Forever in Blue Jeans

I Heart Faces ~ Winter Wonderland

2011-01-18T12:21:00.002-07:00

This one is a self portrait during one of our many major blizzards this winter!

To see more Winter Wonderland pictures head over to iheartfaces

Shoot Me!

2011-01-03T21:50:00.002-07:00

It has been a wonderful 2 years of hosting this fun challenge. As much as I would love to continue it seems I've been so busy I can't be the best blogger lately.

So I'm handing the reins over to Church Lady. I know she will do a fantastic job of hosting Shoot Me.

Whatever you do, just get in that picture!!! You can do it!!!

Head on over to the Church Lady and keep up with that weekly challenge! Happy Shooting everyone!

Shoot Me! 52 of 52

2010-12-29T22:04:00.003-07:00

We did it! Another successful year of being in the picture every week!

I took this one just this evening, right around sunset. We are in the midst of a huge blizzard. I couldn’t resist the chance to put some creative lighting to use with the amazing amount of snowfall.

I've enjoyed starting and hosting this challenge for the past 2 years, however, this will be the last time I host. I had someone volunteer to do that, I need to contact them and put that info up here for you all if you are interested.

Great job everyone! Keep getting in that picture!

Shoot Me! 51 of 52

2010-12-22T22:50:00.002-07:00

This is me and my youngest ready to hit the ice. On Friday’s the women’s hockey league and the Mites (8 and under) share ice time. It’s so fun to be out there skating and I can look to the other end of the ice and see him making his way through the faster zooming kids. I absolutely love it! If you’re not into hockey I highly recommend it! It is such a family friendly sport.

Wow, we are just about to the end of the year! Great job everyone for getting in the picture each week! Don’t forget I won’t be continuing the Shoot Me on my blog in 2011. However, keep getting in that picture every week, you can do it!!

Shoot Me! 50 of 52

2010-12-15T21:39:00.002-07:00

This past weekend we went to Miles City for hockey. In between games we went to Murdochs, it’s a farm and ranch store. They had reindeer in there which was pretty cool. My mom made the 2 hour drive to meet up with our family for a few hours and to catch one of the games. We won both games, we had a chance to do some shopping, and had a nice Mexican meal before we made the 2 1/2 hour drive home. All in all a great weekend.

Shoot Me! 49 of 52

2010-12-09T08:02:00.002-07:00

My little man turned 3 last week. He handed out cookies after hockey practice and then we had a quick celebration at home.

I can’t imagine my life without him. He is pure joy. I love you buddy!

Shoot Me! 48 of 52

2010-12-01T23:58:00.002-07:00

This was almost our Christmas picture. I really, really love this picture but alas, it was not meant to be.

Also, I will not continue with Shoot Me into 2011. That said..... PLEASE, please, please make sure you are finding yourself in the picture more and more often. It is so important to have that moment, that memory. Most of us are way too hard on ourselves and maybe don't like to look at pictures of ourselves. But, the pictures are really a gift to those that love us. Your kids don't care if you have a few extra pounds, a bad hair day, you name it. Just don't forget... hand that camera off and continue to get in the picture!!!!

Shoot Me! 47 of 52

2010-11-24T22:33:00.002-07:00

This is one of our Christmas card outtakes. You’ll have to wait for awhile till I share the one we go with.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Shoot Me! 46 of 52

2010-11-17T22:26:00.002-07:00

Leaves, leaves and more leaves! We decided to rake them up finally, and just in time. Snow is on the ground now. I’d hate to be the one to ruin a good snowman by leaving leaves on the ground. I think we had about 5 truck loads we took to our town burn pile. The boys had fun jumping in the leaves as usual.

Shoot Me! 45 of 52

2010-11-10T22:11:00.004-07:00

My little guy giving me a kiss… on the tip of my nose =)

Computer problems all last night and today. BUT.... finally.... mckLINKY =)

Shoot Me! 44 of 52

2010-11-03T21:39:00.003-06:00

Just carving some pumpkins together. Wild Child did such an awesome job carving his. He did one of the transfers and cut the whole thing out. I was really impressed with what he did! However, I cleaned out all three pumpkins, so clearly that will have to change next year, LOL. Have a great week!

Shoot Me! 43 of 52

2010-10-27T21:36:00.002-06:00

Little Man was playing around in my hockey bag so I thought it would be a good photo op. I love seeing him fit in there because even though the bag really is big, he won't fit in there forever. He loves to ride around on the hockey bags when we are rolling them to practices and games.... or around the house.

Shoot Me! 42 of 52

2010-10-20T22:14:00.002-06:00

Today was a day full of doctoring for my middle Wild Child. It was just the two of us and a day full of tests for him. We’re hoping to figure out how to prevent him from having a winter full of pneumonia again. I had taken a bunch of pictures of him and the 2 of us at the doctors but I can’t get them off my phone. So here is a last minute one… and he is being goofy… as usual.

