LIVE LAUGH LOVE

This is how we roll....in January

2011-02-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

....Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays

Both T & my mom share a birthday on January 14th. T had some friends over for his birthday (4 boys....around the age of 14)...yikes...is all I have to say.

They had a great night. WE took the boys bowling and they had a blast. Might I add, I rocked at bowling! :-)

Here are some pics of the big 1-4 birthday. It was his golden birthday. 14 of the 14th!

T opening up his gifts

T and the boys...boys will be boys

Singing happy birthday and the icecream cake

The boys again!

Happy Birthday!

And then MISS E had her 10th Birthday on January 30th. It was a fun day for her too....actually it was a fun weekend. She got to have friends over the day before her birthday and we took them to Fairmont Hot Springs for a nice soak. It was GREAT fun. Then on Sunday, her actual birthday she had a family dinner with G&G Miller.

I can't believe my baby is 10. My kids are growing up and it makes me sad!

E with her friends

The "tough" girls

The cake I made for E's birthday

E blowing out her candles

Apparently she is getting tired of the pictures.

Kelly Clarkson & Jason Aldean - Don't You Wanna Stay CMA(Country Music A...

2011-01-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

I love Kelly Clarkson. She does a great duet with Jason Aldean! They sound great together and I'm loving this song lately!!!

Enjoy

Zac Brown Band - National Anthem - 2011 NFC Divisional Playoff

2011-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

These guys are AMAZING. If you haven't heard them sing the National Anthem A Capella yet, you need to check this out!

They are quickly becoming on of my favorite bands. They truly are amazing musicians!

Enjoy!!!!

What the heck!?!

2011-01-10T18:38:00.001-08:00

Has it really been one month since I blogged. Guess I've been busy, haven't felt like blogging much....a good combination of both! Plus, really how even reads this?!?

Well, we have a GREAT Christmas, one of the highlights was sledding with our besties on Christmas Day. That is the BEST idea in the world, to get out and do something active on the day I feel like being the biggest slug! Thanks CS, it was a blasty blast.

Another highlight of the Christmas was getting Just Dance for the wii, if you haven't tried it or played it.....it is a must. Might be one of the best work outs I have EVER done! Seriously, it will break you into an instant sweat! So much F-U-N! I am convinced that dancing is one of the best forms of exercise. Well, here are a few pics of the Christmas around here.

T got E a DQ Blizzard Maker.....it is a HIT!

New hot cocoa mug for T

Just Dance!!!

T Christmas Mornin'

T&E Christmas Morning!

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

2010-11-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

This past week was US Thanksgiving and we were so lucky to have D&R down from Ray-town, it was AWESOME. We had such a great time, we had wonderful turkey dinner and did some shopping on Black Friday! We did find some nice bargains, about the best I found were jammies at Old Navy. I can't wait to wear them, I want to wear them now!!! :-)

I started my Christmas shopping and got a pretty good chunk done. I even wrapped my first gifts tonight. We still don't have our tree but I have decorated the house! We will probably get it this weekend, D didn't want to go out while there were still hunters out....probably pretty good idea!

I love this time of year!

I love the music

I love the lights on houses and when you drive by you can see the lights on trees

I love the spirit that is in the air

I love that everyone is jolly and happy and full of cheer...OK MOST everyone. :-)

I love Christmas scentsy smells (Winterwonderland is my current FAV)

Right now we are watching the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

I love the Christmas Devotional, it is going to be on this weekend. I just love hearing the messages that they have to share.

A few of my fav ME pictures that i found on google images!

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.

CALVIN COOLIDGE, Presidential message, Dec. 25, 1927

Thankful

2010-11-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has been a long time since I last posted. Well, lets see what have we been up to!

T ~ finished his football season, wasn't the season they had hoped for but they did win their last game and had a fun time doing it. He got to play on the 7th grade team and even go to start at QB in the last few games. It was so fun for him, he even go to score a touchdown too! It is so fun to watch your kids compete, can't even really describe it.

E ~ finished up her Vball season last week. M&M even got to come watch....it was fun to watch her play. She is so good, it is amazing in 4th grade that they can serve over-head and get it over the net. I can't even serve over-head! She is going to be quite the volleyball player, I think it is one of her favs! She, of course, in my opinion was one of the BEST on her team. I can brag, it's my kid!

T ~ started his bball season last week too and let me tell ya those 8th grade boys are quite the ballers! They are so fun to watch them, I can't wait for the next four years. Oh and this year will be GREAT too! They played in a tourney last weekend in E. Helena and got 2nd place. The team that beat them killed them on Friday night by 22 and then in the 'chipper' the boys only got beat by 9 points. They played again last night, the boys played so hard....ended up losing again but only by 5 points. I was so proud of all of them! I'm so proud of my lil T, he always has such a GREAT attitude!

T really wants to get texting he even got 4.0 on his last report card in hopes that a couple semesters of 4.0 he will be rewarded with texting. I have such mixed feelings with children and texting......so I gave in and got him FACEBOOK instead. LOL!

Now my favorite saying is who needs texting when you have facebook?!?!

I'm not ready for all of what life has to offer with teenage boys and just being a teenager. T even has his first little g-friend! Makes me laugh, I think I remember my first little b-friend in 7th or 8th grade....couldn't tell you who it was but I know I had at least one! :-)

E is doing so great on her piano.....she is a natural, of course I'm bragging again aren't I! :-)

Today I'm so thankful for two kids that are so easy to love and listen to! I'm thankful that they are healthy! I am just about the luckiest momma that i know of! Now if I could just be a "perfect" as they are. I am thankful for second chances, for forgiveness and the ability to say, "hey i was wrong" or "that didn't turn out very good"! I am thankful for kids that love me even though I lose my temper and expect way too much of them.....after all they are just kids right?!

I am so thankful for a husband that works his butt off and allows us to have all we have and loves us all so much! I am the luckiest GIRL alive! I am thankful for M&M for always coming down to support the kids in all they do and for all of their unconditional love! We are the luckiest FAMILY! I am thankful for a job! I am the luckiest GIRL alive, who graduates and get a job just a few months later? I love being Mrs. M and am so thankful for the opportunity to teach everyday! I am the luckiest TEACHER alive!

I am so blessed!

"Gratitude is a Spirit‑filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence.

By Bonnie D. Parkin

"Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35

I am thankful...................

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

On Monday night for fHe we carved pumpkins! It was a family affair. The kids cleaned their own pumpkins and then Dave did the carving and I....well I took the pictures.

Enjoy!

Spook-tacular...time of year!

2010-10-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

What is "funner" than jumping in crunchy leaves?

I love Halloween, for so many reasons. What's NOT to like about a HoLiDaY that is all about CANDY!!!

I love this time of year because Halloween will be here and gone before we know it and then it is Thanksgiving and then onto Christmas! I cannot lie, I'm getting kind of excited to bust out the holiday tunes and deck the halls! But I can wait, at least until after Thanksgiving but NOT one day past. I might start listening to some Holidays tunes ....in November (like the 1st).

What a chilly Sunday afternoon, I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of an empty house with the fire place on and the background noise of some footy-football!

I found these cute pics on the WEB (where else) and had to share a few of my favs...and another reason why I love Halloween!

I love these pictures!

Love this quote, "The BEST way to predict the future is to create it".

Fun IdEaS for a HaLLoWeeN PartY!

Love this idea, looks so goth!

Fun cakes!

Wouldn't it be fun to have a porch like this?

I love Mary Engelbreit, even she can make Halloween cute & fun!

Yup, that's MOI! Queen of Halloween!!!

The Fall Frenzies....Frenziness....

2010-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Is that even a word? Frenziness.....think I just made that one up but it works for now!

What a wonderful fall we have had! The weather has been unbelievable, I am in LOVE with Fall!

Well, since I posted last....we have been busy with school, football and just keeping up with life!

School is going great! I love my new job and especially love my 4 days weeks. I think every school should consider it. Might not work for everyone but it is great to have a day off in the middle of week. Amazing how much stuff I get accomplished! NOT as much as I would like to.....of course, but I figure I get things accomplished I normally wouldn't!

I have even had the chance to volunteer in E's classroom two times! How great is that?!?! I love being able to go into her classroom, especially since I'm NOT at the same school. I think we are all adjusting to that!

T had a GREAT football season. He ended up playing on the 7th grade team too. It was great, basically he got to play two games. It was fun to watch him play, I just love watching my kids in whatever they do. For the last two games he even got to play quaterback. Scored a 2 point conversion on the second to last game and scored a TD during the last game. He was so cute, on the way home, he said..."I think it is starting to sink in Mom...I actually scored a TD!". It was a priceless moment...just the excitement in his voice made my night!

E has been busy learning how to play the piano. One of the ladies we go to church with is teaching piano lessons. It is working out great and E LOVES it!!! And I do to. I love hearing her play and learn all her new songs. I think the boys are ready to kill us both but from one music lover to another.......it is "music" to my ears! (How cheesey...eh?!)

E started Volleyball and will have her first game next week. I love how we just roll from one activity to the next.....NO rest for the wicked! :-)

Onto another completely different topic...this is kind of random!

For my birthday we went to Bozeman/Manhattan. WE headed over to the Gallatin Valley on Friday night and stayed with our friends in their NEW house, which by the way...is absolutely gorgeous! They had pizza, cake and ice cream to celebrate my birthday...so much fun. Then Saturday we all headed into Bozeman to watch the Cats play. It was a great game and a very fun day. I'm so lucky to have such a great family to celebrate my birthday with!!!

I'm loving this beautiful fall weather and hope it sticks around for about another month! Is that too much to ask.....I don't think so! :-)

Here are some pics of T, in action. Once E starts Vball, we will post some of her too!

Thanks to the Centers mom BD.....She captured the photos. Thanks B!

T (#11) lined up behind P - getting ready to call the play or say HUT or whatever they do! :-)

T - runnin' the Ball!

T - runnin' the ball again!

Oh! There is again!

..And again!

Breakin' a tackle!

This might be my........

2010-09-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Favorite time of the year. The weather has been incredible around here the past few weeks...almost feels like summer has found its say back! I think I might have renewed my commitment to FALL. I have always loved fall because it is my birthday season but here a few other reasons why I love fall.

~ it seems like life has slowed down for us and we actually stay home on the weekends and enjoy life!

~ football, footBALL, FOOTBALL

~ Fall sports (football)

~ this weather, how could I complain when the weather was 80 plus degrees today and I was hot in my capri pants! LOVE that dilemma!

~ the smells of fall....pumpkin spice, cinnamon and baked goodies!

I am in my 5th week of school and I cannot believe it. Today was on of those days that I would chalk up to as a "good day". I am loving my new job and being called Mrs. Miller everyday but somedays, I'm NOT gonna fib....ARE tough! But NOT today, today felt like a well planned day, where everything seemed to fall into place and play-out like you planned it! LOVE it! I hope for a good one tomorrow too!

T had a football game tonight and it was GREAT fun to watch him play. This was his second game and they won....30 to 0. Tomorrow is another game, then 2 games next week and then 2 games the next week and done. Seems to go my so quickly but we are enjoying the time while it lasts!

Here a few pics of us lately!

Football pics to come!

T practicing swinging his rope with Sparky

Em was the photog, pics of T...up close!

T & I riding!

T and I riding!

My favorite pic of the day, T & E on their horses.

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall

2010-08-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't get you excited for fall, I don't know what would!

(Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT completely ready for fall and looking at the weather forecast, I think we have a few weeks of summer left).

This song is beautiful and the video is amazing!

Love my fall and football!

True Confessions of a Summah Lovin' Drama Momma

2010-08-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

What are you favorite parts of summer?

Ever since we moved to the DL I have had summers off (for the most part). I only worked 2 days/week for 4 hours/day. To be honest with you it didn't even fell like work!

OK, so back to the question...what is your favorite part of summer?

backyard swimming

backyard bbq's

getting early and helping the kids with their chores

changing water (having green grass)

trips to the lake

day trips

staying up and watching the lightning

staying up and watching movies

watching Pawn Stars

true confessions of the summah lovin' drama momma:

I love to wear shorts but the older i get, the more I love capri pants! LOVE them!

I love my keens and flip flops but my feet do NOT love them.

I have learned because of the above how important it is to have a foot scrub in the shower....YUCK!

I love my shoes/flip flops to match my outfit. For example, if i"m wearing a red shirt, I like to wear red flip flops or my red keens! Am I the only one like this?

I love my $1 flip flops from Old Navy, like how can you go wrong with one in every color?

My last true confession, I am loving my green grass but come-on I do not remember a summer with so much rain and such cool weather!

It is so predictable, every afternoon/evening the clouds roll in and the thunder rolls and the lightning strikes. It has been fun to watch the storms roll in and out and in and out but I'm ready for some hot weather like major hot......

I think my tan might be fading!

And Also,

2010-08-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

This summer, I ran my second half marathon in Missoula on July 11th. It was fantastic! It was such an early morning, I was beat by mid-day! Since the 1/2 was so close to home, the girls and I decided to just get up early and drive there instead of staying. The race began at 6am, because of the heat. So we left DL around 4am, that means I got up around 3am. We were in Missoula by 5am and ready to run at 6am. It was a beautiful course, starting along the river and ending up in down-town Missoula, it definitely was top-notch. I beat my last 1/2 time by almost 10 minutes. I ran this one in just a little under 2 hours! I was super pleased with that time.

In case you've ever cared to see what feet look like post 1/2 mara and after running for nearly 2 hours straight....have it at it! They were so sore. Blisters on my toes that were so big, I didn't think they were ever going to go away! :-)

The pictures don't do it justice but...I couldn't resist!

As if finishing the 1/2 marathon wasn't enough, I got a medal too. Everyone did but let me tell you how great it felt to get that medal when I crossed the finish line, made it all worth it! :-)

Dear Blog

2010-08-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

This summer has been so hard for me to blog! We have been so busy and have a great summer but wanting to sit down and blog about it.......I haven't been that motivated!

Here is what we have been up to in a nut-shell!

The second week of July we went to Polson with D's company and the week by the pool, soaking up the sun! Let me tell ya, that is the life! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to do it again next year. Emmy and I swam and sun-bathed, the boys golfed and we ate some good food too! WE even took the kids to the waterslides at Columbia Falls, I haven't been there since I was a kid! It was so much fun. They haven't changed at all in like 20 years. :-)

Since then we have been busy with animals and entertaining. We have hosted a few bbq's at our house this summer too. We held the annual Branch BBQ/Pioneer Picnic at our house and also a surprise 30th birthday party for our friend (and T's boss) MH. The kids love swimming in the pool and everyone loves a good game of horse/pig or 3-on-3! :-)

The kids have been busy getting their 4-H animal projects ready for the fair. I can't believe that the fair is NEXT week.

Here are a few pics of the kids and their animals. They have been so good about taking such good care of them this summer, working with them and getting them ready to show.

The kids working together washing t's steers & heifer

E and her pigs

FAT pigs

Rigetta, Tina and Blondie

T & E and Ginger

T and his steer Reggie - "ta da"

T- washing

steer - Ronald

Heifer - Ginger

Reggie

This is the life.....

