A Day in Breckenridge

I love to write, but today I think I'll give the credit to someone else.
So. . .PLEASE read Kevin's blog HERE and then check back here for more photos from our Family Sabbath Week 5 in Breckenridge. . .


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IT WAS COLD!!!!! Only an hour and a half away but 20+ degrees colder. . .First we went to see the snow sculptures that were in downtown Breckenridge. Everyone chose their favorite. Very impressive!






I couldn't resist including this one.

Lunch at Cool River Coffee Shop. . .it seemed appropriate. (http://www.coolriverchurch.com)

And then it was time for a little sledding to end the day. . .check out that view!









Another fun day complete!!!

4 Weeks Into It

Exodus 20:8-11
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Did you catch that last sentence? Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The Colon family Sabbath is starting to cause quite a bit of chatter and I love it! It's been really interesting. For the most part, I think our friends have a huge curiosity about what we are doing. It seems a far fetched idea to most at first. . .unplugging, taking a day away from it all every single week. Just like we have always thought until recently, so many believe that life is just too jam packed with things to do and accomplish - people to see and places to be - to pull something like Sabbath off EVERY week. It's a nice idea, but pretty close to an impossibility is what I know goes through most people's head when we try to explain.

And it's funny. When we're in conversation, no one seems to even know what to call it. . ."Kevin's day off," "a sabbatical." The word "sabbath" almost seems uncomfortable to say or even wrap a persons' mind around. I get it. It feels a little awkward to me, too. And to really explain it to those inquiring minds has been tough for me as well. . .until now. Now, after looking at the last 4 weeks I get it. Now my bottom line explanation is this. . ."It's a HOLY day.

HaHa! Now I have created yet another web to try to untangle. What really is a HOLY day? Here's my new definition. . .putting life on hold to truly experience LIFE. And in truly experiencing LIFE we experience, realize and savor sweet glimpses of the Father and his holy presence in all the little moments throughout the day. It's about connecting to those you are with at a heart level and allowing God to move instead of pushing him aside for what we call life the other 6 days of the week.

This week our Sabbath started out a bit rough once again. It seems we should learn to expect that. Kids weren't so grumpy this week. Instead the weather threw us a curve ball. The wind was blowing and it was cold. So the idea of taking a hike in Estes Park didn't quite pan out.

So where did we end up? Once again, we went to the YMCA of the Rockies to hang out for the day.



We listened to Focus on the Family's radio broadcast version of The Chronicles of Narnia The Magician's Nephew while we drove. We had a little lunch. Then we went swimming at the indoor pool at the YMCA camp.



After a little exercise it was time for a snack, so we went next door for some hot chocolate, coffee and muffins and really good "God" conversation around the table. . .and some silliness provided by Kevin, of course. Kevin and I were amazed at our little girls' hearts and words and depth at such a young age as we talked about what they thought God might want them to do with their lives when they grow up, what they felt about God when they looked at the mountains and what they loved about our family. . .






We ended the day with 1st grade basketball practice that Kevin and I coach, dinner and prayers on our bed before bedtime. Again, Emma, Claire and Olivia blew me away with their prayers for Haiti and their Compassion International "sister" in Ecuador, for their sister's colds to get better and for God to show them what to do when they grow up.

Interrupted ONLY by God. . .

THAT was a blessing.

THAT was a Holy Day.



Click Here for more from Kevin.

MLK Jr. Day - Sabbath #3

As you know by now, Sabbath starts for the Colon family at dinner time on Sunday night until dinner on Monday. This week we decided to invite some great friends to join us for a night at home to kick off the fun. Brain and Angela Weigner took a little stroll down the street and joined us for some pizza, smores and Wii. Then our entire family camped out in the basement for the night.

Breaking in the new fire pit with gooey smores and good conversation. . .





A little Wii Resort to end the night. . .





Fort building by Kevin and a good night's sleep. . .





Monday morning was Martin Luther King Day. We slept in a little too long and by the time we got out the door it was almost noon. Grumpy, grumpy girls who couldn't find their shoes or their hairbrush or their socks. . .wow! A holy day. . .yes, HOLY COW! For a few moments I actually considered calling it quits for this one, but I am SO thankful we persevered. Thanks, Kevin! Yes, I'm learning a lot. Today I learned that Satan absolutely hates it that we are going for this intentional lifestyle change we call Sabbath. He hates it and he is determined to try to screw it up in every way possible - from bad dreams to short fuses to whining children to slow traffic to long lines to messed up plans. . .he tried hard to make today a disaster. But guess what. . .HE FAILED!

Today in a very round about way we ended up in Denver on the 16th Street Mall. . .



And we decided to give the girls the assignment of really watching the people and scenery around them as we walked. Denver, like any metropolitan city, is very diverse in its surroundings. There are businessmen and homeless, "red and yellow, black and white." I tried to be very intentional to look at the city with Jesus' eyes today and wow, was it eye opening.

We made a stop at Barnes and Noble where the girls picked out a book that matched each of our personalities. Though smiling, I can't say I was thrilled with their choice for me. . . :-)











Then we found ourselves a quiet corner and read a book about Martin Luther King Jr.