Shoot Me! 41 of 52

2010-10-13T21:16:00.002-06:00

IS IT HOCKEY SEASON YET???

Not quite but we’re getting closer and we can’t wait! I think we’ll be on the ice the first week of November.

I used the self timer on this one and still can’t believe I got little man looking at the camera. Also, sorry my posts have only been the Shoot Me posts, life has been super busy for me. I’m hoping that in the winter months I can get back to more frequent posts and seeing what you are all up to.

Shoot Me! 40 of 52

2010-10-06T21:58:00.003-06:00

I was trying to get a picture with me and my oldest. I thought it would be cute if I kissed him on the cheek…..

I don’t think I’m feelin’ the love here. Just for this I’m going to kiss him in front of all his friends on his first day in High School! Bwaa haaa haaaa!!!

Shoot Me! 39 of 52

2010-09-29T21:33:00.002-06:00

Pictures, pictures, pictures, pictures! I think in the last week I have taken about 2,500 pictures.

How many was I in?

yeahhhhh, ZERO.

So I literally just set up the tripod, and took of picture of what I’m doing tonight…

and the next night… and the next….. Lots of pictures to edit. Aparently this one of me didn't make the grade to even get an edit, LOL

Well, time for me to get back to work =)

Shoot Me! 38 of 52

2010-09-22T22:29:00.002-06:00

This was taken on Saturday… the four letter word…. SNOW! First snow of the year.

Shoot Me! 37 of 52

2010-09-15T21:36:00.002-06:00

I know lots of people have done this one, thought it was about time I did it! I love how Little Man’s hands are just so little and round still. I better do this shot again in 15 years!!

Shoot Me! 36 of 52

2010-09-08T20:48:00.003-06:00

I was practicing photography one evening with my middle wild child being the model. he really wanted to take my picture so this one is compliments of him. Thanks Wild Child.

Shoot Me! 35 of 52

2010-09-01T22:02:00.002-06:00

Through my husbands eyes!

Shoot Me! It's time to stop hiding behind that camera of yours. Your family is missing you in the picture. So it's time to post a picture of YOU (yes, you) every Thursday with your child, your spouse, your friend, your dog, or even by yourself. Just get in the picture, you'll be glad you did! And just jump in now with 1 of 52, you can do it!

Shoot Me! 34 of 52

2010-08-25T21:07:00.003-06:00

just goofing around with the old ‘49 Chevy pick up. I love that truck!

Shoot Me! 33 of 52

2010-08-18T23:56:00.002-06:00

It has been non stop work on our basement. We are turning into a studio.

After Lineman and I put up the drywall I mudded the whole room, then primed it, spray textured, primed again, and then painted.

Then it was on to replacing all of the outlets. Ugh, the were dark brown, the bright white looked so much better!

Beach Bums

2010-08-18T08:38:00.001-06:00

Last night we headed down to the beach for about an hour. The boys played in the sand, made little towns and mountains and lakes in the sand, they are so creative. I took pictures to get ready for a senior photo shoot I have tonight. Our skies are full of smoke so we have very orange sunsets right now.

Shoot Me! 32 of 52

2010-08-11T23:24:00.002-06:00

Me…. surrounded by the most awesome and incredible women, my mom and my aunt. I’m a lucky girl!

Shoot Me! 31 of 52

2010-08-04T23:01:00.002-06:00

While I was at my moms we went up to our absolute favorite spot to eat for dinner. It’s at this old train car. You order at the car, then go sit at a table by the creek flowing (or roaring) by. It is absolutely perfect! They are closed in the winter so it’s always a treat to get to go there on a lazy summer day.

Enough to make you nervous!

2010-08-03T10:43:00.001-06:00

We usually have anywhere from 1 –10 tornadoes a year in Montana, this year though…….. we’ve had 24 tornados, with nearly all of them in the northeast corner where we live. It’s really enough to make a person nervous anymore.

Shoot Me! 30 of 52

2010-07-28T23:05:00.002-06:00

We hiked to some beaver ponds and it was time to head back to the main ranch house. I was wanting to go a little faster that Little Man’s speed so I gave him a ride.

(that was a burn on his arm, it’s healing well)

Ribbit

2010-07-26T08:10:00.001-06:00

Shoot Me! 29 of 52

2010-07-21T21:13:00.002-06:00

This was taken at a friends ranch. The boys, my mom and I went to go catch up with some good friends. It had been WAY too long since we’d seen them all. It was a great time. And to my friend Linda…. it was so incredibly awesome to get to see you again!

Getting Chewed Out!