2010-07-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today I picked up the keys to my one-room-school house! I am so excited, I can hardly stand it. I can't wait to sit down and figure out where everything is and just get going. I need to figure my schedule, that is my first priority.

4-day weeks, instruction time is from 7:45-3:45, so if you have any words of advice for me, please pass them along.

Well, enough of that!

Besides driving to GC and picking up my school keys....this has been my day.
Woke-up about 7am
woke T up
walked pigs
took T to work
came home played fetch with T
let the horses out
fed the steers
played more fetch with bodie
sat outside and talked to my mom on the phone
contacted the aide at GC, so we could meet at the school and get keys
got my keys and schedule

did some computer stuff
ate lunch outside
played fetch with bodie
it is now almost 2 in the afternoon, what should I do now?
I have laundry to do......tidy the kitchen, make my bed (oops haven't done that yet).
Put clothes away....oh the list goes on & on.

NO kids today, T is working and E is with some friends for the day.
I'm enjoying the peace and quiet...just hope they get home soon...I am starting to get kind of lonely. :-)

Have I mentioned I love summer!

T - washing his heifer (Ginger)

E - watching the action (she's a ham)

E - with Ms. Wilson's Pony (Finnegan)

She grew to really like him, especially once he was gelded!

Canada Trip

2010-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well, we made a trip up to Canada for the Annual Raymond Stampede Days. It was great fun and it is never a disappointment.

The parade was great, took NO pictures. :-)

Saw lots of people and we strolled around town, that was GREAT. It was great to see so many people from the past, one of the best parts of going back "home".

We ran in the Road Race, Dave did great, Emmy did fantastic and I didn't have my best time but it was a fun race and actually the 1st time I have ever ran in the Raymond 10K.

Here are some slideshows of our race and the fireworks on July 1st.

Free slideshow personalized with Smilebox

One Room School House

2010-06-22T22:04:00.001-07:00

Last week I interviewed for a teaching job at a one-room school in a Rural Community near where I live. I felt really good about the interview and honestly, felt like I just nailed it. Do you ever leave leaving like that? Like you just conquered the world and nothing can stop you, well I felt like that post interview...it was great.

Then I think I set myself up a little too much, I think I was or maybe hoping I would hear from them the next day. Well the next day came and...went and NO phone call, I began doubting myself and thought maybe I had fooled myself and that I couldn't have possibly been as unstoppable as I felt post interview.

Then the next day came, it was Friday, I thought to myself if i don't hear from them today...it is doomed, I for sure didn't get the position. By this time I had absolutely convinced myself that if they haven't called within 2 days, I most assuredly didn't get the position.

It was now the weekend and I had almost completely forgotten about my hopes and how I felt post interview, like I nailed it and had the job for sure...I had convinced myself I would be getting a letter in the mail...you know the kind. "Thanks for your interest but..."

Well, Monday came and about 7:46am I got a call on my phone, I was outside and didn't hear it. But thankfully a message was left and so I waited about an hour before I called back because once again I had convinced myself that.....I wasn't going to get a letter, she had called to tell me in person that I didn't get the job and....over the phone I would hear ..."thanks for you interest...but".

HOWEVER, much to my surprise, she said the Board wanted to offer you a contract to be teacher at.....said Elementary School! I was ecstatic, unbelievably surprised and so grateful all at the same time.

Can you believe I had completely convinced myself that I was NOT going to get it...just because they didn't call me back for 5 days....like what was I thinking. (note the sarcasm in there).

I am excited and nervous beyond belief!!! I cannot believe that I actually got a teaching job and will begin in August as Mrs. Miller, teacher of a one-room school house.

If you have any suggestions or words of advice for a new teacher, teaching multiple grade levels, please pass them along! I would greatly appreciate them.

Signing off as the newly awarded.........

Mrs. Miller - Teacher of a ONE-room Schoolhouse!

Life Lessons

2010-06-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Things I have learned about life....lately, that I wanted to share:

~ having drop in company or guests in inevitable so keep your house tidy!

(Forever I have hated drop-in guests but I am beginning to accept that somethings in life can't always be planned out and having improtu guests is actually really quite fun, just like the improtu quick little dinner party you plan with the neighbors or your best friends.....somethings are just better NOT planned).

~ screaming and yelling isn't the best approach.

(I did just this yesterday when I was scared to death and my kids were NOT being very safe or making very smart decisions about safety....know I sound like I have LOST my voice). ARGH!

~ enjoy each day and what it holds

(sometimes I just feel like I just go through the motions and don't really appreciate what each day has to offer, like my kids...and how quickly they are growing up and how in just a few short years, I will be an empty nester).

~ enjoy the little things in life

~ never give up

~ always go for it!

~ stay positive

These are my life lessons for today!

I'm turning over a new leaf, going to try and keep my house in drop-in ready and then it doesn't matter who knocks on the door or calls and says we'll be there in two hours! Bring it on....I'll be ready!

Rainy Weather Days

2010-06-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Oh what do you do in the summertime when all the world is..........GREY and rainy? And wet?

I cannot believe all the rain we have been getting so far this summer.

Here are the positives:

GREEN GRASS

Flowers thriving well

The forests are NOT on fire

The rivers and all water sources are full, maybe even overflowing. :-)

NOT to be DebbieDowner but I'm kind of tired of rain...and GREY skies. And I'm tired of being WET and cold!

So there, I'm done ranting....don't get me wrong, I do love the rain but I'm ready for some real sunny sunshine, sittin' outside in my swimsuit and bakin' away or should I say BASKING in the sun, see it has been so long, I don't even know the lingo!

Since i hate to post with NO pics, here are a few of my favs right know.

I bought these wrought iron pieces for the deck....LOVE them!

If it's too wet and cold to be outside, guess I'll just dream about what the sun and these cute summer fashions!!!

Jewel - Satisfied - Official Video HD

2010-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this song and found the video on YOUTUBE. Listen to the words, I hope you love it too!

Summ, Summ, Summah Time

2010-06-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Summer-vacation is proving to be nothing less than GREAT!
We have had a great first week of summer vacation. Early mornings walking pigs and doing chores and a few days in the sun too.
It rained most of last week, on the plus side my yard and garden looks fabulous. The sun finally came out Saturday and Sunday and we completely enjoyed it. We spent most of the day outside both days. Last night we had a great time playing badminton on the backyard! Oh the joys of a little family competition.
E is at bball camp this week and T has on next week.

Here are a few things I am looking forward to in the next few weeks of summer:
Territorials Days this coming weekend and the Prison Break Run
Spokane and Hoopfest
Canada and 1st of July
then before we know it 4th of July will be here.

I know I say this all the time, but summer really does go by too quickly!!!!
But we are enjoying it and love the sunshine when it comes out!

Summer Vacation........

2010-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the last official day of school and you know what means.....SUMMER vacation begins! And YES, let it begin. I am so ready for summer vacation, laid back schedules and just getting stuff done around HeRe!
But there is ONE problem, I just realized/remembered however you want to put it, that tomorrow is the last day and I have NOTHING for E's teacher! CRAP. So, I guess I'll be perusing people's blogs and the internet for last minute ideas. T has all the teachers in Jr. High, so I won't worry about them but come on...E loves her teacher and thinks she doesn't want to move onto 4th grade because NOTHING or NOone will ever be as great as 3rd grade. Do you remember those days that you worshiped and idolized your elementary teacher(s)? I do! Who did you idolize, like when you played dress-up, cuz we know you did....who did you pretend to be?

Here are some things I am looking forward to for the summer:
~walking pigs (morning and night)
~watching the kids work with their animals and get them ready to show
~sleep in until after 7am! Yahoo!!!
~run whenever I want to!
~plant and work in my garden.....YeS, I haven't planted a thing but I never get too worried, it is cold and wet here still! :-)
~take little excursion with the kids, whenever we want to, cuz we can
~go to Splash Montana and an Osprey game...spend all day in Missoula
~run my second 1/2 marathon
~go to Canada, Spokane and Polson (the little trips that we have planned)

Oh the joys of summer, a change in season, warm weather, swimming in the back yard, suntans and flip flops.
Bring it summer....I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ready for you!

Just not in the mood!

2010-05-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't really been in the blogging mood lately! NOT that there isn't anything to blog about, maybe it is just my creative juices are all drained....I don't know!

But since I've started this post, I better finish it and finish it I will. :-)

This past weekend we did the rodeo concession at the High School Rodeo here in the DL. It was great fun, we didn't make a ton of money but the kids had a great time and the weather was beautiful!

T has been in track for the past month, he runs the 1miles, 800 meter, 400 meter and does the long jump too! He is doing great. He says he doesn't want to do track next year because it cuts into his making money time! Oh what a guy! Where did he come from! At his track meet last week, he took almost 20 seconds off of his mile time. I was so proud of him and thanks to Coach J for helping him out with his running strategies. He is not the fastest kid but man does he ever have heart! There are only 2 kids from DL that run the mile and the other kid wins all the races, so he calls him Ricky Bobby (from Talladaga Nights) and he calls himself Cal! I tell you what, the kids got a GREAT sense of humor.

E has been busy with Dance and softball now too. We never really slow down too much around here. She has her recital for dance in a couple weeks, can't wait to see what she has learned this year. She just started her season of machine pitch and she is a sure hitter just like her mom and brother. :-) Maybe I like softball so much because it was the only sport I was actually ever kind of good in. :-) I wanted to be good in sports, really I did.....just wasn't a huge priority...I guess. :-)

WE have the THREE little PIGS!

The kids both have their 4-H pigs and they are so cute. They are growing everyday. Why are little pigs so cute? T has one pig and E has two this year. This is her first year of actual 4-H and she loves it.

Since this is a completely random post...can I just add that I love working half days with my student and then subbing when I can. If you ever get the chance you should just work 1/2 days, it is GREAT! I am loving my "spring-time" schedule. Back to reality in June but I'll take this fun little work schedule while I can. :-)

Needless to say, life is good....busy as always. I look at our calendar and I wonder holy crap how can the summer be soooo busy. But we love it and we won't change a thing.

Already looking forward to going back "home" for the big Canada Celebrations on July 1st! Hm, craving a slurpee already. :-)

Here are some pics of the goings on around here.

Working T's cows.

E the head catch girl!

The Three Little PIGS

The crew giving shots and taggin'

E with the pigs!

Deep Thoughts....

2010-04-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I will graduate with my Masters in Education, an adventure I began about 2 years ago. At times it seems like that was a long time ago but at others it seems just like yesterday. Regardless, what a relief...I can't believe I actually made it through and will soon be a certified teacher in Montana. Let me just say how empowering that sounds! Oh the "power" of education! I always knew I wanted to get a Master's Degree, when I was finished with my BS degree I was just so relieved to be done and couldn't even think of school. Then we moved to DL, life happens, things change and new opportunities came my way. I absolutely love being at the school and knew after being there for a few months that education was where I wanted to spend the rest of my working days! :-)

Wow! One goal completed......what will I cross off my "bucket list" next?

Keep dreamin', hopin' and prayin'.......you just never know what opportunity will cross your path.

Never give up on your dreams!

BIG E and her play

2010-04-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago (I wonder why I am even blogging about this....seems like ancient history)! E was in a Missoula Childrens Theatre Play called King Arthur's Quest. She had a blast and just loves every minute of it! She was the Blue Squire and did a great job. Here are some pictures of her in her glory!

I remember the days of Good Ole' Raytown Playhouse Theatre, brings back many fond memories. I hope if she continues to enjoy theatre that she can be involved! It is fun watching her.

I'll finish this post with a good story. The other morning we were driving to school and she saw this METH billboard that said something about a Prostitute. So she asks me as we were driving by, "Mom, what is a prostitute". So I matter-of-factly told her, "it is someone that sells themselves for sex". She immediately pointed out all the cars that were in the parking lot at the GK Ranch. I had to laugh at how quickly she changed the subject!!! :-) Kids, they make me laugh everyday.

E the Blue Squire

The cast of Squires and Knights

E - in the role!

What's Happening Here........

2010-04-28T12:20:00.001-07:00

In the past few weeks we have busy as usual.

On April 16th, one of T's cows had twins! It was very exciting. Here is the short version...D got home around 3-3:30 in the afernoon and noticed that the cow was calving and he knew we had a very busy night/weekend ahead of us, so he decided just to pull that calf.....T and I got home about 4:30pm and so T went out to check on her and noticed she had another sack coming out. He called D and said I think she is having another calf...Dave was like NO way it is just her afterbirth. So T called Gramma B and asked her to come check it out. So B came out and checked, she thought it was afterbirth too. Meanwhile, I'm running across the valley to get his friend to come hang out with him, while I go do a Scentsy show and T calls to say she had another calf. He was there and saw the whole thing....he was so excited. She had a red bull calf and a black heifer calf. They are just so cute. Then about 5 days later on of his other cows had a black bull calf. I just love this time of year and seeing all the baby calves!

Here a few pictures of the babies.

Red Bull Calf and Black Heifer Calf

E with Bull Calf

E and D with the calves

The twin calves

Happy Easter and a trip to Canada!

2010-04-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes, I haven't blogged forever. It is NOT like nothing has happened, we have been busy with kids, work, sports, and well just living! But I just never could get into blogging!

This past weekend, we had a great trip back to Canada to see the family and spend Easter up there. It was a great time. All of my mom's grandkids were there and we even got professional pictures done of all of them. They are all growing up way too quickly and are so cute and handsome and pretty and stinky and definitely kids! But I love them none the less!

We had so much fun while we were there. The kids had an egg hunt, a pinata, had slurpee after slurpee and just got to play with one another!

D and I even got to go on a double date with my bestest cousin D & her husband R. It was so awesome, adult conversation, a nice restaurant .......pure enjoyment!

I think I ate everything in sight this weekend. My mom is a wonderful cook, make roast beef and ribs for us. My sister H, made homemade pizza, J&J brought heartattack bars and homemade chocolate cupcakes! YUMMMM. Plus all those mini eggs.......how could I resist. My grandma holt and her sisters always make/made hot cross buns. So we went over to cousin J's and had us a few. OM, they were delicious! Thanks COUSIN for sharing!!!

I have a few pics of the nieces and nephews. Aren't they just the cutest.

Love you!

All of the grandkids!

a & q

A & E

The vowels, I, E, A&A

A, Q, I & T

some of our favorite easter traditions have been going on egg hunts, and of course rolling easter eggs at the coulee's. Sadly this year was just way too cold and windy and we didn't brave the elements. NO egg rolling for this crew but the kids had a great time dying easter eggs. I think between Aunt H and Gramma B they dyed almost 100 eggs! Aunt H set-up an egg hunt...HOLY candy! And they got to whack at a pinata too.

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Since we spent the weekend in Canada, I made us our very own ham dinner last night. It was delicious. I made ham, funeral potatoes, rolls, corn and a green salad. I made creme pies to go along with the easter theme! Yum, yum, yum!

Hope you all had a a GREAT EASTER, I know I did.

Great food

GrEaT company

and a GREAT time

100th Post

2010-03-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

This is my 100th Post....why NOT celebrate with my latest accomplishment. I am now officially in the Half CLUB! What the HALF club you ask?

