Yearout Among the Reeds Now...

2010-09-29T19:10:00.002-07:00

Here are just a few random pictures of our Summer, and begining of the Fall. It's been typically busy, and the kind of summer that makes everyone stop and wonder where the time went.....

Move Over Monty Walsh

2010-09-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Wyatt is the Master Bronc Stomper, just ask him....

Happy May in Wyoming!

2010-05-14T08:49:00.002-07:00

We took a trip over the mountains to Tensleep and saw some beautiful scenery. We were supposed to have gone over Wednesday, but the roads were closed because of 'winter conditions'. So the trip was pushed to Thursday, and when we hit the Big Horns we saw why. There was five feet of snow over the top. Made the six inches we got Wednesday seem rather insignificant....

I've Learned

2010-05-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

"I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned ... That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done."

- Andy Rooney

2010-05-11T14:43:00.001-07:00

2010-05-11T09:10:00.001-07:00

Just a few random pictures of my boys from the last few months.

2010-05-11T08:59:00.002-07:00

Here I go again... This time however I am making no promises to update every day, or even every week~ just a little more often!
I finally got a laptop, and have been able to ditch the old 'Internet machine' for one that works! Yes, that means pictures!!!!!! Maybe even a few later today.

It seems like I leave this alone for a while, and about the time I have surgery, I get back to it. Guess what? yep. First the appendix, then the knee, then the wreck with the horse and the broken leg, and now I am recovering from shoulder surgery. This happens to be a planned event though, very unlike the rest of them! I did decide though that this is the LAST surgery. Planned or not~ I am DONE!

I suppose I should actually go get something done~ as in take the cookies out of the oven before they burn and I have to buy snacks for Ezra to take to school.....

2009-10-18T07:52:00.001-07:00

These are Shawns kids, Ally, Saige and Konnor. They are a nice addition to the chaos!

My Wyatt

2009-10-17T20:03:00.001-07:00

My Ezra

2009-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

2009-10-17T19:32:00.003-07:00

So by now it has been so long since I've posted anything, you've all forgotten us!
It's been a very eventful year, between moving, new jobs, and various injuries we've stayed busy. I'm honestly not sure where to start. I suppose pictures would be a good place, so stay tuned, I will post more soon!

2008-08-22T09:23:00.002-07:00

So yet again I have another animal. This is Smartie. She was given to us by a friend. She's a Corgie/Heeler/Collie mutt. She's a wreck, but she's as sweet as they come, and is very nice to the boys.

Like It Wasn't Chaotic Enough Around Here

2008-08-05T12:09:00.002-07:00

You can tell from the pictures that we have cats now... I'm not exactly sure how this happened. I was working on some horses, and the fellow who owned them asked if I wanted a kitten- I said that I'd been pondering the idea actually. Within about two minutes they had cats boxed up and packed into the truck before I could protest.
The boys are pretty happy about the kitties though. Ezra named them himself. The male, the white and grey, is Green- and the little female, white and grey with some orange, is Red.
The Red cat tried to kill my vacuum last night... I was cleaning up the litter that had been spilled on the floor, and the cats, which included vacuuming Green Cat. He was very calm and didn't mind at all. Red cat on the other hand was having no part of it. She went ballistic and attacked the vacuum. There was nothing about her that was afraid, just really ticked. Watch out for those little girls~ you never know....

2008-07-03T15:01:00.002-07:00

Well, it seems like the time of year to have unexpected surgery. Yeah, once again I got to get cut on. I can't say this one was completely unexpected, just the timing. I saw a surgeon Monday, about my knee, just to see what was going on (it's been giving me fits lately). That was at nine a.m. Monday, and by 11:00 they'd scheduled my surgery for Wednesday. Kinda slap 'n go... So I got home last night from Douglas WY (the only safe place to let them touch a scalpel) around eleven thirty, and have been sleeping most of the day. The whole stairs and crutches thing is a spectacle..... I'm alright as long as I don't carry anything (i.e. hot coffee) while I'm going up or down.

2008-06-24T12:09:00.002-07:00

Here are a few random pictures from the last few weeks. We went to the lake with Miss Cole (the daycare lady), and Ezra thought getting in the water with the big kids was a great idea... Another good day that wore them out...
And my new car. Its a car... A small car. I gotta say I'm getting used to it, and getting GREAT fuel mileage, so I'm not complaining.