2010-07-21T11:56:00.001-06:00

So yeah, I’ve been kinda MIA here on my blog lately. SO much has been going on and I can barely catch my breath. We went to my moms for 11 days, and did sooo much while we were there. It was a great time. Now that I’m back it’s catching up on editing several photo sessions with clients. I seem to have NO free time at all right now. That said…………

I’m getting my butt chewed out by Lineman about not having any new posts, so here it is! =)

I brought all our bikes along and we rode a lot at grandmas house.

That’s Wild Child in the lead with my oldest waiting for a spot to pass him.

My oldest. that spot there got kinda tricky. Each of the boys crashed there once, the dirt was so fine and it was easy to lose traction. Wild Child got a black eye when he crashed. Went face first into the ground. Thank goodness for helmets.

She has some great riding terrain there.

In the lead there with the yellow helmet is my cousin who is 7. He was so excited to learn how to ride. He was a quick learner. That’s his dad right behind him.

My uncle and my cousin. They had so much fun. We hated to say goodbye but look forward to seeing them again next year.

Shoot Me! 28 of 52

2010-07-14T22:00:00.000-06:00

This is my aunt, my mom, and me. My aunt came to my mom’s for a visit so I planned my visit at the same time.

We went out for a hike and all the boys tried catching fish the Tom Sawyer way. Fun times and memories!

No stopping him

2010-07-12T09:57:00.001-06:00

My oldest son ripping it up. He gets so intense when he is riding.

Shoot Me! 27 of 52

2010-07-07T23:40:00.002-06:00

I guess it’s time for me to admit something….

Are you ready?

If you know me, you may already know this…. but if not, it’s time the truth comes out…….

I NEVER grew up!

And I like it that way!!

S’Mmmmmmmores

2010-07-06T10:58:00.001-06:00

What’s one of the best thing about summer, camping out, campfires? S’mores of course!

Hey! Whatcha you looking at???

Kids of Summer

2010-07-05T20:07:00.001-06:00

My boys and their cousin over the 4th of July weekend. Did they ever have a TON of fun!!!

Shoot Me! 26 of 52

2010-06-30T21:18:00.003-06:00

My awesome niece came over a few days early before our 4th of July gathering. She LOVES Fox. I love Fox….. so that works out awesome. that said…. I’m watching my Fox coat and she better be watching out for all her Fox t-shirts! =) BTW, Fox is a line of clothing and motorcycle equipment. I pulled on my pink and black Fox helmet tonight and I think I heard my niece gasp. But I saw the Fox helmet she has her eye on and it's awesome!

Happy Birthday Lineman!!

2010-06-30T07:46:00.001-06:00

You are a great dad and husband and we are so lucky that we have you in our lives. Thank you for all you do, the support you give us…. oh….. and for being so ornery too, LOL =) We love ya!

Boys and a Bobcat

2010-06-27T22:33:00.001-06:00

The boys loved it when we went to see Lineman at work. What kid doesn’t like a ride in a Bobcat?

Look at that move! Way cool Lineman, thanks for making the boys day!

Dam Spillway

2010-06-27T12:46:00.002-06:00

It’s getting pretty high too. Sure hoping we get to see them open those gates there and watch the water head down the spillway. I saw a friend here one day and she was reminiscing about her and other friends jumping in there as high school kids.

And now my punks run around here…. the same place that Lineman’s Grandfather worked on the dam in the 1930’s. The same place dinosaurs set foot. Buffalo roamed. Warriors fought. History, it’s an amazing thing.

Showing her age

2010-06-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

Shoot Me! 25 of 52

2010-06-23T21:24:00.002-06:00

On Sunday we went and saw Lineman on the job site to wish him a happy Father’s Day. I don’t know who enjoyed it more, Lineman seeing his boys… or the boys getting to ride on the equipment and play in the dirt. None the less, it was a great time!

Retirement

2010-06-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday’s Dream

2010-06-21T23:15:00.001-06:00

Happy Father’s Day

2010-06-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

The boys and I set out to make this Father’s Day a memorable one.

I planned a photo shoot with….. my very own children! LOL. It was so much fun and I knew exactly what I wanted out of the session, They were such good sports and were so excited to help me with this project.

Here is the video I put together from our photo shoot.

Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful husband. Thank you for all of your love and support. I couldn’t do what I do without you.

Shoot Me! 24 of 52 Weather Warnings

2010-06-16T21:03:00.003-06:00

So this is us… tonight…

I just put all the boys in bed. In the same room… in the same bed. Phew, That should be some good and pleasant rest. Right now we have tornado watches, severe thunderstorm watch, flash flood watch and high wind warning. My middle Wild Child is not so wild right now, he is so afraid of weather, poor guy.

Sooooo, I’ll finish this up and say goodnight and good bye. C-ya!

Scary times for our little town

2010-06-15T09:53:00.001-06:00

I had my camera at my side when all of the sudden I heard a plane. A plane getting closer… A plane VERY close!

