Look who's laughing Now!

If anyone were to ask John or I, we would both agree that Nathan is by FAR our happiest, most smiley baby EVER! (Not that our other kids were not happy- they were, but Nate seems unusually pleasant, that's all) Still, I can count on ONE HAND the number of people who are able to get Nate's to laugh. Now anyone can get Nate to Smile. And he Chuckles ALL the time, but I'm talking about a laugh here. You know- those great big deep belly laughs? Those are the laughs that I'm talking about. There are a couple of people who can get such a delightful reaction out of him, everytime.

I am not one of those people! I don't know why? Heaven knows, I try!


Earlier this week though, I figured it out, and was able to get some fairly decent happy squeels from him. Not as happy as some laughs I've heard from him, but acceptable, especially considering that he was laughing at ME! Not John! Not Auntie Jewel, or Aunt Luci! Not his favorite neighbor across the street! Not the stranger at the post office! ME!

I, his mother - was finally able to make him laugh!!!!

(But oh my, it took a lot of work:)

This kid makes me so happy!

One year Older.

Well, I am officially 30!   Look at that.  One minute you are a young and careless twenty year old, and then one morning you wake up and "POOF".  You are Old.  

The strangest thing though:   Suddently, 30 doesn't feel old at all!   How can that be?  

In short, my birthday weekend (and yes, birthdays around here are a three-day event)  was Fabulous!   In fact, possibly the best ever.  

Here's Why:

1.   I was awoken at 5:00 am by the sound of somebody walking through the house.   The paranoid side of me instantly suspected an intruder.    So I sent John to check it out.      That is when we discovered our   year old with a gift bag in hand, trying to hide my birthday gift before I woke for the day.  It was a lovely hand-maid magnet that she made at Jewel's house.    I love how this girls internal alarm clock gets her up early every time there is a reason to celebrate.   Also, I love that she was that excited about my little ol' birthday.

2.   One of the neighborhood girls came over to play on Friday, and in her hand were these flowers.   Her sweet, "Happy Birthday Mrs.Hardy,"  completely surprised me.   How did she know?    Her mom, and my visiting teaching companion later dropped something off as well.   Seriously, it made me feel like a million bucks AND strengthened my testimony of the visiting teaching program ALL at the same time!

3.     I was almost moved to tears on my "Birthday Eve"  when three of my favorite people brought by a cake for me.  In the shape of a camera!  But not just any camera.  MY CAMERA!   I was so thankful for my  sisters - Jewel and Luci, and my new pal Betsy who labored over a hot stove, or at least bowls of chocolate icing, to make me a birthday cake!    (that's right-all it takes is a chocoate cake and you are like, so totally my new BFF!)    Jewel always thinks of some sort of creative cake for me, ( like last year for example) so this really shouldn't have been a surprise.  But  it  was.  And more importantly, I was really touched that they would work together on something so personalized to me.  As soon as they left, I snapped a few pictures of my "camera."

And then I ate the lense, with a small scoop of ice cream.

4.   Even though it snowed all.weekend.long, we still managed to have a lot of fun together.   John and I decided to cancel our much anticapated "Waterton hike" in light of the weather, and instead took the kids swimming in Lethbridge.   It was so cozy, sitting in a hot tub while the wind blew outside, and it was equally fun to fill ourselves up with warm pasta afterwards.    Really, a perfect day!

I feel so glad to be 30 years young, and blessed to have such a generally happy life.  On previous birthdays, people would,  ask me if I felt any "older or wiser."  The answer was always NO.  I mean really, what difference does one day make from the day before?   

But no lie - I really do feel a LOT wiser today.
 I'm not kidding!

It's the strangest thing!

Just Dreamin

Yesterday, John took Abby to soccer and watched her play. He watched her for a full hour.  In the pouring rain.   It has been raining consistently for a couple of days now, and unfortunately, the downpour wouldn't let up for a measly little soccer game.    As they sat their sopping wet selves down at the table for dinner, John made the comment that perhaps school would get cancelled and we might get a "Rain Day."     Well, Abby's ears perked up at the thought of that, and she asked for details about this said, "Rain Day."      She had never heard of such a thing.     Of course, that is because there is no such thing as a Rain Day,  but John should know better then to joke about a day off of school.  