This was probably my favorite part of the day. All of a sudden, the pieces of the day started fitting together as we talked. . .all we had seen and heard and felt and experienced. . .equality and justice and frustration. . .somehow Jesus was working to knit together the moment. I have an idea he knew all along how fractured our day was going to start, but I love how he had a plan to still bring it all together.

We ended the day with a walk to the state capital, a bit of yummy Italian food, Starbucks for me, of course, and a ride on the city bus back to our car. Six hours before I would have never guessed that anything great would come of this day. . .we ended it sitting on the kitchen floor praying for each other and for our family (and for my nasty kitchen floor!). And it was good. I'm so happy we are doing this!

Sabbath #2 - Betasso Preserve

This week our family spent the day unplugged and in the mountains yet again. Finally, we have some decent weather here where it's not completely miserable to open the door and go outside. So, we decided to take advantage of it while we had the chance. We slept in and Kevin made omelets(his specialty). We packed a lunch of peanut butter and jelly, chips and oranges, grabbed a sweatshirt and camera, made a family visit to our favorite chiropractor and then headed 30 minutes down the road to Betasso Preserve just outside of Boulder. Here's the link.

The girls completely amazed me. It was a long and tough hike. We weren't expecting the amount of snow that we found so we weren't completely prepared, but they didn't care. They were troopers all the way. For 3.2 miles we hiked through the snow and ice and mud, up and down hills all the way. We stopped to listen to the birds and enjoy God's beautiful creation all around us. We slipped and fell. Our shoes got covered in mud. We had lunch on a log as we watched for mountain lions - luckily not spotting a single one even though we were told to "beware." And our dog, ECO (Echo), never slowed down though I know he was freezing. He cried the whole way, but more because he was excited to be outside with us than because of the pain his paws were feeling from the ice.

It really was a terrific day! We ended it with Chinese food that Claire for some reason wanted to cover her feet in to get them warm. Then it was 1st grade basketball practice time before everyone collapsed into their beds for the evening.

As I told you last week, I continue to be anxious to learn all that God has for us as we set this time aside. This week, I think I have just continued to feel the confirmation that Sabbath is God's plan. I thought I was going to get behind with all of life's "to-do's" by being intentional about Sabbath. I imagined school suffering and housework piling up. So far, it's quite the opposite. I'm caught up and I have no idea how. I'm refreshed. I'm in a better mood. I feel more connected with God and with our family. It's pretty crazy.

Here are a few pictures from the day. . .








Click Here for our first Sabbath blog post.
And Here's Claire's blog post about the day.

Sabbath

New Year's Resolutions. . .last year I hoped to be able to say at the end of 2009 that I had established a solid and consistent workout schedule that easily flowed with life and became as natural as brushing my teeth - that's the best way I can describe it. On December 31 I looked back on that resolve and gave myself a big pat on the back. . .mission accomplished! This year I have a few other things that I hope to accomplish now by the end of 2010. I'm sure you do as well. But the most important life change this year for the Colon family is one simple, yet not so simple word. . .SABBATH.

As good Christians we have grown up with the vocabulary of this word for most of our lives. Some people hear "Sabbath" and they think "Sunday." It means we go to church. Others think of the strictness of it and imagine not getting to walk more than a few feet, work or lift a finger for an entire day. I admit that I have wrestled with what it means myself. Together Kevin and I have talked about it a lot. And the bottom line for us this year is that we know that the wrestling is for a reason, and that reason is because we need it. . .we need Sabbath. God intended it and we have to be faithful even in the craziness of our 21st century world - even in the middle of church planting - even when it seems there is no time to allow. We must figure it out and "do" it.

So here is what Sabbath is going to look like to us. . every week from Sunday dinner to Monday dinner (yes, that means we'll do school on Saturday's :-) ), we as a family are going to unplug - no phone, Wii, Twitter, Facebook, computer. We are taking a break from our "work" and the distractions around us and focusing on God and family and others. For us, Sabbath can't be a day where we lie in bed all day. It's gotta be intentional. It's gotta be slow but planned. It's about smelling the roses and connecting with the Father and loving on others in a way that we don't seem to do as well any other day of our crazy weeks.

I'm so anxious to see how God is going to lead our family as we try to be faithful to his call. I'm sure we will have lots of stories to share. I'm anticipating great things and lots of lessons learned and I can't wait to share them all with you.

And so, this year my new year's gift. . .I'm going to share our Sabbath's with you. And hopefully by the end of the year, you might find yourself inspired to get serious about Sabbath, as well.

This week we introduced Sabbath to our kids. We shared a meal together, unplugged and got good sleep, slept in, Kevin made breakfast, we gathered up the snow gear and headed to the mountains. Evergreen, CO, is about 45 minutes away and Evergreen Lake is the very best ice skating place we have ever been. Over dinner and on the car ride, we talked to the girls about what this time is going to be like. I think they are excited. Olivia said it best to Kevin at the end of the day. . ."Daddy, you were with us all day." So often we are with our kids or others around us, but not really WITH them at all.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from the day. . .

