Trick or Treat...

Happy Halloween!

How cute are these kiddos?!?

Woah! Nearly 6 months have passed!

Greening up!

I LOVE spring! Have I said that already? I love planting, weeding and watering...I love the birds singing and visiting the bird-bath. I love the way the light changes and shines through the leaves and I love the cool breezes that blow in the evenings. I love being able to live most of my days outside~we eat almost all meals on our front steps and this morning we were out there at 7:30 so Andy could say HI to Papa when he rode by on his bike, going to work. There is just such a perfect softness in the air. The kids are happier too. Andy does his digging and some more digging...and Noah crawls around, sometimes on his hands and feet...I am going to have to take pictures tomorrow. BTW, these rose pics are from last fall, just before our first frost. We don't have any roses blooming here, yet. I have spotted some irises, though.

I love SPRING!!!

Happy Birthday to Rob. Oh no, I just realized we didn't take any pics on his birthday. Perhaps we are too focused on the kids. I can't find any pics of me either (for my PQ Convention in Scottsdale~they need one for the Awards Banquet). Anyway, I just LOVE spring! And not being pg or having just had a baby is great too!

Here is our Zoe-girl!

Happy 1st Birthday to Noah!!!

Take one little candle,

mountains of cake,

presents to open,

and wishes to make...

Add two bright eyes that sparkle

bright as the sun,

giggles and smiles,

and a whole lot of fun...

What do you get?

A sweet boy turning ONE!!!

(from Nana Judy's Birthday Card)

Dear Noah

You are such a delight! Always smiling and 'mmmmm'ing. You love strawberries. You love to say 'HI' to everyone you see. You love brother. Carefully watching and copying his every move. God has BIG plans for you, precious little one. We are so blessed to share our lives with you, as our son.

I remember you, when you were in my tummy. Andy named you "Butter". We didn't know if you were a boy or girl...we just knew you were our baby! We felt you kick and move as you grew, already The Explorer. Did you hear Andy tell you stories, all of us laughing when you moved around? Did you feel the love we had for you~Andy kissing you and hugging you? You didn't have much room to explore in there, so you joined us on April 17th. Our second son. Our Baby Blue Eyes.

You delight us every day! You have 3 teeth and one on the way. You are crawling everywhere! You climbed up your birthday table (from Nana Judy and Papa Dale) and were just so proud of yourself. You got up there and licked the yogurt out of Andy's bowl.

Oh, how we love you!

Overdue Easter Pictures!

How great is our GOD!!!???!!!

Our friends in Uganda have been able to adopt the children...2 different families...4 Ugandan children total. Such a beautiful story. Please pray them home!

www.jesusbabies.blogspot.com

Missing Summer....

Sandbox...

Green...
Popsicles...

Where is Daddy going?

Andy's First Day of Preschool

How cute is this picture? I have so few pics with myself in them! I needed one for my website for Private Quarters so I chose this one-perfect! Next week is Rob's Spring Break-can't wait! Well, the house is quiet and there is a sink-ful of dishes. So, see ya!

See www.bliss.privatequarters.net to find out more about my home-based business!

My online friend from Mothering painted a painting of Noah and I...see it here:

http://amandagreavette.blogspot.com/
This is the photo she used:

Isn't she awesome?!? I wish I had some kind of talent like that! I am sure I do, I just need to discover it....hmmm...if only I had discovered it before having kids!

Noah is really moving now! Did I already share this photo?

Andy in his new John Deere picture, can you tell he was not happy about stopping his work, combining??

I've updated for a nice, new look. I invite you to get comfortable with Private Quarters, if you haven't already!!! Our White Sale will only last until the end of the month. Items are 50-70% off!!! I am truly enjoying being a Work-at-Home-Mama! Rob is in school full-time and I am supporting us on the income I am making with PQ. I LOVE it!!!

We finally got some snow! Rob thought we got 10" by the end of the storm. Now it has been below 0 and windy-yuck! But it is cozy and warm inside. The kids are enjoying their toys from Christmas. I am working on PQ. I have to admit I have not been using my cloth-diapers on Noah since the move. I don't like our washer-it often floods. And I don't feel like I have enough time.