I ran my first Half Marathon this past weekend in Seeley Lake Montana. It is a race that is always ran on the last Saturday of February. If you are familiar with Montana at all, that could be very scary. BUT the weather was amazing, in fact it was unseasonably WARM! I ran in a running sweat shirt, under armour shirt and I was roasting. It was an amazing setting, the course is around Seeley Lake, it was beautiful. To summarize the day in one word...it was amazing!

I wanted to (one could say my goal) was to run the race in 2 hours....and I almost did it. I ran it in 2:09:07. I was so please with myself. I totally have the running bug and can't wait to run another one. If you ever have a desire to run one, I have the most amazing training schedule. I am not a runner and still don't consider myself a "runner". I'm just a 30-something mom, professional, wife and lady....that needs another hobby. :-) Once you have experienced the thrill of finishing a race whether it be 3k, 5k, 10k or Half------you just have the "bug".......it is some kind-a thrill. Maybe I'm an adrenaline junky that is just too chicken to jump out of planes or from high buildings. :-)

Can't think of anything better I would like to write about than becoming part of the Half club.......for the 100th post.
Enjoy and enjoy the pics.......remember I just 13.1 miles

Dave & Candice - post race

Brother & sister - Aerie & Stacey!

The Deer Lodge Crew (part of them, Teresa & Karen are missing)
Dave, Candice, Stacey and Aerie

Candice & Stacey (I love this lady)!

Another shot of us......superstar girls!

Karen & I = I am so proud of her!

Karen - just crossed the finish line!

Mrs. Miller

2010-02-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

For the past 6 weeks (approximately), I have been student teaching in a kindergarten classroom here in the D.L. It is fantastic and has been a wonderful experience so far. The children are wild and are a lively bunch most days but here are a few reasons why I LOVE teaching in Kindergarten.

They tell me on a regular basis how beautiful I am. I don't care if they are 5, or 6 or almost 7.....they think I am beautiful! :-)
When I tell them how smart they are and how great they are going to do in 1st grade, they turn to their neighbor and say...."I'm going to miss Kindergarten". I LOVE it!
I love being sneezed on, coughed on and bled on. I have seen more buggers, snot and blood than I have in a long time....and yes I DO have 2 children! That says alot!
I love how they listen and watch in anticipation as I read a story.....even what sometimes seems like the dumbest story ever! :-)
I sing all day long and they listen, maybe in wonder but I sing goofy songs all day long and they LISTEN! :-)
I get hugs all day long, even if I've just scolded them! Children are so forgiving, which is the way it should be......
But most of all I love seeing their faces as you compliment them on their work or as they work so hard on reading or writing.

Truly nothing beats teaching children, what a wonderful experience!

Updates

2010-02-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been about 2 weeks since I blogged last.
Life has been very busy lately.
Let's see a quick update:
E ended up having a nice birthday....we celebrated for about 2 weeks. How can you complain about that?
I have been student teaching since the beginning of January, can't believe how fast the time is flying by! I love it and am going to be sad when it is over but all good things must come to an end right? I'll be glad to get back to work and get paid for working. :-)
I am still training for my half-marathon. It is coming up quickly, the race is the end of the month...can't believe it! I'm ready, I really think I am. I am getting very excited.

This past weekend, T played in a bball tourney in Butte. It was great fun watching the boys, they did great. They won 2 games and lost 2 games. I can't wait to keep watching them through the next few years. We celebrated V-day on Saturday because D flew out to the Twin Cities on sunday. We ate bacon wrapped shrimp, hot garlic bread, wild/brown rice and veggies. It was delicious!
E is also playing basketball, her season ends this week and then she starts dance.
Needless to say, the kids keep us very busy!
Most days I feel like the Candy-Cab!
We enjoyed a long weekend yesterday and have 3 days of school/work this week and then another long weekend. I am so glad, I'm ready for another break.
I have been glued to the TV all weekend (when we were home) watching the Olympics. I think I'm addicted! But I figure I'll watch it while it is on...all the other things that need to get done will get done eventually...the Olympics is only on every 4 years.
I absolutely love the Olympics, I love watching the Americans and Canadians compete but when a Canadian compete and win.....I get the most excited. It is hard to overcome....the feeling of cheering for "home"!
I'll try to get some pics on here soon! I'm just glad I actually blogged, it is about time!

9 years OLD!

2010-01-31T18:27:00.000-08:00

E - summer 2009 going in a small jet plane!

Bakerella's got nothing on this girl!

E - Christmas Day, in all her NEW stuff. New coat, new snow pants, new chore boots, new gun from brother!

E - Christmas Eve jammies....and wet hair, must have just had a shower!

Me & E! Happy 9th Birthday "honey".

E turned 9 yesterday and to say the least it was a buzz-kill birthday. D got really sick with the flu on Friday night.....was up almost all night throwing up.....it was fun to listen to...NOT.
Saturday E was supposed to have a friend come over for the day and play. She got sick too. So NO friend, and Daddy was sick!

We started off the morning, with a nice breakfast, just the two of us. Waffles, it was her choice. then we went to my friends house. I ran with her and E hung out with her boys. It was a fun for her. Then Dave's dad and I went to help a friend move cows. D was going to go but since he was sick, I thought I better go help. E stayed home with Dave, D slept and I think E took a nap too! When I got home I quickly made her cake (an angel food cake), which we call sponge cake. Then we decided to run to Helena to watch a movie. We went to The Tooth Fair, it was great. I am very glad we did that. It helped her bummed out birthday NOT such a bummer. We went to the movie, went to Target, Walmart and for dinner too. I tried to make it as special as possible!

Well, E since this birthday was such a BUST, we'll just have to celebrate all week! We are planning to have a play-date with her friend, on ....Friday!
I have picks of her opening her gifts in the car on the way to Helena, I'll post them later in the week. I'm sure this is one birthday she will never forget.

Here are 9 things about you:
1. Your favorite colors are turquoise and brown
2. you love the make hats, so you got a hat loom for your birthday
3. you love volleyball and basketball
4. you are a math whiz and love school, mostly you love your teacher
5. when you grow up you want to be a teacher
6. you hate the dentist and have about four rotten teeth that need taken care of!
7. you love salmon and requested that for your birthday dinner
8. you love to dance
9. you do not like to read but I'm trying to help you see the goodness in it and all things.

Love you E! To the MOON, Stars and back again!

More pics pics pics

2010-01-29T23:29:00.001-08:00

Picture overload. but LONG overdue.

T - just being T. He is a happy young man!

T & his best buddy E. They got 1st and 2nd place in the 4-H Livestock Judging at the Magie in G.Falls last weekend. E got first and t got second. Way to go boys!

The trees were covered with frost, it looked so pretty....hard to capture that in a picture but T took the pic and I thought it was pretty cool!

Pictures - only pictures

2010-01-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

T on his 13th Birthday. New bridle and cash-o-la!

T's cake (Thanks Jami for the idea, oreo cake = Yum, YUM, YUMMY!)

T&E on his birthday!

Happy Birthday T! Wow, 13...already?

Wow, look at all that SMOKE! Call the fire department.

Birthdays, Student Teaching and Busy

2010-01-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

Wow, it seems like forever since I've blogged. We had a great birthday party for T. He got new cowboy boots, the new stylish square toed ones. They are SWEET!
This past weekend we went to Great Falls for the Magie. D has a booth for work and so we go on the weekend and hang out with him. This year T & his friend judged in the 4-H Livestock Judging competition and they did so great. T's friend won 1st and T got 2nd place. They were surprised how well they did and so were we. :-) It was a their first one and they did great, they are motivated to keep going.
It was a fun weekend in G.Falls. Emmy and I did some shopping, toodled around the mall and Target. It was snowing so badly, I didn't dare go anywhere else, I was afraid I might get stuck!

I started student teaching this past week and it is going great. I love Kinders and my mentor teacher is GREAT. She is so full of energy, is a hoot and such a great teacher. This particular group of students is very difficult but she keeps them moving and always has plenty to keep them busy and out of trouble. Last week was observation week, this week I'm taking on one lesson, I'm going to teach Math this week. I taught my first lesson today, we counted dimes and practiced counting my 10's....did I mention I love KINDERS! :-)

WE have been busy and we have another busy week ahead but who isn't busy these days. E turns 9 this weekend on the 30th. And again, I ask myself....where do the years go? It seems just like yesterday that D left for N. Dakota and I wasn't due for another 3 weeks. Woke up that Tuesday morning and my water broke......boy was that an experience. I thought I was peeing my pants!!!

Stay tuned for birthday pics and prize winning pics for the boys and their trophies.

Have a GREAT week.
Make it the time of your life.

Birthday Boy = 13 years old

2010-01-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

A few pics of T over the past year.

T and his Steer Reggie December 2009

T at Christmas helping set out cans for target practice with E's new bb gun.

T Christmas Morning - nice football cards!

Nice Christmas Jammies!

T - Hunting 2009

I cannot believe that my baby boy is 13 years old today! Happy Birthday Buddy, I am so lucky to have you and am so proud of you! It just seems like yesterday that I labored for almost 2 days to birth you! It was completely worth it.

I love you to the Moon, Stars and Back Again. T w/ Barbara Jean Summer 2009

T after he won Jr. Beef Showman w/ Barbara Jean Aug. 2009

T on the First day of School 2009

13 Things About you on your 13th Birthday
1. you are a perfectionist, except in your penmanship
2. you were top of your 7th grade class
3. you love to play Madden on the Wii and have discovered it is way funner to play in the hard mode instead of winning by 80 points
4. you love your animals and wish you had a big ranch
5. you are a wonderful big brother and demonstrated that a few weeks ago when E had 2 friends over that didn't get along and you took one of the friends, entertained her. You helped her deal with the 3's a crowd.
6. you love to play basketball in the house.
7. you would rather stay home
. you have a great sense of humor....far beyond your years really
9. you love to eat ice cream and popcorn before you go to bed
10. you love the Colts and Oklahoma Sooners
11. you want to be an Engineer
12. you love to laugh and have a great time
13. you are very frustrated that you do not weigh 100 lbs. I think you weigh around 80 lbs.

Have no fear, you will grow....you just have to be patient. I hope you had a great birthday and I hope you enjoy your teenage years. Love life and love the life you are living!

A New Adventure

2010-01-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

My last day for work (until May) was yesterday. It was kind of strange to clean out my desk, prepare a manual and train someone for my "job". I am so grateful and thankful that my company and Jami are so supportive of me and my goals to complete my teaching degree and complete my last step and student teach. My company is allowing me to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) and return to my job once I am finished student teaching in May. I would like to find a teaching job but I realize that in this area they are very far and few between. I hated, especially in this economy, to quite and job and be left with nothing once I was finished student teaching.
Wow, that seemed like alot of rambling on about my situation.

AnyHOW, I am so excited to student teach. I am going to student teach in a Kindergarten class and the teacher I am going to student teach with is just amazing. She has been a teacher for around 20 years. I am so lucky to be able to student teach with her and I am going to learn so much from her. I start on MOnday. I went in today for about 1/2 hour. I think I will go in tomorrow too for a little bit, so they can get used to me and visa versa.

Since I didn't have to work today, I spent a few hours with a friend and her new little baby. It was such a joy to just hang out, hold baby, cook a little soup, and just visit. What a wonderful way to spend part of your day. NOT to mention, JT is the cutest little baby...EVER!

Tomorrow is T's big 13th birthday. So I will be posting again tomorrow.....so help celebrate T's BIG b-day!
NOT only is it T's birthday tomorrow but my mom's and one of my school friends too. January 14th is a very special day for us.

Till tomorrow.
Live WELL

New Year and New Plans

2010-01-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I cannot believe that it is 2010.
Where did you think you would be in 2010?
What did you think you be doing in the year 2010?
Where did you think you would live in 2010?

In the year 2010....I will.......

turn 36

T will turn 13 (that means I will have a teenager in the house) YIKES!

E will turn 9

D will have his 20 year class reunion

I will run in my first HALF (thanks to Lindsay B for giving me inspiration)
I will graduate with my Masters of Education

That is all I can think of for know.......but I'm sure more will come in the days, weeks, months ...ahead!

This is my last week of work until May. I am going to student teaching beginning January 18th. I am so excited but so nervous all at the same time! I am going to student teach in a Kindergarten class, and the teacher is totally amazing. We are going to have so much FUN!
I will keep you all posted on my progress and all my new adventures of a Kindergarten teacher in training.

As you can see from the pics in the last post. We had an excellent Christmas/New Year/Holiday. We got a bunch of snow last night and now I am wishing it was Christmas Day! There is just something about having a WHITE Christmas. The kids are dying to go sledding and just play in the snow. It is a cold, crisp, bright sunny, snowy day today. I think it is about 5 degrees. BRRR, that is cold!

I'm blogging from work and don't have my pictures from my camera on my work computer, so I'll post more holiday pics later. Cuz really what is a blog without pics...kind of boring eh?!

Till the next time.
Love life and love the LIFE you are LIVING!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

Wow! We have had a very fun Christmas Vacation! We have spent most of the holiday entertaining but we love it. We had Dave's little sister here for a short visit, his brother and his girlfriend and some of her family.
Today we have Dave's cousin, her husband and 5 kids coming for New Year's Eve. We are planning to go to the Hot Springs in Fairmont, Montana. Then tonight we are going to Fondue. We love to fondue, it is a great way to entertain and it takes forever to eat!!! :-)

The kids (and all of us) we had a Great Christmas. The kids loved their gifts and entertaining too!
Here are a few pics of the Holiday.

Have a fun, happy and SAFE New Years.
Hope you are thinking of all the things you want to accomplish in the New Year and/or even in the New decade. Can't believe it is a new decade already, where did the 00's go?

Merry Christmas....Another Christmas Story

2009-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Old Tradition Based on Good Example

Most people are aware that the origin of Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas, but many aren't completely aware of who he was and what he represents.

Saint Nicholas was a very real person who was born as the only child to wealthy parents around 270 A.D. in what is now Turkey. Upon the death of his parents while he was yet relatively young, he inherited a rather large sum of money. It is said that he was already a religious boy and that soon after the death of his parents, he dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ.

He became very well known for his love of children and generosity to the poor. His method of giving was generally more in the form of throwing a bag of money into a window, or putting gold coins in the stockings of the needy as they hung out to dry.

There are many legends that go with the type of person St. Nicholas was. One of the better-documented accounts of his generosity tells of a family who was starving with no money for food much less money for a dowry so the father could marry off his three daughters. The father was considering sending at least the oldest out to earn money as a prostitute. When the young Nicholas heard of this, he went during the night to a window of the home and threw in a bag of gold coins. In the morning they found the gold; they now had money for food and a dowry as well. The daughter kept her honor.

Because there were two other sisters, the young Nicholas threw in two more bags of coins on two other occasions. By the third time, the father wanted to know whom the benefactor was and watched until finally he caught the lad after he threw the third bag of money. It is reported that Nicholas was very upset that someone knew of his acts of charity and made the father promise not to tell anyone who had helped his family.

