A good day for Bird Watching

A couple of weeks ago I drove home from Bozeman with my Father in Law after watching John's sister play in a piano recital. The entire six hours drive was spent watching the beautiful Montana scenery whiz by and spotting the Eagles.   Max assured me that it wouldn't be long before the Eagles would be seen here around town as well. Sure enough, I have taken several country drives this past week and have not been disapointed.  Today I took the kids on an "Eagle Hunt" and we spotted well over a dozen easily!  They were everywhere!

Jessica is by far our lover of Birds and all things "natural."  For example, she has taken claim of Cameron Falls and insists on calling it HER waterfall.  When she prays at night, without fail, she prays that she can "go to the Creek tomorrow..."   For Christmas all she asked Santa for was a Golden Eagle.    And she is always the first one in the van when I announce that we were going to go bird watching.

She loves Nature!     

 (Perhaps my Cop Brother will notice that Jessica is not buckled up.  I wonder if he would believe me if I said I didn't think that rule applied on a back country road...driving 15km/hour?)

We could ALWAYS look off in the distance and see some soaring high over a field or small hill.  No doubt in search of gophers to eat. 

Every once in awhile though, one of those birds would fly closer and we'd get a much better view. 

It was neat to watch this particular bald eagle swoop down low, and sit for several minutes.

Obviously enjoying whatever it had caught. 

What usually happened though, is I would be so fixated on watching the side of the road and far off fields, that I would completely miss the Eagle that was right above us.

We did get distracted a few times watching the odd cow or horse, coyote and even an owl.  This deer especially, held the kids interest for quite a while. 

                                             

They enjoyed watching it jump the fence with no effort at all.

But after that, our focus was right back to where it should be -  watching for Eagles.  That is, after all,  why we were wondering so aimlessly out there.

Eagles seem to be very skitterish birds.  Several different times we saw these giant birds fairly close,  perched on a fence post, telephone pole, or in the top of a tree.   Each time it WOULD have made the perfect picture.   Dang things though,  never let me get any closer before taking off. 

See?  Flying away.

And again.  This one was sitting up in it's nest.  Sitting on eggs I bet.

And again with the flying away! 

This eagle was literally sitting on this post right off the side of the road.  As soon as I came remotely close, it flew off to join the others far in the distance. 

Not a single bird was willing to sit still.  Not even for a moment!

                                  

Perhaps they just have better things to do then be bothered by some pesky little human with a camera and four rowdy children.

Not that I blame them.

I love where I live. 

Sunday to Sunday

Last Sunday I got to travel down to Bozeman to watch my sister in law Sarah perform in a piano recital.   John and the kids had to stay home, sadly, as they needed to be at school the next day.  It was just Nate and I who caught a ride with some of my other in-laws.    The ride down was pretty nice.  Nate was content to sit in his car seat and smile away.  I got to read, listen to Conference addresses and TED talks for 6 hours!    I did not play a SINGLE game of I SPY! 


It was a gorgeous day to drive through Montana too!

We arrived in Bozeman right in time for Sarah's recital.  It was fabulous.  One of my favorite things to do is to watch people do what they are good at.   It made me want to work on all of the things I enjoy and have been neglecting.  Sarah is so passionate about the piano and it shows in the way she plays.  She really respects the music.  

It was enjoyable to spend Sunday evening in Bozeman playing games, visiting with John's family (sans John) and cuddling with Nate.    I was so glad that John was willing to let Nate and I go.  He had to take the kids to church that day on his own.  Get them to piano lessons and school the next day, and then get himself to work on time too.  John seemed to handle it all just fine, much to my disapointment. 

I would like to think that their little worlds revolve around me, but spending two days without me for the first time ever didn't seem to phase them one bit. 

C'mon John.  You could have at least pretended to struggle.  They may have done great on their own, but I could not wait to get back to them.  

Abby turned 7 on Thursday.   This year she got THREE parties!  How does that happen?  I still don't really understand how a kid can be so spoiled - but Abby was in Heaven.  

