Walking in My Shoes

LIFE IS ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS

2012-01-11T23:05:00.004-05:00

My sweet 2 year old.. broke her femur on Christmas Eve.. She has been put into a Hip Spica (body cast) ...

Wanted to share some of my journal entries from this adventure in our lives..

12/24 sledding accident on Mountain.. 1 1/2 hours to hospital.. first time on any meds.. morphine.. x rays... broken femur.. Me.. I was calm until the drugs were being pumped in my child and as we waited to see if she would have a bad reaction to meds. need to be put to sleep to be placed in a hip spica cast.. doctor says life will be miserable for 2 months.. When they take her to surgery room I sign a paper and i see in case of death.. I start crying uncontrollably thinking I will never see my child alive again.. I have gone the whole day with no food or water and still nursing Maggie.. almost pass out.. finally eat.. my emotions are now back to normal and I am not as dramatic.. 12/25 "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.." My trial: Ella broken femur.. in hip spica cast.. needs cares 24/7 My JOY: Ross and I were both with her when she got hurt Kay was able to help with Maggie The drive down Mt. and to hospital safe the car with car seats at house ER took us right away best bone doc around x ray shows broke but not all the way thru growth plate not damaged pain meds and all the drugs no lasting side effects no allergic reaction not having to spend night in hospital Maggie was a trooper My daughter is alive .. ....

I must say the past 2 1/2 almost 3 weeks have been very hard... everyone keeps telling me God does not give more than we can handle.. and I tried to believe that even though my mind would say other wise.. BUT today a friend told me.. God does give us more than we can handle that way we HAVE TO go to HIM.. and then he will give us just enough grace to get thru it.. SO I must say.. Without CHRIST, I would probably go crazy from lack of sleep and the whining.. and when i say lack of sleep I mean I feel rested when I get 2 hours in a row! But I can say this trial has brought me to my knees every minutes of the day in desperate need for help and sanity!.. and he gives me just what I need for that moment..

Mama's little helper..

2011-12-14T19:52:00.004-05:00

So much to do in such little time, today was a day FULL of interruptions... and it wasn't like bad interruptions either.. JUST whenever I wanted to get something done something came up to make sure I could not do that certain thing.! BUT while I was working on more burritos to freeze, my daughter wanted to "wash dishes" So up went the stool and my sweet little girl, I did think I would actually be able to get the burritos rolled up and packed away.. but when a 2 year old is playing with water its best to not be too distracted..! I sat back and watched her for a minute.. LIFE caught in this moment.. She saw here tutu this am which she calls her "rina" and wanted to wear it..! and so her is my precious baby dressed up pretty... washing some dishes and just talking and singing away..! and I thought.. It won't be like this for long..! Today I am thankful for my interruptions, another day has ended.. both girls are in bed (for now anyway).. tomorrow they will wake up one day older..

When Mama is on the phone

2011-12-13T19:47:00.003-05:00

One of the many things I love about my Eleanor is her love for life and how she finds joy in almost everything!.. BUT WITH this wonderful gift comes the messes, no fear ( on Ella's part LOTS on mama's) and the constant getting into EVERYTHING..! how easy life would be if i just kept her to play with her toys and let little girls do little girl things and Mama's do Mama things, but I do want to teach her and give her a love for cooking, God's Word, for exercising, for cleaning and maybe someday being a Mom.. SO with that comes the adventure called LIFE.... Ella is allowed to play with dry beans I give her 2 bowls and measuring cups and I let her go to town when I am doing something in the kitchen that can hurt her.. like using a knife or cooking over a flame!... She is normally good at keeping them in the bowls KNOWING Mama is watching.. but when the Mama gets distracted you can betcha what she wanted to do..! " Thank you Aunt B for letting me do something I normally am not allowed to do.. I enjoyed rolling in them and playing with scattered beans..! "

Count it all joy

2011-12-12T21:16:00.002-05:00

It easy to "count it all joy" when life is full of bliss and moments that you want to capture .. but what about when life day after day is not giving you a break?..! Do you still count it all joy..! I have a very very easy life next to the majority of people in this world, and I hate to even go to the place of feeling like I want to scream, but I must say each day that has been passing on little to no sleep and as each day goes by I so want to count all my problems and make sure everyone KNOWS how miserable I feel.. I have a wonderful Savior.. Who is so very very personal!.. He knew how tired I was and so instead of letting my children nap today he decided to keep them awake..! ( you see nap time is never a time for me to rest but always a time to get as much done as humanly possible.. work out .. clean out.. get dinner started.. bills.. everything and anything I use every spare moment.. ) I headed upstairs.. Got Ella out of bed and decided to take a shower and then we sat and played 'people' while listening to worship music!.. I had such an amazing time of worship with my children.. as we sang, danced and played together!.. So a day that I would normally consider miserable has turned into a glorious day.. Did anything change? Did God give me children who sleep, Did he take the whine out of my 2 year old or make all the messes go away? NO.. He changed my heart making me just a bit more like my Savior!.. THAT IS WHY I can count it all JOY!..

My sweet Magpie!....

