SNOW DAY!!

Today it snowed like crazy! So much that most of the State shut down for the day . . . gotta love those snow days! So when I was home just waiting the storm to pass I took Tobi out for some fun! He loves the snow but had a little trouble getting around! What can I say I think he's adorable!

I submitted this picture to 9 News ... we'll see if Tobi gets famous!

Good Times with Family & Friends

Life seems to be moving quite quickly these days! I guess that is to be expected when one is trying to plan a wedding and buying a new home at the same time . . . all the while trying to soak up and enjoy every moment life has to offer. I have to admit that I've done my fair share of 'soaking' and 'enjoying' lately. Dan and I were fortunate to sneak away with friends up to Breckenridge for a ski weekend and my goodness we had a blast! A few weekends ago we were able to partake in a little St. Patty's celebration with pretty much the entire city of Denver! Let's just say I can't hold my own like I used to in college . . . needless to say fun was had by all! And of course I cherish the weekends I'm up North and get to spend time with my dear family. We had a fabulous weekend last weekend enjoying the sunshine and kicking Spring off on the right foot! It is hard to believe that Spring is already here and the wedding is officially under the 6 month mark. I am happy to report the plans are coming together beautifully and I'm very excited to see the day coming to life! I can't wait to share the day with those who mean so much . . . what a party it is going to be! And speaking of parties Brooke is getting very close to her graduation! I'm so proud of her and her accomplishment . . . We truly will celebrate in style in May! Okay so here's some fun pictures over the past month or so!

Brooke working on homework and wine!!

They guys had a 30 minute fishing contest, unfortunately no one caught anything but the money still remains in the pot. Possibly next time!?!

Tobi and his Uncle Chubby soaking up some rays! Such handsome boys!

Dan trying his hand at Dad's bb-gun . . . Let's not forget to mention who hit the sign on their first shot! Oh wait it was ME!


Watching the St. Patty's Parade . . . so much fun!


Enjoying some green beer!


This is one of my all time favorite pictures! Dan and I stopping for a picture on the slopes of Copper Mtn


We had such glorious weather that day, so much that Dan and I parked it at the T-Rex grill for an hour or two just relaxing and being thankful to be right here in this moment (the beer helped too)!

5213 Cherrywood Lane!

Dan and I bought a HOME!! It is a pretty amazing feeling to look at this house and realize that this is where Dan and I will make our first home! We feel incredibly blessed. I can't wait to show everyone our new home and thank you to those who mean so much who have already shared in our joy!

Dan and I in front of our 'SOLD' sign, pretty amazing feeling!

Here is the front. I love it ... I can't wait to get a table and chairs so we can spend evenings in the summer here!

Our entry ... Come on in friends!

And my favorite, the Kitchen! I'm really going to make Noni proud and use this kitchen right!

Our living room with the fire place!

And the back . . . we will have landscaping and a patio put in before we move in!

What can I say I'm a very blessed girl!

A Wedding Update

So I thought that I should probably give everyone an update to our ever developing wedding plans. We have picked a date which is September 12, 2009!! Wow! That day is going to be here before we know it . . . so make sure everyone clears their calendars. For you out of town folks watch your mailboxes you'll be getting Dan and I's save the date soon. They are super cute and fun!

We did decide on the Hilton in downtown Fort Collins for our reception. When we walked in everything just seemed to fit and fall into place . . . they had 20 million in recent renovations and the hotel is stunning. It will be wonderful for a party (oh and we already asked if they will keep the bar open for us after hours)! :)

I did find my dress, although I can't give many details in the blog as a certain someone (Dan!) is a regular reader. But needless to say it was the 3rd dress I tried on and just knew it was 'the one!' It is absolutely lovely and coming all the way from Barcelona! I couldn't be happier!

Many many more details to come! So stay tuned folks!

ENGAGED!!

So today was a pretty amazing day! We went to Copper Mountain today for what I thought was just going be a wonderful day of skiing with some of my most favorite people. But my goodness I was surprised . . . it was an absolutely gorgeous day, the snow was fantastic and to my absolute surprise Dan got down on one knee and proposed! It was such an amazing moment, one I will cherish for so many years. The ring is so stunning, I am one blessed girl!

Brooke and I stopping to take advantage of a beautiful photo opportunity!

The Hopkins hitting the slopes!


Yet another great photo . . . definitely frameable!

Colorado is such a wonderful place to live!!

Riding up the lift for the first time . . . it was great we were almost first chair. It's amazing to be up in the high country early in the morning, a little slice of heaven.

We stopped for what I thought was just another picture little did I know Dan was just about to pop the question!

Dan down on one knee . . . so sweet!!


After saying YES, some tears we took the final picture of the day!

More details to come . . . :O)

Starting to look a lot like Christmas . . .

It's hard to believe that Christmas is ever so nearing and the snow falling outside this evening truly helps get weary souls in the christmas spirit. I have to say that this time of year is my absolute favorite. I've decorated our little apartment with all the trimmings and put up our little charlie brown christmas tree. It helps to make family feel not so far away. If I had one prayer this holiday season it would be that time itself would slow and that the moments spent with family and friends would last for much longer than time would allow. For Thanksgiving this year I was able to enjoy a long wonderful in Northern Colorado it was so nice to get out of the city. Thankfully this year Brooke and Brian will be home for Christmas! It was a great weekend filled with lots of love, laughter, food, fun and of course what's a Jonckowski holiday without great wine! I am so blessed and look forward to the upcoming holiday season. Tis' the season!

