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!

Another trying day!

Andy is still so whiney!!! I need prayers for patience! Whining and throwing fits ALL day llllloooonnnnggggggg! ugh

We were out early this am-went for a walk and came upon the John Deere with Bale Skoop. SO we promptly pulled out snacks (granola bar and fresh apples) and sat down for a snack-picnic next to the GIANT tires. Andy said, 'This is my bestest picnic ever, ever, I ever seed!' I wish I had the camera for that outing! The wheels were twice as tall as Andy. He stood so proudly next to them.

This evening after Rob came home, he played outside with Andy. They played soccer, karate, gymnastics. After they came in, Andy was just simply lit up! So easy-going and polite. Getting him ready for bed was a dream....maybe he just needed Daddy-time. We all do. Rob's Finals are this week,he was the High-score on his Final today-YEA! Then he is off to climb The Grand Teton after finals. Hopefully I am still calm, cool, and collected by the time he reenters family-life. He only has 12 days off, so I am sure it will fly by.

Tough Week!

Phew! Noah and Andy are finally asleep-I don't know what has been going on. We are all so exhausted and I was getting worried that Noah wasn't the easy baby I have come to expect. I think Noah was 'just' having a growth spurt, he nursed every two hours-24 hours/day-for 3 days straight. Andy, on the other hand, has been SO fussy and whiny. I think (hope) he was that way bc Noah's crying was stressful. I am just hoping it stops soon!

Noah rolled over today! Here is a pic of him working on it:

On Fri ., we went to Centennial Party at the little town of Joliet. It is just down the road from us-very quiet and peaceful. They have a beautiful park and Andy chewed his first piece of gum. Extra-Superberry (?). He kept telling me-I'm not swallowing it! It's de-yicious! Then we went for some fresh-baked pie at the Hospitality Room. I am glad we found it, because that is where I will vote. We also found a John Deere ride-on tractor for Andy, but it had been run-over by a truck, so it was cracked. She said they bought it new for $250! It's plastic!!! She still wanted $40, even though the axel was bent. I said that was that was too much. She said she really wanted Andy to have it, so we could work out a price. I think it should be Free for the Hauling-don't you?!

Beautiful 2

Today, Andy said to Rob, 'Daddy, it's beautiful when you are here.'

We made Currant Jam today...Delicious on fresh, homemade whole wheat bread!!!!!

Beautiful Day!

We had a Down by the River Party today. We had planned to going tubing in the river, using our friend's jet-boat. He had to go to the ER bc he sliced off the tip of his finger when unloading the boat!!! YIKES! Also, my mom had a major injury-she was weed eating just before the BBQ and a goose egg sized rock was thrown into her ankle by the blade of the weed-eater. So, she was barely able to walk and in tons of pain! She may have chipped the bone. Everyone else seemed to have lots of fun. The weather was cool and sprinkling. No tubing or swimming. My dad had that bean bag toss game and all the kids loved it. Andy was a little fussy-kins, everytime he spoke to me, he was on the verge of tears. I don't think he slept well last night-woke up twice. I was suprised that it was so cool, after being 100+ for practically the whole month of July.

I am so in love with Noah. He is so preciously soft and round. He weighs nearly 17# and isn't even 4 months yet! I already miss his newborn stage. I love it when your baby needs to be cuddled all of the time. He is already growing out of that. Of course, he always wants to snuggle when he is tired or hungry. He is very efficient when it comes to nursing and is done with his meal in less than 5 minutes. Then, he wants to talk and smile with me (or daddy) and if you don't, he yells. He doesn't waste much energy on crying, but he will get going if I take advantage of his good-natured personality and finish 'just one more thing'.

Humid!!!

Can't believe I can say that! It is usually so dry here and everything is burning! This year we are almost 2" ahead in rainfall! It is wonderful. This weekend is the Baloon Festival, last year we went at 5 am, with hopes of a ride...they weren't giving them anymore. We got some great pics though. And went out for a delicious breakfast at McCormick's Cafe.

Here is another pic from last year that I want to do a Scrap Layout on. Every year, there is a Huge Regional Auction for big machines. We stopped by on our way home from my parents' house and Andy was in HEAVEN! Maybe I need to make him a birthday book with these pics...

First cool day of August

Felt like fall today, cool and breezy. Went jogging w Andy in the jogging stroller this morning. That was my first run, post-Noah. Felt good, very short! Noah is sleeping on my lap as I type before putting to bed. He is such an angel! Rarely fussy and so easy to get to sleep. I feel like I have become a lazy mama! With Andy, it was real work to soothe him and get him to sleep. We feel SO blessed!!!

I still haven't gotten to do the fun, creative things I would like to do during the boys' naps-because, I am taking one too! I have saved to disk all of my pictures and scrapbooking folders so I can work on the laptop in the living room, while the boys play. Although that is probably wishful thinking bc I will use that time for chores. Tonight I was vacuuming at 8 pm, I have always thought of chores as day-time work. Oh well-have to do it here and there! Does feel good to wake up to a clean home! Better get to bed.