The converstaion made me smile, as I realized just how precious those unexpected school cancellations have become to us.   It's not just having Abby and Sam stay home, that is fun  - it's having Dad home too!   Those are the moments that I feel extra EXTRA glad that I`m married to a school teacher.   I thought back to September two years ago, when there was a water main break at the High School, and   classes were all cancelled as a result.   A water main break!!     It was so random and unexpected, that John almost didn't believe it.     In fact, part of him suspected the news was a prank, and he left for work as usual,  just so that he wouldn't be caught not showing up for work.    Five minutes later, he returned, ready to enjoy a day off.    We spent the day hiking in Waterton, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.   We practically had the park to ourselves, as the summer was over, and most people were at work or in school.  

Except for us!   That day was definitely one of the "most perfect days ever"!

All because of a Water Main break.

So now, as I watch the rain fall, I admit, a little part of me actually hopes that maybe...we might just get one of those  imaginary "Rain Days."

I mean, stranger things have happened right?

And believe me, I know just what I'd do with such a day!

"YOU is the WOIST Mom EVER!"

It's difficult to believe that someone so cute could say such a thing,  isn't it?

Don't worry though.

I'm pretty sure that, deep down, she loves me.   

Really.Deep. Down

Life from Sam's perspective, and other ups and downs from the week.

Recently, we have had a little trouble keeping Sam from taking off to our neighbors house.   It seems that every time I turn around, he is gone.    One day last week, his friend Kate was over playing, when Sam took off and headed towards HER house.   John and I got a little suspicious of him and when we asked him why he was going there when Kate was already here, sam replied, "'cuz.   I need a fruit roll up."

Say what?

Apparantly I don't stalk the shelves with the right kind of treats, but that's no reason to high tail it to the neighbors is it?    John and I tried to convey this to Sam, but he didn't really seem to get it.  Or care.

This week, I was got mad at him again for taking off on us, and I sat him down and explained that, I could buy him fruit roll ups too, but I was choosing not to.     "There is no way that I was going to spend money on fruit roll ups- not when he disobeys me and runs off to his friends."

That is what I said, but somehow, somewhere in his brain - things did not completely connect, and he obviously received an entirely different message.   Or maybe, he just didn't care.  

Whatever the reason, this past Monday morning, bright and early, I realized that Sam was, gone.  Yet again.    When I phoned Kate's mom to see if Sam was there, she shared with me (while laughing) what Sam had told her as she let him in to her home.

 He said, and I quote:
"My mom said that we don't have enough money for fruit roll ups, and that I have to find a friend who has them."                                              


Say what?  For the record, that is NOT what I said, but trust a four year old to hear only what he selectively wants to hear.    And that is how Sam managed to come home WITH a fruit roll up in hand.  Yet again.

Sure, he's cute -but my oh my,  what a scammer!

Lucky for Sam, he redeemed himself later that day.  His first Soccer game ever was a success!    We've known for awhile that he would be on the same team as his number 1 buddy Everett.   The icing on the cake though, was when we discovered that his neighbor Kate is also on the team!     And Kate's mom?  Well she's the coach!    Sam's little mind must have been just reeling with excitement.
I mean, she's the NICE MOM who buys fruit roll ups!!!

In all honesty, Sam surprised me with how will he did.   Considering the excitement, he really did seem to grasp what soccer is all about.   He was a very attentive goalie, always waiting and alert, even when the ball was at the far opposite end.  

  

He had better control of the ball then I expected (for a 4 year old), AND even managed to score two goals!  Now, he is HOOKED and begs to be able to go to soccer ever. single.day!    He wore his soccer uniform to bed that first night, AND THEN to school the next day.   

Boys are so gross like that.   (Though it does cut down on laundry, so - whatever.)

Abby also had her first soccer game this week.   She did just as well,  proudly explaining afterwards that she was the only one who got any goals!!!

I love how kids can get away with  being not so humble.

Soccer seems to have really taken off in this town, and gained in popularity,  thanks to some very devoted "soccer moms" who wanted to see it grow here.   A large portion of the kids in town play, and that makes it fun for so many reasons.   Not only do the kids get some great exercise,  but I really enjoy sitting and watching as well, and it makes for some great family evenings.    Chief Mountain is easily viewable and it provides a beautiful back drop as we cheer, and of course, visit with other equally proud parents. 