December 2009

December was a very busy month. Hard as I tried to keep PEACE in the holidays, I must admit that there were times where PEACE seemed far, far away. Still, looking back I must say that my efforts paid off, God did his thing and this quite possibly could have been our best holiday season yet. It was full of family time and lazy moments mixed into the typical hustle and bustle. We played together, rested together and spent a lot of time in the mini van together. I think I took something like 400 pictures from Claire's birthday to New Year's Eve. Below are only a few of the highlights. Now on to 2010!


Putting up the tree












School Performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas














Claire turned 8 years old












Flatiron Youth Chorale performances













Basketball Season 1 came to an end






























Santa came












Everyone got Snuggies












Gran and Pop came to visit











Went to see "Little House on the Prairie" with Melissa Gilbert as Ma






And Olivia STILL didn't get any teeth!

Happy 2010 everyone!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Colonial Days

Recently while Kevin was in Vietnam we wrapped up a unit study on "Colonial Days of Early America." I can't begin to tell you what a great time the girls and I had learning together. And I say "together" because I am completely convinced that I slept through elementary school as a kid. I'm not sure who is learning more, my kids or myself. Anyway, I thought I would share some photos with you of how Colonial Days happened at the Colon Elementary School before any more time passed. We have since moved onto the Revolutionary War, but knowing me it will be Easter before I get those pictures posted. So, enjoy for now...


We used Evan Moor history pockets and the good ol' public library as our guide through Colonial America.



And it worked out just perfectly that I had a few seasoned teachers in the house for a week to help us wrap everything up with all of these projects. Thanks Mom and Dad!
(they are both retired high school teachers)



Every little girl needs and apron before they start to cook!




A true Colonial Feast of country ham, johnny cakes, homemade apple butter and eggs...





Making slates with Pop...notice his cup of coffee...I've never seen him teach class without one! (but I bet he never taught with a cup as strong as mine)


Creative Quilt Making - I have fallen in love with fabric glue - no need to ever sew again!



And although Daniel Boone and Kentucky aren't technically "Colonial" I couldn't let the opportunity pass for my mom to teach a little Kentucky history to end the week.

Now, on to the American Revolution!

Vacation Favorites

Our California vacation will definitely go down in the record books as one of the best times we have shared as a family. In 6 days we hit Santa Monica Pier, California Adventure, Disneyland, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, American Girl Place, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the LA airport. Seven out of the 9 stops were fantastic. I could have done without LAX and Hollywood. (Minus the big Hollywood sign on the mountainside, my 1950's image of Hollywood was completely dashed)

We took over 250 great pictures and narrowing them down to just a few favorites is next to impossible. But here is at least one from each place. . .and maybe a few more. AND if these aren't enough and you're just dying to see more, go to Kevin's blog for his own favorites. FYI - he is much better at narrowing them down than I. Enjoy!

Witches and Leopards and Groovy Girls, Oh My!

My Home School Top 10

When people hear that we home school, one of the favorite questions they almost always ask is, "What curriculum do you use?" There is no telling how many times I have rattled off the list of the good, bad and ugly that I have tested over the years. I have never been able to stick with just one company that produces a full curriculum of study. All companies have their strengths and weaknesses. And though there are many great things out there I have yet to try, I thought I would take a few minutes to compose my Top 10 List as of today.

So here you have it. . .from Kindergarten to 5th grade, here is Amy's Top 10 (but in no particular order). . .I won't bore you with the details as to why, but if you ask, I'd love to share.

1. Abeka Language/Phonics/Spelling (Click Here)
2. Singapore Math for K-1st (Click Here) and Math U See for 2nd-5th (Click Here)
3. Apologia Science - today this is probably my favorite (Click Here)
4. Anything written by Jean Fritz for U.S. History (all at the library)
5. You Tube videos of Bill Nye the Science Guy and SchoolHouse Rock
6. Kay Arthur Inductive Bible Studies for Kids (Click Here)
7. Evan-Moor History Pockets (Click Here)
8. Sonlight Curriculum for read-a-louds and chapter book reading - I don't use the entire curriculum (Click Here)
9. Heroes of History and Christian Heroes:Then and Now from YWAM (Click Here)
10. Leading Little Ones to God by Marian M. Schoolland (Click Here)

First Day of School

It's that time of year again! I can hardly believe that my girls are in 5th, 2nd and 1st grades. Even though we home school, they are in an all day Friday school program every week. To read more about it you can see Emma's blog (Click Here) where she wrote about her new school year.

September 8, 2009 - Happy 6th Birthday, Olivia!

Olivia had to postpone her birthday party this year for a few weeks because Mom and Dad's weekend schedules have been so crazy, but here are a few photos of the big day. We called this "Family Birthday Party - Part 1." This weekend it's Chuck E Cheese time, so more photos will be coming later. . .

You can click on each picture to make it larger. . .

It's the Little Things that Make Me Happy

Joy and Happiness are two very different things.

