Photo update.

This is my favorite Mommy with my favorite boy! Love this picture!
Marianne fed her self her own chocolate pudding. She really enjoyed it....and I cleaned the bathtub after she got out!
See this? Really do you see this? This is why I never want to leave Montana. Ok, this and the people who live there, and the culture, and the lifestyle.
Our new greatest found fun is Skype. Marianne loves to kiss Nana and Papa through the computer. It is very fun.

I figured it was about time to update this here blog, so consider yourself updated, Blog.

H.E.R.O.

His family is his legacy. A graceful wife of 65 years, 5 successful children, 11 loving grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren who adore him.

Honorable
Extends ones life out for another
Respected
Openly Adored

Melvin 'Wesley' Boyd, a true hero. You risked your life in WWII to save the lives of other soldiers. You risked everything to help keep our country free. You earned everything you ever had in life. To us all, a true hero. Life will never be the same without you, but your dignity and strength in death is a lesson for us all. I am truly honored to call you my Grandpa. The memory of 'Bum-papa' will forever go on in our hearts. You will truly be missed.

Little man Old man

Andrew had his tonsils removed and tubes put in his ears again today. Please, please, please pray for a quick and easy recovery for him. Also, please pray for my Grandfather. He is dying of colon cancer. We are praying for mercy and comfort for him. In the aftermath of Andrew's surgery, we cannot travel for about 10 days. We want to be with my family as soon as we can after his meeting with Jesus. Lots of issues come into play. Please pray for our wisdom.
Thanks!

Logic and Birthday

What is logic? In the little world I live in, logic often comes into play trying to figure out my kids. Not always the best plan. Marianne had 6 teeth for a long time...then number seven came in (a third on the bottom). Still fussy, I used my logic to determine that she was getting number 8 (the fourth on the bottom). I spent a few days wondering why the orajel I was diligently applying to the soon-to-be eighth tooth was not helping, when upon more investigation....I found three molars. Yep, three, to none of which I applied said orajel. Poor baby. So, now she has 11 teeth, but still no fourth bottom front. Next time, logic will have to take a back seat.

This is Birthday week for a little man turning three on Thursday. He's had one party, tonight he'll open out of town family gifts, and Thursday, the best gift will be that Daddy is taking the day off....just.for.him. Pictures and fun will be posted this weekend.

Its Beginning.....

to look a lot like Christmas!!!! Yeah! I love it. Andrew has done a fantastic job making some new ornaments for our tree this year. I made a very educated guess that I probably don't want my crystal snow flakes on the tree this year. This education came from simply watching my daughter. I am totally convinced that she will climb the tree at some point. To avoid said catastrophe, we have put our tree in our front door entry way this year. Something VERY new to me! BUT by doing this, we can put our baby gate up in front of the tree to hopefully slow her down. HOPEFULLY!!!!
So, tree is up and decorated, garland is on the mantle, stockings are hung, Christmas village is set up, dining room slider has pretties hanging on it, and a centerpiece is made and on the table (really it's just a toy for my children to destroy and watch me put back together). How is your decorating coming? Are you ready to celebrate the coming of a Savior? We are!!!
Merry Christmas, may this season be wonderful for you!

Thankfulness and Gratitude

Having a heart of Thankfulness and Gratitude is one thing that we are actively trying to instill in our children. Family Life Today has some awesome resources and programs you can listen to that are incredible. How many times we read in the Psalms about thankfulness, gratitude and honor to God. November isn't the only month to remember to be thankful, but it sure is a great place to start. As Thanksgiving rolls (very quickly) into our midst next week, here is a list that Andrew has started. I encourage you to do the same with your kids...their innocence may bring you back to reality:

Mommy, Daddy, Marianne, Nana, Papa, Bumpapa, Great Gram, Grammy, Grandpa, Lizzy, Uncle, Lisa, Katie, KK, Uncle Brian, Aunt Suz, Uncle Brad
My friends, my toys, Marianne's toys (you know they are sometimes cooler!), animals, the deer outside, my house, my bed, my new frog fan, ladybugs, school at church, Miss Meeley (Mrs. McNeely, a teacher on Wednesday nights), coloring.
Food, my moose shirt, reading books with Daddy, my snuggle (favorite blanket)

Happy THANKS-giving a little early. I guess it's never to early to start.

The Best

This is my hubby. He's the best. It's his birthday. Because it's his birthday, today is my favorite day....with out today. I wouldn't have him.
I LOVE YOU, Paul!!!

I just love this picture of my amazing man being an amazing Daddy!