Eventually he became the bishop of the church in Myra where he was known for more great acts of charity. One legend said that some children were captured by a group of pirates that threatened to take the children to be sold as slaves if some large amount of money was not given to them. This bishop is said to have gotten the money himself and given it to the pirates to save the children.

During this period of history, the Romans were still persecuting Christians with their infamous cruelties including throwing them to the lions, etc. Although the worst persecution of the Christians had just taken place about 250 A.D. under the reign of Decius Trajan, there had been relative peace in the later part of the century. But in 303 A.D., the last of the great Roman persecutions began. The Roman Emperor Diocletian was persuaded again to suppress the Christian religion. Those who would not give up following the Lord, Jesus Christ, and turn over their sacred books would be either killed or put in prison. Those who went to prison were cruelly tortured.

According to Elder B.H. Roberts in Outlines of Ecclesiastical History, page 128: "The constancy of all the Christians, no, not even that of all the their bishops and clergy, was equal to this trial, and many voluntarily surrendered the sacred writings in their possession to save themselves from punishment and death." During this period, charges were made up that allowed the government to throw all Bishops and ministers in prison. An edict authorized the officials to use severe torture to force these church leaders to make sacrifices to the pagan gods. The hope was that if the leaders could be defeated, and forced to give worship to other gods, their people would follow. Many great men suffered and died in defense of their faith in Christ. St. Nicholas was among these bishops.

This part of Saint Nicholas is not legend, it is part of history. While he lived in a world where apostasy from Christianity was all around him, he stood for what he believed. Saint Nicholas was one of the few who survived Diocletian's torture chambers. This is where he gained his title Saint; for those who did survive were called "saints" by the people in honor of their great devotion to Jesus Christ.

Saint Nicholas was freed when the new Emperor Constantine came to power. It is said that as he reentered Myra, the people flocked around him in his honor. He may have been beaten and tortured, but he was not broken. He went on to serve the people for many more years giving service and adding to the legends of his great goodness. To me this is a story of a man who did his best to serve his God and apply the principles taught by Jesus Christ. It is one that is worthy of being pasted down to our children.

How we went from stories of this ancient priest to our present day Santa Claus, is yet another entire story. However, I found it interesting to learn that many of these changes began in New York in 1822 just as the true gospel was about to be restored.

We had the good fortune of spending over seven years in Germany as a family. In this country, Saint Nicholas is still called by that name, not Santa Claus. He is a priest with a normal sized body who wears a plain robe, without fur, that is not necessarily red. He has no magical powers or magical reindeer and elves -- he rides a donkey that he must coax along. Our children attended German school for several years. In these schools they still tell the legends of this good man and his love and concern for children and the poor. Saint Nicholas day is December 6th, the day that the real Saint Nicholas died. On the night of the December 5th is when he leaves his presents and the children put their shoes by the door for him. Because this Saint Nicholas is more human, he doesn't come down the chimney nor can he put his finger to the side of his nose and go back up to the roof top. December 25th and 26th (they have two days for Christmas) is a time only for the celebration of the birth of Christ.

We have adopted many of these German customs. We tell our children about Saint Nicholas rather than Santa Claus and we celebrate his example on the 6th. I explain that it is the example and spirit of generosity that lives on. We try to give our children opportunities to play this secret role of giving to other families so that they too can feel of this spirit.

I believe that as Christians ourselves we should be promoting a Christian emphasis for the holiday. Statistics show that only 21% consider this a time to think about the birth of the Savior. For most people in America, Santa Claus is the only level celebrated. But even Santa Claus is a thread for these people back to Christianity. Perhaps we can spread the word of who this man was and help them understand that if the real Saint Nicholas were here to celebrate with us, he would tell us to look to the Son of God. I believe he would also be reminding us that we are celebrating a Holy Day and that this is the original meaning of the word Holiday.

As Christmas draws nearer I hope we can all keep the true Spirit of Christ in our celebrations. Merry Christmas to you ALL!

Charlie Brown

2009-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally got our tree up! After realizing time is running out and that we weren't getting anymore of it....no matter how much I wished. Reality set in and I went to the local hardware store and bought a Christmas. It is the Charlie Brown-"iest" tree you have EVER seen! But after a little bit of love it actually is pretty darn cute. I haven't taken a picture of it yet, so stay tuned for pics. Many to follow. :-)

It is really beginning to LOOK and feel alot like CHRISTmas!

I am so ready for Christmas Vacation, days off and just hanging out with the family. I hope we have lots of snow, so we can play outside.

Here is a Christmas Story for you today:

True Christmas Spirit

Author Unknown

It was only four days before Christmas. The spirit of the season hadn't yet caught up with me, even though cars packed the parking lot of our local discount store. Inside the store, it was worse. Shopping carts and last minute shoppers jammed the aisles. Why did I come today? I wondered. My feet ached almost as much as my head.

My list contained names of several people who claimed they wanted nothing but I knew their feelings would be hurt if I didn't buy them anything. Buying for someone who had everything and deploring the high cost of items, I considered gift-buying anything but fun. Hurriedly, I filled my shopping cart with last minute items and proceeded to the long checkout lines.

I picked the shortest line but it looked as if it would mean at least a 20 minute wait. In front of me were two small children - a boy of about 5 and a younger girl. The boy wore a ragged coat. Enormously large, tattered tennis shoes jutted far out in front of his much too short jeans. He clutched several crumpled dollar bills in his grimy hands. The girl's clothing resembled her brother's. Her head was a matted mass of curly hair. Reminders of an evening meal showed on her small face. She carried a beautiful pair of shiny, gold house slippers.

As the Christmas music sounded in the store's stereo system, the girl hummed along, off-key
but happily. When we finally approached the checkout register, the girl carefully placed the shoes on the counter. She treated them as though they were a treasure. The clerk rang up the bill. "That will be $6.09," she said. The boy laid his crumpled dollars atop the stand while he searched his pockets. He finally came up with $3.12. "I guess we will have to put them back, " he bravely said. "We will come back some other time, maybe tomorrow." With that statement, a soft sob broke from the little girl. "But Jesus would have loved these shoes, " she cried. "Well, we'll go home and work some more.

Don't cry. We'll come back," he said. Quickly I handed $3.00 to the cashier. These children had waited in line for a long time. And, after all, it was Christmas. Suddenly a pair of arms came
around me and a small voice said, "Thank you, lady." "What did you mean when you said Jesus would like the shoes?" I asked. The boy answered, "Our mommy is sick and going to heaven. Daddy said she might go before Christmas to be with Jesus." The girl spoke, "My Sunday school teacher said the streets in heaven are shiny gold, just like these shoes. Won't mommy be beautiful walking on those streets to match these shoes?" My eyes flooded as I looked into her tear streaked face. "Yes" I answered, "I am sure she will."

Silently I thanked God for using these children to remind me of the true spirit of giving.

Long Live Cowboys

2009-12-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Dave and I, along with another couple friend went to Vegas. We left very early Thursday morning and got to Vegas around noon! Perfect time to hit Vegas! Nothing happens in Vegas much before evening time. That city never sleeps, it is so true.

Thursday we tooddled around the BIG city. I had my first Hooters restaurant experience, actually, gotta admit the food wasn't that bad. The waitresses were awful but the food.....not too bad!

Then we went out the South Pointe and checked all that out.

Friday we took in Cowboy Christmas at Vegas Convention Center......needless to say it was awesome and we got some great autographs. Went to Flint's Outside the Barrel show. It was a riot! Bill Engvall even showed up. I was star-struck. Need I say more?
Friday night rodeo and then Downtown Vegas.

Saturday we took in Cowboy Marketplace, more Cowboy Celebrities and shopping. I made some sweet purchases on Saturday (I am spoiled)! Saturday night rodeo and then it was the stripe and our last night there!

The weekend went way too fast....I wasn't ready to go home.
Home greeted us with freezing temps oh and that thing called REALITY.

Vegas was great and I hope we can do it again, in about 5 years. Dave and I went about 5 years ago to the NFR and had such a blast I was glad we had the opportunity to go again.

Needless to say, I am completely star-struck by all the Cowboy Celebrities that we got to meet, greet and have autograph pictures for our children! :-)

Here are a few pics from the weekend.
Enjoy! I know I will.

Vegas BaBy!

2009-12-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

We are going to Las Vegas tomorrow morning, flight leaves at 7:30am......yikes! That is going to be an early morning. But it will be well worth it right?

Earlier this fall our friends won the bid on some tickets to the NFR and they invited us to go along! How could we pass that up? We really have NO business going to Vegas right know but sometimes you just gotta Do IT!!!

It will be a fun little trip, will be fast but weekend get-aways are always worth it!

I'll post pictures of our trip when we return.

Until then, stay warm.
And enjoy the beginnings of your holidays season!
Just in case you were wondering 23 days until Christmas.....................YIKES!

Some Random Pics I found on google images

first day.....

2009-11-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

64 oz. of water = check
5 fruits and/or veggies = check
multivitamin = check
35 mins of exercise = check
not eating after 8pm = check
NO sweets = check (yah! for me)

Today I started a new fitness challenge. It is called Fit For February.
Everyday you get points for drinking water, eating fruits, veggies, not eating after 8pm, exercising 1/2 hour/day (at least), having a multi-vitamin, and no sweets. You get 1 free day (for sweets and no exercise)....yahoo! :-0

So far today, I've gotten all the points possible. I'm hoping to lose inches from my hips and waist. I would love to lose a few lbs too....but I'm more concerned about inches at this point!

Wish me luck and here's to being Fit for February!

If I was at all brave...I would take a picture of my stomach.....but I'm not but it's NoT at toned as I would like it, so we'll just leave it at that! :-)

I can hardly.......

2009-11-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

Contain myself, I am so excited. For what?

Two-day work week!

Thanksgiving on Thursday

No School/Work, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday!

I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!

I want to start decorating for Christmas right now! But I keep telling myself I should wait until after Thanksgiving. I might just have to start busting out a few decorations on Wednesday!

And to top off all of my excitement my mom and max are coming for a visit this week! Yahoo, should be a great week......I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!

A few things I'm lovin' for the holidays!

Marth Stewart Christmas - I wish my front door looked like this! I love it!

Marth Stewart Christmas Tree - I wish my tree looked like this! I love this!

Just some fun image in found on Google - Marth Stewart Christmas. I love it!

Here is a Christmas Poem I found:
It's Christmas Time Again
(by Bob Lazzar-Atwood)

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don't let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It's a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Tag - your it!

2009-11-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

So, I have been having the blogging blah's this week.......and wouldn't you know it, I read sweet little Lindsay's blog today and she has been having the blogging blah's!
She got the idea from another blog, so I'm stealing it (well really she tagged those that read it)...so really I'm not stealing it right? And really who cares about creativity at this point.

The Tag:

Your Hair:
Really needs a trim, i got it trimmed (on my birthday last month) and i'm loving it and am even thinking about going a little shorter on the do...next time. I even called for an appointment and am getting a trim the end of the month. I think I think about my hair alot....is that vain or what? I like being so blonde these days, helps cover up my grey....can you believe I'm grey! I am WAY too young for that!!!

Where is your cell phone:
right beside me on my desk at school/work.

Your mother:

A wonderful woman! Great, Grande, Wonderful...the older I get and the more miles apart...the more I miss her and want her to live near. But I am so glad she is relatively close, 5 hours....that's NOT that far...right? She taught me many things growing up.....I'm thankful that she taught me to be such a hard worker, to be honest, and the importance of eduation....she supported us (all by herself) for many many years! I love that she sews and makes homemade things....and gives them to me and my kids. It truly is such a treat...my kids love it!

Your father:
I miss him everyday.

Your favorite food:
I love food but my favorite (I think) is Italian!

Your dream from last night:
I dream everynight (I know I do) and lately I have been having some really doosies but I don't remember my dream from last night.

Your favorite drink:
I love drinks......the more the merrier.. I always have a water bottle with me! I love GBread Latte's from Starbucks. I bought some mint hotchocolate for the house....so tasty. I love a good hot drink in the morning and sometimes before I go to bed, just depends. I am total pop drinker, I sometimes wish I wasn't but I do love a good diet pop! I love me daquiri's....especially strawberry ones!

Your dream/goal:
I have many dreams/goals. I want my kids to grow-up and be happy successful adults that love who they are, where the came from and what the future has to hold for them. I dream of someday having my own classroom, decorating it in Mary Engelbreit decorations! I dream of someday having a big ranch...so that Dave, his dad and Tenny can all ranch together! I dream of being a dancer (a ballerina), I dream of playing the violin!
Right now, I just dream of getting done with my student teaching, surviving it all, and getting a real teaching job!

What room are you in:
Room 17 at Granville Stuart Elementary.

What is your hobby:
I have many hobbies. I am becoming a runner, I like to garden, I love to travel (is that a hobby), I like to read, and I love to ride horses.

What is your fear:
Right now my fear is making it through student teaching and not working for 5 months! Fears evolve, right?

Where were you last night:
E's volleyball game and home.

Something you are not:
Tall, crafty, creative or naturally smart. (I really have to work on getting good grades.....smarts don't come natural for this girl).
Muffins:
I love me a good blueberry bran muffin! YUM YUM YUM!

Where did you grow up:
Good ole' Ray-town Alberta Canada.......is there anywhere else?

The last thing you did:
I'm at work....so should I say work. I'm doing many things right know, besides blogging. Ate lunch, saw some kids, working (you know) and making labels....too!

What are you wearing:
Brown cords, orange turtle neck sweater, and a brown vest.

Your TV:
DVR is all I have to say!!! I watch Biggest Loser (religiously), Grey's Anatomy....what else is there? Sunday Football....and anything on TLC!

Your pet:
Horses, dog, cat and few cows! I love having PETS!

Your friends:
I love my friends...it is funny how you go through life and each stage of life brings you new friends. I have Dusty and Becky Jo whom will be my dearest friends for life! I have friends from my school days that I adore and thanks to facebook and blogging have reconnected with...it is so fun, I love it! I have new friends from D.L. that I love and can't imagine life without. My bestest friend Cassi has been a rock for me lately. Love ya girl!

Your life:
I have to say it is pretty darn good right know. I love life and I especially love mine. My kids are healthy and happy. Dave and I are in a good place.....we just kind of live life day by day. We have a crazy/busy life but I wouldn't have it any other way. WE are involved, probably, in way too many things from church, to 4-H to jobs to other committees but that is just who we are.....active and involved!

Your mood:
Anxious and pretty happy today....T has a game and i get to leave early today! I'll throw a little content in there too!

Missing someone:
Always! I miss my dad everyday, I miss being right down the street from my family and old-time friends!

Vehicle:
My old reliable white dodge intrepid...bit the dust a while back and we aren't going to get it fixed....not right know....anyways. So I'm drivin' the sweet sweet dodge pick-up! What can I complain about! I'm a truck kind-a girl. :-)

Your favorite store:
I love stores and I love to shop! I love Target right know!

Your favorite color:
I love RED and GREEN!

When's the last time you laughed:
I would have to think I haven't laughed yet today, I try to laugh everyday! E had a volleyball game last night, I'm sure I laughed at that! My kids always make me laugh, we all got into a big wrestling match last night...T, E & Me.....we laughed and laughed and laughed and then it was bed-time! Oh sweet bed-time!

