Wordless Wednesday

Life is good

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you are absolutely completely content on what you have in your life? I hope so!

They call me Niffer

With my blog carrying the name, it might come as a surprise to you that very very few people have actually had the privilege of calling me Niffer.

The nickname first appeared in high school when I was in a class that had 8 or 9 Jennifers in the same classroom. Some boy, who shall remain nameless simply because I don't remember who he was, decided we all needed nicknames. He assigned us names like Nif, Iffer, Jen, Jenna, Jenni, and of course Niffer.

It didn't really stick with anyone with the exception of one kind soul named Cary. Cary was dating my mother at the time (and happens to be with her again now) and he was an amazing part of my teenage years. Cary had a joyful youthful character and I believe he played a bigger part in building my outlook on life than perhaps anyone else. Cary was the first person to call me Niffer and I loved him for it.

It was because of Cary that the nickname became a name of endearment, and to this day my husband calls me Niffer. Every time Michael says "Because that's what Niffers like the best" or "I love my Niffer" my heart bursts with feelings of really truly being loved. My husband can say "I love you" 100 times and it would never feel as genuine as when he says "I love my Niffer."

Aside from Cary and Michael, there is only one other person who calls me Niffer. His name is Vince. Vince is an ex from my past but he is the only one I think of fondly. And tonight, I happen to have dinner with him. I hadn't seen him in nearly 15 years. It made me smile to see him again.

I hope that some time in the future, my girls get their heart broken by someone they never want to see or hear from again. It will help them appreciate those moments when life is truly good because you have a real connection. I can think of examples of broken hearts from my past that have made me appreciate my husband all the more.

But Vince is not one of them. Because of Vince, I also hope that my daughters fall in love with someone and part ways for no other reason than realizing they're not right for you. I think I will always think fondly of Vince and always hope the best for him. It makes my day whenever I see him and I feel like I'm walking on air for a while just knowing that he's happy and doing well. Like the exs who broke my heart, Vince makes me appreciate my husband all the more, but unlike the other exs, he does so in a way that reminds me of happy times rather than sad.

I hope my kids get to experience that feeling too. Life is good.

Addie's Rainbow Unicorn

How you know he's the right man to marry

ADDIE: I'm sad because Ozzie says he doesn't want to marry me.
MOMMY: Oh?
ADDIE: Yeah, he told me "I don't want to get married!"
MOMMY: Oh, that must have hurt.
ADDIE: Yeah, but I tried to tell him that we could get married when we're much older, not now. Right now we're too young, but I was asking if he would want to marry me when we grow up."
MOMMY: Sometimes it's hard for people to imagine things way out into the future.
ADDIE: But I know I want to marry him.
MOMMY: How do you know?
ADDIE: I know because I think he would look really good in the outfit that the groom wears!

Wordless Wednesday

Photo hunting

The girls and I went hunting for another perfect red barn photo. We in that regard we weren't successful. It turns out that the trees have grown too large to get the view I had in mind. I wanted a photo of Longs Peak behind the barn, but this was actually the clearest view of the barn.

I wouldn't say the trip was a complete flop, though. It was a beautiful day, complete with blue skies and frozen fingers and toes.

But the girls didn't complain. It was an adventure and a good one.

Oh and I believe that's how we spent our New Years day. Not too shabby.

Gratitude

It makes it a lot easier to not say no.

Niffer's local happy places

When we moved to our new house, we had made the decision mostly for financial reasons. Now, just over a year later, I am reflecting on how much I am enjoying living in Longmont. I am surprised at how many little favorites I have from this area. I do not feel like I ever established any favorite Niffer places when we lived in Boulder (though I would now consider the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse to be one, but I have fallen in love with that place since moving to Longmont).

Here are some of my local favorites. A trip to any one of these places makes for one very happy Niffer....

Mary's Market and Deli in Hygiene
This is the closest thing to a European market that we can get, and I only say that because it's tiny. There isn't much you can buy there, but I like everything about that. They sell fresh local meats and yummy homemade food. The girls like this place best because they have a table where you can play checkers with a bin of old bottle caps. We often go there and buy a make-shift picnic.

Cheese Importers in Longmont
I'm pretty sure that it's just the cheesy (excuse the pun) French atmosphere that I love so much about this place. Anything that reminds me of Europe is a winner for me. The yummy cheeses and desserts are just a bonus.

Sun Rose Cafe in Longmont
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Anything that gives me even a hint of European flare makes my heart sing. This place is in an old building with tall ceilings covered in fancy ceiling tiles. Apparently that's enough to remind me of Europe. Haha. In my defense, though, this place has super yummy food and I love the lavender lemonade.

Robin's Chocolates in Longmont
Enough said. Robin studied in France to learn how to create her wonderful French-styled chocolates. Each one is just as beautiful to look at as it is yummy to eat. And besides... there is nothing more European than French chocolates, and even if I happen to prefer the taste of Belgian chocolates, I'll take what I can get. I won't complain too much.

Romana Cake House in Longmont
I know, I know... You're tired of hearing about Europe, but this place has croissants! And other desserts! Yummy! It also doesn't hurt that the owner is an incredibly sweet lady from Romania who has a heart of gold.

Addie's Bronco Caterpillar Dragon*

* When watching the Thanksgiving parade, and the Chinese dragons came out to play, Addie said "Look Daddy! It's a caterpillar dragon!"

Ellie's Four-Eye Monster

Ellie's LOL Monster

Ellie's Dragon

I'm a bit surprised that I didn't post these much sooner, but these still bring a smile to my face...