2008-06-24T11:59:00.003-07:00

So its been a very long time since I posted anything... These are a few pictures from this last Saturday. We went with some friends to dock and band lambs~ not a fun chore unless the company is good~ which it was! After finishing up with the sheep The boys got rides on the motorcycle, they have a new best friend! After we got home we had lunch and played in the sprinkler till bed time. Ezra passed out on the couch after getting out of the shower before I could even get back downstairs with his pjs... all in all a good day.

2008-05-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

2008-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

2008-05-12T11:24:00.002-07:00

I'm going to be lazy and not actually label each picture. Hopefully most of you can figure out what the animals are with out me telling you though.... The cute blue eyed ones were my favorite...

Yellowstone

2008-05-12T11:21:00.001-07:00

The boys and I took a little vacation with my family over the weekend. There are about four hundred (literally) pictures to go through, so be patient! There are more to come!

2008-05-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

2008-05-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the post below, its snowing. 50 mph winds, with 60 mph gusts. The flowers I planted are very very very very dead. Dang it.

2008-05-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring in Wyoming... The first school closures of the year are in May!

2008-04-29T14:28:00.001-07:00

I got out and played in the dirt and sunshine today! It is for once, not windy. We'll see how long it is until the boys bring me flowers....

2008-04-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

2008-04-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

They don't get much happier than this...

2008-04-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

He might like me...

2008-04-16T10:36:00.002-07:00

2008-04-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Wyatt is quite the little ham...

2008-03-26T19:58:00.001-07:00

This is apparently a typical Easter in Wyoming, hunting eggs in the snow!

2008-03-26T19:38:00.001-07:00

2008-03-18T13:11:00.002-07:00

I'm having a little trouble with blogger, so I'm hoping that the pictures post...
Ezra is quite the little ladies man these days, which means he wants me to do his hair before school and likes to pose for pictures.

2008-03-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Finally. I'm Back On Line

2008-03-11T19:11:00.002-07:00

It seems like forever since I last posted.... We've been getting settled into our new place quite nicely, and life is regaining some sort of routine. It's very busy, but good. The boys are still wild~ Trust me, it will be big news the day they aren't. Ezra is doing great in school, and is talking really well. The latest phrase that cracks me up is, "It's Ezra's turn to drive." Every time we get in the car.... And then I tell him to count till he's sixteen, so he does.
Wyatt is still my sweet Cracker. He's starting to talk quite a bit, Mommy, Ezra, Don't Touch!, Please, Thank You, and Done!!! are a few of his words. He jabbers away like he's giving a public speech most of the time though.
When I'm not quite as sleepy I promise I'll get pictures posted. It'll be soon. You can call and harass me if I don't.

2008-02-17T17:53:00.001-07:00

New Digs

2008-02-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

So, I've been painting... This is the house I'll be moving into tihs weekend. The gal is letting me paint what I like, even if she stands over my shoulder and tells me she hates it.....

The kitchen was a lovely yellow....

And now it's not!
The living room was a color of blue that reminded me of old man mouthwash...
And now it's not! When I'm done I'll have more pictures, the trim in the living room here is going to be a really dark brown. We'll see how it turns out...
(I do realize I started me sentences with prepositional phrases, and no, I don't intend to change them.)

Knock Out

2008-01-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

This afternoon while I was making lunch, I had music on- not unusual. I was throwing stuff in a pan, not really paying close attention to the boys, until it occured to me that Ezra had been spinning in circles and singing for a REALLY long time. I couldn't get his attention, and thought "I'd better get the camera~ he's gotta be really dizzy". Here is what happened.

I had to turn the camera off because I was laughing so hard, not because I had to rush him to the ER. He only cried for about two seconds. Because I was laughing so hard he figured he was ok.

2008-01-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

This video cracks me up, pause it when Ezra says "Daddy open it!!!" and check out the look on his little face.

2008-01-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

It's a happy birthday for Ezra!!!

2008-01-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

I've finally convinced Ezra to watch a little tv with me occasionally. We watched some rodeo the other night, and as a result I was able to get this video!

2008-01-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

There are a few deer that come up to the house, which is a little surprising since we live in town. The really amusing part is Ezra. He is standing at the window yelling, "Deer! Come inside deer! It's very cold outside! Come upstairs!"

2008-01-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

The boys don' t look anything alike to me these days.... But they're both very cute!