2011-12-10T20:25:00.003-05:00

I would like to introduce my sweet Magnolia Mae.. She is now in her 6 month but having 2 children I have not found much time to sit and blog!.. So I am trying to play the catch up game!..

I cannot say HOW I am SO blessed to have 2 amazing little girls!.. When I had my first child I could not imagine loving anyone like My little Ella bella and then I met My Maggie and the love is so there.. Just like it was for my Ella.. Life the first 6 weeks was quite an adjustment.. Hard to not be allowed to exercise much.. getting used to the fact that we have another person in our lives.. but we have all adjusted!..

My sweet Maggie is a VERY VERY HAPPY BABY..! She of course like most babies loves to be near the Mumma.. She loves to nurse but also does not want to miss out on life!.. She is always watching Ella and at times it looks like she just wishes she could get down and play! Like her sister, Maggie is not one to sleep!.. Something we are working on..! I do not get much sleep at night..! I feel so rested when I sleep for 2 hours in a row!.. She is up every hour!.. I am happy this is such a short phase..! Ella was like this until about 9 to 10 months and then she slept til 4 am!... and then at a year Ella slept 12 hours!.. So I am not far off!.. I pray that my darling Maggie will use that desire to get involved and be apart of what is going on for the things of God..! I pray that the strong will I see in her will be used in a positive light!..

B. BOX ( busy box)

2011-12-10T19:59:00.003-05:00

It has been a LONG time since I have been able to blog..! I am sitting in my kitchen HOPING my 6 month old will just go to sleep!.. So a quick little thought on life with a 2 year old..! She is a very busy girl and is always looking for opportunities to get into things! When I clean, cook, nurse.. go to the bathroom.. ANYTHING that takes my eyes off of her she is into something that can hurt her.. SO I heard of this busy box idea and thought I would try it out!.. She is only allowed to play with the toys in that box when she is in her "fort" and it has been very very helpful!... In my B.Box I have beads she can string.. ( I might remove that because she wants to wrap string around her neck since she wants a necklace..) puzzle.. Mr. Potato head.. some little animals.. blocks.. Over time I want to add more little people.. and a shape sorter..

Magnolia Mae SHOE

2011-06-20T14:22:00.005-04:00

LABOR... Oh the word.. does it really sum up what you go through.. the pain.. emotions.. all that work!.. but the end result.. SO WORTH IT... These pictures are not really in order.. This first picture is RIGHT when Maggie came out.. 5:18 am.. But before I go there.. Let me tell you about my night...

May 30th.. I went to bed wondering HOW MANY more days I will go past my due date.. for now I am over a week late.. I started that Monday with a LONG walk in such heat and humidity.. I actually didn't know if i could make it anymore.. We spent the day at home for the most part.. Playing outside with Ella and doing the whole waiting game.. no signs of labor... like the past few weeks.. So the day goes on... Come night I decide to not stay up too late JUST INCASE this babe decides to come I want to make sure I have PLENTY of rest...

1 am... first contraction.. LASTED A LONG time.. ( or at least it seemed..) fell back asleep..

3 am.. up to go to the bathroom... Contraction again.. and then again.. by after a few I had ross start timing it just incase... 7 minutes apart.. over a minute long.. As we laid in bed I told Ross.. if it continues like this I am going to be in labor for a LONG time..

Went to the bathroom again around 3:30.. Contractions pick up.. NOW 2 minutes apart.. we waited 30 more minutes before calling Linda ( my midwife).. She was just finishing up at another birth when we gave her a call.. She asked if we were ready for her.. I told Ross I do believe this is it and its getting pretty intense so YES.. I AM READY..

She arrived around 4:30am...

This was So much more intense than my first pregnancy.. I was having SUCH a hard time relaxing.. When I stood Magnolia's heart rate would drop SO they wanted me to lie down.. WHICH WAS THE WORST position!.. BUT thats what Maggie liked best... sometime while Linda was here I mentioned I had to go to the bathroom.. and she told me.. I do believe you are ready to have this baby.. and I would say no I really need to use the bathroom.. So she checked to see how far along I was.. at this point I am about 6 cm... So I was allowed to use the toilet.. while I sat on the toilet my water broke AND my mucus plug came out.. and THEN I was ready to push.. everyone kept telling me to get out of the bathroom but I did not want to.. i was ready to have that baby right there in the bathroom.. BUT they got me back to bed.. Linda checked me again.. since not even 10 minutes ago I was only 6 cm... but at this point I am pretty much fully dilated.. This was around 5 am.. Linda told me to try not to push.. (THAT IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO DO...!) My body wanted to push and for me to blow out those pushes was so hard.. FINALLY at 5:12 she told me okay give in and push when you are ready.. SO I pushed and at 5:18 am Magnolia Mae was born.. 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long..!

More pictures to come soon!...

Ella's morning bible study.. =)

2011-05-08T14:03:00.002-04:00

Words Ella can say..

2011-05-08T13:51:00.002-04:00

Can you put your toe in your mouth?

2011-05-08T13:47:00.002-04:00

We practice everyday SO when she is 80 she will still be able to put her toe in her mouth.. =) we all got to have life goals.

Needing LOVE and yet lack of it..