She crashed her cousin Jaxson's birthday dinner by insisting on her own cupcake, candles and song.  The next day she invited her two cousins Ava and Mya over for a fancy party, and then Friday was her friend party.  It was such fun to have Abby's school friends over.  They are cute kids, and I took extra delight in embarrassing Abby any chance I got.  I had to.  It's what makes parenting so enjoyable!   

It has been a delightfully gorgeous weekend here.  Our kids have been running around outside without their coats on for the past couple of days.  We've opened up our windows for the first time this year,and it is so invigorating to smell the fresh air and feel a warm spring breeze float through the house.  Spring is almost here!!!

This became especially apparant to me this morning when I stole away (as I often do on Sunday mornings) for an hour or two of peace and quiet.  AKA: picture taking.   I love Sunday mornings!   I found a gravel road that seemed promising and followed it as far as I could.   It was barely 6:30 in the morning and the sun was just starting to rise. 

Snapped this photo of Chief mountain before heading back home. 

On the way back I stopped and watched a group of bald eagles circulating over a farmer's field.

  For a moment I wished that Jessica was with me as she LOVES eagles. 

 But that lasted a moment, before I was happy again to be alone.

I enjoyed stopping for a moment to watch these birds up on a hill.

  The sun was making it difficult to see, and I can't really tell if they are Canadian geese or Trumpeter Swans but they were making a beautiful sound. 

 

All of this was proof to me that SPRING is definitely on its way!

Happy Sunday!

Lucky number 7

The 4th of March is Abby's Birthday.   I find it hard to believe that she is already 7.    SEVEN! 

 People frequently stop me and tell me to "enjoy this time" in my life, because one day I will wake up and the kids will all be grown.      I am beginning to realize how true that is.   More and more I am experiencing little moments when I look at my kids (specifically this one) and wonder what happened!!   And where has my baby gone?      It is funny how the more kids I have - the more inxperienced I feel as a Mom.  Luckily, Abby is living proof that kids can survive pretty much anything!

 

A few things about the Birthday Girl:

*  She has a real knack for the dramatics.  If you dare ask her a question- you better be ready for her response.  She loves attention, and there are not many circumstances in which she would be shy. This became apparant to me years ago when I watched her (at the age of 2)  walk up to some teenagers who were smoking on a playground and say, "Hey friends.  Wanna play with me?" 

*  Abby is a HUGE help with Nate.  When she gets home from school, she scoops him up and holds him on her lap for as long as I need.  She has recently begun changing his diaper ON HER OWN.  I watch her talk to him and console him the same way I would.    As a result- she is often the recipient of some of Nates biggest and happiest smiles! 

*  Abby can speak FENGLISH.   To those of you who don't know, (as I'm sure very few would), what Fenglish is, let me explain it to you.   Fenglish is a made up language created by her and her cousins Ava, Ella and Mya.  It consists of replacing the first constenant of every word with the letter F.  (Ie: "I Love You" in Fenglish is "FI Fove Fou.")   I recently had to play an entire game of Battleship with her speaking this cursed language. 

*  Abby is the master procrastinator.  She can weasle out of homework after school like nothing else.  This usually results in last minute cramming during breakfast, thus causing me to vow each and every morning that I will never let her put things off ever again.   (Note:  It appears I am the slowest learner ever)

*  Abby has an amazing memory.  She can ramble off old movie lines, poems, songs, and scriptures without having to think twice.  John and Abby often quote movie lines together, and I am left watching them wondering what the heck they are talking about!   It's as bad as being left out of an "inside Joke."

*She's TALL for her age.  In fact I usually beg her a minimum of 50 times a day to STOP GROWING!  She just smiles...rolls her eyes as if she was already eighteen,  and assures me that everybody has to grow up sometime.     Duh!

*  I've been told that Abby treats everybody in her class at school with equal respect.  I can't think of a better compliment then that.  I know that at some point she will be confronted with that dreaded concept of "popularity," and (for the next what ... 40 years or so?) it will have an impact on how she is both treated and how she treats others.  So far though, Abby remains convinced that everyone in her class is equally cool- and I LOVE that. 