Aww Man.......

2008-01-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is Wyatt's ''she kissed me!" face. I love it!

ER

2008-01-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post about this before, but it didn't seem like a priority...
On the way to Spokane with Beth, we got a little bit lost in Billings, MT in search of Starbucks. We drove around town for probably thirty minutes searching. I even had addresses that I pulled off the internet the night before~ at least part of the trip was planned! We took all the right exits, and were headed in what should have been the right direction. It apparently was not. We found the hospital though. Check out this picture. Not very clear, as it was raining a little bit, and I took it through the windshield... You can see the ER sign, and the arrow, UP THE STAIRS. Gee I hope the person going in doesn't have a broken leg!

First Day Of School!

2008-01-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've been a little busy, and a little lazy. The combination has resulted in not posting...

So in the last few weeks, Ezra has had some big adventures! He started preschool, and is loving it!

This was on the way to school, saying goodbye to Cracker. He was a little sad that he had to leave his little brother home, but had enough fun to make up for it I think. I was a bad mommy and this is about the extent of the first day of school pictures.

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty......

2008-01-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

My Grandma recently moved to Spokane to live with my parents after my Grandad passed away. One of the things she brought with her was her kitty. He is a very nice house cat, who I'm sure has never seen small children. The boys aren't mean to animals, nor are they quiet. I took this picture, Wyatt barked, the cat took off and we didn't see it again the rest of the visit. I've been told he came out of hiding shortly after our departure.....

2008-01-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few random pictures from our trip.
Wyatt is kinda sweet, and willing to sit on a lap when he's hungry!
The boys had lots of fun playing in the snow....
Wyatt decided that my dad was an alright guy to cuddle with.
He's pretty cute!
Ezra loves this tunnel that their Grandma Jackie got them.

Last Minute.....

2008-01-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've been a little lackadaisical (yeah, that's the computers spell check!) about posting. We made a trip to Spokane before Christmas. It was in typical Piper fashion last minute and unorganized. My good friend Beth called and said "Hey wanna come home for a visit? Pick me up in Denver in the morning and I'll drive with you!". So I did. It was great to spent time with Beth, I don't get to see her nearly often enough. She was an awesome road trip companion.
The trip from Gillette to denver was rather white, and a little blury!

I don't like this picture of me, but it makes up for the one of Beth below!
To all the grandparents, don't worry, I'm an excellent driver.....
Just ask Beth.

2007-12-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Tis the season, for BOXES! The boys love that the UPS or FEDEX trucks come almost everyday. They know it means new housing!

I think this picture is hilarious. Not really becoming of either one f the boys, but just the same really silly. Ezra thought he was hugging Cracker nicely....

2007-12-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

If you read the post below about me being a snapdragon (or at least having snapdragon tendencies...), and you know me at all you know that yes, I do like to make people laugh. Apparently I've played all my cards. When we went to Denver a few weeks ago at a rest stop on the way back I stood on my head out side the restroom while my grandma was on her way out. She didn't look twice. This is very disappointing for someone like me, who likes a laugh.... Maybe some of you will appreciate it.

2007-12-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Not fantastic video, but you get that he's cute right? This is the first time ever that I've been alone with Wyatt. Ezra went with Ben to run some errands and have the masculine version of a date with dad. Wyatt looked for Ezra most of the evening..... They like each other a bit!

Kissin'

2007-12-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

I've been reminded recently that I am capable of posting video~ so here you go! You've all been kissed by my Cracker. Did you like it as much as I do?

2007-12-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

How do babies get so dirty so fast??? They don't really do much. Let me clarify, they never stop moving, but it's not like they are digging ditches or something...

Happy Pony!

2007-12-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

Angardd is feeling much better, and was able to come home yesterday afternoon. He is still not 100% but seems to be recovering quickly. I have to give him shots twice a day for a few days, so he's not too thrilled to see me heading his way. Hopefully he'll continue to recover at the rate he is!

Here Cracker Cracker Cracker.....

2007-12-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much recently, and lots has happened. You'll all have to call for details, because I'd have carpel tunnel syndrome if I typed it all. I can talk all day!
My Wyatt no longer answers to "Wyatt". I call both boys by their full names all the time (not just when they're in trouble!), Ezra has started to pick up on this and calls Wyatt by his full name. It is kinda cute, and comes out all wrong. It's gone on for long enough now, and I thought it was cute enough that I started using Ezra's version as well. So say good bye to Wyatt Carter, and hello to Cracker. Seriously, he answers to it.