Your best friend:
Cassi and my wonderful husband!

NOT the best pic, the wind was blowing and I look FAT!

One place you go over and over:
The bathroom, work, the store, the gym, church......many places.....my life is a never ending cycle of running here and there!

One person who e-mails your regularly:
Cassi and Dave probably send me the most messages.

Favorite place to eat:
I love to eat out! Ferraro's in Bozeman

Where do you want to be in six years:
In six years I will be 41....T will be in college, E will be in 9th grade. I wanna be right where I am at......with a few minor changes. Hopefully I'll have a full-time teaching job, we'll be out of debt and just livin' the 40 something life!

TAG You're IT!

Thanks Lindsay, this was so much fun. (I copied and put pics in too....so much funner with pics).
I loved doing it. Come on, if you read it...you have to do it too!

W.F.D....

2009-11-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

You might be asking....WFD? It stands for Whats For Dinner! Tennyson said to me yesterday afternoon, "WFD Mom?" I was like what?! "Mom, is stands for, Whats for dinner?"
Kids are so funny!

I am dedicating this post to being a mom and to the kids we mother!

One of my bestest friends from grade school/high school is 3 months pregnant. This might not seem like that big of news but they have been trying to get pregnant for 5 YEARS! I am so excited for her and her husband! This is a life lesson, in hope! Hope is never wasted. She is so excited and I am so excited for her. Can you imagine waiting and hoping for 5 years....wondering if it will ever come to be! I can't, I'm sure I would have given up long ago! But maybe that is easy for me to say because I have two healthy, happy children.

You've gotta have hope. Without hope life is meaningless. Without hope life is meaning less and less. ~Author Unknown

So here it is for all you mothers - enjoy your children, you are lucky to have them. Some people wait years to get pregnant and I'm sure the 9 month wait is pure agony. I always figured God gave us 9 months to prepare ourselves but maybe that was just me that needed the 9 months to prepare emotionally and physically for motherhood.

I love being a mom and am so excited for my friend to enter the world of motherhood. I think I love motherhood so much, especially right now, because my children are 12 and 8. They don't require diaper changes, they can feed and clothe themselves, they can talk (and back-talk). I have loved all of the stages along the way but if any of you have children that are as old as mine are.....this is just simply a fun age. They are getting to be so independent and I do long for the days when I could cuddle, rock them to sleep and hold them without them wanting to escape my every move but I do still get my hugs and kisses!

Hugs your kids today and be thankful for parenthood and children!

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

Canada Trip, Family Photo's and my smartest boy!

2009-11-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, while we were in Canada I had my cousins new little wife take some family pictures. It has been a few years since we had actual family pictures taken! It was cold and windy but we managed to get a few good shots. It was so fun and this kids (and Dave) were such good sports. We even managed to trespass into the Old Sugar Factory, which I think we got some of the most amazing shots........I decided I love shade....when it is photo time. :-)
I have attached some of the photo's from our shoot with Kinsey T. Photograph. She did an amazing job and I can't wait to get them done again. I already have ideas for next time!

On another note, can I just talk about my amazing son T for just a moment. I am so proud of him, he was #1 in the 7th Grade Honor Roll. #1...smartest kid (for 1st quarter) in 7th GRADE! Needless to say the newspaper announcement (the honor roll is announced in the local paper) has been cut out and will be kept for memorabilia.

The tree (or something like that)

My little baby doll!

T - what can brown do for you?

Here are pictures from our trip to Canada - I didn't take alot but did get some of Judy & Lee coming out of the temple and some of the sisters and I at the family dinner. Finally some updated pics of the sissies! We had such a fun time in Canada, my long-time childhood friend moved back to our hometown and we stayed with them (in their beautiful) new home on Friday night. It was a quick sleepover but so fun to visit with them and spend a little bit of time with them! D & R - I'm SSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad you live in Ray-town! Now we will see you everytime we visit the family!
While we were in Canada my mom had a Scentsy party.......my first party, although I have been buying on-line from Jana C. for the past year. It was GREAT to finally go to a party and I'm pretty sure I want to start selling this stuff. It was selling like hot-cakes! (do people still say that?)

On our trip to Canada we enjoyed fun visits with family and friends, chinese food, and of course coke slurpees!
Here are a few pics from our recent trip up North.

L&J - just coming out of the temple. Look at her dress!

L&J - looking so cute (but a little windy)

Look at that DRESS! Gorg-e-ous!

The Holt Sister (J, C & H)

Another shot of the sissies plus one aunt- Kathleen!

AND YES, they are all wearing REALLY high heels!

Remembrance Day

2009-11-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

In Flanders Field

By: Lieutenant Colonel
John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
that mark our place; and in the sky
The Larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead. short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
In Flanders field

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The Torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
we shall not sleep, though poppies grow
in Flanders fields.

Growing up in Canada, Remembrance Day was always a big deal. It is actually a holiday up there and the kids have NO school. Get a clue MONTANA! I would love a day off today.....what better way to remember those that have served our countries then a now than a day off. On a serious note, I am so thankful to live in a country that allows me the freedoms to travel from country to country, to worship what I want to worship, to wear what I want to wear, drive what I want to drive, buy groceries and believe what I want to believe. I am so thankful for the soldiers that have fought and are fighting right know for our freedom.

God Bless the USA and GOD Love the Queen and Canada!

So much on my mind.......

2009-11-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

I have so much on my mind lately, alot of controversy going on with Dave and the SD#1 school board. I would love to write more on my thoughts and feelings...but realizing this is an open blog, I will reserve my judgement and keep my thoughts to myself! This is a time, when I seriously consider going PRIVATE! But I'm NOT going to...too much of a hassle really. I just want to say this, Dave is amazing and in the midst of controversy he has remained so positive, so professional....far more so than others in the middle of all of this too! He just continues to amaze me. Really and truly he is one of my HERO's. I just love him more and more everyday. I know this has been tough on him and I just keep telling him to fight the big fight and that it is worth it. I just hope that while others are busy talking and he remains quiet, professional and optimistic that will be remembered far more than those that feel compelled to TALK!
Enough of that.

I have had some anger problems for quite sometime......I would just rather say, I'm passionate! :-) But that is one of the reasons that I like to exercise so much. It gives me an outlet for my emotions (because I would rather call it emotion than "anger"). :-)
Well, tonight I had the BEST run. I just ran all over town while the kids were at youth group at church tonight. However, tonight was just not the same ole' run........I was jogging along when all of a sudden I see 3 deer jump right out in front of me! Scared the CRAP out of me!!! You just never think that you are going to literally run right into some DEER! I literally "kind of yelped" when I saw them. I had to laugh at myself.

And really if you can't laugh at yourself, even in the midst of controversy all around you.....what can you laugh AT? :-)

On Monday E had her very first volleyball game. They did so great, it was so fun to watch them. But when isn't it fun to watch your kids participate in activities? here are a few pics that I snapped at the inaugaral event!

E and a friend - pre-game.

E - moving spots

E - getting ready for a bump

E = hittin' the ball

We are heading the GREAT White North tomorrow night and I am sooo excited. It is always fun to head home. Some of my favorite things about going home. Going to the temple, getting slurpees, hanging with the family and seeing old school time friends. Plus with everything going on, it is just NICE to get away! One of the things we are going to do while we are home, one of my cousins wife is a photographer...so I am getting some updated family pictures. I cannot wait, I'm so excited. I hope the weather is bright and sunny! :-)

I posted this quote on facebook and added it to my blog...favorite quote but I have to end this blog with it. It is so true.
Here's to life, living and families!

Life may change us, but we start and end with family. (Dove PROMISES Message)

November What? And weekend recap

2009-11-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

We had a great Weekend! Bozeman-town was f-u-n! The bobcats won! We got to see some ole friends and really had a great time.
Our old neighbors from across the street at the Halloween Party at their house. Holy! The house was packed!!!
Here are a few pictures of the weekend.

D at the Bobcat game

E - look at that hat!

The tunnel!

T&T - Post game!

Halloween 2009
E - Glamour Witch
T&T - Football Players (go figure)

E - looking Glamourous!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

I am one of those people that really love Halloween! I like it because you get to dress up, you get candy, you get to decorate, you get to make caramel popcorn balls and licorice popcorn balls!
Just a few of my favorite things about Halloween.

Photos from google images - from Martha Stewart

My mom every year would make popcorn balls and I really try to carry on this tradition. Gma Holt used to make popcorn balls too, her recipe is the ONE I like to use the best, it is simple and easy. I think it only calls for like four ingredients. I don't have the recipe with me because I'm at work/school but I will post it later tonight.

This weekend we are going to Bozeman, staying over night in a hotel and then going to the Cats game on Saturday. I'm so excited. The kids and I look forward to weekends away soo much! Mostly because we are always stuck at home, while D is on the road. He would prefer more time at home but it is such a treat for all of us to stay in a hotel!

Do you always dress up? I haven't the past few years but maybe I might dress up tomorrow for school/work...I haven't decided yet.
E is going to a Glamor Witch...pretty cute!
T is getting a little older and doesn't LOVE dressing up but I think him and his friend are going to be football players and wear their Cat Jersey's....sounds good to me!

I hope to be able to control myself with the candy and only enjoy a few caramel popcorn balls! Yum!!!!
Here are a few pictures from halloween past.

E - Halloween 2008

T - Halloween 2008

Isn't this costume so cute! Maybe I'll dress-up like a cowboy tomorrow! Bring my horse and all (stick horse that is). :-)

Have a Happy Halloween! Let your inner-child come out and have fun!

Wonderful Weekend - at home

2009-10-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

I had the best weekend. It started off on Friday I had a PChef party for my friend/coworker Jami. The party was huge! We had about 18 people there, my house isn't small but that many ladies in my "living room" it looked small. Jami is just beginning her pchef career and I wanted to get her started with a bang. The theme of the party was "Kick-off"...she had football plates/napkins and a little chip/dip holder in the shape of a football, it was really cute. She got some great leads and about 4 more parties from it. Yahoo and BIG shout out to all my ladies that came! Thanks!!!

Then Saturday I rose nice and early (8:30am - ha ha, I love sleeping in on Saturdays) and started making cookies for the local Fall Festival of Food. It was a fundraiser for the local PAWHS and Elks. I entered in my Gma Helen's Gingersnaps and they won 2nd prize! yahoo!!! I love those cookies. I also entered in chocolate chip cookies, taco soup and homemade cornbread but they didn't win anything. After the judging we went back up for the taste testing ....HOLY there was tons of food to taste, it was great fun.

Sunday was a day of rest, we napped, ate and got in a little backyard football game too. I think T and I lost but Dave is a total cheater and we should have won.

Here's to relaxing weekends!
Have a great week.

Here are a few pictures I didn't post of our Fun Time at Pumpkin Sunday at GKohrs Ranch.

E, T & T - at the GK Ranch

T in the Stall

E - making a crafty leaf

T - looking enthusiastic AS EVER! He loved it there. :-) Ok, he only like certain aspects of Pumpkin Sunday!

T - on the Stilts (this was a highlight)

T - Look at him GO!

Great link

2009-10-20T09:22:00.001-07:00

I found this link when I was searching for the perfect Hawaiian Haystack recipe. Well, NOT only did I find the perfect recipe for dinner but I also found this fantastic website. I hope you enjoy it too. (Click on Hawaiian Haystacks or this for the link). This link has so many great ideas for food storage, preparing meals for your family for a month and just great meal ideas in general. Enjoy!

Hawaiian Haystacks

Chicken Gravy:

1lb, 1 Pint with broth, or 2 Cups Chopped Chicken

2-10.75oz Cans Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Cup Sour Cream

2 Cups Milk

Dash of Garlic Powder if desired

Dash of Pepper if desired

If using uncooked chicken, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream and spices. Cook until chicken is tender and the sauce screams, "Irresistable" when you open the lid for a peek. If you are using canned chicken it is even more simple; toss it all in a pot and heat it until it is bubbly good.Cook enough rice for your family.

When cooking white rice, remember the 1+2=3 rule. One cup of rice plus two cups of water equals three cups of rice. I plan on 1-1 1/2 cups of cooked rice for each family member.

While the rice is cooking, shred the cheese and set out your choice of toppings smorgasbord style. When the rice is done allow each family member to build their own Haystack. Rice, gravy, and then toppings...lots of toppings!

Shredded Cheese

Pineapple

Mandarin Oranges

Olives

Celery

Onions

Chopped Tomatoes

Peas

Nuts

Chow Mein Noodles

Shredded Coconut

Sunflower Seeds

Raisins

DON'T BE A CHICKEN, PILE IT ON!

Recipe courtesy of Kneafulthingsnow

Pumpkins or Punkins

2009-10-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Sunday @ Grant Kohr's Ranch
October 2009

Last week for FHE the kids and I carved their pumpkins! It was so much fun. I haven't done it with the kids for the past couple years, have been busy doing school work etc. and so I just kind have left it up to Dave to do those sort of activities. But this year D was busy with school board issues and so I took the initiative and kept up busy all night with pumpkin carving!

Can you guess what T's is?

E let me help her, cuz between the two of us..I figured I could handle the "knife" better than her but that isn't say much!

Isn't her face priceless?! She is such a riot!!!

Yesterday we went to Pumpkin Sunday at the Grant Kohr's Ranch in D.L. It was GREAT fun. There were so many people there. We went on a hay/straw ride, E made a candle and another leaf crafty project...the kids played games and checked out some of the sights of the ranch. T and D worked on the roping skills (made skills, at that) on the roping dummies. T is getting to that age where doing "little" kid things are NOT that cool. aRGh, I'm entering the stage of teenagehood!

E - post Hayride

E - making a candle

T - on the hayride, doesn't he look like he is having a GRAND time?! :-)

I am loving this fall weather we are having now. Today is rainy and dreary, which makes me want to be at home doing.....stuff around the house!

How lucky Am I?.............and Thankful

2009-10-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving and here I sit at work! At least the school could have celebrated Columbus Day but yet again, I have to work.

If I were boss of the world, which I dream about often, I would declare no working on your Birthday or any holidays! :-)

Speaking of Birthdays, I celebrated my 35th birthday on Friday. I love birthday, I love having birthday's on Friday too....it was a great day. My co-workers spoiled me. Jami had a bouquet of flowers and diet coke waiting for me on my desk, first thing friday morning! How lucky am I?
My friend Dana gave me a bag full of goodies, homemade knitted dishrags, red dishtowels (cuz she knows my love for red), and a red metal water bottle! Again, HOW lucky am I?
My friend Cassi brought me HOMEMADE pumpkin chocolate chip cookies YUM!
Emmy made me a a bracelet and Tenny made me a homemade shelf to put some candles on! I love it, it very rustic looking..I will take pictures of it....again HOW lucky am I?

Here is a picture of my birthday flowers.
HOW lucky am I?
Aren't they beautiful!

