New Favorite Image

Mia took this on the train from NYC to Boston.  She took it on her ipad and I simply love it.  Mia is great with photos and editing.  She said this picture was actually a mistake but she loves how it turned out.  Me too dear girl, me too.  

My girl...queen of the selfie

I love finding sweet selfies on my phone that Mia has taken.  She has fast become the self proclaimed, "Queen of the Selfie".

Love this one!  

Christmas!

Mom gave me the Nativity set that I grew up with.  My grandmother painted this set many years ago, and it was a staple in my home growing up at Christmas time.  It was fun to set up this year and watch Mia and Luca sit by it and move the figures around, just as I did as a little girl.  

I love the beauty leading up to Christmas.  In fact, that's my favorite part.  I don't really love all of the food, parties, presents, and hassle.  But I do love the quiet cold nights and the twinkling lights.  I snapped this photo driving to my yoga class one night.  I take back roads, and they were snow covered.  It was a freezing night and I pulled over to get a picture of one of my favorite house all sparkly and magical.  I just wanted to remember this moment.  

It isn't Christmas without making a gingerbread house.  Mia worked hard!  Luca made one too but was more excited to take it out back to smash it.  That was a highlight for him.  

Christmas morning was so nice at home with the kids and V.  It was relaxed and fun.  We then met up with everyone at my Mom's for a big family dinner.  

Nana gave Luca a Bronco scarf and Monica gave him a Peyton Manning bobble head.  He was in heaven!

The three littlest cousins after a game of "Pass the Pig" which is always a huge hit.  Luca is wearing his new Odell Beckham jersey.  

December

Stacy was in town for a bit and we had such a nice time catching up.  When you're with girls who have known you since 14 years old, it's hard not to feel like you're home when you're with them.  

V took Mia to see the Moscow Ballet again this year.  It was a snowy afternoon and I love the image of them in a theater together.  

We had an unexpected snow day a few weeks ago and the kids and I had fun.  We made gingerbread poodles and other treats.  These were Mia's creation.  That girl loves the kitchen.  

Lots of games of checkers on that snow day.  Luca has become the master of this game.  

I took my sweet students to the museum and I took this selfie of us on the bus.  We grow to be so tight throughout the school year.  I tell my students often, "We may not be blood....but we're family."  

A very fun visit from dear Sarah!  She had just returned from hiking the Alps AND the Camino trail (she's my hero!) and was stopping in Denver on her way to Montana.  We got caught up over wine and could have talked 10 more hours.  When we studied abroad together, we grew to be kindred for life.  We slept next to each other on little twin beds in Italy and would whisper long into the night back and forth about what we wanted to be when we graduated from college.  We talked about our deepest fears, our highest hopes.  We shared so much during that time and have just grown closer over the past 20 years.

I have been feeling very grateful lately about the friends in my life.  Either I have chosen wisely or I am damn lucky.  All of the people whom I call my dearest are wise, compassionate, giving, understanding, smart, and fully supportive of me.  What makes me marvel is how much they value me as well; they are willing to trust me with their needs.  It is an honor to have friends and to be a friend.  

Mia's sweet Brownie troop at a really cool event down at Children's Hospital.  The girls packed bags of basic medical supplies for children all around the world in developing countries who have no access to toe nail clippers, band aids, or rubbing alcohol.  I love actually teaching young children how to be active participants in their lives, as well as the lives all around them.  

Stumbled across this gem.  Me, circa 1977.  Mia saw it and said, "Mom?  Is that me?  OMG...this is YOU.  YOU look exactly like ME!"  

V took Luca on a solo date to the Nuggets game.  Dipping dots, great seats, and hoops.  Doesn't get much better.