Noah is crawling!!!

on Noah's 9 month b-day, he started crawling. Can you believe he has now been with us, longer than I was pg w him!?! I already know of 2 friends that are pg and they have babies Noah's age. YIKES! I kind of hope that is not God's plan for us! I don't know if I was blessed w that much patience. I am sorry, we lost our camera charger-so no new pics. My mom said she would lend us her camera. We have 6" of snow on the ground! YEAH!!!!

Waaaah! Someone stole my wallet! All my cash....threw it in the parking lot at Home Depot. I canceled all my cards-only 3. But still...grrr...

Andy made a castle today-with lots of help!

How can it be 2008-already!?!

Oregon Cousins. 6 kids under 4 (one isn't pictured)

Happy New year to all!

I have been so busy with transitions! Moving, new home-based business, illnesses (whole family), and holiday fun! I would love to share some new photos!Andy's First Christmas Play-he has on the plaid shirt. He is a lamb. ahhhhh-cute!

Christmas wrapped Noah.

Excited! Cousins are here!!! And they brought PRESENTS!!!

About my hands...

Andy was sitting on my lap, stroking my hands.

He looks up at me, "It's time to get you some new hands. These are wrong."

I said, "What is wrong with them?"

He says, "We need to make them smaller, like this (holds up his hand)."


hmmmm....I have been working hard with the packing and sometimes I get those painful and irritating finger cracks. I guess they do look a bit old. But do I need new hands?

Sorry no picture of my hands to prove his point. The camera is still packed. Just 3 more days until our new home. Our first new home!!! I am really SO excited!

Happy 6-month Birthday to Noah!

Our Noey-Cakes is 6 months old today!!! How far we have come! He is sitting up so well and loves to grab toys from Andy. He started tasting some avocado today. Seems to like it, grabbed my hand/spoon and pushed it into his mouth. Just a little choking and gagging. But unfortunately our camera was accidently packed so new pics until next week. I thought I should post some pics from Noah's early days...

Just an hour old...

Watch me as I grow...

My first photo shoot and I fell asleep!
ahhh...blissful sleep....

Fall time...

Hmmmm....maybe I need some more black?

Do you want some Kettle Corn?!? I love that we can always count on having some at the local Fairs. Last Saturday, we went to the Harvest Fest. What fun!?? Here is a pic of the same crew in June, when we all took a hike in the Beartooths.

baked buttermilk chicken
This chicken is really quite good - all the taste and texture of fried without the stove top spatterings and tiny oil drop burns of fried chicken on the stove!
ingredients:

Vegetable oil, for baking sheet

¾ cup bread crumbs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

salt and pepper

¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

4 pounds chicken parts (preferably legs, thighs and wings but breasts would work too!), rinsed and patted dry
directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°. Generously rub a baking sheet with oil. In a food processor, pulse bread until it turns into coarse crumbs.2. In a large bowl, stir together buttermilk, hot-pepper sauce, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.3. Place the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, turning to coat evenly. Working with one piece at a time, remove chicken from liquid, letting excess drip back into bowl; dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place coated chicken pieces on prepared baking sheet.4. Bake until chicken is golden brown, about 35 minutes.Makes 6 servings
after-thoughts:
When placing the chicken pieces on the tray, be sure to leave enough space between them so that they crisp evenly all the way around.
recipe origin: From Martha Stewart Everyday Food

What I wish...

I wish I had the energy to sew, knit, and make pottery.

I wish I could narrow down my passions.

Focus my energies on one craft, hobby or art.

I love to knit-but feel I am still a beginner.

I love to sew-but feel like it is too much work to get out my supplies.

I love to scrapbook-but can't afford to make the prints.

Here are some posts about what I wish...


aprons http://www.flickr.com/photos/angrychicken/collections/72157600003750228/

crafting Japanese http://www.craftlog.org/craftingjapanese/

a babywearing vest http://www.togetherbe.com/productFAQPeekaruOriginal.aspx

digital scrapbooking http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/scripts/prodview.asp?idProduct=180

I am sure there are tons of other sites out there that are yet to inspire me...now, if only I had the time!

