsty, tired, hot) to a minimum and we all enjoyed the day. After a yummy dinner at Wahoo's and ice-cream for dessert, we headed home. I turned in my "get out of chores for a day" card and put my tired babies to bed. Mother's Day, same time, same place, next year. Enjoy the pics.

Happy Tuesday.

Back to life, back to reality.

Jennifer

Summing Up the Last Week

2011-05-09T14:36:00.000-06:00

Before anyone starts staging an intervention due to my lack of blogging, I am back!

I am healing from surgery and feeling better. The weather has finally turned gorgeous and I am itching to get out and run. Truth be told, I am really missing my kid free chat time with my running partner! Today was my post-op appointment and the doc gave me the okay to start running. No lifting, but running is good.

Last week we were busy with soccer practice and games, track days, a trip to the Denver Nature and Science Museum and tons of school activities. Adding to the mayhem, it was also Scott's last week of work. The kids have eleven days of school left before summer break and until then, life will be busy.

Alice and friends at track day

Alice running her heart out.

Paige in the tug of war

Sam winning the big foot race

Sam trying out the tug of war

Alice and I after her a Mother's Tea at school

The kids at the Denver Nature and Science Museum

I am all ears!

Paige getting ready for her trail race. She came in 5th!

Alice waiting to start her race. She rocked it and came in 3rd place!

Mason having fun with the blocks.

Tomorrow I will post (I promise, pinkie swear) about my awesome Mother's Day. Have a great week and a happy Monday!

Jennifer

To all my blogging friends~ are you having trouble with your pictures turning blurry after you post them? I spend tons of time editing and then they look crummy when I upload them.....very frustrating....
I welcome advise or help :)

Run for the Hills

2011-04-30T07:21:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I know that I haven't posted about my 25K trail race last weekend. I am still getting over the trauma of it. No, just kidding. I am actually flat on my back from surgery. Nothing major, just a hernia fix that I have been putting off for about 9 1/2 years. Anyway, I am still recuperating and bit sore still. I thought this might be the perfect time to write a short post about the race. Since I am still laying on the couch and all. Laying on the couch for long periods of time is not something in which I am accustomed. Scott is doing my job really well. Too good, if you ask me :) He has mastered meals, piano lessons, doctor's visits, field trips and school pick-ups.

So, back to the race. It took place at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This state park has recently opened and is awesome for hiking, running, camping and just exploring. We hiked down there last summer and I remembered the trails being really wide and easy to navigate. Well, my memory was better than I thought (which hardly ever happens). Most of the trails were in good shape. Some of them were pretty rocky but as long as I am careful, rocky trails can be fun and navigating between rocks can keep your mind busy. The trails were also really twisty and winding, another good distraction. The first half of the race was fun and went by fast. The aid stations were stellar and I found myself checking out the buffet which included Pb&J's, jelly beans, M n' M's, coke, sprite, water, Gatorade, pretzels, and on and on.... By mile 7 I was tired but still felt pretty good. I saw Scott and the kids and that perks me up every time! Back out on the trail, it seemed like we were doing a ton of climbing without the down to go along with it. Up and up we went. So, I could continue to write the word up a few more times but I don't want to bore you, completely. Up pretty much summed up (he he) the rest of the course. There was a slight down to the finish but needless to say, the second half kicked my butt. I finished in 3:15 and was very happy with that time. It seems that according to multiply GPS watches, the course was actually closer to 16.7 miles (not 15.5). That makes sense when I look at my time and usual pace.
Don't laugh too hard at my picture. I had a mouth full of jelly beans. A mouthful of jelly beans makes it really hard to smile.

So I won't be running for a couple weeks or doing much of anything for that matter. I think I could get used to this couch potato thing.
Have a nice Saturday. I will be here, right here, if you need me.....Jennifer

Brightly Colored Eggs

2011-04-25T21:38:00.000-06:00

Saturday night we colored Easter eggs.

Good times.

Together.

Easter Day!