I was in shock as all of the sudden he came closer and closer to this historic building. And then all mayhem broke loose! The firefighters arrived with their truck and worked as quickly as they could to save our little building that has an immense amount of history to go with it.

Then the police in droves showed up followed by 7 ambulances to help the injured that were inside the building. They worked fast and efficiently but we all worried how the fire would effect the structure.

There was no mistaking they were working hard to do what needed to be done.

The firefighters were so brave and in control of the situation. There were about 10 to 12 people in the building and they were able to get each and every one out.

One of those I watched walk out nearly unassisted so that was a good sign.

Help continued to arrive.

The ambulances made their way around the busy and chaotic scene as if they could do it in their sleep.

And the firefighters I am happy to say DID get the fire out. There was one main truck , one hose on a hydrant, another small fire truck and later another big pumper truck arrived. The smoke was thick at times. There was very visible and concerning damage to the structure however. But I do think that eventually the structure will be usable again one day.

Especially since the structure was a large dumpster that was purposefully lit on fire to simulate the crash of the plane into the building. And that plane, yes he got WAY too close for comfort in my eyes! The injured? They are all part of the acting troop at the theatre, I hear they will make a full recovery *wink*

Small town happenings…..

2010-06-14T09:55:00.001-06:00

When something happens in our little town, you can bet I’ll be on the scene with my camera!

Shoot Me! 23 of 52

2010-06-09T22:37:00.002-06:00

I have seriously been so busy lately I don’t know how I have kept it all going. In the more than 2,000 pictures I’ve taken this past week I was not in any of them. So I had my oldest snap this one tonight. It’s a good representation of my time spent editing pictures.

Modeling Agency

2010-06-08T09:50:00.002-06:00

Last week I was preparing for an upcoming wedding I would be shooting. I called our local modeling agency to see if there was a model that could assist me with some shots on location to familiarize myself with the setting. I’ve used my kids in the past but really felt I needed an adult to more closely resemble that of bride and groom.

The lady the Agency sent me was a hoot! I have more shots of this model, she was so awesome to work with. However I would like her to help again and still love me and my kids so I better wait for approval before I release any more pictures.

Thank you incredible model!

{ BTW ~ it's really my mom }

Somewhere….

2010-06-07T14:04:00.001-06:00

Oooo, Ooooo, Oooo…. Too many bugs

2010-06-04T05:31:00.000-06:00

I just couldn’t eat another thing!

Shoot Me! 22 of 52

2010-06-02T23:11:00.002-06:00

Enjoying a shake at the Quick & Tasty. Please take note of the bunny ears above my kids head. What kind of mom still does that anyway?? Hey, it goes with his goofy crossed eye look!

All work and no play

2010-06-02T08:22:00.001-06:00

….. just isn’t ok when there are boys that must fish!

Mommy, where to babies come from?

2010-06-01T08:32:00.001-06:00

Well, if it’s a fish in our area there’s a good chance it came from here. Our local MT Fish Wildlife & Parks Hatchery Station.

These big tubes are where the eggs are placed right after they are fertilized.

Our field trip was about a week too late as the containers of fry had already been moved to the next size tank.

Here are a few fingerlings the kids got to see. This was the only tank in the whole building that still had any fish in it. The rest were all outside already.

We braved the weather and headed outside . There were many rows here that still had fish in them, getting bigger and stronger. Despite the fact they don’t feed the fish (except for one breed of fish).

From here they are moved into the bigger ponds that average from 1 – 3 acres in size. I’ll head back there one of these days and snap a picture of the ponds while they’re full of water and fish. It won’t be long and they’ll be heading out to the lake and the river…. several million babies!

Shoot Me! 21 of 52

2010-05-26T19:16:00.003-06:00

Standing in front of a big water tank they have full of the local fish.

I was a chaperone for the 3rd grade field trip this week. This picture is at the Interpretive Center, a VERY cool place to go. It’s all about the dam that is here and the making of it. My sons Great Grandfather worked on this dam for several years around 1934.

Then we went to the MT Fish Wildlife and Parks hatchery station, that was super cool too to see the process they go through to stock fish for our dam.

After that we went to the Paleontology Center where we got to see parts of Pecks Rex, a T-Rex they found about 15 miles from our house. Fact: Dinos set foot right here where I sit typing this blog! Lots of other dino finds there too.

For living in a VERY small town, there sure are some neat things to see around here.

2 Days till summer break….

2010-05-26T09:43:00.001-06:00

and we are SO ready!

Busy as a

2010-05-24T15:49:00.001-06:00

Yup, I’m still around. I’ve just been as busy as bee lately.

Shoot Me! 20 of 52

2010-05-19T22:11:00.002-06:00

On the way out to a ball game. The boys play on the same team to make it easy on me. Too bad that Little man isn’t old enough to be a bat boy yet.