I need prayers for my job search-we are going to have a hefty mortgage!

Andy's Painted Pumpkin

Do you like it??!!??

Well....

My mom measured my hair and it was 27 inches! So, Locks of Love needs 10" for each child. http://www.locksoflove.org/ I said, "just cut off 20 inches. It'll grow back if I don't like it." I LOVE it!!! Of course, it feels lighter. I am looking forward to actually doing something with my hair, rather than just braid it or wear a ponytail. This morning Andy came in and saw it for the first time. He said, "Who are you, Mama? Who are you, Mama? Who are you?" He hasn't said anything about my haircut since. This morning we went to a very fun carnival at the park in Billings. There were so many kids and fun activities and food! Andy painted his own little pumpkin. It was sunny and rained all the way home. Perfect! Except Andy peeed his carseat on the way in! That was a first. He has been doing so well all week. I guess that is why we call the "Wee Ones". I have been planning to wash the covers of both seats and switch the boys seats anyway. No time like the present!

We have an offer in on a house!!! Yes, that lamp is standing crooked. It follows the rule about buying the worst house in the best neighborhood. BUT-it is NOT the worst house. It is cute, cozy and clean. The perfect clean slate for our creative touches. Which will have to occur through the years, because we are sure going to continue to be broke! I think we should paint it a light color. We hope to sign a contract on it tomorrow. Andy's requirement was -live near kids and a park. The home is 3 blocks from an elementary and next door is a young family with a 5 month old baby. Here are some pics, use your imagination for what's to come! This is the Bonus room in the basement:

Maybe it will be Andy's room.

Gas Fireplaces-two in this house. One up, one down! YEA! I didn't think we would be so lucky. There is just something so cozy and romantic about knitting by the fire. I hope this house is cozy in the winter....I guess we will see. BTW-those awnings are the first project-they are OUT! They just make it too drab and dark inside. I want to bring the light in.
Side yard-very whimsical. I think fairies live here. Andy can't wait to check.

I am making some chin-bibs for Noah, and was debating frogging this. Andy made the decision easy-he told me he was knitting a tractor-as he unravelled it.

Little Noah, happy in his handknit loveys! The pants are Little Turtle Knit, a gift to Andy. Note-John Deere green! Couldn't be more perfect! The sweater was knit by Great-Aunt Suzy, so soft and lovely, but sadly too small. The hat that matches didn't fit at all. I guess that is the downfall of a robust, bouncy baby boy! The hat is lent to us by our dear friend Eli. (Andy's buddy)

A monkey for Halloween? We are testing this little number out.

Still looking for a house!!!

The one we saw today was dumpy! Overpriced! And wibbly-wobbly!!!

I have now successfully nursed Noah on the GO! 5 different times now. I am going to need to post some pictures. I use a Mei-Tai, which is a Chinese Style Baby carrier. I love it. It is powerful enough to soothe a savage beast. Not that Noah is one, of course. I learned the power of the MT with Andy.

I saw this quote today and had to share:

Christopher West Nursing a Sexually Wounded Culture

St. Paul hit the nail on the head when he said, To the pure all things are pure, but to the impure nothing is pure (Ti 1:15). It is a tragically impure world that labels the purity of a baby at the breast as "gross." For those with the purity to see it, a nursing mother is one of the most precious, most beautiful, and most holy of all possible images of woman. (source)

It does feel holy, every time I am able to suckle my wee one who will grow into a child. It amazes me to look at this chubby-bubby 20 # boy and think, 'I have provided all the nutrition he needs.' My mom told me it is like growing two babies! One in uetero (9#10oz) and all the weight he has put on since birth.

Noah then 4-17-07

Noah now 9-18-07

By the way I am so chatty because I finally have a little time. Noah went to sleep at 7:30 and Andy at 7:50!!!! I should be cleaning, but would rather share some thoughts with you, lovely Blog reader!