2011-04-24T21:26:00.001-06:00

The Colorado Wescotts are having a great Easter Sunday! I wish you all a blessed day and week!
Love, Jennifer

Pioneer Day~We Made It!

2011-04-22T09:40:00.000-06:00

Sam has been working on a huge project for school. He was assigned a local pioneer from the 1800's and had to present on that pioneer. Not only did he have to present but he had to really get into character. He researched and created a story board of his pioneer. He also had to give a speech about his pioneer. We spent a lot of time preparing for presentations. Yesterday was Pioneer Day at school. They gave speeches and presentations in the morning and had fun activities in the afternoon ending with singing and square-dancing. Even I got to square-dance. I know you are jealous.
Sam's assigned pioneer was Major Henry McAllister. McAllister was a very influential man in Colorado Springs. It was really fun learning about him.

Phew! These student projects really feel like parent projects!

Enjoy the Easter weekend!

G'Day Mate!

2011-04-20T16:18:00.001-06:00

For the last month, Paige's kindergarten class has been studying a few different countries. This week is Australia. When Paige's teacher sent out the email looking for a parent to make and bring in food from each country, I scrolled down to the last week possible and signed up for that date. April 21st. A month ago, it seemed easy. Bring in Australian food. Granted I have never been to Australia and I have no idea what Australians eat. Soooo, this past weekend I did what every good mom does and I Googled it. I found a very yummy recipe that included sponge cake, chocolate and coconut. That seems universal to me. I'm just sayin'. Anyway, Paige and I got out the aprons this afternoon and made some very deliciously Australian Lamingtons. Here is the play by play.
Excuse the quality of my pics. For some reason, unknown the me, some of my pictures are fuzzy and not as crisp when I send them over to blogger.

To go along with our yummy Lamingtons we are also making Vegemite and banana sandwiches.

Yum, yum good.

Happy Wednesday to you all!

Jennifer

Taking in the Warmth

2011-04-17T17:24:00.000-06:00

Today we are having a gorgeous Colorado day. It is a bit breezy but with warm temps and a blue sky. We are lovin' it! We managed to get out for a short hike this afternoon and a bit of playtime in the backyard. Here are some cute pics from our fun weekend. Last night we introduced Scott's parents to Just Dance 2. Good times!
Jennifer

Just a moment

2011-04-16T18:30:00.001-06:00

Thoughts

2011-04-15T20:21:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to stop by and say Hey.

We are enjoying a visit from Scott's parents. They are so good to make the trek west from Michigan a couple times a year and it is always awesome to see them! The kids cannot get in enough games, cards, stories,etc. They are soaking up the grandparent time, for sure.

We are all prepped again for a semi-busy weekend full of fun.

I am spending part of my weekend at a missions meeting for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I (and my team from church) am going for week at the end of May. There is a lot to be done between now and the end of May and most of the time it feels like a race. If I make it to the finish and haven't dropped too many balls along the way, I call it a success! Anyway, a mission trip has been heavy on my heart for quite some time and I don't believe that it was a coincidence that this trip came along when it did. I wish that Scott could go with me but the timing was not as perfect for him.

Sam has a huge pioneer project due this week so we will be dedicating some quality time to finishing that up.

Scott, his parents and the kids are heading out in the morning for a soccer game and then to the movies. Good times all around!

We are trying to decide what the rest of the weekend has in store for us but we know it will be fun no matter what the activity.

I hope you all have a great weekend. We are loving the bit of rain we have gotten this week and are hoping for some more next week. It is really dry and fires have begun to pop up around town and the state. A couple weeks ago there was a small grass fire a mile down the road. Just a bit too close for comfort!