Joy is a choice. It is a gift freely given from the Father no matter what circumstances of life come our way. It's there. It gives us a sense of peace and "lightness" in our step no matter what the day might bring. We just have to grab it and hold on tight.

Happiness, on the other hand, is found in the little things that unexpectedly happen throughout life. Happiness is that thing that sort of makes us giddy for a brief time and then fades away as life progresses, only to make it's appearance again at yet another unexpected, perfect moment.

For example, here are some little things that have brought me "Happiness" this holiday weekend. . .

The $1.99 rack at Gymboree























Perfectly sweet peaches from the Farmer's Market























The purchase of a french press that makes a perfect cup of coffee























A great haircut



What more could a girl ask for??? So here's wishing you true joy and lots and lots of unexpected happiness, not just this holiday weekend, but every day. . .just when you need it.





What little things make you happy?

The Blogging Family

It's official. Everyone in our family now has a blog of their own except for the dog. This year I decided that there is no better way to incorporate writing, computer skills and typing into homeschool than to create a blog for Emma, Claire and Olivia. So far this has been the highlight of their first week of school. So. . .as if you didn't have enough blogs to follow and sites to check out, I'll kindly add a few more. They look way better than mine! Emma (5th Grade). . .Claire (2nd Grade). . .Olivia (1st Grade).

It would be great for the girls if you would kindly add a comment to their writing and pictures every once in a while. They will be posting poetry, stories, pictures and journal entries at least once a week. Hope you enjoy!. . .Hope I haven't gotten in over my head. . .4 blogs to maintain, o my!

A Weekend in Estes to End the Summer

Kevin being a pastor in Colorado has some great perks. . .one of the best being that everyone gets married in the mountains. This means that at least a couple of times a year the family gets an all expense paid weekend to some of the best wedding spots on the map. This weekend we just so happened to get to celebrate the wedding of some friends in Estes Park at the YMCA of the Rockies. . .one of our family favorite places to visit.

Here's the wedding spot





And just a few more snapshots from the day












And lastly, the 56 degree outdoor, rainy wedding reception. . .notice Olivia fighting for her spot around the heater. . .



The 56 degree end of the weekend reminded me all too well that Fall is just around the corner. I guess this was our last hoorah. . .school starts next Monday!!!

Emma's Golden Day

The older my kids get, the easier birthday parties become. No more Chuck E Cheese with 20 preschoolers. A fun day with a best friend seems to make everyone feel like celebrating. So, on Monday, that is what we did. We celebrated!

Here is the party crew...


Claire, Kate, Olivia, Megan and Emma



And here are the best friends...


Emma and Megan


Then we can't forget the sisters of the best friends...


Kate and Claire


Olivia

Then there's the party...




Color Me Mine pottery painting

And last but not least, the UPS man delivered lots of boxes from family in Kentucky. . .family party to end the day...





Emma is officially double digits! I was told it was her "golden birthday" because she was 10 on the 10th. So happy golden birthday, Emma! Can't wait to see all of the amazing things God has in store for you. You already make your dad and me very proud!

I Can't Believe I'm the Mom of a 10 Year Old!!!

August 10, 1999
Emma Grace Colon
Happy Birthday, Emma!!!

Snapshots from our KY Vacation

Long overdue, but regardless, here they are. . .ENJOY! I know we did!!

WKU Days

Every summer our family makes it back to KY to visit family. Sometimes the trips are shorter than I would like. Other times I find myself with opportunities to really sit back with good friends from the past and reminisce about the old days. So far, this has been a reminiscing vacation. As I write, I'm in Louisville at my mother-in-law's house. It's great. We have been fed and loved on. The girls have been given 24/7 undivided attention. And Kevin and I have had the opportunity to not only enjoy family, but also to enjoy friends. Just tonight I'm sitting here realizing that I feel alive like I haven't in a long time.

Have you ever experienced that feeling? Something or someone just resonates with your spirit. . .For me, it's one of those things that hits me out of nowhere. I usually don't even realize that my soul is so thirsty, but after drinking in that huge gulp of life, the refreshment proves to be almost overwhelming. That's how I have felt the past 2 days, thanks to some time spent, and love shared, and common bonds felt between us and some fantastic people. . .Pete and Brandi Wilson, Jeremy and Kelly Nelson, Kevin's sister, Carol, and Jeff and Vicki Rogers.

For me, each of these connections are very unique. I went to school with Brandi from middle school through college. Kevin and Pete were roommates and great friends at WKU. They were the studs of the BSU (then the Baptist Student Union), or so they think. I even brushed shoulders with Kevin's sister, Carol, at WKU during those days. Yet through it all, our paths were always crossing (some more than others), but never completely woven together by God for quite some time.

Jeremy and Kelly were other WKU BSU faces that I only recognized but never really knew (Kevin was friends with them and they knew all of his OTHER girl friends, but not me). And to me, Jeff and Vicki were always just doing life on a different level of "cool" from me. Although I knew them enough to say, "hello," that was about it. All of these great people struck me as somebody to take note of during those days. None of them were really my close buddies. Yet somehow this entire group mentioned danced through mine and each other's lives for 4+ years on that WKU campus.

