THIS MAN

It's only December 4th and I already feel like this month is going to go by so quick. I really want to enjoy each day. Even though we are busy with various parties, holiday activities and everyday life, I want to focus more on quality time as a family.

It's so easy for me, as a mother, to focus in on Chloe. She's just so dang cute, but I also want to remember that there is this guy that lives in our apartment and he's my husband. Oh, hello there.

This photo was take in Cannon Beach, Oregon. We spent about 10 minutes on the beach together, after the Pacific Northwest Conference. It wasn't much time, but we were able to spend it together, take a breath, and keep going.

So, here's to trying to focus on all three of us, being together and enjoying the Christmas season, but also to just enjoying Cory and Courtne, husband and wife.

Happy December!

Sweet Love

I feel so blessed to have Cory and Chloe two in my life everyday.

Cory has been traveling a lot over the past few months. I feel like our life is anything but normal and routine. I do like the craziness, but am more than ready for life to calm down so we can settle into a normal rhythm.

I'm thankful for the little moments we get to spend together as a family. I'm thankful for moments like this one while spending a few hours in San Francisco, before another flight to another place.

Being Brave

Chloe is becoming more and more of a brave girl. For the longest time Chloe had a fear of failing, mostly when it came to physical tasks. One area we really saw this was at the park, going down the big slide, climbing something tall, etc.

It's so amazing to watch her conquer her fear and just try. She climbs on the playground, goes down the big slide, and jumps off big things (that are maybe a little too big). She is so proud of herself.

A great reminder to myself, to be brave and just try.

30 Before 30

I made it! My 30 before 30 list. I've heard of a lot of other people/bloggers doing this and I've always loved the idea. The list is compiled of different parts of my life that I want to do or improve upon. It's something to keep me motivated and I will always have something to look forward to.

So, I made the list awhile ago and have been working on a few of them already. I'm so proud of myself for actually doing this. The normal me would think it's a great idea and want to do it, but never actually do it. 

My birthday is the middle of March, so I have about 9 months to complete this. That's more than 3 things a month. As you can tell, I'm good at math! WOW, I better get going. I'll keep you updated as I go.

Estes Park

In March, Cory and I were able to get away for the weekend to Estes Park, CO. It was amazing. We had some really great friends help us get there and other great friends watched Chloe for us.

Cory and I realized that in the 7.5 years we've been married, this was the first get away for us, where it didn't involve work or other ministry opportunities.

We went with no agenda, except to eat and sleep. How great is that?

Estes Park, sits on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The views were amazing, to see the mountains so big and beautiful. It makes me appreciate even more God's creation. I felt like I was in constant awe, and also constantly wishing my only camera wasn't on an iphone. :)

This is the view as you drive into Estes Park, CO

 We had the best weather for March. It was warm all weekend, allowing for shorts and the chance for a little color on my skin.

On Friday night, we ate at a place called Ed's Cantina. It was so good. We both ordered steak fajitas, sat outside next to the river and thought how strange it was we didn't need to rush to get back home because we were paying a babysitter by the hour. All weekend, I wanted to go back there and eat more of the fresh mexican food. Next time...

Saturday we thought we might sleep in. If I remember correctly, I think we both woke up before 8:00 a.m., annoyed that our body clocks woke us up. :( We ended up lounging around, and finally headed out to lunch and a little burger place that was cheap and delicious. I wish I remembered the name, but I do remember, they claimed to have the best burger in Estes. The rest of the day consisted of walking around downtown, driving around for some good views, naps, dinner and rummy. I won.

1. At Ed's Cantina

2. Stanely Hotel, where The Shining was written

3. Cory enjoying some ice tea by the river

4. The view Saturday night outside the little condo we stayed in

Oh yeah, we also stayed right behind the Stanley Hotel. On Saturday night we took a little tour of the hotel. It was pretty cool, but don't think I would stay there. 

The view outside our condo on Saturday night.

Sunday, we got up early to head out for a trail ride. Cory was so sweet to think ahead and find a deal online. Plus, I'll take any chance to get on a horse. :) It was fun to get a ride in, even on an old trail horse. The ride took us to the top of something where we got amazing views of the mountains and the Continental Divide. It was awesome possum!