Friday was my birthday - I cannot believe that I am 35.....like numbers really don't mean that much to me...I firmly believe it is only how you feel...but come on people.....35! Next year will be another story.....I will be closer to40! I'm OK, with being 35 cuz I'm still really in my 30's and closer to 30...right? I found my drivers license from just after I had Tennyson and I realized I have aged! I do not look 22 anymore.....now that makes me sad. But really I act like I'm 22 right? :-)

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving and I would love to be home....hanging out with my family....but here I sit at work! I still like to celebrate Canadian Holidays even though I'm not there. I made a real turkey dinner last night and it was delicious. We had turkey breast, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing (or dressing as we call it in Canada), gravy, pickles, and pumpkin pie. I even took a picture of my pumpkin pie. Thanks to mom for making the crust while she was here last week...I froze it and it came in really handy! NOBODIES crust even comes close to my moms!

Here is my homemade pumpkin pie....(thanks Mom for the crust). It was delicious!

In honor of Thanksgiving
I am Thankful for
~my family (all of them)
~ health
~ my friends
~my job
~food
~freedom
~Tennyson
~Emmy
~Dave (and his passion to do what is right...always).
I love my family and am so thankful that we are happy and healthy.

It truly feels like thanksgiving (American that is)....it is sooooooooooooooo cold. It was 3 degrees/-16 celcius this morning. That is too dang cold for the beginning/middle of October!
Whereever you are, whatever you do.....enjoy the day and HOW lucky are you?

Footyfootball star

2009-10-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Tennyson has enjoyed his first year of Jr. High football this year...his last game is tomorrow and he reminded me his last practice is tonight. The season was way too short but we enjoyed it none the less!
Here are some pics of the BIG HitMan (like we call 'em).
What he lacks in size, he makes up in heart.

He is #30

Lining up on defense!

In Dillon

In Deer Lodge

Final score - D.L. 42 - Butte 6

From summmer.........to......winter!

2009-10-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought summer was way too short.....September hit us with record high temperatures and we enjoyed 70's and 80 degree weather all month! What a treat! But now it seems we have gone right from summer to winter. I do love summer however it does seems short in Montana but fall completely seemed to pass us by this year!

Fall if you are still out there........crawl your way out......don't run and hide......I promise to come find you! I won't give up hope if you don't!
I'm still looking forward to cool crisp morning and fresh fall afternoons.....NOT frost morning and night. AND Old Man Winter, if you are listening, when the time is right...come back for a visit...just NOT now!

On a "lighter note". :-) I took these pictures this morning, how beautiful is this?
I do love where I live. I just love the snow line on the Mount Powell, I had to capture it. I'm not a photographer and do not claim to be but enjoy the scenery and love Deer Lodge, MT & Mt. Powell.

Mt. Powell, October 2009

Look at that snow line

My attempt at some scenery pictures. I figure if you can't be here to enjoy, I better share!

State of.........

2009-09-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Emergency
Montana
Play
Mind
......those were a few "State of" that I could think of......got anymore?

I can't believe that it is the end of September and most of the STATE is in a State of Emergency. There are fires from one of the end state to the other! I guess this is when we not only pray for rain but SNOW! I hate to say that and hope the white stuff only stays in the mountains.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the month of September and the above normal temperatures. I don't remember very many days that were below 70's/80's. One of my favorite things about this unseasonably warm weather is getting to wear capri pants to work everyday in the month of September. I love my capri's! I could really get used to this! But I know all to soon it will be over and winter will be here. Sometimes I feel like summer is way too short but it seems like fall completely passes us by! It makes me sad because I love fall. Fall is my birthday season, fall is the changing of colors and the preparation for the long cold winter. Fall is celebrating the harvest and the smell of pumpkin pies, homemade cookies and apple cider. I hate to see fall end ....especially in a State of Emergency.

While I was thinking of "State of".....I came across this poem...I do not know the author. I have heard this poem many times and thought I would share it with you. I think this is one of my favorites. NO matter what "State" you are in, I hope you are the one that thinks you can!

It's All in a State of Mind

Anonymous

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you won't.
If you like to win, but don't think you can,
It's almost a cinch that you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in a state of mind.

For many a game is lost
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work is begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow;
Think small and you'll fall behind;
Think that you can and you will;
It's all in a state of mind.

If you think you're out-classed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battle don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fellow who thinks he can!

Fun Times

2009-09-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday E and I woke up really early and headed to Pburg for a benefit run. One of Dave's college friends little girls was diagnosed with a brain tumor this past year and the community of Pburg held a fundraiser. There was a team roping and a fun run too. We picked up my friend Dana and headed for the hills.....to run, run, run. The run totally kicked our butt! I probably haven't been running as much as I should have and certainly I have not been running as many hills as I should have. It was a tough run....5 miles around a mountain...that is used to pasture cows on. I finished the race in about 46 minutes......I had to walk some of it....but I finished it...that is all that mattered to me. :-)
E and my other friends little girl ran the 1 mile kids race. I was so proud of them.
I love running in these benefit races. It not only gives me something to train toward and look forward too! It reminds me how lucky I am to be so healthy and have such healthy kids! Wow, am I the luckiest girl in the world or what?
I have no pictures of the race but I think I have some of T's first footy football game. What a stud! He has another game on Thursday too. I'm so excited, it is fun to watch him play.
If you have healthy kids - be thankful.

Have a GREAT week.
Have the time of your LIFE.
Candice

This and That!

2009-09-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

I meant to write a blog yesterday...but started and then got side-tracked. OH man, have you ever had those days where you are just full of anxiety. I don't know if it that we started off the morning in a rush and I yelled at the kids and E came to school crying...gosh I hate those mornings. Then I sit here thinking, I have ruined the day! But the plus side is, I'm at the school and I can go check on them! :-) Have I mentioned lately that I love working at the school and being where my kids are. Anywho, so I was feeling really anxious yesterday but couldn't quite put my finger on it. T had his first Jr. High Football game yesterday, was I anxious and nervous for him? OK, mothers is this normal?
So on that, T did have his first football game yesterday and he did SO good. He only played defense and he was a hittin' machine! He is NOT the biggest guy on the team but I think all those years of wrestling really are paying off, he is one of the best tacklers. I'm so proud of him!

NOW that we are back in school and back into sports...it seems like there is never enough time in the evenings to get everything done. E had soccer the other night and then a primary activity. Plus she still had homework to get done! ARGH. Today (Friday) she has spelling test, a map test on the continents and the oceans...holy crap and she is only in 3rd grade. I guess it is safe to say we are back into the FULL swing of things.

Other things that fill my anxiety level:
~running this weekend in a 5 miler....yikes!
~talk in Church on Sunday!

Thank goodness Dave and T will be gone tonight, so I can work on my talk! I think E and I will decorate the house with our fall decorations too. I love to put up new stuff for the new seasons. Plus I'm loving the FALL /summer like weather. It has been 80 degrees all week. I LOVE it!

I will post pics later on of Ts 1st jr. high football game.
I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy this weather!

I'm hoping to run well, in around 50 minutes and for nothing but rest on Sunday...naps and football!

Have the ....time of your life!
Candice

Fall is here!

2009-09-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

I guess Fall is really here. Yesterday we took down the pool, it was a sad moment. This morning we had frost! Dave told me yesterday we had frost but I wasn't up that early to know! :-) But today, I was up and at'em....and saw the FROST.
I love summer and will definitely miss it but I'm an optimistic person! This is what I love about fall.
~Changing colors of leaves and trees
~Fall football games
~Cool crisp mornings
~The smell of apples
~The smell of pumpkin
~The idea of baking again, because my house is cold.
~Homemade cookies
~With the change of seasons, I always think....what am I going to wear?

Today I'm wearing brown pants! Love 'em.
~I think that is another thing I love about fall, new colors....like brown, red, orange.....green?!

Happy Fall and I hope you enjoy your FALL Favorites.
Oh Mr. Weather, if you are listening...I am excited for fall but I would take a few more 80 or even 70 degree days! PLEASE?

school schmmoooollll!

2009-08-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

We start school tomorrow and I'm NOT ready to go back! I think the summer has been way too much fun, cuz I don't want it to end or is it that summer felt too DARN short? I know some moms are so excited for summer to end and for their kids to get back to school....NOT this mom!
I love summer and spending all day at home...with the kids or running here and here or taking little day trips to Missoula/Butte/Anaconda/Pburg/Helena!

I love summer and I love.......
roadtrips splash montana osprey games
late nights......
long days......
early daylight.......
late sunsets.........
starry nights
bonfires
smores
weany roasts
horseback rides
walkin' pigs walkin' cows Fairs and Fair Food
swimming in the pool
buttbombs on the tramp
green grass
pretty flowers
bbqing

JUST plain ole' SUMMER FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summer I love you, don't leave just because SCHOOL is starting, stick around and I'll enjoy you as long as I can!

Emmy & Tenny is the cows water trough

T & E at a Primary Activity - we got to ride in a small engine plane around the DL Valley
It was awesome!

Tennyson with his fish he caught at Anderson's pond. He loves to fish!

And the deck, still NOT stained....and some green grass and some flowers too. :-)

Weekends

2009-08-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

Weekend, weekend....why does it take so long to get here but you go by so quickly?! I wish you wouldn't leave me so......can't you stick around a little longer?

It was officially the last weekend of the summer and I'm sad it is over!
We had a great weekend though. Dave and I went away friday night, for an over nighter....it was GREAT fun. Our first stop was to Seeley Lake for a round of golf at the Double Arrow Resort. It was so hot and so fun. Then we hit Salmon Lake and went for a quick dunk to cool ourselves off. More fun! Then we went into Missoula checked into our hotel and then off to Dinner. Then we actually went to a movie. Poor Dave obliged me and we went to Julie & Julia. It was so cute & funny. I loved it.....once again dave obliged me and I appreciate it. :-)

On Saturday, after we got home we went to the horse sale in DL. Tennyson and Gpa were set to buy a horse. Well, sure enough they bought a horse. A darling cute little Palamino 5 year old Mare. She is so cute. Check her out!

Fair Slide show

2009-08-19T21:31:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Summer!

2009-08-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! I didn't realize it has been so long since I blogged. Wow! WE have been very busy. Where to start. I guess I'll just go in order of what remember. The weekend of August 7th we went camping with Dave's boss and his wife. We went to Columbus and camped and rafted on the Stillwater. It was so awesome. I think we got rain everyday but the day we floated the river, it was perfect. Emmy caught a fish with her barbie pole. Tennyson was mad and decided to fish her pole! But he didn't catch anything with her pole either. Dave caught a few fish with his fly-rod. Tennyson even learned how to fly fish too. He's pretty good! :-) While along the river, we did some cliff jumping too. Now that was fun, even Tennyson jumped off the cliff too. I was so proud of his dare-devilish!

Last week was fair and it was a busy one. Tennyson worked very hard, all summer long, with his animals. He got 2 blues for his hogs. He got a purple for his heifer calf, blue for the cow/calf and blue for his cow (Reba). He really did awesome with his showmanship. He got Reserve Grand Champion Jr. Swine Showman AND won GRAND Champion Jr. Beef Showman. Also, he won the round robin too. In the round robin, they have to show all animals....Horse, Beef, Dairy, Swine, Goat & Lamb. He won a trophy for Grand Champ, Rosette for Reserve and money and feed buckets for winning the round robin. We were so proud...I couldn't stop smiling. His hard work really paid off this year.
So all in all, the fair was GREAT and Tennyson finally got some trophies. :-)

It rained and was freezing cold all week last week! But this week has been bright, sunny and warm, Just in time to start school again. ARGH! I love my job but the summer seems to be way too short. I'm NOT ready for routines, bedtimes, homework and just plain old work! I know, I'm so spoiled. :-) Or maybe I'm just dodging reality.

I'm hoping to take the kids on a few little adventures before school starts. Something close by and inexpensive is on my radar!

Enjoy the rest of summer!
Candice

Animals and 4H Summer 2009

2009-07-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! Another slide show? Yes, I am having way too much fun, finally putting all these pictures onto slideshows! What can I say?
This summer seems to have flown by and I hate it! Why does summer have to go by so quickly? Is it because we try to jam so much into such a short period of time? Is it because it only lasts what seems like 2 weeks? Or is it that I LOVE summer and I NEVER want it to end? I love long days, early mornings, late nights, NO school and a lax work schedule? I love everything about the summer! I love BBQing and eating outside and building bonfires. I love watching the kids take care of their animals, only to prepare to sell them at the fair or put them in the freezer! I just love summer? What is your favorite part of summer?

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Blue Ribbon 2009

2009-07-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a slideshow of the kids and the blue ribbon show. The kids showed their pigs and this one. Tennyson won Jr. Showman...he's a stud and Emmy got 5th....she did GREAT for her first time showing. Enjoy the slideshow.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Pictures

2009-07-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

I figured out how to make a sweet slide show on Smilebox..... Enjoy. I'll post more slide shows as I get them together. I have a ton of pictures from the summer. We have been so busy, the summer is just flying by. Enjoy the pics and I'll post more later!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Summer in Pictures

2009-07-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

T&E Blue Ribbon Preview Show - 2009

Tennyson showing his pig

Emmy showing her pig

T&E at the Show

T&E in the show ring!

Emmy enjoying some sparklers - July 4th, 2009

Miller fireworks - 2009

Tennyson lighting everything up!

Cheeseball Emmy

Tennyson and one of his many roman candles!!

Where Oh Where.........

2009-07-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Has the summer gone? I cannot believe it is the middle of July! Do you know what that means? Summer is half over! That is depressing!

Here is what we have been up to for the past month! Wow, time flies.
Weekend of June 19th - We spent a night in Kalispell & Dave did the work thing and I did some shopping. Hit TJMaxx & Target and got some bargains.
That Sunday the kids were in the Blue Ribbon Show, they both showed their pigs and did a great job. Tennyson won Showmanship & Emmy got 5th, it was her very first show. They both did so great, I was so proud of them.

Weekend of June 26th - We loaded up the pick-up with 4 boys and headed to Spokane, WA for the Annual Hoopfest 3-on-3 basketball tourney. It was so much fun. It was warm, got a good start on the tan. The boys had a great first game, kicked some serious butt, 2nd game was rough & the 3rd game they played.....they could have won. As it turned out Dave's games were all at the same time, so I was left to coach/manage & cheer on the boys. It is so exciting to watch them but probably they need a coach that actually knows what they are doing. Both Dave's little team & the boys were 3 & out on Saturday! It was a bummer but there was a jrhigh girls teams from Deer Lodge so we stayed and watched them on Sunday and then headed home. A good time was had by all & one of my favorite parts about a weekend in Spokane is having Fred Meyer like a block away! :-)

July 1st weekend - We rented a boat with Dave's family and headed to Polson early on July 2nd. On the drive up we got a call from the boat rental place saying the water was rough and full of white caps, so there was no need to hurry. Which was good anyways we got a little later start than we wanted to. So we got to Polson and yes there was wind.....so we decided to have some brunch and rent the boat for half a day. It turned out to be a great day & the water was just about perfect around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I think the Flathead Lake is heaven on earth! It is the most beautiful place, in the whole world! I love it there. Again, a great time was had by all and we got a great start to our tans.
The weather has been so weird this summer, not exactly HOT by any means. We have had so much rain, like I think everyday! It has been crazy! But my lawn and flowers all look GREAT!