* She has a happy personality, and an over the top SILLY sense of humor.  She tells the lamest jokes ever, and laughs hysterically at each and every one of them.  She's her own audience- this kid. 

*  She's one of my Best friends. 

Nope -  I don't mind saying it:

"I Hope she NEVER grows Up!"

Our kids this week

There is nothing - absolutely NOTHING better then a sleeping baby!

I will forever love this picture of Nate.   Ienjoyed a rare moment this week when Sam and Abby were at school and Jess was playing at my sister Jewel's house.   It was just me and Nate. 

He chose to spend our time together sleeping.

I spent that time watching him.

This photo makes me laugh too. 

When Nate was younger we noticed that he had a slight "kink" in his neck. Sure a little bit of it was probably due to him being so young,  and undeveloped still.   But this was more then just an infant's floppy neck.  He really would  favor one side, and he seemed almost bothered when he had to turn it to the left.   After a few visits to our local chiropractor Nate had much more mobility and far less discomfort.  This is one of the stretching excercises we were taught to do with him.  We just hold him like this and let gravity straighten things out.  Every time I see this - I want to be hung upside down to.  Doesn't that look like the best stretch! 

 
 
 
 

This photo does NOT make me happy.

 

  Despite the fact that both kids SEEM to be fine, that is NOT the case.  Nate is unwillingly being held hostage and there is NOTHING that can be done about it.  Jess is one determined little girl and she has recently declared that Nate is HER baby. 

Not good. 

Back before Valentines Day had even come, John and I felt compelled to require a little bit more from our kids.  Specifically when it comes to clearing their plates after a meal.  Usually when we want to see results from our three oldest, we resort to bribery.   It is a tried and tested technique in our home, and it has NEVER failed us.   

In fact Jess STILL insists on clearing her table stuff, and STILL asks every time if "this means she can have a treat on Valentines Day."   Sure kid..  Do this for the next ...oh, eleven months, and I will be more then happy to pay up!

The kids have been playing extremely well together lately.  (They are obviously very bored:)  One day they played "soup kitchen."   It consisted of using every bowl and spoon I would let them use, and serving soup to all the customers.  

 

I got in trouble though when I took this picture. 

Abby looked up and said, "Oh please. No Flash Photography."

I really shouldn't be posting this picture, I know.  It doesn't reallly portray us as the classy bunch I try so hard to make us appear as.  One evening I had my camera out and Sam was obviously hurting for some attention.  

 Ergo - underpants on the head! 

On my sister Jewels fridge there is a quote that says something along these lines,

"If your Child is a hand full,

it is because he is not

often enough an arm full."

So what usually goes through my mind when Sam comes charging out of his room looking like this?

"Here is a kid who needs a HUG."

Very Very badly

Go Canada!

John and I have gotten very caught up in watching the Olympics this  year.    We don't have cable, as I only order that when it is General Conference time,  but we have instead been watching the coverage online.  In fact it is not rare for us each to be seen lugging our computers with us from one room to another because we do not want to miss a single moment.   I don't know why I haven't enjoyed it this much in previous years.  Where have I been?   Have the Olympics always been this much fun?

 It is incredibly inspiring to see how skilled a person can be in their own specific field.  These athletes are all so accomplished and good at what they do.  Doesn't it make you want to find something to be great at too?


For me, without a doubt my favorite event to watch has been the Ice Dancing competition, in which these two Canadians took the Gold Medal!    When I was watching this event the other night,  Abby was laying in bed beside me NOT SLEEPING (the little stinker), and as she watched  along she let out a breath and said, "Whoa!  They are even better then ME!"    (I love how Abby has only recently managed to complete a lap around our local rink without assistance and suddenly she's an expert:)

(Photo Coutesy of the Vancouver Sun)

 She's right though.   It was a very moving Dance. One that I can't stop watching replays of.  In fact, I usually turn it on now while I cook supper, and try to dance along a bit on my own.  (Believe me, it's tough without a partner, but Nate gets a kick out of watching me.)