This week I have been amazed at how God has brought these fantastic people back to the surface of my life once again. To each of you, you have given me "life" through our conversations and memories and LAUGHTER and your boldness to serve the Lord. Each of you have impacted my life with your faithfulness and relentless passion. In your own way you have inspired me with the way you are living life out in your corner of the world. And you have encouraged me to continue to take giant leaps for the sake of Christ.

Years have passed since we first met. . .12+ to be exact. I never had a clue that these last few days would happen. In the grand scheme of life, our brief time eating and drinking coffee together may have been nothing more than just a fun vacation moment. Who knows. But for those moments, your hearts and lives spoke into me. And your passion for a relationship with the Father shone brightly. You taught me to never underestimate any relationships, that's for sure. And maybe God will continue to do the weaving and maybe he won't (I hope he does). . .but for this week. . .thanks for the time you shared with us. I can't wait to see what adventures God has planned for you next!

My New Favorite Author

No one directed me to Debbie Macomber. I wasn't shopping for a fiction book. But as I passed through the book aisle at Costco a few weeks ago, this one just seemed to beg, "take me home." It's rare that I ever spend $ on a book unless it has been recommended and researched heavily first. Books are so stinkin' expensive, even though I admit that I love owning them much more than I should. But for $4.49, it was a risk I was willing to take. And let me just tell you. . .I have discovered my summer vacation! Who knew it resided in the pages of a book. I was thinking something tropical or adventurous sounded like a nice plan for the summer. But no, I discovered my summer vacation for $4.49. Now THAT's a deal!!!! And in my opinion, these books are somewhat equal in comparison to sipping a fruity concoction on the beach. You just need a little imagination.

Since reading Twenty Wishes, I have now researched and planned out my entire summer reading list. I feel like an elementary school student again doing my summer reading program. I wonder if I can get Kevin to buy me a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut when I complete my "vacation?" (That's what I remember getting as a kid when summer reading came to an end)

So, if you are like me. . .needing a good vacation. . .I simply suggest to you readers out there that this is a great place to start. Sorry, guys, it's pretty much a ladies only kind of book. But there is not mushy romance happening very often. . .just a lot of good clean and compelling fun. Click Here to start your vacation. . .and make sure to pick a series and read it from start to finish. The books seem to stand alone and yet I'm discovering that the order makes the journey much better. You'll find LOTS of them at the library. I can't help but wonder if I'm the last person standing to discover Debbie Macomber. Now that I mention her, EVERYONE seems to know her stuff. Check it out!

1st Grade! 1st Grade!

Today was the last official day of school. We now have a 1st grader, 2nd grader and 5th grader in the Colon family!! Girls, you did it again, and Daddy and I are so proud of you!

Kindergarten graduation was a very big deal for little Olivia.




I just love these priceless moments. . .

Olivia's Kindergarten Graduation from amy colon on Vimeo.

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

I have to say that Mother's Day, although it has always been celebrated in our home, is usually pretty low key, just like birthdays beyond 30 and President's Day. I prefer it that way. Just give me a day where I don't have to cook or clean, do laundry or pick up after anyone other than myself and I'm good.

This year, once again, was a fairly low key day. I am blessed to have a husband and kids who make sure that Mommy is taken care of well year round. So I don't expect or even feel the need for HUGE celebration. But as the girls get older they seem to get more excited about the whole idea of celebrating special occasions. And this year, I have to say that my greatest gift was getting to watch their excitement in their scheming and whispering and giggling as they planned to celebrate Mom.

Here's how the day went. . .
6:15 - Kevin and 3 little girls woke me up to go on a scavenger hunt. . .



And the treasure at the end of the hunt?. . .



Emma quickly took credit for this surprise. She is a great little shopper. Watch out future husband!

The Gift - Okay, so I was really good at making it obvious what I wanted. For weeks I have strategically walked the girls past the bikes every time we went to Target and said, "girls, wouldn't it be fun for Mommy to have a bike now that all of you are riding without training wheels? We could have so much fun this summer." Olivia, the precocious one that she is, quickly took the idea and ran with it. She has probably been whispering and telling this to Daddy over and over again for weeks. I guess you might call me sneaky to go about getting a gift in this way. . .I call it a valiant attempt to assure my family a very happy mommy - my gift to them. See everybody wins!

So here it is. . .my new Schwinn Cruiser



And here they are. . .the one's who call me Mommy



The day continued with a fabulous day at Cool River, a trip to every bike store in town, an afternoon nap while it rained, a solo outing to the AMC to watch 17 Again (two thumbs up and no, not just because it was Zac Efron. . .I'm married for goodness sake!) and dinner at Chili's. Kevin put the girls to bed. I read a book. Goodnight, Mommy! Now that's what I call a perfect day of celebrating!

Thank you Kevin! You amaze me at how you go above and beyond all expectations to love me!