On July 4th we went over to some friends and had a pig roast and enjoyed their new party pad.
This past week and weekend we had no company and just enjoyed the quiet and doing nothing. I think I took a nap on Saturday & Sunday. I love naps.
We cleaned out the garage on Saturday and found some treasures. I found my box of pictures.....brought back lots of memories. It was great fun. The garage looks GREAT too. I love it.

This weekend is the Relay For Life. We decided to host the event BBQ and will be BBQing burgers and dogs at the opening of the Relay. It should be GREAT. I hope we have a good turn out and people by some food. LOL

I haven't taken a ton of pictures this summer but I have some of the kids and their animals. And alas, finally pictures of the DECK!

I will post this and then get all my pictures downloaded and do just a post of pictures.....stay tuned!

Have I mentioned.............................

2009-06-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

How much I love Summer VACATION! I had a full week off before I started my summer schedule. I do work in the summer but here is the schedule, 2 days/week...4 hours/day! Does it get any better than that? I LOVE it. Sometimes when Tuesday rolls around (I work Tuesdays & Wednesdays)...I think to myself...I don't wanna go to work but then I get there and everything goes smoothly and we have like 8 kids at our program! Then I love it! I really do love my job, where else do you get paid to literally PLAY all day! :-) How lucky am I?

Here is what we have been doing during Summer Vacation:
-wake around 7:30am to walk pigs and do chores
-Emmy has swim lessons at 9:00am
-I run while Emmy is at swim lessons
-Come home from running/swim lessons and muck out! I have been doing some serious re-arranging and mucking out. I have done quite a bit but still have plenty more to do. I wonder how do I get so much CRAP! You have remember that my life for the past 18 months has been school school school. So on the surface my house has stayed clean (especially thanks to Dave's mom- for helping out with the daily cleaning) but there are just some things that need to get done on regular basis like MUCKING out!!! I guess some people call it "spring cleaning"....well I have done it...for well let's just say a year. YIKES. How is that for dirty laundry....all you fellow bloggers that like to "air" dirty laundry!? LOL
-We got our deck re-build and it looks so awesome, thanks to Dave's cousins husband! I will post pictures so you can all see the beauty of a new deck.
-Now I get to stain the new deck...blah! Have I mentioned that the deck is like 650 sqf. (I think, measurements/spacial - isn't really my thing).
-I have been renting movies. I finally watching Twilight....it was really good. As always, the book was better but I enjoyed watching the movie too. It was fun to watch it...finally. (I know, I'm so behind the times, we don't get the theater very often). I also watched Bride Wars....it was super cute and I really liked it too. Totally my kind of chick flick. Dave is out of town all week......so I'm loading up on Chick Flicks!

Here are a few pics of our summer fun.

Dave tearing down the old deck More destructing!Tennyson's Heifer Calf - she's a beauty!The pigsCharlotte (white pig) & Bernie Mac (red pig)

I guess I have NO new pics of the deck....I better get on that but since it is dark now....I'll do that in the morning...so stayed tuned! :-)

I hope you enjoy your summer vacation too. We are taking a few weekend trips here soon and I'm getting pretty excited just to get away, even for the weekend!

Busy busy busy.....and Miss EMMY!

2009-06-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, we have been busy. Here is a quick run down of what has been going on since my last post. I ran in the Race for the Cure, I wanted to finish the race (5K) in less than 1/2 hour. Keep in mind that my focus for the past year + has not been running but rather school work! So I did a pretty intense "training" and ran it is 29:45. When I turned the corner and saw 29 minutes on the screen....I was so excited, I kicked it in gear and got in there just in time. yahoo! I love running races, there is NOTHING like crossing that finish line.
Then we took a quick trip to Canada, you see none of us (except Dave) have passports. So I wanted to get up there before we couldn't go anymore. I have sent away for my passport, should be here in a few weeks. I still need to send away for the kids'. I need to find time to take them to get their pictures taken. ARGH. Hopefully next week or two, we can take them to twon and get that done.
We had fun time in Canada, caught up with some old friends that I don't get to see all the time. The weather was perfect and it was just so nice to just relax. An old family friend makes the cutest crafts and so I had to buy a darling cute Canadian Flag wooden sign. I'll have to take pictures and post one. Thanks Pam! I love it and have gotten so many compliments on it! :-)
On our way up to Canada we dropped off one of Tennyson's horses to a new home near Browning. I think this will be a good place for him. He will be able to get riden alot. Wow, down one more horse. We still have 5 but maybe we can get rid of a couple more old plugs. We are looking into putting in an roping arena for the kids (ya right, really it will be for Dave and I). :-) That is the next project we have on the horizon. Next week we are getting our deck redone...yahoo. Dave's cousins husband is a carpenter and is coming over to do it. It will be so nice, I cannot wait.
This past weekend we went to Hamilton to Dave's little cousins high school graduation. It was hot and long! They had 150 graduates....what? That is a ton of kids but Julia looked beautiful and it was fun to see that side of the family. It was a fun day for a road trip. The weather was perfect!
This weekend, I am going to Helena again to run in the Governor's Cup. I have not run in this race before, so I'm excited. I think another lady and I from WW are going to go over together. Since I have no clue where the start of the race is or where to pick up registration packets, it is probably best that I go with someone else. I would like to run this in less than 27 minutes, I think I'm setting my sights a little high but why not?

We are on the count down, last week of school. I wish school was already over. I hate that we go into the 1st week of June. Yuck! I am so excited for summer, I have so many projects lined up for the house. I hope I can get most of my list checked off. It is so fun to actually have a summer this year. Last year, I spent most of the summer in Billings, going to school. Yah for summer and summer vacation. I only work 2 days/week in the summer, so we will have plenty of time for playing. :-)

Here are a few pictures of Emmy lately.

Emmy & her new bike!

Here are some pictures of Emmy's new bike. This was one of the best things that would could have gotten for her. We went to Great Falls about a month ago and she saw this bike that she loved. She zooms around all over the place these days.
Since we got Emmy a sweet new bike, we decided to get Tenny one too. He got his on our way home from Canada after the long weekend. I'll post pictures of that one later. They are both set for a few years...I love it! :-) I think Tennyson's bike is big enough to fit me too. I love that he's getting so big and can share things with me.

Here are some pictures of Emmy playing baseball. She is really starting to get good. Her little team, are a bunch of rock stars! They are getting so fun to watch. In one of her games, she has 2 of the 3 outs, she played 1st base that inning. She usually gets a hit too.

Emmy Lynn - May 2009 Baseball

Swing Batter Swing!

Don't remember if she made it or not....but it looks close!

Emmy in the field.

Emmy playing catcher!

Today and k-2nd grade Field Day. Here are some pictures of Emmy and her doings at the field day. She did great and looked like she was having a great time!

Getting ready to run the race!

Emmy & Haley post race....couldn't quite the the zoom in & out to take an action shot.

And she can jump too!

I am so excited for summer, I only wish it felt like summer today. It is only about 50 degrees here today...BRRRR, especially after having such beautiful weather all weekend!

Wow! This is quite the post.
Have a great day. Make it count!
Candice

Life is just busy

2009-05-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

I thought when I got finished with school, I would feel like I had all this "extra" time. Well, no such luck. The nights are filled with taking kids to practice, games, YM, scouts, work & whatever else life has thrown at us! But I love keeping busy, I just wonder somedays how do we fit all of these "things" into our day?

Tomorrow, my friend and I are running in a race in Helena it is the race for the cure. I am very excited, it should be great fun! We ran in this race a couple of years ago and I told her it was time we did it again. I was on the "intense" training program. I didn't do much running while I was doing my school work but a little motivation does great for this girl!

We had another baby calf too, but I haven't had a chance to get pictures yet.....so stay tuned pics to come. I'll post pics from our big race this weekend too!

Dave is playing in a b-ball tourney this weekend, so he'll be heading to Butte and I'll be heading to Helena! Such is life. :-)

Have a great weekend!
Candice

So, where have I been?

2009-05-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello! Wow, it's been a long time since I posted, so you ask...where have you been?
"Here, there & everywhere?"
And I say - "NO, mostly just crazy!"

AAAHHHHHH Ha ha!
In about the past 3 weeks since I posted last, I wrote 2 finals (about 25 pages long), finished all my classes and finished my Masters Program. Woot woot for me! I am sooo relieved.

But have you ever finished something that consumed so much of your time, you kind of feel lost? I told Dave it might take me a few weeks to decompress. For the past 17 months, I have taken 48 credits and have worried day in and day out....what should I be doing, should I be writing a paper, should I be reading.....what SHOULD I be doing??!! :-)

I'm starting to get over that feeling of being completely overwhelmed....I have managed to keep myself busy, everyday. It's like how did I have time for school. I still go to bed way too late but whatever! It is a hard habit to break.

So besides the kids keeping me completely crazy busy, I have decided to commit to running again, now that I have time. My bestest PAL and I are going to do a run in about 1 1/2 in Helena....so I'm doing some intense training but what else would I do with my time right? :-)

So here are the things on my list:
Run
Read
Watch movies

I have only done one of them so far...run!
I'll get to the reading (for fun) and wathing movies...I promise.

Who's ready for summer....besides me?
I am ready for bathing suites, late night, bonfires and daylight until 10pm.
I LOVE Summer! I love all that comes with summer, NO schedule, lack of commitment and the feeling of being carefree.
Maybe I'll teach the kids how to play Kick-the-can! i don't even remember how to, I'm gonna have to call Barbie and get the "recipe"! :-)

We got the 4-H pigs last Friday, so I've put some pics of the cute little buggars on here.
This might possibly one of the most random posts ever....but if you've ever met me, talked to me or know me at all.............does that really surprise you!
ha ha!

They are so cute and full of personality.....

Look at those HAMS! LOL

Have a great day, make it the TIME of your LiFe!
Candice

My Little Boy.....

2009-04-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Is growing up! He has his first "real" job! One where he has to keep track of his hours, gets paid by the hour and has to be responsible and reliable! Do you remember your first job? I would say, my first job was babysitting, I loved it. Makin' money to spend on crap! I loved it!

Tennyson is such an awesome kid, sometimes I look at him and think...WOW! That is my kid?! I am biased but I can be, he's mine.....but really who in this day & age has such an awesome kid. :-) The man that he is working for is as equally impressed with him, he told me that Tenny is such a trooper and NEVER complains. That's my kid. Ok, Ok, enough about that.
I'm just so proud of him!

I had another profound moment with Tennyson......he recently got a cell phone (I know, he's so young) but we got rid of our land-line so really we bought a cell phone to have at home but now that Tenny is workin' it is kind of turning into his phone. Anyways, I don't know if you have heard of "sexting" but this has hit home here in Deer Lodge and I am just sick about it. He has texting on his phone, but he doesn't know it....nor do I hope he figures it out. :-) Anyways, I told him that he has NO control over what comes into his phone but that he does have control what he sends out and if he should (God forbid) get a picture that is not appropriate to just delete it, not to forward it on but to erase it as quickly as he opened it. Wow, it is tough being a parent these days! I just feel it is so important to be open and upfront with children these days! I want him to feel like he can be open and upfront with us in return.

Am I old enough to deal with all of these parenting issues? Sometimes, I feel like I'm a kid...but then I look in the mirror and see my kids and realize that I am the adult! Augh!

On another completely different note: It has been so incredibly gorgeous here, I LOVE it! I went for a walk along our (relatively) new walking path along the river....it is so nice. I'm going to have to make that part of my routine. If you have not heard of the 8-week challenge from weightwatchers. You really need to check it out. Walk or run in 8 weeks to compete in a 5k! How cool is that! I'm so excited, I have needed some motivation to get back into a good running routine...here it is.
Check out the weightwatchers.com website to get more details.

I have about 9 days left until I am completely finished with my classes for my Masters Program. I am sooo excited, I cannot wait. I just need to make it through my finals, wish me luck.

Have a GREAT week.
Make it the TIME of your LIFE.
Candice

Easter Egg Hunts & Sunny Weather

2009-04-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Easter Sunday dinner. We invited some friends to come over for dinner and the kids had an Easter Egg Hunt. Tennyson helped me hide the eggs, we had a great time. He is such a good helper. It is sad to see him growing out of one stage and into another but it is exciting too.

Here are some pics from our Easter Egg Hunt. It was absolutely gorgeous weather, the kids played outside the entire evening, does it get any better than that?

Eli with his Easter Basket
Emmy & Ali with their Easter Baskets
Emmy, Eli & Ali (wow that is alot of vowels...) post hunt. They look pretty satisified.

I had a busy weekend doing school work, I had a huge paper due on Sunday, a paper due, a quiz and a huge project due on Monday. I can really see the light at the end of the tunnel! I can't wait for May, I'm so excited to be done. I cannot wait. The past year and half has flown by and it is amazing how much I have accomplished in this amount of time.

Sometimes I wonder what will I do with all that extra time, because really........I spend hours & hours reading, writing & posting! ARGH. I'm excited for summer....that is all I can think of for now.

Have a super week.
Candice

Easter

2009-04-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am so excited this is a long weekend! I'm looking forward to having Friday & Monday off. But do you know what STINKS? We don't have a spring-break in the D.L. We only get a Easter Long weekend, I kind of miss that days of getting a week or 10 days off! But I guess, I will just be satisfied with having a nice long weekend?

What do you do for easter? Do you dye eggs, have an easter egg hunt, hide eggs, hide the baskets....do you give gifts for Easter or do you just do candy and more candy and even more candy?
When we were kids we would roll easter eggs, did you ever do this when you were a kid?

I have been so focused on my classes the past few weeks, that I kind of forgot all about Easter and what we are going to do for the Easter weekend. So I stopped by the local Safeway's after work/school today and bought some dye for the EGGS. So I think Emmy & I will dye eggs tomorrow morning.

I wonder what Dave has planned to eat...will we have a ham or something else?
I can't wait to see! :-)

This Easter, I will be busy finishing up some end of the semester projects and papers. I am almost finished with my last semester of classes and I am sooo excited. I can really really see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just 2 finals, 1 project and a few small papers to write and I'll be done!

Well, have a great Easter!
Enjoy your family, friends, the food and hopefully the WEATHER.

Oh man, have I ever enjoyed this bit of Spring-like weather we have had this past week. Love love love it. I love how long the days seem to be and evening walks...Tennyson and i went on two walks this past week. He rode his bike and I walked...it was so fun to walk with him, I loved it. Emmy was at dance both days, so she was busy and we needed something active to do too. :-) I hope we can make walking outside part of the routine, now...I'm such a fair-weather walker...I hate the cold.

Have the time of your life!
Have a great weekend.
Candice

Do you ever wonder.....

2009-04-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

What you would do...if you had .................all the time in the world?
I feel so crunched for time these days. I work all day and do homework all night!
But if I had all the time in the world, I would sleep at least 6 hours a night, I would run or walk every day. It if was nice outside I would go outside. If I had all the time in the world I would ride horses with my kids everyday. If I had all the time in the world, I would actually do my RS calling. I don't know why they even called me, well actually I do know but I just feel like I DON'T have time to put into the calling like I should be. So the guilt sets in. Right now, my #1 priority is finishing school but most days, I wish I had more hours in the day!