It's the Simple Things

When I volunteered for the Montana Conservation Corps, my friends and I used to keep lists of Simple Pleasures. I think I will start one up again.
My screaming 2 year old, bc he has the ability to know what he wants.
Zucchini Bread, hot and steamy from the oven.
The round, softness of Noah's arms and legs.
Andy's glossy gold hair.
Looking out the window to see my horses grazing in green grass as tall as their shoulders.
Hearing a cry of an eagle.
Seeing the trees light up from the sunset, enjoying it betweens Andy's screams (doesn't want to put on jammies)

The Zucchini Bread is perfect! Here is the recipe for Lemon Curd:

Lemon Curd Recipe:
3 large eggs
1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons) (don't use bottled lemon juice)
1 tablespoon (4 grams) finely shredded lemon zest
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small pieces


In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until blended. Cook, stirring constantly (to prevent it from curdling), until the mixture becomes thick (like sour cream or a hollandaise sauce) (160 degrees F or 71 degrees C). This will take approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately pour through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted. Add the lemon zest and let cool. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and refrigerate for up to a week.
Makes 1 1/2 cups (360 ml).
If you want a lighter lemon curd whip 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy whipping cream and fold into the lemon curd.
Adapted from Easy Entertaining with Marlene Sorosky
Note: Room temperature lemons provide more juice. After squeezing, strain the juice to remove any pulp. Zest is the yellow, sweet-flavored outer rind of the lemon. A zester or fine grater can be used to remove the rind. Cold lemons are much easier to grate. Grate lemons just before using as the zest will lose moisture if it sits too long.

I took the first photos of Noah smiling today. But I can't seem to upload them, something is wrong w the connection.

Andy got a new robe today! Actually, it is used. It looks brand-new and was a steal for $7! It has dump trucks and loaders and excavators all over it. All of his favorite things!

I am getting into Digital Scrapbooking. I have nothing to show for it yet. But that is only because I need Rob to help me transfer all of my files to the laptop. It is too difficult to get anything done up here, away from the boys. They napped together again today-YEA! That makes three days in a row. I made Lemon Curd. I can't believe I don't make that more often-it is YUMMY!

For tomorrow, I will make Zucchini Bread with a 12 pound Zuke I bought at the Farmer's Market. It should be delicious!

Zucchini Bread

INGREDIENTS
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F ( 165 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and frothy. Mix in oil and sugar. Stir in zucchini and vanilla. Combine flour, cinnamon, soda, baking powder, salt and nuts; stir into the egg mixture. Divide batter into prepared pans.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until done.

And some pics:

This is our beautiful Tennessee Walker. His name is Rocky-black one- and he is 6 years old! Isn't he gorgeous?!

This is Reid. He is also a TW and he is 12. These are 2 of the greatest horses I have ever known!

Today's thoughts

Today was the first day since Noah was that born that the boys had afternoon naps together! YEA! I took advantage of it by taking a nap, also...I plan to use this time to get back to painting and practicing yoga...but not until I catch up on some sleep! Noah is a great sleeper, usually, but lately he doesn't sleep for very long stretches. Before we went to the family reunions, he slept through the night 7 times or so...Looking forward to that again!

I LOVE this photo:

Andy was swimming in the baby pool in AZ. He also held his breath under water for the first time. It is a good thing, too. The very next morning he flipped himself over in the floaty and was kicking his little legs-head stuck underwater!!! I tipped him back up and he just sputtered a little and no tears. Thank God I was right there, it really put the fear of pools in me.

Andy played on the computer today. Here is what he did:

‘’’’’tyyyyyyylylyl;y’ly;l’’’;u’’ uuuuuuuuuuyy.lkklk uulk


l;l6’’666666666666666lklk;pok6;p[[;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;’;

nm /I Lli


ltl; ytttttttttlklyl;ylukj y;


,..p

mnnnkmjjjjjjjjjuoijfecqdsgftry
lkmefwbdfgb cxvbrtuuikm


Andy’s First Typing 7/27/07
*******************************************
We had Beth and Eli over today to play. What fun the two little ones had! We noticed that today was the first day that Andy was possessive of his toys. The weather was cool today, so we played on the haybales (under a heavy dose of bug spray). Then we had a DELICIOUS grilled salmon salad-courtesy of Beth. Thank you! Here is a pic of the 2 Buds, taken on a hike near Red Lodge:

Something I have been meaning to do...

I have been considering starting a Blog, since Andy was born. I am doing this as a journal and to share pics and thoughts w family and friends. Today is a great day! We have had 100 degree + weather for a week and we woke up to rain!!! It was so humid and misty. Really brought back memories of Japan.

Here are my students from Uenohara High School. Can you believe that was already 5 years ago?!

Noah is taking a 3 hour nap-YEA! He hasn't been sleeping well lately, he was so fussy and sleepless-I thought he must be sick. I took him in to the doctor yesterday and he is perfectly healthy! We just haven't been able to establish the napping schedule we would like with all of the recent traveling. We have been to AZ and NE in the last 3 weeks!!!

As you can see Andy LOVES Noah! He soothes him when he is fussy and then says, "I changed Noah's mind! He is happy!"

Andy and I are going to make caramel corn today. Should be fun-he loves to be in the kitchen with me.