Tobias and Kingstin pooped out from the Holiday festivities

What can I say just another classic Jonckowski family photo!

Playing around with the night scene feature on my camera . . . a little creepy!

A beautiful table . . .

Mom and Dad getting ready for the fabulous meal . . . Mmmmm!

This past Saturday was Flood and Peterson's annual Christmas Party. It was a wonderful party at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver. Not only was the hotel simply beautiful but the ballroom was on the 37th floor and over looked the city skyline. The view was stunning and simply perfect for the formal holiday party. Dan and I had so much fun and can't wait for next year!

After the party was over a group of us made our way to the lobby bar to continue the party. Dan loosening his tie and kick'in back.

Dan and I at the party!

Friday Night we kicked off the holiday season with the Parade of Lights in downtown Denver. It was a great night to get out and spend time with friends.

It did get a bit chilly but our hot toddy's kept us nice and warm! Jana, Miranda, Aliecia, Jen and me waiting for the parade to start!

Me posing as the Faith Bible Chapel float passed us by!

Waiting for Santa!

One of the prettiest buildings in Downtown!

With Love from Chicago!

Last week I embarked on my first business trip with Flood & Peterson to none other than Chicago! It was an absolutely wonderful experience, I was able to get to know some of my colleagues and I began the transition away from the 'new girl.' Needless to say we dined like royalty the entire trip and drank the finest wine! We went to Harry Carey's which was very fun and an experience all together! My favorite was a lovely family Italian restaurant called Ballo, it was great to sit and enjoy fine dining with new friends. Oh and yes the seminar was very informational and I learned quite a bit. Here's a few pictures from the trip. Enjoy!

Tobias enjoying some pre-Halloween festivities (he unfortunately didn't get to go to Chicago with me)!

I took this picture in my hotel room just as I looked out the windows for the first time . . . I have to admit the city took my breath away.

This was my favorite part of my hotel room!

The view from Sear's Tower!! Such an amazing sight . . . what a wonderful city!

Some of the F&P crew enjoying the House of Blues!

Thursday night we went to this wonderful Italian restaurant called Ballo. It was an absolutely amazing experience! If you're ever in Chicago you must go this family owned restaurant.

Our feast at Ballo! Truly some of the best Italian I've had since Noni's cooking . . .

This picture is taken from my room . . . I sat on the couch for over an hour sipping on a glass of white wine watching the big city bustle about even through the rain.

Ahhh the view from the plane . . . on the way home. When you rise above the clouds it seems as if you could reach out and touch the very face of Heaven.

A little bit of Life

I have to admit that I feel like I have finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My last job I realize now how much it was actually chipping away little pieces of my heart. I was miserable and it followed me in every aspect of my life. Unexpectedly a new job fell into my lap and as sad as this sounds I was a bit hesitant to start all over again. However I took a leap of faith and jumped in with both feet . . . and my goodness I am so blessed. This new job is a breath of fresh air and I'm starting to feel like myself again. This new job is incredible and I couldn't imagine going back to banking! I'm so grateful to those (mainly Brooke and Dan) who have put up with me over the past year . . . I know I wasn't always easy to handle and I'm sure glad you didn't judge me for it. I'm heading off on my first business trip next week to Chicago! I'm very excited as I've never been there and of course the new company does everything in style!!

There have definitely been some fun memories over the past month: Dan's birthday, Breckenridge, Counting Crows concert and the Broncos game. Here are some fun pictures hightlighting the events!

Part of the crew Dan, Brooke and Brian getting ready for the game! It was a bit chilly but what football isn't fun without cold weather and a beer?!?!

Miranda, Jana, me and Dan getting ready to go in . . . yes that is schnapps in Dan's hand. We brought it in and it mixed perfect with hot cocoa. Gotta warm the soul some how!

The view from our seats! Yes they were a little high up but I think this is where the 'real' fans sit! We had so much fun and really it isn't as far as it looks.

Dan and I taking up a great picture opportunity atop Hoosier Pass during our weekend up in Breckenridge. It was so fabulous to sneak away for the weekend with the people I love most Tobias and Kingstin! Er um just kidding!! Me, Brooke, Dan and Brian and yes the pups got to tag along with us.

Vail Mountian and all her glory!! I can't wait for snow . . . I just bought new skis so I can't wait to try them out.

Jonckowski/Hopkins' don't mess around when it comes to video games!! Me and Brooke having fun in Breckenridge.

For Dan's birthday I took him to the Capital Grille for dinner in Downtown Denver. We had such a wonderful time . . . the food was phenomenal, the wine out of this world (so great we ordered two bottles), the service outstanding and my company priceless!

Dan and I at the Capital Grille . . . Yum!

Mary and I . . . we ended up meeting up with a couple of friends after dinner. Perfect way to close the evening.

Brooke and I enjoying a beer at Lucky Joes . . . oh we were still so tan. Sigh Mexico!