Speaking of beautiful back drops - the blossoms have all appeared in full force this week!

 The other day, I noticed two beautiful purple blossomed trees on the temple lawn.      

I've gone a couple of times to take some pics which you can go Here to see.

 I am so excited about this crab apple tree we have in our backyard.

From my kitchen window,  this is what I get to see as I wash dishes,   and it has me looking forward to all of that  Crab Apple Jelly that we will soon enjoy!

I don't really know how to make Crab Apple Jelly -  but it would be a pity not to learn now, wouldn't it?

The FLU bug got a hold of us this week, and really did a number on the family.   Sam was the first to get sick, and it was bad.  Probably the sickest I've ever seen him.   At one point he was lying like a pathetic heep of boy on the bathroom floor when he looked up at me and said,    

"Oh mom. I am a sick sick Man."   

 If it was not so sad, I would have laughed at him.    Things only went down hill from there.    So far,   Nate and I are the only ones who have managed to avoid getting sick, but I think it is just a matter of time before we fall victim as well.    And chances are, that will likely happen as soon as John returns to work, and I'm left to juggle the kids on my own.     Because that is just how things work. 

That is why I baked two meals for the next couple of days, got caught up on the laundry, and tied up all those lose ends that only Mother's know about.   So bring on the Flu.   I'm ready!

Oh yeah, and one more thing:

Happy Long Weekend!!!!

Meet Jake.

He is Jessica's new pet dog/hyena or ...something?   Actually, Jake became "ours" a few weeks ago when Jessica came home from Auntie Jewel's house with this little "thing" tucked under her arm.    Jess played with him and loved him for all of two days, before moving on to something new.   (Isn`t that the way it is with pets.  tsk tsk)

Recently though, he has resurfaced and even been given a name!   (No doubt inspired by a much cuter and real live "Jake" that lives a few doors down from us).    We're pretty original, I know.    Whatever the name - John is more then happy to accommodate a dog...of the stuffed variety, any day!



The kids have been asking for weeks and weeks to set up a lemonade stand. We've tried to keep them at bay, only because a foot of snow didn't really seem like an appropriate backdrop for a lemonade stand.  Friday, however, was finally their big day. The first Lemonade sale of the summer, and thankfully the kids set it up at the neighbors even!

  It`s so fun to see the kids play outside all day.   And they must be learning some economics in the process.   As the above sign proves, the price of lemonade, AND WATER  increased dramatically by the time things had wrapped up.   

I love an entrepreneurial spirit!

And really, I don`t think anybody could refuse this cute little face as she called out, "FREE lemonade!  Only 5 pennies!"

The sun has been shining beautifully this past weekend.   We've made a couple of pathetic attempts to get our garden in, but darn it all, that still  hasn't happened yet.    Hopefully it will be dry enough by Monday.     We did manage to get some strawberries planted (thank you Luci), as well as a whole bunch of Raspberry Canes.    The difficult part is waiting a year before we get to enjoy any of the yummy fruit!  

I thought I'd show this picture that was taken back before we even moved in. 

It shows how the house was at the time that we bought it. Notice that tall cedar tree by the front door?   It  looks very much alive and healthy back then.   Back when someone else owned it. 


Yesterday, John hauled it off to the dump.  

Somehow within the past 6 months I've managed to let it die.  I'm trying not to be offended though. I'm sure it was just the fact that winter came so early last year, and not necessarily that I was the one taking care of it.

In it's place, and elsewhere, I planted some clematis.   John built some lattice frames and we're hoping that soon we will see some pretty vines growing up the front face of the house.  

We also recently dug out a plot of dirt around that big rock out front.   It had been sitting there in the middle of our lawn just asking to be climbed all over.   Initially, I thought that if we planted around the rock, then the kids would stop climbing and jumping off of it. 

We`ve since planted some peonies, babies breath, 2 types of lilies, gladiolas, and some "mystery bulbs" that Sam brought home from school for Mother's Day, and a super little Juniper called the "Prince of Wales."   I bought that Juniper solely because of its name!    This little flower bed has been a fun project and I'm excited to watch it fill up.  