Sick Sick Pony

2007-12-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

So from the pictures below you can probably guess that Angardd isn't feeling well... He's been at the vet since Wednesday, and it's not looking great for him. We've sent blood work to the lab and ought to know something tomorrow. Hopefully it will be good news. If it isn't one thing it's another huh?

Finally!!!

2007-12-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

So it's been way too long since I've posted, and a little bit has happened.

The boys played at the barn, and look kinda cute. I went to Denver with my family for my granddad's funeral. I know, we look a little happy for a funeral, but I was so excited to see my mom and dad!!!

Happy December 1st! It's been snowing all day, and if you know me at all you know that this makes me VERY happy!

2007-11-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

Alicia has this on her blog, and I thought it was pretty cute. Here is what they had to say about me~

Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

2007-11-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

As is typical, I jumped the gun posting anything. I wish I could say that my granddad snapped out of it and went skipping out the door... That is not the case. I did not make it to Polson as of yet. The boys both woke up with the stomach flu Wednesday, so I stayed home to take care of them. My granddad passed away early this morning in his sleep. It is obviously not unexpected, but still very hard.
There are no concrete plans for services at this point. Everyone has been great about helping however they can. I appreciate every ones prayers...

2007-10-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

The oldest and youngest men in the family. My grandad, Frank, and my Wyatt. I wanted to let everyone know that I am headed for Polson Montana in the morning. My Grandad is in the hospital, and not doing well at all. There is bleeding in his brain, and it does not seem to be stopping. At this point the cause is unknown. There is a good chance this will be my last visit with him. The timing is very good though, and at the same time there is no good timing for something like this. The up side to it is that Ben had planned on taking time off while his parents were here visiting this weekend, that means he can take care of the boys and they don't have to spend a bunch of time in the car and a hospital room. You see a down side too~ I'll be gone when Eric and Susan get here. I'm hoping to be back Saturday, but in a case like this everything is a little unpredictable.
I guess the main purpose of this post is to ask for prayer. It's all a little hectic at the moment, but there's a plan for everything.

2007-10-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

I talked to my brother today for the first time in a while. Usually we talk every day, but he's been out of town on a job. In our conversation the fact that he'd seen our little blog here and thought my boys were adorable came up. As did the fact that I must have done something impressive to have broken a shock in two on my new(ish) pickup. I set the record straight there, and thought I ought to do the same for you all. I did not break the truck, it came that way. I know... Who buys a broken truck??? Us. It is the kind of thing that is beautiful in a redneck's eyes, and doesn't come with a payment.

2007-10-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

With the help of my mother in law, I'm loosing sister in law points I'm sure.

This is Amy, being very sexy...
Andrea being kinda scary.
Ben, as we all know him.
Meredith is kinda classy even in costume.

The pictures are really tiny because my partner in crime had to scan them to get them to me, but I think every one gets the idea... We are all dork fish.

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

2007-10-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

He's a little unsteady, but very enthusiastic!

2007-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm probably in trouble for not posting sooner... Wyatt walks. It was a little bit of a surprise to me too. Apparently while the boys play downstairs Ezra teaches Wyatt things. Like walking.... I popped my head in his room one day to see them walking together. It looks like they are dancing, and being the mom I think it's very sweet.

P.s. They do wear clothes sometimes.

2007-10-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

I think I've forgotten to post about the new truck before now. It's only new to me. It is a 1990 F-350 Crew Cab Long Box. There is less paint than dirt, and most things are broken. Don't worry, we didn't loose our shirts on this deal. I love the truck. It isn't fancy (not even a cassette deck!) and has no payment! We knew it was going to need lots of work when we got it, but it's the kind of stuff that is pretty easy.

So yesterday was our first opportunity to really dig around under it, and Ben was kind enough to let me do a bunch of stuff. Like replacing the shocks and then rewiring it so I can pull a trailer this weekend.

All that said, here is the new pickup. with me under it.One of the old shocks. It was broken in two under the pickup...

The wiring was a mess when we first got after it. There weren't even brake lights... So, we tore a bunch of stuff out and put a lot less baling wire back in.

Daddy's Boy

2007-10-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is how Wyatt spends his afternoons/evenings if Ben is home. He is perfectly content to just sit with him. It makes me a little jealous, but what am I going to do about it? They have the same tired eyes....