Encouragement for Your Day

Simple Fun

Simple Fun is all it takes. . .

Just because we are a church planting family, it doesn't really mean that we are any different from anybody else. We work hard and often don't play enough. It's the typical story of just about everyone I know.

Kevin and I learned very quickly how important it is to calendar life. I fought this idea for some time. It sounds so UN-FUN. . .okay, I made that word up, but you know what I mean. Calendaring life is often for those black and white, spreadsheet kind of people like my good friend, Sharon. It never sounded like Amy, the procrastinator. But let me just tell you now, IT WORKS!! And the proof is in the pictures. . .

Earlier this week our family spent 2 nights and 3 days in Estes Park at the YMCA of the Rockies. For the last 4 years we have taken a spring getaway to the mountains. This year we chose Estes. It's only 45 minutes from our house. Granted, a lot of people can't say that. But regardless, just about everyone lives 45 minutes or so from someplace at least kinda cool.

And here's the deal, getaways aren't about the glitz - that's the difference between a getaway and a vacation. . .they are much more about the slowness and simpleness and quiteness of the moments. We didn't actually RIDE the horses. We just attempted to pet them. We hiked and we ate yucky camp food and we swam with over 70 LOUD middle schoolers in an indoor pool. We played putt putt on a course that was probably older than me. We climbed on rocks, watched deer and elk and swung on a tire swing. It was fantastic! And the renewal those moments provided was invaluable. Take it from me. This girl needed to be renewed! I'd be willing to bet you do, too.

So, if you haven't had a personal or family getaway lately. . .what are you waiting for??? No one can put it on the calendar but you.

Spring Snow

Easter 2009

March Recap

Look Out World, Here She Comes!

My 5 year old, Olivia, just learned how to ride her bike a few weeks ago. I'm posting this one especially for Pop because I know he's been wanting to see her ride. . .


Olivia Riding Her Bike from amy colon on Vimeo.

Gotta Love Kindergarten Performances!

Olivia's Kindergarten Song from amy colon on Vimeo.

Funny how this song brings back old memories. . .Our principal, Mr. Anderson, used to make us sing this song in chapel at West Side Elementary. . .YES, chapel in a public school! How times have changed!!

Our Spring Flower

Claire has been taking a dance class on Friday for about 6 weeks. . .not a bad debut performance for my rough and tumble middle girl. . .(beware, it's definitely a "home video" quality movie, but it's still super cute.)


Claire's School Dance Recital from amy colon on Vimeo.

February 2009

Chocolate is Great. . Chocolate is Grand. . .

Happy Valentines Day, everyone! Sit back and enjoy this video just for fun - from me to you - guaranteed you'll feel the need to go out and buy some chocolate right away.

Trying To Catch Up - January 2009

Obviously I have had little time to blog so far in the new year, so I thought that I should at least post a few pictures to catch everybody up. . .

A Day at Cool River


We took a family walk to the park - it felt like Spring in January!


Inauguration Day - I'm so happy that I thought to snap a few pictures as the girls watched such a historic day unfold. . .I was amazed at how much they enjoyed watching it all with us.






A 70 degree day at the zoo


And I can't forget to show you ECO - did you know he is part poodle, part cocker spaniel, part mountain goat?

From Our Colorado Family to Yours. . .

The Last of Christmas 2008

Pink Razor scooters from Pop for everyone!

Emma's Christmas gifts have officially gotten smaller - no more little girl toys for her. . .this picture actually kinda makes me sad.

The first official web admission of my short hair - not thrilled. . .the next one you see I will be back to the old Amy :-)

I wonder if Taylor Swift started out in her pj's?

Preparing for a tea party with Gran

The men watching basketball

I can't even think of an appropriate caption for this one. . .Any ideas??
Hope you had a fantastic Holiday, too!!!

Joy to the World

Joy to the World from amy colon on Vimeo.

New Sister

Meet Ingrid, the girls' new Compassion International "sister" from Ecuador. They don't realize it yet, but Ingrid is definitely the best gift they received this Christmas. We will start supporting and communicating with her starting this New Year. It took over an hour of sitting in front of the computer browsing for the girls to choose Ingrid. Such indecisiveness (and Kevin was so patient!). . .but after praying about it, we are sure that we chose the right little girl for our family.

Christmas Eve and Morning

Merry Christmas Morning, everyone!!

Up on the Housetop

Emma's Piano Recital - Up on the Housetop from amy colon on Vimeo.


I'll add a few more songs later. . .

Claire's First Score

Claire's First Score from amy colon on Vimeo.

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Traditions (Part 3)

Just finished reading this one to the girls. . .it's so much fun to hear them laugh out loud as I read. . .

Christmas Traditions (Part 2)

Every year since the girls were tiny we have made a gingerbread house during the holidays. I have done everything from making it from scratch (the overachiever Christmas about 3 years ago) to buying the Wilton Gingerbread kit (the one that made me so mad that I threw half of it on the floor in anger in front of the kids and they still remind me of it to this day.) But this year my goal was simplicity during the holidays. So, here is our 2008 gingerbread house.