Shoot Me! It's time to stop hiding behind that camera of yours. Your family is missing you in the picture. So it's time to post a picture of YOU (yes, you) every Thursday with your child, your spouse, your friend, your dog, or even by yourself. Just get in the picture, you'll be glad you did! And just jump in now with 1 of 52, you can do it!

Night and Day

2010-05-19T13:12:00.001-06:00

The older boys had their Spring Music Programs. The older one has been singing his songs for WEEKS at home. Their theme was Rockin America and he learned lots of 80’s rock, so that was totally rad. Sorry, flashback to the 80’s there. Meanwhile, his younger brother never once gave even so much of a hint of the songs he would be singing.

That’s my middle boy there in the back and center. He didn’t participate in the singing but he did a great job with making his muscles big!

Yup… that was him…. yawning of all things! I asked what his favorite part of the whole program was. His response: “After the last song was over.”

Then there’s my oldest. He wanted me to give him a mohawk the night before. Then we gave it red streaks. He found a friend of mine who was putting face paint on her son for KISS and was ecstatic when she said she would paint his face too.

I asked him what his favorite part was. His response: when he and his buds got the last song, the finally, rocking out all looking like the KISS band, head banging and just rocking that stage.

Yup, they are night and day those two.

Marshmallow Meal

2010-05-17T15:32:00.002-06:00

So as the boys were fishing and I was taking pictures, there was one little boy that was into mischief.

He investigated the tackle box and stole away with something interesting to him…

Something he wanted to eat! Then he went to where he thought he was out of the way…… hiding just a bit…. and gave it a test try.

Thank goodness it was only marshmallows. Still ewwww, but not worm ewwww at least.

Got Worms?

2010-05-17T10:43:00.001-06:00

What is a boy to do when his dad is fishing, his two older brothers are fishing and his mom is taking pictures? Investigate the tackle box of course.

And he DID eat something out of one of the tackle boxes too. Any guess as to what he consumed?

Built Ford Tough

2010-05-14T08:23:00.001-06:00

Shoot Me! 19 of 52

2010-05-12T22:59:00.002-06:00

My oldest and I after the boys first baseball game. I just love this picture. Wonder why? It’s just the look my son has. Recently he seems to be growing up so fast, but this picture makes him look like my little boy still, and I love that.

The Tale of Two Models

2010-05-11T21:51:00.001-06:00

When it comes to photography, it helps to have a nice, willing, cooperative model.

My oldest son is my go to guy when I want to work on some new techniques. Even during their fishing trip he was willing to stop every now and again and be a model for me. And what do I get? Pictures like the above one that I absolutely fall in love with.

And then there is my middle son…. it’s a whole nother ball game with him.

Yes, thank you for that wonderful pose Wild Child. You are one of a kind.

And it doesn’t stop there. He’s full of these.

So, it’s the tale of two models…

And I love ‘em both. Their uniqueness is why I love them.

gone fishin

2010-05-08T22:13:00.001-06:00

The whole family went “fishing” this evening. The boys fished for, well, fish. Me? I fished for pictures! The boys didn’t catch a thing. But me? I’d say I caught myself a dandy!

Shoot Me! 18 of 52

2010-05-05T21:09:00.003-06:00

Thank you rain! Thank you snow!

Bad weather sent this guy home….

Wednesday afternoon I heard the door open, I thought it was one of my day care kids’ parents. But imagine my surprise when Lineman walked in the door! Made me smile to see my best friend!

Grand

2010-05-04T13:41:00.001-06:00

Something about seeing a grandparent and a grandchild together….

It’s…. well, it’s grand.

Shoot Me! 17 of 52

2010-04-28T21:24:00.002-06:00

Just me and my Little Man. I let my oldest son use my new camera to take this shot. As for this picture, I think the runny nose and smacking on a granola bar really captures the moment. Oh well, that's life at our house!

Oh… I sure do like you!

2010-04-27T19:16:00.001-06:00

Since we live 300 miles away from a good sized town, I’ve finally figured out how to go shopping….

That’s online of course!

And I sure do like it when this guy shows up!

Moto Krazy Kids

2010-04-26T09:00:00.001-06:00

I took the boys out to a close by riding spot this weekend.

Our oldest son has moved up to a bigger bike, it was great practice for him.

But for me…. I think I needed medication to keep my heart rate down!

He is getting the hang of using a clutch. Why do these kids have to grow so fast? I have to go on-line now to find him a new pair of boots since he is out growing EVERYTHING.

And this kid, our middle son. Sheesh, what is he trying to do? Is he trying to give me a heart attack or what? He just laughs at me and says “Moooommmmm, I’ve been doing it forever” and then he laughs and drives off.

And then he stops by and chats with his buddy that went riding with us. “Dude, did you see that?! I jumped like this high!”