Andy says 'give Noah to me, he will be safe and safe and safe. If he falls out I will nurse him.' he is talking about his bed. I have told Andy that someday soon they will be sharing a bed. Well not too soon, probably in a year or so??

i feel a little sad bc neither of my boys will ever give birth or nurse. so I won't get to be a part of that again, as intimately as you would w a daughter. Unless by God's Grace we have a girl...someday...not soon though...

Some pics from Andy's tractor party.

Read John Deere Party! Andy was in heaven. (above pic. you can see it is naptime!) He talked about his birthday for months before-hand. He chose the theme and I made the invitations with some free digital scrapbooking images. In JD colors, of course. I am planning to do a Birthday Lay-out with scrapbooking images, as well. I hope to be able to post the results on here.

You can see the colors are perfect. I asked each guest to wear green or yellow. The pics turned out so colorful. We had planned to have the party outside and play in the new sandbox (also JD green).

But it was cloudy and cold! So we had the party inside. It was a real zoo, with all the toddlers running around playing. They sure had fun. At first, I was afraid we went a little overboard. But, we really didn't spend much at all. There was a sale at the grocery for 2-1 chicken and I bought enought for 30 people for $12. My girlfriends brought side-dishes. It was just perfect!!!

So, my garden is dead! WAAAHHHHH, the end of summer. Once September started, the nights have gotten quite cold. We have started to hay the horses. The grass is all dormant. Still waiting on some rain for fall regrowth. I am really going to miss all of the local produce.

We are planning to move to Billings. We need your prayers to help us find a cozy home, close to Rocky (Rob's school).

Andy is 3! We had a tractor party-what fun!!! I made homemade Buttermilk Baked Chicken. So yummy! I still have upload photos from the party.

Andy and Noah on his 3rd birthday.

Been a busy couple of weeks!

Had my birthday-now 32! We had a date night, my mom watched the kids at her house. Andy spent the night! We all had such a great time. We went to Enzo's-best yummy, pricey food in Billings. They had a Chipotle-corn Chowder that was fantastic!!! We were too full for desert. The only bummer was Rob left the leftovers on the table...sad!

Jami and I went riding on my birthday. It was a perfect day!

Noah is getting SO big! He already loves to read!

Andy caught this HUGE carp on the Yellowstone.

Last night-up, up, up!!!

8:30, 9:45, 10:20, 12:10, 2:30, 3:##, 4:**, &:** no rest for the wearY!

Laura came to visit us over Labor Day, she drove all the way from Ft. Collins, CO!

Our brand-new sandbox!!! Andy is beside himself with excitement! It is big 5' x5' and 10" deep and it has built-in seats. Rob and his friend built it. Way to go, Guys! This little addition should really bring some easiness to our days. We are really loving having Daddy home this week. Today, I took a 2.5 hour nap with Noah. Rob worked on organizing and decluttering. He sure is good at that; I get distracted by the boys (and various other projects).

Fast week!

Phew! That went by quickly. Rob finished finals, climbed part of the Grand Teton and is home now-happily!!! We have a week straight together before he has to start the fall term. Our big plan is to build a sandbox for Andy. Andy is very excited, his 3 yr birthday is coming up. It is going to be a Tractor Party! I made the invites on my scrapbooking program, which BTW, I love! I will try to post them later.

Last night, we made the MOST delicious apple pie! I will have to share the recipe:

Combine in a bowl:

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c cornstarch

1 tsp cinnamon and some nutmeg

mix w dry ing:

6 c tart apples

1 T lemon juice

Put in pie shell.

Sprinkle the apples w this crumb topping:

1/2 c butter

1/2 c oats

1/2 c flour

1/2 c brn sugar

Bake in 350 oven for 75-90 minutes. Check it so you don't burn the crust. mmmmm-delish!

Our cute little Chub, Chub weighs almost 18#!!! He is 4 months old now. He is laughing and grabbing for toys we hold in front of him. What a joy! We found a Bumbo Baby Sitter at a garage sale yesterday. Andy gets a kick out of making Noah smile/giggle. They are going to be a great pair!