Our Beloved Harley T April 1997- May 2009

With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes... I am so deeply sadden to say that our beloved friend and dearest companion Harley passed away yesterday afternoon- May 28, 2009. My parents, Jami & I had to make one of the hardest decisions to 'let him go' at Friendship Hospital for Animals. Two days ago, little Harley started acting funny and he was not able to keep his food down. We thought he may just be out of sorts, because he was staying with Brian and I while my parents where in Utah. However, yesterday morning he took a terrible turn for the worst and I rushed him to the hospital. Blood work was ran, xrays were taken and an ultrasound was performed... we soon discover that our little old man had a tumor (most likely cancer) near his spleen. It had grown to over 3 inches by 3 inches- surgery was out of the question for our little 12 year old baby. Our doctor was unsure if he would even make it through surgery, because his kidney's were failing and he had inflammation of his little lungs. Dr. Cross gently and quietly told us that it was Harley's time...

Gosh, I love that little dog- Old Man Winter. It was so hard to let him go; yet I know we made the right decision for him. My mom held her little baby as he left us for the big dog park in the sky. Dogs are such faithful companions and love you all their little life's- that in the end we as pet owners need to do the responsible and loving thing for our beloved friends. As hard as that decision was... it was the right thing for Harley.

Goodbye old friend... we will miss you.

I Haven't Left At All...

"I saw you gently weeping as you looked through photographs. You paused for just a moment at one that made you laugh. But as you turned more pages the tears began to flow. You whispered that you missed me but I want you to know; I softly licked those stinging tears that down your cheeks did fall. I want to help you understand I haven’t left at all.

On those days that you are overcome with sorrow, pain and grief I rest my head upon your leg to offer some relief. When you take our walking path I’ve seen you turn around. Because I know you surely heard my paws upon the ground.

At night while you are sleeping I snuggle at your side. You stroke my fur as you touch that place where I used to lie. You said it’s just your heart playing tricks upon your mind. But rest assured I’m really there, my spirit’s left behind.

I know your heart is hurting; it’s like an open sore. You think my life has ended and you won’t see me again. But for those of us bound tight by love, death is not the curtain call; It’s really the eternal beginning that waits for us all. So, my dear Master as you live your life I patiently await. Await for us to be together when you pass through Heaven’s gate."

~ Author Unknown

Graduation Weekend!

It truly was a fabulous weekend. It was amazing to walk in the commencement ceremony; it felt incredible to graduate with honors after all of my long nights and long hours; it was awesome to hear my family cheer for me as they announced my name. It was an amazing journey to experience and I am so grateful for my time at Regis University. We had so much fun celebrating all week and weekend. I am so spoiled! Brian and I stayed at the Grand Hyatt on Friday night and went to dinner at the Capital Grille on Larimer Square. We spent WAY too much on dinner but it was worth every penny- one of the absolute best meals I have ever had. Here are a few fun shot from the weekend. Sadly, it was really cold the morning of graduation... so we did not take many photos!


The graduating students. All masters and doctorate candidates.


On a total high!


Lunch at Maggiano's after the ceremony.


My two wonderful families!


A few nights before my graduation... My parents, Brian, Jami and Dan threw a little party for me at Brian and I's house to celebrate. They showered me with amazing gifts, love, support and encouragement.. oh and who could forget all of wine! This photo was taken after I opened my gift from Brian... a Movado watch. I was in complete shock and crying... He is such a good man.

A little blue T&Co box from Jami and Dan....

Shock at how beautiful my gift is... Black Onyx silver toggle bracelet...

Jim and Mom enjoying wine at the celebration.

Mom and I!

hit 'Send'....

Today... I think I will always remember today and the feeling I have. It is something that I cannot quite express in words, but my emotions are so many. This morning I submitted my final paper for my MBA program at Regis. I am officially done with school. As I hit the send button on my email to my Capstone Professor; I was overcome with emotions and I began to cry. It has been such a long and amazing journey; one I would not trade the world for. However, I am excited to close the door on the masters program and open whatever door is out there and what is waiting for me. Thank you to all my precious family and friends who have walked so closely with me. Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on during my mental and emotional break downs, thank you for easing my stress, thank you for being a voice of encouragement and reason, thank you for always telling me I can finish.

Thank you for your love and support....


NOW... let's party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Graduation is this Saturday on May 2nd! Photos will follow.

Kingstin is Famous...