Shoot Me! 16 of 52

2010-04-21T21:50:00.000-06:00

While we were in Billings we grabbed some delicious bagels. The boys sat at that window and watched the lady making the fresh bagels, it was so neat to watch that process. And man, I really wish I would have brought some bagels home with us.

ADRENALINE!

2010-04-20T10:19:00.001-06:00

This last weekend my oldest son was competing at the Big Sky State Games in Billings. I thought the Games were solely for Montana residents but I guess not. There were hockey teams from North Dakota and Wyoming there too. We had a 300 mile trip to get there so I got the kids out from school and we headed down early.

Of ALL the teams playing, our team was the only one that hasn’t had any ice. Our ice came off nearly 2 months ago. The boys had all of about 4 or 5 minutes to get used to the ice before Face Off. If you followed me during hockey season you’ll remember my son refuses to wear matching socks for hockey, so that’s him on the right. Goof ball.

I can’t even begin to tell you how nerve wracking these games are. The intensity is amazing! I didn’t know how much more I could take. And I really don’t know how much longer my voice was going to keep up with all the cheering. After the first day of games I went and bought air horns. Waa hooo, now that was fun!

In between the games our team would hang out and watch the other games going on, or watch the Zamboni, or just be kids and have some fun.

Some of the fun that was captured on camera, I probably won’t show you…. but I’ll show my son and his friends at their high school graduation!

Good grief! Just looking at these pictures makes my heart rate go up again. The games were played half ice 3 on 3 with a goalie, so the speed of the game was fast. There were no breaks for line changes so the boys learned to get off and on the ice quickly.

More State Games hockey to come…

I got a new camera!

2010-04-16T07:09:00.001-06:00

I am just so excited!

On a recent trip to Billings I had the chance to do a little shopping.

I was actually in search of something else.

But when I saw that camera…

And held it in my hands…

There wasn’t even a second thought…

I just knew I had to have it!!!

Isn’t it just the cutest!

Shoot Me! 15 of 52

2010-04-14T21:01:00.005-06:00

We had to take a trip to Billings for one of the boys to see a doctor there. How about that helicopter in the back, the boys really enjoyed seeing that. Hey, is that guy on the right totally tough or what!?

To be a boy

2010-04-13T21:58:00.001-06:00

What a joy to be a young boy on a sunny day, a friend to play with, land to explore, rocks to excavate.

Run Stetson, Run!

2010-04-12T13:45:00.001-06:00

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-04-09T07:29:00.002-06:00

Me and my dad =) Do any of you remember when we had those skirts that you tied up like that? And I think I even have a bow clip. I guess that’s the 80’s for you!

Shoot Me! 14 of 52

2010-04-07T21:10:00.002-06:00

The boys and I at an unplanned trip to Build A Bear. Grandma’s famous line as we walked in…. “let’s just go in and look”. Yeeaaahhhhhh, like that worked real great.

Shoot Me! 13 of 52

2010-03-31T21:40:00.003-06:00

Just me and my new puppy, Stetson!

By the numbers….

2010-03-30T09:47:00.001-06:00

1…. walk to the post office

2…. age of oldest toddler

14….age in months of youngest toddler

9…. age in months of the baby

10…. age in weeks of the puppy, who terrifies 14 month old toddler

10….. minutes, what the trip should take

30….. minutes, time for our walk to the post office

………… and the most important number of all……….

1…………

…….. woman who almost went to the crazy house upon finally getting home.

Stetson

2010-03-29T08:57:00.001-06:00

Yes, we’ve added to our family! Meet Stetson. He is a 10 week old Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-03-26T07:44:00.002-06:00

Aww, a couple of red heads in 1974. Groovy hair dad! I’m trying to figure out what I’m eating, is that a Sugar Daddy?

Shoot Me! 12 of 52

2010-03-24T21:34:00.003-06:00

This weekend we were at our friends ranch and while we were there they hooked up their pony and cart. Well, it had been three months since she’d been driven, lets just say she had a bit of spunk!

I got a quick lesson then took hold of the reins….

And we headed up the road at a nice little walk.

I turned her around in a bumpy field, and ooohhhhh she did not like that bumping. She started to take off and run away with us. I handed the reins over to my friend and she too couldn’t get that mare to slow. We were heading right towards a big, tall, in your face, don’t want to go into it, fence…….

And that was the last that anyone ever saw of us.

End of story.

OK, maybe not. She headed back to the barn at a run, me holding on and thinking to myself, “hmm, I wonder what it would be like if I jumped out”. I could see my self like it was a movie or something. My friend was yelling at the horse, I was yelling at the kids to get out of the way, and we were both probably wondering how bad we would get hurt.

