Alyssa's Kindergarten Picture

CCR Crazy Cat Ladies

My mother is a certified CCR (crazy cat lady). For as long I've been on this earth, there has always been a cat in the family and I'm talking a member of the family cat. Most memorable of these was Michael… Michael J. Cat whom was not only around for my most primitive childhood years in Oklahoma, but endured our move to the 'big city' in my tumultuous pre-teen years in Colorado Springs. He passed the winter of my 7th grade year. Remains to be a hard subject for me to touch on, but I can say the burial was bittersweet under a lone tree in the country which my father obligated to drive us too. Now, that's a man to live up to.Celine Dions "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" playing as my sister and I silently tear up on the car ride back……But this brings me to the Giddy Kitty.

The Giddy Kitty is a cat which came into my mothers life my freshman year of college; my first year away from home…in comes Giddy. Giddy was and remains to be a handicapped cat who cannot walk but has adapted to getting around by pulling himself by use of his front claws… wait people. I'm telling you this little guy is spoiled! And very graciously loved indeed. He's got more luxuries than my sister and I ever had and we were two spoiled little brats for sure. I'm saying this little guy has it all and has been some places too. I cannot begin to describe the bond mom and the Giddy have, but you can imagine. I have never seen a women pamper and love a cat as much.

Then there's George….oh my George (Harrison) the cat. Dare I say? I'm becoming My mother!I do believe nothing could ever replace the reign in which my mother has achieved; Queen of all CCL for sure.

I can tell you ladies if you're out there looking for a man to accept you and your beloved cat habit you must reform a man or like me find one that has come from the same upbringing. Yes people, we have CCL's on both sides. The kids, even my beefcake son is doomed to a world of CC lovers. Amazing to me how these little fur balls can have such an impact on our lives, so my question to you is what's your influence with our furry friends? Did your mother ever refer to your cat as your brother?

Happy 5th Birthday Alyssa!

My baby turns 5 today! We are prepping ourselves for a night out at the Chuck e Cheese with the fam then we'll hold a PARTY for her this Saturday with friends, family & food while taking wacks at a pink pony pinata.

My Tuscan Villa

Inspired by a library book, we painted the whole interior of our home like a Tuscan Villa. This pic represents just a minute part of the project. This was just the beginning.

I have always been drawn to Tuscan design and if we are ever blessed with an actual vacation/honeymoon, I hope to see Italy in my time.

This will be a fabulous back drop for the family holiday pics this year, eh.

Took us a whole weekend to make this, the living room, dining room and kitchen. All while having three kids around wanting our attention. We are AMAZING!

Summer 2008

As everything with 3 kids, we maintained an eventful summer. Kicking off the shin-digs and other happenings, we took a little trip in June to Denver for Kyla's 7th birthday where to spent the afternoon at the amazing Butterfly Pavilion. Kyla and I courageously held a Tranachala named Rosie. We ended the day at the famous Casa Bonita Denver for "fine" Mexican Cuisiune and a serenade to Kyla by the Mariachi Band.

The fourth was the grandest thus far. We has a plethora of friends and family at our home. Here in the east side springs fireworks are legal and abundant. A huge hootenanny with a great spread of BBQ foods, kids and men running about with fireworks. Us ladies enjoyed our time soaking up the sun with feet in the kiddie pool, much needed drinks and an evening of being thoroughly entertained by men with fire.

July Thomas and I went to the Mile High Music Festival which started 10am and didn't feel like it ended until our heads heavily hit the pillows near next morning. This was an amazing musical event which featured an array of musical talents such as Ingrid Michaelson, Rodrigo y Gabriella, and our beloved John Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band.

August brought Thomas' company, DS Wood a fine display of their work at the Parade of Homes where they were involved with such things as the Disney house and Sony home. This was a finale of Thomas' hard hard work which kept him busy throughout the summer. We hope to enjoy our family time this fall. He has also been placed lead guitarist in our church praise and worship band! It is so wonderful to have his music in our home again.

Alyssa started Kindergarten this year and is in anticipation for her 5th birthday on September 11th. Kyla and I have started our own line of handmade products where she uses her creativity and I help design. Cody is very much into Thomas the Tank Engine and all things trains. He enjoys him morning with mommy while the girls are in school.

I am enjoying my work life at Pier 1, time with my husband when we have it and living vicariously through my babies. We have included a new family member Cui Cui (qwee qwee) a 5 year old Chihuahua which we have adopted and love. I enjoy dressing him up and making him clothes.

Autumn is coming. The crisp is coming back in the air and sense of warmth in the hearth. This, as with many, is our most favorable time of the year. Our 7th wedding anniversary (11 years together) is approaching. Thomas and I find our ourselves more and more in love with time. Amazing and rare in this day and age. We are awaiting a beautiful fall season and prepping for the holiday season 2008!

About The Author (Sarah)

I am a mom of three creative & entertaining children; Kyla 7, Alyssa 5 & Cody 3. I have been fortunate to have found an amazing devoted husband who makes cute babies and is an extremely involved daddy. In addition to a chatty half Siamese cat named Merlin & a kitten named George (Harrison).

We currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs. I am a graduate of Wasson High 1996, attended University of Northern Colorado and studied Interior Design at PPCC. I am a former manager of Pier 1 Imports, now a part time sales associate and currently holding my CEO and head lady of the Martinez household and designer for Kyla Couture.

I am most appreciative for family and friends. I celebrate life in any way possible. I love people. I live vicariously through people I know. I truly believe we are all connected. There is a reason we encounter each person we come across in our lives. I don't take a moment of that connection for granted.