Yes... it is true my baby made the pages (along with every other person who submitted a photo) of 9news.com today. It is true.. he is that cute. Unfortunately, his brother Guinness was unable to be photographed because he hates snow. But Bear on the other hand... is a freak for snow and well okay he is a freak for water... food... okay a lot of things- he is slightly weird but of course we love him.. He reminds me of Jami in a funny sort of way! Here are a few fun photos of the snow day!

Resisting to come in... "no mom... I will not."

Oh it is true... my dogs wear clothes.. er Kingstin wears clothes- I have a hard time finding outfits to fit my 100lb Guinn Dog...

The winning shot! His favorite thing is to dig his little head in the snow... and this is the outcome. I love it...

Is it funny that I talk about my dogs as they are real people, my children? ;O)

PS- do not mess with Kingstin or Guinness... or else...

Just kidding....

Okay not really....

Ahhh... Spring is here!

It is hard to believe that March 2009 is coming quickly to an end. It is amazing how fast time is moving by and personally I have to say I am okay with that. It means I am that much closer to the big grad day... 6 weeks and counting!! But I must say that all is well in NoCo and the Hopkins/Jonckowski/Wiens family are excited for summertime. Jami and Dan's wedding is coming to life and it is going to be an amazing affair. I love to be so involved and love all of the planning. She is going to be a stunning bride.... Here are a few fun photos that we took this weekend...

My Kingstin Paia Bear Hopkins.. what a cutie pie.

Trying to pose with Guinn Dog... he is not a fan of the camera!

Jami and Mr. Tobias...

Brian and I... It was a lot nicer then it looks in this photo! The weekend was awesome.

The boys had a 30 minute fishing competition on Sunday afternoon...

Dad hoping to find a little fish to call his prize..

Did Brian get anything?


The gang waiting for Dad, Brian, and Dan to head in...

No bites! Maybe next time!

Grilling and beer...

Happy Hour at the Bent Fork! I love this place..

Mom and Dad enjoying a little red wine with us...

Mom and I!

Mom and her girls...

Something that matters..

I have not updated our blog in a long time... with good photos and good news! All is well in the Jonckowski-Hopkins house. Brian is doing well in his new Chase branch. It has been an adjustment with the WaMu buy out from last fall. Currently, Brian's branch is running as two seperate banks until the merge is complete in Oct. So one half is WaMu and the other half of the is Chase- Crazy huh?! At any rate, Brian is an amazing branch manager and is doing so well. He amazes me everyday and I am so proud of him. As for me... My life is consumed with grad school. I am finishing up on my last 9 weeks of school. Thank God! The program is really intense right now- I am in my Capstone (which is a 695 course) and another class. I spend about 30 to 35 hours a week finishing homework and school- I am still working 40 hours as well at Home State. I just submitted my first 100+ page paper. It is a beast- but I bet all of you are dying to read it! Ugh... To say the least, I am stoked and really looking forward to graduation on May 2ND! It is has been an amazing journey, but I am ready to be done! ;O) I hope all who read are well! I love you guys dearly!

CONGRATS to Jami and Dan for signing a contract on their brand new home! So your planning a wedding and buying house- You're crazy!!!!

And a big CONGRATS to Kim and Clif for the birth of their first baby this weekend... Brady Patrick! (PS- I LOVE that name...)

Me and my Kingstin Bear... he is my baby boy.


Brian and I.. I am blessed.

My awesome parents!

Mom and her girls! Two of my favorite people. I am blessed to call them family.


This is a photo of the old oak tree behind my folks house. They get regular visitors... Eagles. There are 3 in the tree... Can you see them? 2 Golden and 1 bald. They are amazing birds... and HUGE.

Brian and I on Copper Mtn.. just before Jami and Dan's engagement!

The engaged!! It was such an amazing day... Good work Dan!

It was this pretty...

Stopping for beers at T Rex to celebrate the exciting news with nothing less then a 24oz of Coors light!

Dan is finally able to breathe! He was so nervous boarding with Jami's ring in his pocket!

Valentine's Day 2009! Brian and I will be celebrating 5 years together this coming July and 3 years of marriage in June! Time truly flies... I am so in love with him...

Enjoying Bone Fish Grill... I love this place!

The Brokenness of a Heart.

At moments in our life, some things just do not make sense. No matter how much thought, tears, emotion, and fight I put into changing it- it is still the same when all the dust settles. This is that moment in my life. Everything is not okay... and I want so desperately for everything to be okay. We are just not there.... yet.