Unfortunately, the kids still climb all over that rock.

    That`s usually when I tell them to leave my Rock and Garden alone, and go play in Daddy's Red Truck or something.   

Speaking of Red.   I LOVE this Red Dogwood bush that has recently found permanent residence on our front lawn.    I know that it looks a little scraggly now, but I think that it has potential.    I plan on snipping it down quite a bit so that it will grow more uniformly.   John just wants to make sure it is doing well before I go and hack half of it off. 

 

I'm beginning to learn that gardening and landscaping is an exercise in patience.   So really, I'm not sure why I enjoy it so much. 

On another note, I have officially packed away all of our winter gear, and boots, and I will not be bringing them out again.   That means, Spring is here.

I hope. 

Exactly how bad IS a little Vanity?

Sam sits in front of the mirror. All.the.time.

For his birthday a year ago, his Aunt Heather gave him a cute plastic razor set, which delighted him for days and days. After he'd shaved a kazillion times and exhausted the Spongebob canister of shaving creme, all was forgotten, and life continued as usual.

Recently though, that little razor, and brush resurfaced and Sam has discovered that "Dad" has an ample supply of shaving creme, so there is no stopping him this time.

At first it didn't really bother me, that he spends so much time in front of the mirror.   In fact, I thought it was rather cute how he would shave before going out to play for the morning. ... And afternoon. ...And evening. Lately though, after wiping clean the bathroom for the umpteenth time, I've begun to get a little bit sick of it.



On another note, I was recently inspired by a friend of mine to make some sillouette pictures of our family. I've seen them done Here, and Here, but it wasn't until my friend over at Science Geek did it herself, that I wanted to give it a try as well. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, isn't it?)

Now this is what sits on my wall, and I have a couple of issues about it.    I think that if I leave it up I need to mix up the frames and get some of different shapes and colors.  This all looks too organized for my liking. 





More importantly though, and perhaps the real reason this little project bugged me, was it brought to my awareness the complete HUGENESS of my nose!      I'm not just saying that.  It's true.   I couldn't deny it when I heard Abby from the other room whisper to John in a concerned way, "wow, Dad.   Look at mom's nose!"     I couldn't even defend myself.  "It" was right there staring back at us in all it's um...nasal glory!  

So I did what any person in my shoes would do.    I ripped that picture down, grabbed a pair of scissors, and re-shaped that nose, before anybody knew what was going on.     Shaved it down to a size that actually fit within the confines of the frame.      That's right, a little cosmetic surgery, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!

So there you have it, my family, in almost exact likeness. 

So what if every time I walk by this wall now, I take a moment to enjoy my `new nose.`   It doesn`t mean a thing!
.
Nope, you don`t have to warn  me about how bad a bit of Vanity really can be.   


But, someone ought to tell that to the kid.

Highlights from Last week.

I snapped this photo during Family Home Evening tonight. Not only does it perfectly depict my chidren's current level of reverence (or lack thereof) during a typical FHE lesson,   but this picture also serves as bonafide proof that our baby can now SIT UP all on his very own!

And he's more than a little proud of himself.    He just sits and watches all of us as he plays with any toy the kids are willing to throw at him.  All the while,  grinning from ear to ear, of course.   He's such a happy little thing.

This past weekend John purchased two new pear trees that are now happily sitting in the backyard.

 We had to leave our pear trees behind when we moved, and leaving our pear and apple trees was one of the saddest parts about moving to us.   We both knew that it was just a matter of time before we planted some here.

Let's hope they produce something down the road.

If not- well ...THEY'd BETTER.

On Saturday morning Jessica and I got up early and drove out to Waterton.

We drove all the way up to Red Rock, and Jessica watched for animals the entire way. Sweet thing, she really was trying to identify all that she saw.

The problem was there were so many animals out, she could barely find one animal before we were already watching something different.

Of course, you can see the geese in the foreground. Take note though, of the Elk swimming across the Lake. Animals were EVERYWHERE. Coyotes, Sheep, Elk, Deer, an Eagle!   It is always a beautiful sight to me to see different animals interact together.