2007-10-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to say that you all are so lucky to have this little blog to entertain you. I may have mentioned this a while back-like a year ago- I'm soooo not computer literate. This said, the reason for the stolen picture of the ipod-- I had an ipod, it also came into the picture about a year ago. (actually it was Bens 'thanks for having my baby' present to me after Wyatt came home) When we moved to our nice place here, the neighbors apparently thought they should have it and not me. So, it got stolen when they got into my car one night. Ben knows how much I absolutely love music, so as an anniversary present he got me a new ipod. That was three weeks ago. It stopped working. Completely. It wouldn't do anything no matter what. Needless to say I was a bit sad... So I called Apple* to talk to their tech support, only to be informed that the battery was dead! That Can't Be! I've Plugged It In! Turns out, tech support was right! The nano has no problem being plugged into the port on the front of your tower, but the classic thinks its too good for that, and prefers the back. The darn thing won't charge off the other port.... So, to any of you getting an ipod, the classic has to get plugged into the back. Save yourself the embarrassment, and time, and just do it.
Again, back to the part about you're fortunate I keep this thing up, yeah. I was on hold with tech support for 25 minutes to get told to charge the thing. That's the extent of my computer smarts... I'm sure I'm required to say that the picture was used with permission of _______, and the 'just do it slogan was used with permission-but it wasn't. So, Apple makes ipods, and Nike says 'just do it'.

2007-10-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

Wyatt is getting so big. As you can see below, he isn't really that much smaller than Ezra. They like to ride the horse together, but Ezra hasn't quite figured out that Wyatt can't climb on by himself. He tries to help...

The Ballots Are In

2007-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well the poll is closed, and it looks like a tie between updating daily and bi-weekly. Results also show that I'm pathetic and only eleven people voted. Maybe if I can come up with something a little more interesting next time we'll get more participation from our little audience. Like I said, I'd be more than pleased to use your ideas!!!

2007-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Holy Moley!!!!!!!!!!!! After coming upstairs, and then posting about Burn Units and Rednecks, making Ben mad because I spent too long up here, I for got to tell you all that it is SNOWING!!!!! A significant amount, that looks like it may stick for a while! If you know me at all you know I LOVE SNOW!!!!! Always! Its just one of my childish traits...

You Might Be A RedNeck If....

2007-10-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sophisticated people invest in stock portfolios. Rednecks invest in commemorative plates....

If you are at all familiar with Jeff Foxworthy, you've probably hear his bit about not giving rednecks money. They cannot be trusted. They buy commemorative plates. Like this one.

Obviously the folks who are running BNSF are rednecks. They had commemorative plates made for every employee who didn't get hurt last year..... Great incentive to practice all that safety training wouldn't you say? Who wouldn't want a plate, with a picture of a train on it?

The plate was promptly put back in it's original packaging and placed in a safe place. The garbage. Some dumpster diver will be thrilled to have a new plate.

Burn Unit

2007-10-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a stellar mom and what-not, last weekend I was not in the kitchen with Ezra for oh, I'd say 4 minutes, and he got burned. He grabbed the coffee pot off the counter and blistered his little fingers. As I've mentioned before he gets a little dramatic when he's hurt. He sat on my lap and screamed bloody murder for almost an hour and a half. Let me tell you, that will wear on your nerves! Fortunately that was the end of it. The blisters wore off and hes back to his old silly self.
He is a little bit cute when he gets sad....

2007-09-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

As you'll see when you look to the left of this post, I've added a poll. This is mostly to motivate Amy. I'm going to try to keep some kind of fun survey/poll on here, but that means you all will have to help me come up with fresh ideas!!!

2007-09-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Wyatt likes to play ball, and is getting pretty good at it.

Caught In The Act

2007-09-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Like I've mentioned before, Wyatt is getting to be quite the climber. He crawled from my bed to the nightstand, and was heading for the window.... I just love the look on his face! Yeah, you're busted!

2007-09-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a little piece of a Saturday morning in our mad house. We rarely get dressed before nine, and the boys run around in their diapers. They like it that way.

Ben got Wyatt this little Buffalo for his birthday. It has Velcro on the inside, and unfolds to a pillow. Ezra thinks it is a horse all of a sudden, and has been riding it all morning. It's just a little comical to watch.