Enjoy Spring! It is wonderful to be able to open up windows and let the warm breeze in!
Jennifer

Piano Recital

2011-04-12T15:42:00.000-06:00

On Sunday afternoon, Alice had her first piano recital. She started taking piano in January and just started learning music on the staff. I am not sure who was more nervous, Alice or me?!?!?! She wasn't sure she wanted to go through with it but in good tough love parenting fashion I continued to reminder her that she would indeed play and feel good about it. There were a few tears on the drive to the recital but we held strong that she was just nervous and would be great! And she was great! Here is the video. I took a few pictures but the lighting in the auditorium didn't get along with my camera so my shots are pretty bad.
This video is of Alice practicing with her piano teacher before the recital started. The one of her playing alone won't load. I think that it is too big for blogger.

Piano recitals are really scary and I understand because I have been in a few million of them myself. Great job Alice! We are so proud of you.

Jennifer

I am serious this time....

2011-04-10T17:44:00.000-06:00

I mean it. I know that I have said it before. There truly are not enough hours in the day for all the things these crazy kids are involved in. Seriously. I mean it this time.
Our weekend included a school carnival, a couple long runs, a museum tour, multiple trips to Walgreen's, two birthday parties, the post office, church and a piano recital. Let's just say, my head is still spinning and probably won't stop for quite some time.
Anyway, in all the mayhem of yesterday, Paige had a soccer game. Of course, she is the cutest little player. Enjoy the pics.

Alice had her piano recital today and we took some photos so I will (hopefully) post those tomorrow.
Have a nice weekend.
Jennifer

Spring Skiing

2011-04-03T16:43:00.000-06:00

This weekend we headed up into the mountains for some time away and some skiing. A couple months ago, I bought a Groupon for 2 nights at the Monarch Mountain Lodge. We had a free weekend and took the opportunity to get in one last ski day. Our friends, The Youngs, and a couple other families also spent the weekend at Monarch. We headed up Friday night and then skied all day Saturday. Today we headed down into Salida, ate breakfast, hiked around a bit and then met our friends for lunch before heading for home. It was a very relaxing weekend. The kids had fun being with friends, watching movies, swimming, skiing and just hanging out. The weather on Saturday was beautiful with temps in the 50's and 60's. We were all way too warm in our ski gear. The kids thought it was hilarious when we saw guys skiing without shirts and girls in bikini tops. It was tempting to strip down to near nothing but I spared everyone and kept on my fleece :) Today the weather was cooler and a bit rainy. We even hit some snow on the drive home. Good thing because we really need all the moisture we can get! It has been an extremely dry winter here in Colorado. Soooo, here are the pics from the weekend. Another fun and exhausting ski day under our belts.

Paige and I taking a picture break at the top of the lift.

Alice and Brendan at the end of the ski day.

Another shot of Paigie. I skied most of the day with Paige and Scott skied with Sam, Alice and Ellie. I had the camera most of the time, thus the lack of Sam/Alice/Scott pics.

Lunch break on the back of the truck.

Scott and the kids on our drive/hike up Spiral Drive in Salida.

We were hustling to get to the car before this storm came upon us.

I hope you all had an awesome weekend!

Jennifer

Look out for a guest post from Sam.

He really wants to tell you all about his snowboarding experience from last weekend.

Paint

2011-03-30T22:18:00.000-06:00

We are having our office/music/sewing room painted this week.

Our handyman is so awesome and let Mason have a go at painting.

On the wall.

He actually let Mason paint for about a half an hour.

I had a minor heart attack.

Mason did really well and only painted over one outlet and a small strip of trim.

I had a minor heart attack.

Thanks, Mr. Mike.

Mason is still talking about painting, when he gets big.

Sewing Up a Storm

2011-03-29T15:14:00.000-06:00

Now that all are healthy, life is getting back to normal. The kids went back to school yesterday after an extended spring break. Thank you strep throat. I am starting to get in a good routine with sewing. I am trying to sew almost everyday. I really like to start and finish projects in one day but with four kids that can be tough. Sooo, I am working on that. Putting something down and then coming back to it the next day. I am loving my new serger. It sure makes my seams look pretty. I know, it seems silly to worry about what the inside looks like but when I am sewing for someone other than my own kids, I like the inside to look as pretty as the outside. The nice thing about sewing so much is that I am messing up a lot. When I mess up, I get to learn how to do it the right way. Funny how that works! Anyway, I am having fun creating and searching out new patterns and projects.