It took 30 minutes to complete. There was no mess except for all of those little white papers from the sticky foam shingles. No one cussed (oops, I guess I forgot to share that part from last year) or threw it down in anger.







And we still have a lovely "gingerbread house" to be proud of. . .actually a gingerbread house with LANDSCAPING!



Are you doing anything SIMPLER this holiday season?

Flatiron Youth Chorale Christmas Performance

December 2008 - So Far

Thanksgiving Day "Must Haves"

**Making and eating Cranberry bread on Thanksgiving morning with our own "secret recipe" while watching the Macy's Day Parade.





**Emma LOVES her homemade cranberries - she doesn't eat turkey or dressing, only cranberries.

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**And homemade applesauce makes the day complete.

I hope you all had a terrific Turkey Day!
What were your "Must Haves" for the day??

Let the Traditions Begin

Emma is my girl who loves TRADITION. . .she is always very intent on sitting in the same place every Christmas morning as she opens her gifts. She wants very specific kinds of food every Thanksgiving. . .so this year I decided to chronicle every holiday tradition that our family enjoys.

Here is tradition #1. . .Operation Christmas Child. Last week we delivered 51 boxes from Cool River. The girls always shop for and prepare one box of their own. This is a tradition I'm always pretty excited to keep.

Happy Holidays!!! Keep checking back for more.

(Also, Click here for photoblog pics of Claire playing basketball. . .)

Family Fun WEEKEND!

So this weekend we took advantage of this perfect time of year and had some extra family fun that took us all the way from Saturday morning to late on Sunday night.

We rarely go the to theater as a family. It's pretty crazy what 2 hours at the AMC can cost a family of 5. My girls weren't really interested in taking pictures, but I was able to catch Claire grinning in her High School Musical attire. Yep, you guessed it - what brings a family of 5 to the theater on an early Saturday morning - only Gabriella and Troy in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3! Yea, it rocked! I'm not sure who liked it more, the girls or me. . .or maybe even Kevin. . .I did see his head bopping a little bit to the music a time or two. . .



Saturday afternoon was yet ANOTHER birthday party. Thank goodness this time all we had to do was attend. The girls had a great time at Julia's American Girl mystery party.

Finally, Sunday night was the official Family Fun Night #2. It was a bit impromptu and after a long day of church activities we were a bit pooped, but still, we had a lot of fun celebrating Fall by dipping caramel apples (thanks for the idea, Wilson's) and carving a giant pumpkin into none other than Snow White.

















Isn't she beautiful??!! Happy Fall!

A Gooey Twist on the Original. . .

During family night a few weeks ago we tried this fun new dessert recipe from my friend, Brandi Wilson. . .it was a huge, sweet and yummy hit.

This morning we decided to try our own new twist on the recipe and make "cinnamon rolls" for breakfast. You've gotta try it!


All you need is a bag of large marshmallows, one package of original crescent rolls, cinnamon sugar and a cookie sheet.



Roll marshmallows in the cinnamon sugar and place them on the crescent to be rolled up. MAKE SURE you seal off the openings so that marshmallows are completely covered.


Cover wrapped marshmallows with cinnamon sugar - the more the better!
Bake at 375 for 10 minutes


I was surprised that the marshmallows popped out, but it didn't matter. . .



It's gooey and yummy and sweet - everything a kid loves!!

ENJOY!

Is She Ever Going to Write Again???

For those of you wondering what has happened. . .I'm still around. It's just not as easy to keep up with 2 blogs as I thought it would be. If you haven't heard, I am also writing for a really great organization called Glocalnet. You can follow me here .

As for keeping up with the family - I'm really trying, but forgive me for being so brief. I did successfully post new pictures this morning from September. Click here to see those.

I will continue to use this blog to let you know what is happening in the life of the Colon family. Don't stop checking!

Have a great week!

Venture Vietnam Fall '08

Check out Kevin's blog to see pictures of Cool River's latest relief trip to Vietnam. . .http://kevincolon.blogspot.com

My Little Olivia Turned 5!!

Click Here for lots more photos of our week of festivities

Check Out My Newest Adventure!

For a long time I have dreamed of sharing my stories and experiences and lessons learned with other church planting wives. It has always just totally amazed me that these brave ladies aren't loved on more or equipped more fully. But for me, life has been crazy since we started Cool River. And I needed lots of experience before I could ever speak anything worth hearing into their lives.

I suppose God has now decided that I am ready to get my feet wet. Check out my newest adventure. I feel very honored to get this opportunity. . .pray for me, please, and wish me lots of luck. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Family Fun Night #1

So I've been following my friend, Brandi, as she has started blogging about their testosterone filled family nights. Minus the testosterone in a house full of girls, it sounded like fun. So this week I decided to give it a try. I must admit, I stole some ideas. Hopefully I will get more creative as we continue. But for now, here are some pics from the first official Colon Family Fun Night. (And by the way, Brandi, Kevin and ECO may be interested in joining your family every once in a while for some rough and tumble boy time. Next week I'm planning a fairytale princess night!)