While we were out there, we enjoyed the most perfectly still morning ever.   Barely even a breeze!

I tried to capture the stillness in a few reflection shots, though I admit, it is a fairly "wintery" scene.    Not really what I want to be taking pictures of this time of year.

I have a feeling Spring is on it's way.

Fingers Crossed!

Happy Mother's Day

It's been a nice day today.  Abby got up early, very early, and surprised me with Breakfast in bed.   It's amazing how delicous Cereal, a muffin, and a glass of water can be when you don't have to get out of bed and prepare it yourself!

The kids had also set up a treasure hunt for me.   They had hidden throughout the house,   a myriad of notes, cards, pictures and gifts that they had been dilligently laboring over all week.

When all of that was done - they asked to have breakfast in bed too.

I was happy to oblige, though I do wonder how upset they will be tomorrow when I make them come to the table for breakfast as usual.    How boring that will seem.

I've been feeling very grateful for all of the moms in my life today, especially for the constant influence of John's Mom and my own.     I can't think of two woman who better examplify to me all that I hope to one day become.   Not only as a Mother, but as an overall good person.  I was six years old when my mom died, and interestingly, that is also the same amount of time that I knew John`s mom as well.   Six years may not seem like very much time, but in both cases, those years were jam packed with concentrated lessons and memories that have helped to mold John and I and continue to be a driving force in the daily decisions and goals that we make as a family.   

If you've ever doubted a Mother's influence (though I don`t know who would)  -   think again.

``The example of a righteous mother avails much, spans the generations and permeates to all within the reach of those she touches.``

Georgia Ellen (Toone) Rausch

Marilyn (Harris) Hardy

Happy Mother's Day to all you Woman and Mothers in our lives.
We love you!

Yup, we're mighty proud

Do you ever have moments when you look at your kids and realize that somewhere between now, and the last time you paused to notice, they'd grown up on you.  Just a little bit, but much faster then you had ever expected?   I often plead with my kids to never NEVER grow up.   It's become a bit of a game, to which I usually get a dramatic response from Abby, as she rolls her eyes and says,     "As IF mom.   You know you can't stop us from getting bigger."      


Sometimes her defiance stops me in my tracks, and shakes me up a little.   There are days when I wish that I actually could stop them from getting bigger.   Other times I am more at ease with the whole aging thing, and can sit back and celebrate each milestone that they pass.  

It just depends on the day.

Take this past Sunday for example.  I went out to the garage to get something out of the deepfreeze, when I discovered Sam riding his bicycle in circles around the garage, (while talking to whom I assume was none other then a new "imaginary friend").      After I got over the initial concern that he was indeed talking to himself,   I did a double take and was shocked to discover that his bike had no training wheels.  What?   When did he learn to ride his bike?   And where the heck was I?    I'm supposed to be right there with him arn't I?   Helping him balance?  Patching up his scraped knees when it does go as easy as he thought it would?   At least video taping it?

How dare he grow up without allowing me the parental privilege of being a part of it!

       And how dare he ride without his helmet!   ....and SHOES!  

                                                           ------------------------------

For months now, John has been hinting/hounding me to potty train our 3 year old.    Heaven knows, she is long past ready, but I've been far too lazy to go through the hassel of it.     Who wants to deal with dirty carpets, and "accidents"  at the grocery store.    In my opinion, as long as Jess is potty trained by the time she has to enter Junior High - then, it's all good.     What's the rush?     John doesn't agree.  So to appease him,  I have made some half hearted attempts over the past couple of months,  but not much progress had ever really been made.    Jessica has been as determined not to learn as I've been disinterrested in teaching her.   

Until this week.   Something seems to have just "clicked" in that cute little head of hers.

I'm not making any promises here, but I think that it is somewhat safe to say that there is a slight chance we may have possibly, perhaps,  purchased the last bag of diapers.  
  

And I think it is important to note -  well before Junior High even!

                                  ---------------------------------------------------

Last night, we thawed out and BBQ'd some of the Rainbow and Brook Trout that we caught over the summer.   Actually, if I was being honest, I'd admit that we "cooked up some of the trout that ABIGAIL caught" over the summer.    A delightful fish smell wafted through our house that evening:   It was the kind of smell that would have driven any pregnant woman mad.    However, to me, it brought back memories of our lovely, laid back, summer evenings spent by the lakes in both Glacier and Waterton.