She finally stopped at the barn. We were no worse for the wear. However, that said perhaps next time we’ll take some Depends…. just in case.

~~~

Ahhhh!!! Hold On!

2010-03-23T22:26:00.001-06:00

We went to our friends ranch this weekend. While we were there they hooked up the pony and cart. After a quick lesson, Lineman and the boys jumped in the cart. Now mind you, she hasn’t been driven all winter. Yeah, not the greatest scenario…. But Lineman drove her like a pro.

One circle around and they are all smiles.

Ha, hold on there my Wild Child!

They got caught up on the well for the tree. I’m thinking it was a good thing too. A little bump though and they were over it.

Then she started picking up a little bit!!!

The went up the road and turned around…. unscathed.

I was laughing so hard. And thanking my lucky stars the cart was full! That said…. I was next to give it a try. Hmmmm, wonder what happened on my turn? Keep ya waiting till the next post.

Shoot Me! 11 of 52

2010-03-17T22:38:00.002-06:00

I got a phone call from the school this week that my son was holding his ear and crying. I went into town and picked him up. I called the doctors office but we couldn’t get in. So we had this conversation on the way home…

Me: Are you feeling OK?

Son: Yeah, I’m feeling better.

Me: Has your ear been bothering you before today?

Son: No.

Me: So it just started hurting today?

Son: Yeah.

Me: Well, when did it start hurting so bad?

Son: Well, um. Well, I uh. Well, I guess it started hurting when I had my….. uh…. I had my pencil…. uh…. right next to my ear. And then the pencil got jabbed. And then my ear starting hurting.

Me: Sigh….. But you’re OK now?

Son: Yup! I think I’m feeling pretty good. I can go back to school now if can take me there.

Me: Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.

So we played together outside in the snow. Can you tell what we built together??? It’s a “snow”mobile. Pretty cute I thought!

A seasons end

2010-03-15T12:04:00.001-06:00

The season may be over but the love of hockey continues. He is anxiously awaiting next season!

My little basketball dude

2010-03-14T15:18:00.001-06:00

I asked if he would come to the rec hall with me so I could work on some photography. It was fun with just the two of us. He was a sport. Get it.. a sport. Bwaaa haa, I crack myself up. Sorry for that.

Kite Skiing

2010-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

What do you do in the middle of winter, on skis, with no mountains around, but plenty of snow on a huge frozen lake??

You go kite skiing.

Unless you are me. Then what you do is catch site of the kite, then you head over to watch in amazement and take pictures!

The Old Truck edit

2010-03-12T15:33:00.001-07:00

BEFORE AFTER

I love this old truck, and the picture too. Just thought I’d play around with the editing a little bit. I think it would look pretty awesome blown up and on the wall.

Shoot Me! 10 of 52

2010-03-10T21:06:00.002-07:00

For a change of scenery and to do some much needed basic shopping we left town over the weekend and went to my moms. The nicer weather was also much needed. We were enjoying the beautiful day when Little Man hopped on the lawnmower and asked for a ride. He enjoyed going for a spin. Hopefully it won’t be much longer and the mowers will be in full force.

The Great Escape

2010-03-09T22:09:00.001-07:00

Escape??? Escape??? Who escaped? Ahhh, yes, that would be ME! I had not been out of our eensy weensy teeny weeny ~~yellow polka dot bikini~~ town in waaaayyyy too long. The kids had a whopping ONE day off for winter break so we left town for the weekend. We have had non stop winter in our corner of Monatana and yet (grumbles under breath) most of our relatives in Montana have had a sneak peak of spring. So we packed up our stuff and headed to my moms house, 4 and a half hours away and 35 degrees warmer…..

Saturday morning we took advantage of weather that we haven’t seen in many months. The chance to play outside in the fresh air, no snow, no coats, no hats, no gloves…. ahhh, it was fantastic!

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-03-05T08:07:00.001-07:00

I think I am about 2 years old here. This would have been the first year my folks had me on skis. That's my brother and my dad with me. My dad used to have me ski in between his legs while I held on to a ski pole that he held out in front of him. It hurts my back thinking about it.

My brother was a great inspiration to my skiing style. That said, I was NEVER as daring as he was. But I sure loved to follow him all over the mountains. I would just love to go skiing with my brother now. We don't see each other very much though, I guess it just makes me appreciate all the wonderful memories that much more.

See more Friday Flashbacks by clicking on the button at the top of the post. =)

Shoot Me! 9 of 52

2010-03-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

This was at our Mite vs Parent game. I can't tell you how much fun we all had. To find out who won the game you can scroll down to my last post.

Face Off!

2010-03-02T10:28:00.001-07:00

We had our Parent vs. Mite game this weekend. It was more fun than I’ve had in years! Here are my three guys. This was pre game when we were all warming up. The kids were swarming around us like a bunch of angry wasps. Parents were the away team in white jerseys and the Mites were the home team in the black jerseys.