On another note, if you all have about 10 minutes and want to laugh at complete strangers, check out A&J's Wedding Dance on youtube. No, I don't know them either. I sort of stumbled onto the video, and have been chuckling ever since.

ATTENTION ALICIA!!!!!

2007-09-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Alicia~

I searched high and low for a cute self portrait. THERE ARE NONE. It is officially a skill, which I happen to lack! This is the only thing even remotely close I could come up with! I'm still a goober!

Love Ya!

2007-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

I've been told I treat my kids like circus seals.... This is Wyatt's 'Surprise!!!' face. It's WAY cuter in person, when you get to see him stick his tongue out and then the the 'Embarrassed' face.......

2007-09-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

I don't remember what Ezra was trying to tell me here, but he was pretty cute doing it.
He likes this container, and drags it around telling me it's his "Daddy Truck." He goes to work, and agrees to bring me bags of money..... He got a little excited and got bucked off -or out- of his truck right after I took this picture.
He knows to get right back on though! Maybe a little more carefully this time though...

Broken Hearted Feelings

2007-09-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Wyatt's little heart get broken easily... I think I told him not to unplug the vacuum right before I took this, and those of you who know me know I didn't scream it at him. Hes very sensitive. His heart is so fragile, it makes mine break.

2007-09-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

This video isn't that great, I just love at the beginning when Ezra blinks in time with the music..... and laughs about it. That's him. He is so silly. He's also very cute.

Breakfast at our house usually includes a wide variety of music, so this is a pretty accurate example of how our mornings start. I spent a long time trying to get video of the boys dancing to post on here, with not much success. Wyatt is getting more and more difficult to catch dancing, because he likes the camera so well. I'll get a chunk on here anyway, even though I don't think it does the little guy justice.

2007-09-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

This was just a kinda fun evening out at the barn. Debbie was helping Craig rope, and offered the boys a ride!

2007-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy month. As you can probably tell by the lack of posting! Here are just a few random pictures of the boys.
Wyatt loves to give kisses!!!
He won't quite walk yet. He's close, but you know what they say- horseshoes and hand grenades... Ezra wasa taking care of Wyatt...

When Pigs Fly

2007-09-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Wyatt has become quite the little climber lately. (I use the term 'little' loosely) He's just so sweet...

It's been a while since I posted about the weather here. It's been consistently sweltering until recently. Last Friday was sunny and 90. Saturday was a very pleasant 75, and Sunday was 40 and overcast. It felt like Fall. We enjoyed the little break from the heat, enough to take the A/C unit out of the window. That may have been a mistake, because by Tuesday it was back up in the 90's. As I was telling Ben that maybe we should think about bringing the A/C back, the weather came on the TV and said that they are calling for snow today. Yep, SNOW. IN SEPTEMBER. Let's just say that people around here don't use the term 'When Hell freezes over' because it just might!

Urban Cowboy...

2007-09-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ezra likes to talk on the phone, as many of you know, and have received phone calls from him. He's learned the art of imitation, and now wanders around the house while he's on the phone. The other day he was talking to my mom, and she must have asked if we'd gone to see my horse, because he ran right over to ride the rocking horse while babbling away at her about it. I'm sure she had no idea what he was saying.....

Happy Labor Day!

2007-09-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

We spent our Labor Day weekend with Debbie Mader and her folks, Dick and Dorothy, at her cabin in the Big Horn National Forest. We didn't stay up there at night, so we can't call it camping. We came back and did the chores at the barn at night, and in the morning before we headed back up to the mountains. The boys absolutely loved the freedom. They ran, or crawled, to their hearts content. The girls in the picture are Jacie, Debbie's niece, and her friend Jessica. Both girls had lots of fun with the boys too.
We're hoping to go back again soon!!!

2007-09-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is just some of the scenery around the cabin. This little creek has Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
Just another view. Of my sunburn...
Yet another rock I climbed. Look at how blue the sky is!

2007-09-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is Debbie's dad, Dick. This looks like the way every one's retirement should be spent. This in Ben and Debbie. Like I said, Wyatt isn't scared of Brodie any more!
Debbie and her mom, Dorothy, doing some dinner dishes by lamp light.
Dick was a pretty big hit with Ezra. He was rocking him in this chair, and every now and then, would 'buck him off'.
Wyatt was very tired about the time we were packing up to come home. Look how dirty that kid is!!!