Ingredients to a yummy Family Night - Emma was my Sous Chef as we cut up everything for make-your-own salads.
Appetizers - Mine, Kevin and Emma's favorites - the other girls just said "EEEEWWWW" and dug the white bread out of the leftover French baguette.
Make-Your-Own salad buffet was a hit!
And dessert was yummy! (This is the idea that I stole. Thanks, Brandi!)

We ended the night with everyone's favorite game - Apples to Apples. . . Claire won! (I just didn't share the pics because she didn't have a shirt on and I don't want to be one of those moms who scar their kids by sharing naked photos :-))
O yea, and ECO joined in the fun, too.


FUN, FUN family night!!! You should try it!

So Proud of My Claire!

I can't let the evening pass me by without sharing a quick story that was just so fantastic from today. I wish I had a picture to share as well. Maybe next time.

Today Claire and Emma went to try out for a theatre group in Boulder called the Peanut Butter Players. It's a kids group for ages K-6th. They are terrific, and because my girls have been twisting my arm for such a long time to let them be in a play, I finally gave in.

Anyway, a long story made very short is this. . .there were 30 kids. Each child had to prepare their own song to sing for the audition and they had to sing it in front of everyone. For my girls, this was their first solo experience. I have to admit that I was very nervous. And I thought that they would be nervous as well. My heart beat so fast when each of their names were called. I really had no idea what to expect.

First up was Emma. She did fantastic! She rocked and her boldness shocked this introverted mom who has thought all along that she had the introverted first child in Emma - but theatre definitely brought out the best in her.

Next was Claire. Now Claire is my sweet and innocent 6 1/2 year old. She has a heart that is bent towards God and loving others. She is so sweet. And Claire chose "Jesus Loves Me" as her solo debut.
(Now let me just remind you all of this. I LIVE IN BOULDER COUNTY, COLORADO. This is the place where they say that 1 in every 10 people that you pass on the street MIGHT believe in Christ. This is liberal-town, USA. Obama rocks here! Trees are loved a lot here. And "Jesus Loves Me" - well, let's just say that it's NOT the first song that most preschoolers learn like in my home of the South.)

Anyway, my sweet Claire, of course, has no idea of these things. She loves Jesus. I'm fairly sure that she believes everyone loves Jesus. She has no fears or apprehension in talking about God like her best friend. And as she marched up onto that public school stage in Boulder, Colorado, she gave it all she had. She sang at the top of her lungs. She hit every note. She was confident. She was so darn cute. And she had no idea, but she was one of the greatest witnesses at that moment that I have seen in a really long time - knowing the crowd as I did.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the entire group applauded. No one raised a hand in protest or yelled any rude remarks. And Claire was beaming.

The best part was still to come, though. At the end of the auditions - when we had successfully made it through and I knew that no one was going to give a second thought to her song selection, the teacher gave one final call. She said that she was giving anyone who thought that they might need one more shot to re-audition and do a better job the second chance. Any takers? And whose hand shot up in the crowd? Calire's! I have no idea why. She did so great the first time. All I can figure out is this. . .God wanted somebody to hear those words ONE MORE TIME! And so once again. . .she bounced up on stage. "Jesus Loves Me" rang throughout the school auditorium. She smiled her biggest Claire smile. Everyone cheered even louder than before. I didn't have a heart attack after all. And at the end of it all - it was a beautiful thing.

I fully believe that God was using Claire today - if only to plant some little seed in one little child's mind. Who is Jesus? What was that song about? I suppose we'll never know the real significance of today. But I'm so proud that I have a brave little girl. I'm so proud that God is using her even in her niavity. I'm so proud that the Holy Spirit prompts her. I so wish I was as brave.

Honky Tonk Murder Mystery Night

Meet some of our very best friends in Colorado. They are a rough looking bunch - an up and coming country music star, a bar maid, a guy named Rowdy who just got out of prison, a trailer park manager who much resembles Mama on Mama's Family, the sheriff, the corn dog machine cleaner, the tv evangelist and me, Mary Kay, the preacher' wife.

You move to a new place and you never know what kind of friends you're going to get. . .Kevin and I lucked out and got the very best!!!!

Another Birthday Has Come and Gone

I can tell I'm getting older. The birthday celebrations aren't quite as anticipated. The gifts are becoming more practical. And I'm blogging about it 3 days late.

On Monday I turned 33 years old. It really didn't seem that old to me until some of my Facebook friends who were once little bitty kids when I knew them were all amazed that I was so old - thought I was still in my 20's. But this year, once again, I'm embracing my 30-something and finding thankfulness that at least I'm not in my mid-thirties just yet like my dear, sweet hubby.

Here is a photo rundown of this year's birthday festivities. . .




Kevin cleaned the house. . .
while I got a pedicure with my friend, Jenna.

I got cards and gifts from family, lots of hugs and kisses from Kevin and the girls, and 46 Facebook "Happy Birthday" wishes. I felt loved.

WooHOo! Happy Birthday to me!