Here comes my oldest up the boards, he has the orange stick right behind the ref. Look back to the right, there is Lineman in the white jersey, he’s not about to let his oldest boys make it up to the net.

Whoa! Looks like Lineman really stepped it up there, trying to catch up to his son. (sorry the pics aren’t the best, I took these from the bench with my helmet and cage on, I couldn’t see the view finder, it’s amazing I even have these pics).

A Ha!!! Lineman caught up to his son! I’m laughing at the father in the red jersey, he’s got a big ol’ grin on his face watching these two.

Did #50 break loose? Is he going to get a shot on goal? He got a shot on goal that was deflected by our goalie.

After three periods of play we ended up at a 8-8 tie. The refs decided that we would have a shoot out to determine the winner. The dads on the parents team decided we should use all moms for the shootout. I went first and my shot was blocked by the goalie. Up next was my oldest son, Bridger. He came down and was looking good and his shot was blocked by our goalie was well. When the shoot out was finished the game ended with the Mites winning 10-9. What a game!

We followed it up with a potluck, visiting, and talk about the USA Canada game that was going on at the same time. I guess thinking back to it I feel a little bit like USA. Uhhh, Ok, maybe not.

I was going to save pictures of me until Thursday, but here is one of me and Lineman after the game.

And get this! We have enough women interested that next season we will have a team for the women! I seriously could not be more excited!

Thirty something

2010-02-26T11:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and although Lineman couldn’t be home, I decided to make it a nice day anyway!

I picked up the kids from school and then we went to the ……….

Bowling alley! They have ten lanes there and thankfully the end lanes have bumpers.

We even let Little Man give it a try. He wears a size 7 and all they had were size 11 shoes, you should have seen him walking in them, it was hysterical!

I tried to catch these two in a silhouette, Little Man was happy to let his older brother help him. Love the “head tilt” my oldest has going on, he did that every time!

What a good big brother!

The Wild Child did pretty good too, he had lots of fun!

The two older boys had a tie at the end of the game. I was bummed out because I had some good strikes and spares and then in the 10th frame my thumb got stuck twice. Still pretty good since I can’t remember the last time I bowled.

Then I went to a cute little store and found myself a pair of sunglasses. Then we went to eat at a local pizza joint. They throw the dough up in the air but I never could get a picture. Then I headed over to DQ and got an ice cream cake.

I had the boys sing Happy Birthday to me, it was really cute. I really wish Lineman could have been here but I think it turned out to be a pretty good day. My SIL sent me that cute little sign and the candy bouquet, gee, you think she knows I like chocolate! Mmmm. I think I have a little package at the post office from my in-laws I’ll head over and get it today.

I also got my birthday present from Lineman, he said I could pick out what I wanted on-line. Uh, yeah I guess you could say I followed through on that one. Hello B&H Photo, you are my friend!!!!

I had LOTS of birthday wishes on FB so that was sweet. All in all a great day!

Shoot Me! 8 of 52

2010-02-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just a last minute pick of me and the boys. Can’t forget to get the crazy picture!

Fashion Statement

2010-02-24T08:20:00.001-07:00

The easy way…

2010-02-22T22:26:00.001-07:00

We bought an old snowmobile off tradio a few weeks ago for next to nothing. Our oldest son calls it “old fashioned”. Well, perhaps it is but I don’t think he’ll be complaining about it any time soon. Have a look at our sledding hill. It’s got to be all of 500 feet long with a few twists and turns. By far the best sledding hill we’ve ever had!

The kids fly down to the bottom and wait more than patiently for Lineman to show up. Then Lineman loads up the kids on the biggest sled that’s tied on to the back of the snowmobile. Then he hauls them up the hill. He’s got 4 kids with him there, Little Man in the front, the older two and a friend laying down on a sled. Seriously, does it get any better or easier than that!No sooner does he unhook the kids and they are heading back down the hill…..

Waiting to be picked up!

Lineman to the rescue again!

That old gal may be “old fashioned” but she sure gets the job done!

I think the kids have just as much fun coming up the hill as they do going down. “Hey kids, you’re on your own for this one, we’re going home!”

Hoar Frost

2010-02-21T18:31:00.001-07:00

No, I haven’t stopped blogging. No, I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. I’ve been quite sick and taking care of sick kids. Good news, I think we are all finally recovering. A few more hoar frost pictures for you to enjoy. This winter we’ve woken up to a hoar frost about 75% of the time. It usually blows off mid day only to show up again in the morning. I love it.

Shoot Me! 7 of 52

2010-02-17T09:00:00.001-07:00

We are still sick here and on top of that I am now watching two little boys. I didn’t have a picture yet so today I set the camera up on the tripod, used the remote and set a long shutter speed. I was trying to capture the kids in motion while I was motionless. See that red blur? That’s Little Man! I’d like to try the set up again under better conditions.