1. The view of the Continental Divide

2. My horse, whose name I can't remember. Baby, I think?

3. Another view. The highest point, we were told was sacred ground for Native Americans. Pretty cool. 

4. Cory on a horse. The first time I've seen him on a horse. And, he didn't fall off!

So that was our little trip. It was so fun, and I can't wait to take Chloe there, maybe for a day trip. I also can't wait for another get-a-way with Cory. Hopefully we don't have to wait another 7 years. 

And, thanks to all our friends who helped us get there and watched Chloe. We are so blessed.

Instagram!

Ok, if you know me at all, you know that I love Instagram. Some people may say I use it too much, but do I care? No, I don't. :)

So, I thought it would be nice to see a little of our life through Instagram. Here is some random glimpses into March.

I'm training (or attempting to train) for my first 5K. I'm scared!

Any moment she can drive, she will.

Home Depot...I wish I could buy everything there.

Letting Chloe play in the nasty, germ infested sand.

When Grandma "Shell" came to visit.

Shopping like a pro.

Right after we dropped Chloe off for our weekend away.

What would life be like without coffee? I don't want to find out.

Hair!

Our view when we hiked around the Mount Falcon area.

Was that fun? It was for me! If you want to follow me on Instagram my user name is courtnehuffman. Be prepared for lots of Chloe and coffee pics. ;)

Beautiful Colorado

Whoa, we finally feel like we can take a breath and resume the "normal" rythmn of life. Since March, we have had family visiting from Oregon, a few small trips and plenty of life happening. All of it has been fun, but busy.

Our first little adventure was a weekend trip with our small group up to Buena Vista, CO. This was only the second time I had been to the Rocky Mountains and the first for Chloe.

1. The beautiful Apsen trees

2. Cory sneaking a kiss

3. Chloe showing off her big stick and not really wanting to stop for a picture. 

4. Cory and Chloe on an "adventure", climbing "big rocks" and looking for animals. She still talks about this.

1. The view right outside the house we stayed in.

2. The view on our drive over

3. Cowgirl Chloe swinging

4. Who knows, but probably trying to entertain Chloe so she could act somewhat civilized.

The weekend was amazing. Great talks with friends and Cory, good food, and lots of relaxing. I can't wait for another trip with the same company.

Favorites

1. The walking trail by our house. I was attempting to take a run, but Chloe had other ideas to explore.

2. My hippy child, channeling her Eugene, Oregon roots.

3. Chloe loves all her animals, especially the ones that are super soft.

4. Our budding photographer. Chloe got a camera from Santa this year and loves taking pictures, but almost all her pictures are a little blurry. We thought it would be fun to eventually make a photo book of her pictures and see the evolution throughout the years.

Bowling

Back in January we got the chance to go bowling and play in the arcade with some friends from YFC. Before this, I was thinking it would be fun to have a little bowling party for Chloe's 3rd birthday.

1. Skee Ball, my personal favortie  2. Chloe trying to win  3. Cory and me

4. Our bowling shoes  5. All three of us together  6. Chloe carrying the ball to her ramp

7. Fun colors  8. Chloe and I on the motorcycle  9. Chloe's shoes, so cute! 

I was so excited to watch Chloe experience something new and so different. When we got to the bowling alley we found Chloe some bowling shoes. She has little feet, so the smallest shoes were a little too big, but still adorable. We found a light enough ball for her to carry (although I was worried she was going to drop it on her toes or mine). Lastly, we got a ramp for her to set the ball on and push it down the bumper lane.

She loved it. All three frames, and then we had to pull her away from her first love, the iphone, for the rest of the frames. By frame seven, I told Cory we should just finish the rest of the game for her. She didn't even notice that she was missing her turns.

So now I have come to the conclusion that bowling for a 3 year old party is a no go. Lately, she's been asking me for a Hello Kitty party. Who am I to deny her wishes? Besides, I LOVED Hello Kitty when I was younger, so it's awesome that she likes it too. I may have forced it upon her, but what matters in the end is that she loves Hello Kitty.