Even better then this amazing skate though, was when Virtue and Moir accepted their Gold Medals.   They both seemed so completely overjoyed and the crowd was crazy for them.    I was so happy when they stood on that podium and our National anthem began.   They sang O' Canada right along with everybody else in the arena and they sang it so enthusiastically, it was contagious!  I am convinced that we have the most beautiful anthem ever written.  

 Definitely, by far, my favorite award ceremony.   

So what Olympic moment has inspired you?    

It's my party- I can cry if I want to

I mentioned in my post yesterday that we celebrated Jessica's third birthday this week. My computer is up and running now, so I had to post a few pics of the event.


This was taken earlier in the day. Jessica was more then happy to help bake her birthday cake. She insisted on adding ALL of the ingredients. (most of which actually got in the bowl.)   And she insisted on MIXING it on her very own because she is, after all, such a big girl now. (most of it ended up on my blinds)

Of course the best part of any birthday party is when everybody stands around and sings to you.  Jess might look a bit shy here, but trust me, she was loving every second of it.    For a brief moment - she was on top of the world!

But no one gets to be the center of attention for too long. 

Three is such a tough age.

A lot of celebrating!

What a week!  So much has happened, but sadly all of my pictures are stuck on my camera, until my computer is working again.  So this will be a long post sans pictures, unless I can find some on John's computer or the internet that might apply.


Last Sunday we celebrated the Chinese New Year at my sister Jewel's house.    I LOVE Chinese New Year!    Jewel's home looked lovely and festive, and there was no shortage of yummy dishes.  Lemon Chicken, stir fry, chicken wings, lettuce wraps and peanut sauce, and the yummiest pot stickers (gyozas) EVER!  It is to date one of my favorite meals so far, because the food was ridiculous!   Seriously, I took pictures, and it is a shame I can't show them.  I want to eat the photo!     Jewel kept insisting that if her Brother in Law Lorin had been there it would have been yummier, as he apparently specializes in the whole Gyoza department.  I find it hard to believe a meal like that could be any tastier - but John and I would be more then willing to be the judges of that!

Happy Year of the Tiger everyone! 

 (this is not  our Nate just some zazzle.com  baby that is almost as adorable.  Almost)

The kids had no school all week so a lot of time was spent playing.    Our board games were used well this week, as well as several impromptu rounds of hide and seek.  I have made several observations about my kids as I've tried to play with them this week, but perhaps I'll save it for another post, when I can share pictures.

The highlight of this week came yesterday when we celebrated Jessicas 3rd birthday.  Three!  Has it already been that long?   Whenever I think of Jessica's birth I experience a broad range of feelings.  Within days of her birth my Dad passed away.  Weeks after that we learned of John's mom's illness.  That was the start of a very difficult year, but I was always so grateful every time I held Jess.  She seemed to me to be this little bundle of joy amidst a lot of sadness.    She still is that little spark of happiness and we are so thankful for her.

She milked her birthday for all it was worth.  She helped make her cake.  (Hence the batter on my blinds and walls),  and she wore her "princess dress" all day long.  She waited anxiously for HOURS for her cousins to arrive, and when they did she behaved like a true Diva!    Only when it is your birthday can you act like that. ...and only when you are three for that matter too.  




    She's lucky she's so CUTE!

Three Years Ago...

This little Ray of Sunshine was born!Since my computer is not working right now I can not share the photos I'd been taking this week of the birthday girl.  Hopefully these older pictures will do.



Some things about this kid:

     She has a little pixie voice that can scream bloody murder if you make her mad enough, but thankfully,  most people only know the sweet quiet side of her.

She loves Band-aids, and is always looking for some excuse to apply one on some part of her body.

She's got a warm smile and DIMPLES that melt my heart.

She loves the outdoors.

 She LOVES taking care of Nate,  (at least, that is what she calls it.)