 I could almost smell Cameron Lake right there in our kitchen!

Abigail was especially proud of the fact that SHE was the one who single handedly put food on our table that night.   In fact,  before leaving the table, all of us were required to officially thank HER for dinner.

She's never really been the type to back down from a compliment, that's for sure!

So there it is, a synopsis of my kids accomplishments this week.   I suppose that I could sit down and lament the loss of their younger, slightly more dependent days of the week prior.    Or I can sit back and enjoy it.    Maybe even feel proud of them.   Isn't that one of the perks of being a parent?   We're entitled to a little bit of pride now and then arn't we?

 I mean really, a four year old who can ride a bike BAREFOOT while carrying on a conversation with himself; a girl potty trained WAY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE;  and a daughter who has become our BREAD WINNER at the tender age of seven.  
  

Now, who wouldn't want to brag about all that!

The simpler life...

 "Yet, men have come to such a pass that they frequently starve; not for want of necessities, but for want of luxuries." 

  -Thoreau 

That is pretty much the phrase that has continued to run through my mind several times over the past few days.   I recently read Waldon, and at the time, felt inspired by the concept of living a simpler life, one free of those things we call "luxuries."  That said, it is so much easier to just read about living a simpler life;   it is another thing to have the "simpler life" thrust upon you!  

This past Thursday we woke up to our third SNOW DAY this year.   A real doozy of a snow day.    Now don't get me wrong... I LOVE a snow day.  There is nothing more enjoyable to me then a short stint of bad weather that stops us in our tracks.   Sometimes that is exactly what we need to keep us home, together, and forces us to relax and enjoy the slowness of the moment. 

However, this snow day also came with a power outage, and after going ALL day without any electricity, the novelty was beginning to wear off.   At first, we kept ourselves happy by snuggling up as a family and watching "Winged Migration" on John's computer. 

Then the battery died and boredom sunk in. 

 

Suddenly it wasn't a very fun snow day!  In fact, by the time evening came, and we still had no power, I was far from enthused.   As I began to prepare the house for a cold and dark night I found myself repeatedly muttering something along the lines of,     "Stupid.  Dumb.  Boring.  Hate it!"   

Steady John however, kept us all happy by starting up the BBQ, entertaining us with stories of his childhood, and boiling water on the propane burner any time I needed warm water.  (thanks to our energy efficient water heater- that is completely electric.)  

That John is such a boy scout!

It was a fun little adventure, (I can say that now), though I must confess we have grown far FAR too comfortable with the luxuries of life!

You know- like electricity!

On Saturday morning, I drove out of town to get a glimpse of the damage that had caused us to experience such a power outage a couple of days earlier.

Spring storms really do carry a lot of punch with them!

I'm thinking that a lot of people went much longer without power.

  There were dozens of poles just lying along the road, like this one.

I did enjoy and appreciate the slow day, but I am very VERY happy to have power restored again!

On another note, I must mention that Nate is officially 6 months old this weekend!  

For someone so small he sure has a LOT of personality.   He has a smile that is nothing short of Radiant, and he has the happiest most bubbly personality.    It's always fun for me to take him somewhere and watch people interact with him.    Give this kid just a little bit of attention, and he reciprocates with the biggest toothless grin ever.  A few of his favorite people know exactly how to draw out his laughs and it is so much fun to see!  ..and hear!

 We have started to feed him solids, and it seems as though we can't quite shovel that food into his mouth fast enough.   Peas, carrots, and pears are his most favorite foods right now. 

As you might notice from the picture, Sam and Jess enjoy "helping" with the feeding time as well.    

Luckily, Nate remains unfazed by all that his older siblings often put him through.

Deep down, I know that day is coming when he will not be my happy delightful little baby anymore, but rather a rough and rowdy toddler.    I know that I will love him just as much then, as I do now.

But I am really enjoying this stage he is at. 

He is pretty much content to spend his days eating, rolling, laughing, sleeping and dreaming.

Now that is what I call  a  "SIMPLE LIFE".