We will have to try bowling in another six months or so.

Happy Tuesday! 

Snow!

When we found out we were moving to Colorado, there were a lot of things I was looking forward to. But, in the top 5 was snow. I love everything about it, except getting a toddler dressed in snow gear. I think plenty of parents would agree.

The other weekend we had the biggest snowfall since we have lived here...22 inches. It was AWESOME! I loved it. Cory stayed home and worked, Chloe and I played in the snow, then watched movies, drank hot chocolate (or as Chloe would say, "hot chwoklate") and ate snow.

More snow is coming this week, according to the weatherman, but it's probably only a light snowfall. Hopefully there will be at least one more big snowfall before spring really hits.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wanted to quickly share some of our decorations for Valentine's Day that I whipped up yesterday. Nothing like last minute.

I got the idea for the heart banners from this blog. The rest was just stuff I had laying around the house.

Happy Valentine's Day. We are enjoying the night as a family and eating some yummy chocolate mousse. Can't wait.

Huffman Family Photos

It feels like we never get photos as a family with all three of us. But, we were finally able to on Christmas, while having access to my parent's camera. This is just a few. My favorite has to be in the words of Chloe, "scary face" photos.

 

Today we are relaxing after a long and fun week at YFC MidWinter. Happy Monday!

"Auntie Doori"

Chloe loves all her aunties, including my sister, Jori. Chloe has a hard time saying her name, so it often comes out as "Doori".

These photos show Chloe and Jori's relationship. Silly.

PYT (Pretty Young Thing)

I would love to be bold like Chloe with her style. She has great fashion sense.

Grandpa Rob

On Christmas Day, we gathered the whole family after church and attempted to get a few photos. With eight adults, two kids and a lovable dalmation named Noelle, it was quite a task to accomplish. I was able to capture a few photos of Chloe with my dad, Grandpa Rob.

This was Chloe making her "scary" face. This face showed up in about 80% of the photos taken that day.

Hopefully the last one will make you Monday a little happier!

Ride 'Em Cowgirl

Every time we go into a certain store, Chloe wants to ride the pony. She finally got her chance last night and loved all 30 seconds. Her reaction to when the horse stops is so precious. I love that girl and how her little brain works.

Rio

While we were in Oregon, we got to do tons of activities with friends and family, but a highlight for me, was taking Chloe to see Rio, my mom's horse.

Rio is a very sweet and gentle mustang that was taken off BLM land in Montana (or Nevada, I can't remember, but let's just stick with Montana). But, I was a little nervous about how Rio would act around Chloe. Sometimes horses get nervous around little kids. I talked to Chloe about how she should act around horses and very basic safety, but who knows how much she really understood, or even listened to. In the end, Rio did amazing with Chloe being her little toddler self.

I told Chloe she could talk to Rio, so he could get to know her, and she did. She kept repeating, "Good boy, Rio" while he was eating his oats. It was super adorable.

Chloe leading Rio out.

Too funny not to share, look at Rio's tongue.

After we brushed him, it was time to ride. Chloe wasn't too sure at first. She was nervous to get on my herself, even with Grandma Shell (Michelle) holding her. So we decided to saddle up so she could ride with one of us. Of course, I couldn't be out there and not get a little ride in.

Grandma showing Chloe how to hold the lead rope.

Warming up to the idea of riding Rio, but a little nervous.

I think all three of us have our eyes closed.

While we were on our short little ride, Chloe kept talking to Rio. She was telling him to walk, whoa and good boy. It was too cute, but I had to tell her to stop because she would say "whoa", when we were walking or "walk" when I wanted him to stop.

So that was our day, visiting Rio. Chloe still talks about it and named all her horses at the house Rio. I'm looking forward to the next time we come out to Oregon. Mom, you better have him ready to go.

Christmas

Holy moly, Christmas was cah-ray-zee and awesome. I feel like I'm so behind, so here is a very small glimpse into what our Christmas season looked like.

I'm so sad it's over and we have to wait another 11 months. But there is so much to look forward to until them.

Happy New Year

 

 

New Vision

Notice Chloe's new glitter hipster glasses?

I got her glasses her at puglypixel.