She has a real flare for fashion!  Dressing up and playing house are her favorite things to do these days.  In fact when we play house - she is always "casey" and I am ALWAYS "Margaret."

She loves to help out in the kitchen - but I just learned today that she is TERRIBLE with a hand mixer.  


She says the sweetest prayers, and  gives the biggest hugs.

She has a feisty competitive streak to her.  Perhaps the result of being a middle child.  ( I know her pain)

We LOVE her something fierce! 

She's a good kid this one.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

This Past Week

It has been a busy week.  Which probably explains why it has FLOWN by!    I'll try to re-cap some of the highlights.

Abby was thrilled (on Wednesday), to go back to school in the evening to the science fair.  Who enjoys going back to school?  I guess a five year old does.   She was very proud of her cousin Ava who's science project was awarded honorable mention.   Good Job Ava!  We are proud of you too!!!

Speaking of 'how time flies"...Nate is now three and a half months old!  We have SOO much fun with this little guy it surprises me sometimes.  I don't remember babies being this fun?  This week he recognized his reflection as his own.  I love this age when they start discovering who they are.  He now loves playing in front of the mirror. What a vain little thing.

Poor little Nate caught a cold this weekend and it has worsened over the past couple of days.  I took him to the emerge today after church and he is now being treated for Bronchitus.  How does a baby get bronchitus of all things?  It's a shame he has such a bad mommy.   tsk tsk.

The biggest excitement this week has been the Valentine Festivities at the school.  I always look forward to the holiday decor that covers our kids' doors at times like this.  We had a lot of fun afternoons reading through valentines given, and creating some of our own.

This year for John, I made his favorite Banana Muffins.    Nailed to that 2x4 are tickets to an upcoming production of Anne of Green Gables.  So really- a gift for both of us!  (I'm so efficient!)

For the record I have NEVER (before today) called my Husband "Stud Muffin." Honest! I would never call him something so ridiculous as that.

I actually call him "Huney Bunch". 

No I'm just kidding - I don't call him that either. 

John borrowed some snow skis and snow shoes from a family friend.  Abby and him have already ventured out, and wonder of wonders Abby's getting the hang of it!  We plan on going as a family tomorrow as part of our Family Day festivities!  

Other news of this week. 

1.

We have enjoyed watching glimpses of the Olympics on the one channel that we sometimes pick up.    My friend Jodi Judd got to fly out to Vancouver and be a torch bearer out there just hours before opening ceremonies!!!  How cool is that?   She was interviewed for the national news, and when I watched the coverage that night and I was so proud of her. (And jealous.)  But mostly proud.

2.

John and I both gave talks in Church today.  As much as I miss our old ward, the people here have been so kind to us, and I am looking forward to getting to know people better.   It's a shame I made such a fool of myself.  Picture:  me standing up and bursting into tears.  

It happened.  (It was like the time in grade 4 when I gave a speech on animal testing and cried the whole way through it.)  Today was just as bad.  I didn't look to verify, but I'm pretty sure that I dripped snot onto the pulpit.  So much for making a good impression. 

But "Stud Muffin" on the other hand...

gave a great talk!

I'm so glad I married him!  Perhaps I can look smart by association. 

HAPPY VALENTINES EVERYONE!!! 

And Chinese New Year (if applicable)

A little Book Club Anyone?

I belong to the best book Club ever!  A group of  a dozen or so woman ranging in ages from 24ish to 80ish.  I look forward to our monthly visits and ALWAYS enjoy the books selected each month.  We've read some good ones.    Without this group I likely would not have found so many wonderful novels to read and enjoy.  I'm the type of person who can't just walk into a Library and find something Great.  Maybe I feel overwhelmed with all of the selection.  Perhaps I very literally "judge a book by its cover,"  and over look all those classics.  I just never find any gems on my own.  But I've always been happy with what is recommended. 

  I've recently begun reading to the kids each night as part of our bed time routine.  For the most part Abby is the only one who ever really follows the story- but my dull, monotonous voice lulls San and Jess to sleep in no time, which works out great.  For the most part, it's been a great way to end our busy days.