2007-09-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wyatt has been scared of Brodie (Debbie's dog) until recently. Now he likes to help throw the ball for him. On the second day I let Ezra drive once we got to the little dirt road and he couldn't kill anyone. He was very excited about it!
This is on a hike Ben and I took. We went probably five miles, and saw beautiful scenery the entire time.
Another rock we climbed onto. Brodie wants to be a lap dog...
Ben took his elk bugle along on the trip. The first evening he got an answer, and the second night we were laughing too much over Brodie to notice any response. The poor dog was sure that something was living in there.

2007-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is on the way out to the cabin, Debbie was herding cattle with her Honda Pilot.... Quite a sight.
This lovely lady would've liked a ride I think.
Wyatt was too chicken to crawl across the dirt to the other small cabin to get me.
He ate corn on the cob the entire time, and couldn't have been happier!
The way a day at the cabin should be!

He's A Live One!!!

2007-08-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

I wish I'd had my camera. That's about all I can say. This evening after dinner I got a phone call from our friend Debbie. She knew Ben was out of town and was offering to watch the boys so I could play with my horse. During the conversation the fact that she's going to be out of town for the weekend came up. She needs someone to feed her livestock, and since Angardd lives there it makes sense for us to do it. We agreed to meet down at the barn and she'd show me the ropes, and then hang out with Ezra and Wyatt while I rode. I wound up riding one of her daughters horses instead of my own, which was kinda fun, a very different experience for me.... He's a roping horse.

The part where I was wishing for my camera was when I loped around the end of the arena and saw Ezra in the chute! It was adorable. A benefit to him being in the chute, he was insisting on keeping the gate closed so he was very well contained. He just looked so silly in there... I'm sure that he'll venture that way again. Hopefully next time I'll have the camera handy.

He's started saying, or at least trying to say lots more words and phrases. 'I'll get it' 'Wyatt NO!' 'Piper?' 'Mean Mama' 'Sweet Baby' 'Run!' 'Jump!' 'Go Daddy Go!'(reserved for car rides) are just a few. Tonight's phrase was 'Run! Run! Run!'. This was while he was sitting on the horse.... We did not 'Run! Run! Run!'. He was a little disappointed with that but I think he forgave me when I let him ride OJ back to the barn by himself. (Don't worry, I was walking nervously next to him ready to snatch him from deaths grasp....)

Don't Come In Here I'm Naked!!!!!

2007-08-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just love the absolute surprise on his face. He usually has such fine tuned camera radar that you can't catch him off guard.

Bubble Boy

2007-08-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Wyatt actually is a little bit scared of bubbles... Silly yes, but look at him! He cried and crawled away when he saw the tub tonight. It was definitely a bath night though~ check out those cheeks. We bought some new baby wash/bubble bath, and it smells awful. So we've been using as much as possible without actually pouring it down the drain so we can justify getting new stuff.

2007-08-28T20:57:00.001-07:00

Alright, this is the last video of the night Mom. I'm getting the 'Go to bed already' look from a certain husband of mine. I'm sure I'll be posting more video soon, so y'all come back now ya hear? The Wyoming must be rubbing off on me....

Hat Hair

2007-08-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Wyatt likes my hat. A lot. He actually likes anything that he can make stick to his head. He had a bandanna the other day, which was great fun. Up until he put it on his head and crawled directly into the cupboards..... I was a bad mommy and laughed a little.

Sit 'N Spin

2007-08-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Wyatt is so darn happy. All the time.

Laugh Out Loud

2007-08-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is proof that Wyatt is always happy. Even when I step on him.

I tried really hard not to shake the camera too much while I was shaking him with my foot. I hope nobody gets sick watching it.

Sleepy Bear

2007-08-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ben got Ezra this little bear on his last trip to MN. As you can see, Ezra loves it. He wraps it up and makes it take naps..... He was getting ready for bed and was making sure the bear was ready too. Lots of hugs and kisses are required!

Huggies Express

2007-08-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've been able to load video (if it actually works) . This little clip was from when my mom came out to help me the week I had Wyatt. So, we have moved several times since then, and Ezra is much bigger now.

My mom actually put her back out doing this and barely made the drive back home.... The things you'll do for grandchildren eh?

Super Eating Man

2007-08-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today was Wyatt's first utensil encounter. He was kind of excited about it.

Ezra got worried that he wasn't getting enough food in his mouth and took over.