We often ask ourselves what would I do if I had a million dollars?
Well, I don't care....money snoney, what would you do if you had all the time in the world?

Maybe I have my priorities wrong, but I figure it is OK, because I'm devoting all this time to something that is a goal, worthwhile, self-improving and only temporary but I'm tired and frankly just WANT more time!!!!!

Babies

2009-04-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had babies! Tennyson's heifers had their baby calves, last Friday and Saturday. They are so cute and we are so excited. He just has one more to calve and then we are all done. :-)

Here are some pictures of the babies, just after they were born.
This is Reba and her calf (not named yet.) Reba had a heifer calf, she was born Friday, March 27th around 1:00pm.

Here are pictures of the other calf. This is a heifer that came from the Miller Ranch and so we named her after Great Grandma Miller (Veronica). She had a nice little black bull calf!

The Waiting Game & the Life of a Student

2009-03-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Poor Tennyson has his first heifer and she is about ready to BURST. She is soooo pregnant and if you have ever been pregnant (not that we are cows) but you can imagine this poor heifer...she is HUGE and looks so uncomfortable. She is ready to calve any day and the waiting is killing him. NOT only does Tenny have his BIG red heifer, he has 2 other ones too. Quite a nice start to his very own herd. :-)
Here is a picture of Tenny with his BIG red heifer, this is how big she was this summer. Hopefully I'll have pictures to post soon of babies!

ON another note, school is killing me! I have so much to do between now & April 1st. I hope I can get it all done. I'm on the countdown but there is so much to do between now and May........it is scary!!!

Today has been a crazy day in Deer Lodge. We have had a few storms roll in & out...snow & all. Now it is, sunny and looks quite nice outside. It is so true - don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change! Does that mean weather is bi-polar?

Have a GREAT day!
Candice

This & That...

2009-03-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Where to start!
Last night we had our Enrichment RS Birthday Party. It was great fun. We did the theme party of you are "Purse"onally invited. The poster a purse and the invites were purses.....so cute! And of course, everyone had to bring their purse and we played some fun games. For our little branch, we had a great turn-out. It was fun & even a few people told me how much fun they had. Success, I would say!
Since I'm the RS President, I was asked to give little something something on RS. So, one day in my efforts to avoid anything productive, I found this awesome video/song on Youtube. You have to view it. If it doesn't bring you to tears. I don't know if it the commentary by Pres. Monson but I freakin' love him & I love love love this song & video.

Click here: Live like you believe.
In the words of President Monson:
"My Dear Sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities.
Pray for abilities equal to your tasks"

Oh I love it, I hope you do too!
Live like you believe
Live live you KNOW
Candice

AMAZING

2009-03-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

I received this link today too (click on Amazing Grace below). It was so amazing that I had to share it with you. If this doesn't touch you right to the core or bring you to tears, I don't what would! It is amazing how powerful music can be. Do you love the bagpipes, I do in this song.....like I said AMAZING!!

Amazing Grace

Enjoy!

When you thought............

2009-03-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I still don't have my talk written but my mom sent me this great little saying/poem and I had to share it. How true is this?
Enjoy!

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say..

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW
WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS,
BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES.
LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT ..

Each of us -
parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend
- influences the life of a child.

Live simply..
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God

I could swear it is Spring.................

2009-03-18T10:14:00.001-07:00

In TWO Days! I'm ready for Spring but we got so much snow the other day it looks more like December but I'm feeling like Spring!

We had a fun busy weekend. Dave played in a basketball tourney this weekend, it was a fund-raiser tourney for the Deer Lodge Athletic Association. He loves to play so much and we enjoy watching him. The kids loved living at the gym all weekend. They took second place and played a pretty good game. They are all "old" men on Dave's team, still living the dream, I guess.

Life has been busy with school, work and kids. Life is just BUSY, do you know what I mean? I am trying to prioritize what I'm involved in and figuring out what my priorities are. I like to be involved but I'm getting to the point where I feel maybe it is better to just my time a few causes and do it well rather than to more, not as effectively.

I'm feeling very tired and overwhelmed these days. I am in my last semester of my course work for my Masters and it is hard hard hard work. A few of my classes are completely kicking my butt. Good thing I'm stubborn, competitive and tenacious! Cuz I'm NO quitter. Even though right now I want to quite!

I guess you could say School is my Passion right now? What are you passionate about?

Have a great day! Make it the time of your life.
Candice

A Surprise just for you!

2009-03-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

My friend, Chelle is doing a pay-it-forward game on her blog and I love the thought so I am going to play too.

So. . . here's the idea. Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on my blog and you will be the lucky recipient of a handmade gift from me some time this year.

Now here is the catch, you have to post the same thing on your blog and do the same for 3 lucky people.

GOOD LUCK! This is going to be a fun thing to try!

Fifty Questions

2009-03-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

I read this on another blog....and decided....why NOT! I am at work and should be working or even at least doing school work but I can be persuaded to.......procrastinate, and fill out this fun little questionnaire. Come on....you should try it too! LOL
Fifty Questions:

1. Do you like blue cheese? LOVE IT!

2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Sadly, yes!

3. Do you own a gun? My husband and son do........

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I have only ever gotten drinks at Sonic...love Cherry Lime!

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Most of the time! But I hardly ever go.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? "Lips & A-holes", just as my dad would say!

7. Favorite Christmas Song? I pretty much love them all but my favorite would have to be Do you Hear what I hear?

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I prefer warm herbal tea....

9. Can you do push-ups? I can do them but I hate 'em!

10. What is your favorite movie? Hoosiers

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? I love earrings and necklaces and rings. I usually wear jewelry everyday!

12. Favorite hobby? Right now in my life....studying! Other than than, what's a hobby? I guess, reading, riding horses & being outside.

13. Do you work with people who idolize you? Actually, I do.........I work at a school and kids can do wonders for your self-esteem! :-)

14. Do you have ADD? What ....oh I better go bake some cookies!

15. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? that I'm a hollerer! I holler at my kids, but I'm working on it!

16. What’s your middle name? Lee

17. Name three thoughts at this moment: why am I a holler, why do I have no motivation for school right now and what am I going to do with my group on Friday.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: soda's for the ladies at work!

19. Current worry right now? School!

21. Current hate right now? Freezing cold weather and being cold.

22. Favorite place to be? with my family and some place WARM!

23. How did you bring in the New Year? At my mom's watching it snow....and snow .....and snow and sledding at the Sugar Bowl in Leth.

24. Where would you like to go? Vegas or Phoenix would suite me fine!

25. Name three people who will complete this? NO clue

26. Whose answer do you want to read the most? Anyone that will fill it out...I will love to read about.

27. What color shirt are you wearing? Grey sweater, black vest and sky blue perfect khaki's!

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't think I ever have.

29. Can you whistle? Yes...and loud!

30. Favorite color? RED and Green

31. Would you be a pirate? What...Hell no!

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Um, I don't sing in the shower...I want it quiet in the morning!

33. Favorite girl’s name? Emmy or Elly

34. Favorite boy’s name? T-e-n-n-y-s-o-n!

35. What’s in your pocket right now? Vest = black fleece gloves

36. Last thing that made you laugh? my kids!

37. Best bed sheets as a child? Strawberry Shortcake, still have 'em....Barbie saved them for me!

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? Broke my back in a car accident and then blowing my knee out a few years ago, those were both pretty bad! But I'm good as gold now......no knee brace or back problems...AT all!

39. What is your favorite snack? granola bar and fruit

40. Favorite thing to do on Sundays? Go to church and then NAP!

41. Who is your loudest friend? Is anyone louder than me? I have NO clue!

42. How many dogs do you have? 1

43. Does someone have a crush on you? Yup, DAVE

45. What is your favorite book? Twilight Series! (Yup, I'm addicted & love them all)

46. What is your favorite candy? Hello, my name is Candice.....I love it all. Just plain old candy is my fav...I could do without chocolate (love dark choc. tho)

47. What is your favorite sports team? 49ers & MSU - Bobcats

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? How Great Though Art.

49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Just getting into bed.

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? I can't believe it is morning already and I'm actually NOT feeling that tired!

Give it a try.....it is kind of fun.

Have a great day. Have the time of your life.

Candice

Daisy-Head Mayzie

2009-03-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Dr. Seuss' Birthday at school! What a fun day? What an amazing man, that Dr. Seuss.

Today you are you, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is youer than you.

Dr. Seuss

Have you ever tried Green Eggs & Ham? I did today and it's not too bad, I ate them all up. The teacher brought in eggs and she put lots of green food coloring in them and she fried them up with some ham! Voula! There you have it, GREEN Eggs & Ham.
What is your favorite Dr. Seuss Book?

Today I read Daisy-Head Mayzie to the children in the class. Such a cute story! Then we watched the movie of The Sneetches. What a wonderful moral behind that quirky little story.

I love DR. Seuss & I love his stories.
He is definitely on of my favorite children authors. I have many but he ranks among the top.

So do share, what is your favorite Seuss story? or Seussism?

Spring Break......Smring BREAK!

2009-03-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

So this week, I am on Spring Break. Well, let me explain a Spring Break for an on-line student. I have a paper due on Thursday (which I haven't started) so guess what I'll be working on.....during my Spring Break. I have a projects and papers due out the wazooo soon! So much for a spring break. I thought spring breaks were suppopsed to be Cancun, Mardi Gras and fun in the sun?! Well not for this old Mamma, papers and projects that are coming due will be the extent of my Spring Break! Maybe I'll try to throw something fun in here! Maybe a few nights of no homework, how is that for a Spring BREAK.

Speaking of a BREAK, I need a break, I'll take a few nights off. Maybe that'll do me good.

We had a nice relaxing weekend. I worked on a Mid-term all day yesterday and Dave spent the day with the kids. We vaccinated Tenny's heifers and that went well. Then Dave took Emmy to the gym to shoot some hoops. Tennyson & his friends went outside to do chores, it was probably around 3:30 or 4:00pm and John's horse was down. He was rolling near the barn and got stuck on his side, between the barn door and the ground and couldn't get up! I was completely panicked. I didn't know what to do & I knew Dave wouldn't answer his phone while he was at the gym, so I called our neighbor/friend and he came over and helped me roll the horse over. I didn't think I could roll him over by myself and I was just praying that the old SOB wouldn't die on me. That is all I could think of was doing die on my watch! I hate that feeling of helplessness! Have you ever felt so helpless, you absolutely didn't know what to do. I hated the feeling, absolutely hated it. I am so Thankful for good neighbors that are willing to come help whenever you need them. I know I sounded like an idiot on the phone, I was FREAKin' out! :-) But I think he understood. He knows me well. ha ha!

I am glad we can raise our kids are animals and let them learn about life through giving and caring for them. Tennyson heifers are about ready to calf and that will be so exciting and soon the kids will be getting their little 4-h pigs. I truly do love this time of year, I can feel it Spring is right around the corner. I sometimes wish, that we got nice spring weather but I live in Montana, so I'll take whatever Spring-like weather we can get here. WE got snow last week...that's about as good as Spring weather gets here!

Well enjoy your week! Even if it isn't your Spring Break. Enjoy it like it was your Spring Break and take a vaction....even if its a virtual vacation or just a little getaway...to the bath or a quiet place.

Have a great week. Make it the time of your life!

Candice

Color Me...GREEN!

2009-02-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with the color green! And I can't hide it! I have had a love of it for quite sometime but with March approaching and that fresh Spring Feelin'......I'm falling in love all over again! I love it.
Someone asked me if I was in love with GREEN...as in Money...ABSOLUTELY not! Money, smoney....sure it's nice to pay bills with and work for....but I really truly LOVE GREEN!

What a week!

2009-02-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

What a fun week! Last week, we had a four day week, no work/school on Friday and then this week ANOTHER four day week. We had Monday off. I loved the long weekend, it was great. On Friday, Emmy and I took Tennyson to a friends ranch, so he could spend sometime on the ranch and calving. Then Emmy and I went to Missoula and got some Valentine's Day gifts. It was such a fun girls day.
Then Saturday, Valentine's Day...Emmy had to cheer again, so we went to the bball games and just decided to stay for all of them. We love watching basketball, so even though it was Valentine's day...it was just what we like to do. Dave bought me flowers and a box of dark chocolates for Valentine's day. I love DARK chocolate.
When I was a kid, I hated DARK chocolate. I have noticed as I have aged, that my tastes have changed drastically. I love thing that I NEVER thought I would. It is kind of fun to try new things.
Dave did buy us some yummy food for V-day and we cooked in on Sunday night. We had Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa, a family favorite. Another thing that I love know is Sweet Potatoes, have you ever baked them (like a baked potatoe) and then sprinkled some brown sugar/cinnamon .....so YUMMY! Love it!!!!

My flowers are still blooming and the bright colors just brighten my day.....everytime I look at them, really!
Valentine's day is so fun, so fun to share the love.

I'm spending time in a 3rd grade classroom this semester and got to attend their Valentine's day celebration. The teacher did a great activity, during the party. Each child had to take our their valentines and read them one by one and as you read them, you needed to whisper to the person that gave it to you, thank you or something to acknowledge that you appreciate the valentine. How cool is that? It was so fun to see the children's faces light up each time they got recognized....PRICELeSS!!!!!

I love to share the love.........Peace Love and Happiness!
Hope you had a fun week and enjoy your weekend.
Have the time of your life.
Candice

Emmy's Baptism Day

2009-02-09T13:24:00.001-08:00

Big Weekend for Emmy

2009-02-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was a BIG weekend for Emmy. Grandpa Max & Grandma Barbie came on Friday night and got to watch her dance at the Warden Basketball game. Then on Saturday it was her baptism day. It was a great day! There was another boy is a branch that got baptized the same day, it was great to share the day with such a special family. We LOVE the Smith's! Pretty much it was a weekend all about Emmy...............just the way she likes it!
We love you & Emmy and are so proud of you!

In case you couldn't tell, I figured out how to make my very own picture slideshows. So in honor of 44 pictures of Emmy (her birthday, her cheer/dance, & her baptism), she gets a whole blog of her own.....and picture slideshow to go with it.
Enjoy the shows and sorry to bombard you with pictures but I think she's pretty cute!

Enjoy your day & make it the Time of your Life!
Candice

Emmy's Dance

2009-02-09T12:56:00.001-08:00

Emmy's Bday

2009-02-09T12:43:00.001-08:00

Rock n' Rollin' Birthday

2009-02-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Emmy had a great birthday party. We celebrated it on, her actual birthday January 30th. She requested salmon, so Dave cooked us up some tasty Salmon, Mango Salsa, wild rice & salad. It was delicious. She got to invite one friend over and Tennyson had a friend over too. My friends Freddie & Laurie joined us for dinner. Then Matt & Jami came over to join in some rock n' roll...Rockband style! It was great fun, but I think the funnest part was watching Tennyson sing eye of the tiger. He bounced with every beat of the music, it was classic. Me, I prefer to rock n' roll to Bon Jovi (he's my boyfriend). You can take the girl out of the 80's but you can't take the 80's out of the girl!