So far we've read:

Tale of Desperaux
Where the Red Fern Grows
Charlottes Web
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Sign of the Beaver
A Christmas Carol


Currently we are reading Anne of Green Gabels and I am loving it! I grew up watching the movie, and the book is every bit as good!  That usually is the case though, isn't it.

 

The problem is we are halfway through it, and I am fresh out of ideas of what we should read next.

So....what was your favorite book as a Child?

I'd love your suggestions!

Three stops for us

We had a family baby blessing to attend this weekend.  It meant for us- a trip to Calgary.  Something we don't do often enough!

Stop 1:  To say we were excited to stop by my Brother Chad's house doesn't quite go far enough.  I don't know who was more excited.  The kids, or John and I.   It seemed as though we could not reach their home quickly enough.  My three oldest were "just dying"  (Abby's words, not mine!) to see Cringer the Cat and to play with Ella, Tyson, and Mason.  John and I were equally excited to relax and enjoy the hospitality.   As far as hospitality goes- they pull out all the stops.  We LOVED the Num Tok (a Thai specialty), the Hot Chocolate Cake, pizzas, and every other yummy food we ate.   Crystal drove out with her kids and joined us for dinner- so it was a real party.  Here is a quick little fact about Heather.  She  can cook!  We've never gone to their home without sampling/devouring some new creative dish or desert.   You can tell she spends a lot of time preparing each meal.  And it seems that as soon as one meal is done - she begins making the next.   The thing I admire most about her though is that she seems to enjoy it.  And if she doesn't?  Well that makes it even more admirable! 

Feeding two extra families...while holding a baby?    Piece of cake!

As always, I recieved a great camera tutorial from my brother, and slowly but surely I'm starting to really understand my camera a bit better thanks to all of his tips.  One day it will actually show in the photos I take. 

Stop 2:  By Saturday evening, we'd eaten until we were fat AND we'd torn Chad and Heather's house apart, which meant it was the perfect time for us to move on.   A trash and dash of sorts...   So it was off to Crystal's house in the city.  A few years ago when John was a student at UofC, Jeremy and Crystal moved their family into the 1 room basement suite and let us have the much larger top floor of their home.  They were so good to us that year- and still are.   We always enjoy going back there. The kids went to bed quickly (a sign of a great day), and John and I stole that oppportunity to run down the street to watch a basketball game.  Our high school boys were up there playing in a tournament.  It was fun to see them play, seeing as we've never gone to a home game.   We spent the rest of the evening eating (big surprise) and chatting.  

Our kids were very happy to wake up the next morning and realize they were still visiting cousins.     After a stellar crepe breakfast and yet another mess...you guessed it.  Time to move out.



Stop 3:  Of course the weekend would not have been complete without attending the baby blessing of our newest niece, Marilyn Grace.   John's brother Ben gave the most beautiful blessing and his wife Kat hosted the most delicious brunch afterwards.  (again with the food, I know!)  Ben and Kat are a pretty striking couple with a drop dead gorgeous baby! Seriously... a real beautiful Family! 

Marilyn has the sweetest, most dainty features, and longest lashes.  The cutest thing though is that she has this little "squeak" when she breathes, and the most adorable "snort" when she cries.  I have a feeling this is going to be one musical little babe.  She reminded me of a little squeaker toy! 
But a very cute squeaker toy.



The drive home went smoothly.  All weekend there has been this thick, heavy fog that has never really subsided.  In attempt to keep the kids awake in the van we played "I-spy."   It went something like this: 

"I spy with my little eye something that is...white."  

..."Is it um...the fog?"

...."Yes!  How did you know?"

Repeated a bazillion times.




Thank you so much to all of our family who welcomed us this weekend.  We really did enjoy each and every stop along the way!

I'm starting to wonder...

Why I even try.

Point a camera and this is what she does.

But, oh she's just so cute!

Lucky for that.