My model is pretty adorable too!

Happy sewing!

Jennifer

Family Time

2011-03-27T15:02:00.000-06:00

Yeah, yeah. We know :) We moved so far away from our family and we wish that they could all move closer to us! When they do, we love it! Scott's cousin John and his family live in south Denver and we love it when we get to spend some quality time with them. They came down this weekend and we got to spend some awesome time together. I even got some baby snuggle time, which Scott monitors very carefully! I just may get an itch for another baby :) We got up Saturday and made the trek down to the zoo. It was a perfect zoo day!

The other Jen Wescott. I maintain that I am the still the original but we will keep her because she rocks!

It is hard to beat a gorgeous Colorado day at the zoo!

Scott and Sam are snowboarding today and should be home soon! I bet it was an awesome day on the slopes! I can't wait to hear all about their day. I am betting that they will have some sore heinies!

Happy Sunday to you all!

Jennifer

Rock Climbing

2011-03-26T19:14:00.000-06:00

Indoor climbing, anyway. Scott took Friday off and we took the kids to the indoor climbing gym. They all had a great time practicing their climbing skills. All three big kids made it to the top. Paige was definitely the super climber of the day. She took every route possible to the top and was asking for more. She earned the title Spiderwoman. Mason was a bit unsure of the wall and only went up a few feet. He preferred to stay in the rock cave with his feet close to the ground. A great way to spend a day together!

Saturday, You Rock!

2011-03-19T18:26:00.001-06:00

There's rarely a Saturday that disappoints. I mean, really, what's not to love? Scott is home, I get to spend a whole day at home with my favorite kids and the weather is awesome! Today, at least.

Scott and Paige are still feeling under the weather but we still got out for a bit today. We started the day with a Cinderella Saturday cleaning blitz on the house. This house really needed it. At least now, if someone came to the door and had a quick look around, they wouldn't make an emergency call to Extreme Hoarders.

After our quick clean-up, Alice and I headed out to a Girl Scout event at our local soda shop. They had a blast learning the science of soda. The owner of the shop gave them a brief lesson in carbonation and mixology. They got to measure out flavoring, sugar water, coloring and seltzer water to make their own yummy (and interesting) concoctions. After their lesson, they ate lunch and had ice-cream. A perfect way to earn a brownie badge, if you ask me.

-------------------------------------------------
Scott played some games with the kids after lunch and then we headed south to a bike show. We checked out some cool bikes and then took the kids to the park. We had fun running around racing and playing tag. After the park we went down the road to a new BBQ place. Good eats and lots of fun. Now we are hangin' out in jammies and watching TV.

Love days like these. I hope you all had a nice Saturday. Looking forward to a quiet day tomorrow.
Jennifer

Friday Night

2011-03-18T19:25:00.001-06:00

Well, I made it through the week. I very seldom ever wish a week away but Friday could not have gotten here any quicker. It is so hard for me to see my kids sick. They don't get really sick very often and when they do, they make it count :) Sam is still hanging in there. Alice went back to school on Thursday but came home very lethargic and slept the afternoon away. Paige came home early from school today with a low grade temp and very weepy. Scott is currently curled up under a blanket with a fever, sore throat and cough. Uh oh.

The kids are on spring break next week. Paige will be in swim lessons every day. She has progressed so far in her previous lessons and I think the week full of lessons will really help her out. We are hoping to fit in some field trips. Here's to hoping that everyone is feeling better next week!

In all the craziness around here this week I totally forgot to post about Sam's pinewood derby. Or maybe I did? Oh well...
Anyway, we all went and watched his car race. He did really great and finished second in his den. Here he is at the derby and his car prepped and ready to go down the track.

Have a great Friday and enjoy the weekend. Alice has a Girl Scout event tomorrow and then a quiet couple of days after that...
I am off to spray more Lysol. On everything.

Jennifer