2011-04-25T14:14:00.005-04:00

Once again my heart is full and my lack of education makes me wonder if I should even try to type up what is on my heart.. We are born needing love and as we grow it only continues.. we search to be loved from parents, friends.. from everyone and yet we have no idea how to love someone properly. Our sinful hearts makes us love ourselves more than anything that if it will hurt us or make us some what uncomfortable we tend to not give love to another and the cycle goes on..

BUT we have hope.. for not only do we have someone who loves us unconditionally but also is the perfect example on HOW to love others.. Through out the Bible we see verses like.. "Love your neighbor as yourself." I have been struggling with loving myself too much and loving others a bit less!.. As a Mom and a wife I am constantly pouring myself into my family.. AND there are days where I just want to scream.. "WHAT ABOUT ME??!.. doesn't anyone care about what I NEED..?" As a new baby will be coming in a matter of weeks God has been once again showing me my selfish heart helping me be more like him.. IF I try to take care and LOVE my family with my own strength then you will see me reacting.." what about me..??" BUT if I love my family like Christ then that would not be the case.. Philippians chapter 2! an amazing chapter getting my heart focused off of me and onto what really matters.. WHAT life is truly about.. If you have been going through something with people and think I can't do this anymore.. TRULY look at the situation.. Do you say that because it makes your life too uncomfortable? Not feeling loved? don't allow circumstances to make you compromise the WORD of God.. allow circumstances to make you more like Christ and focus on the Kingdom of God!..

Miracle Baby that NEEDS your prayers

2011-04-19T21:04:00.002-04:00

Baby pierce born at 23 weeks.. and is fighting.. For those parents out there I KNOW you must feel like grabbing your little ones and holding them close..

PRAYERS please

to view this family's blog and to see pictures of baby pierce click the title of this post

Noah and the ARK...

2011-04-14T21:47:00.001-04:00

I am not good with words or grammar or anything that has to do with writing ..! but my heart is full tonight and if you can get by all my grammar mistakes you might find something to take with you!..

I have been studying in Genesis and the past couple months been focusing on Noah.

It has been an amazing study, but the timing of this study in my life is no accident. As most people, Christian or not you have heard about Noah and His Ark..

My thoughts of Noah growing up:

He was very old..

built and ark

lots of animals.. and not much else... but as I dig into the Word of God, I am seeing a whole different side of this event in history..

EVERYONE has days that are just hard.. circumstances .. life... things happen and it affects us..

In my life I have a 17 month old who does not require sleep.. I am 34 weeks pregnant and completely exhausted and to add hormones makes each day something I really need to think about..

As I was doing my study today I started with praying.. AND pouring out to God on how tired I am of the every day and not sure how many of these days I can take.. And then something came to my mind.. Noah and his life..

Noah lived in a world that was full of wickedness and violence..

God's Word says "The earth was filled with violence..."every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.."

AND to top that off Noah chose to live a life that found favor with God.. He was not one to follow the crowd which means his life most likely was not easy..

BUT God found favor with Noah and told Noah he was going to save him and his family but he had to built and ark.

Noah then had some time to build the Ark.. from looking at around Shem was born to the time the flood began people say it could have taken him about 100 years to built the ark..

SO for 100 years Noah is building something that condemns everyone who seems him.. We live in a world where stepping on toes is not very good.. Wanting to make everyone happy and at peace..

BUT Noah choosing to obey God would have brought hardship..

Hebrews 11:7

"By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."

Now lets head to the Ark.. Noah and his family went on a BIG BIG SHIP.. with one window 18 inches.. with lots of animals..

the smell from animals..

poop..

How did they see? What kind of light did they have on their ship..

The noise from the storm...

motion sickness from the water and waves

FOR ONE YEAR Noah and his family lived on an ark.. The trials and hardship that would have come with that..

Time to get off ark..

to a whole new world.. everything they ever known is gone.. the climate.. the landscape.. having to start fresh.. Never able to go 'home'....

Life for Noah was not easy.. BUT by Faith Noah trusted God and did all that God has called him to do.. He is in the list of people in Hebrews KNOWN for their faith..

Hebrews 12

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do Not Grow Weary

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."

I have Noah's life and other lives in the Word of God and all around me to SHOW ME I am surrounded by people who did not allow circumstances or life to get in the way BUT ran the race set before them..

I love running but it does take endurance..

AND whats the definition of endurance?

noun

1. the fact or power of enduring or bearing pain, hardships, etc.

2. the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina: He has amazing physical endurance.

3.lasting quality; duration: His friendships have little endurance.

4.something endured, as a hardship; trial.

That is How we should live the Christian life.. Being a follower of Jesus is not a walk in the park.. it is work.. its hard.. BUT the hope we have.. What is your eyes set on?

I know my eyes gets set on things of this world.. MISSING what LIFE is truly about..

SO for those true followers of Jesus.. let us lay aside anything that will hold us back and lets RUN with endurance..

33 weeks Pregnant

2011-04-12T08:12:00.002-04:00

My sister Becca took some pictures of me and Ella when we went to visit her.. I was 33 weeks pregnant here.. Ella is 17 months

Eleanor trying to let me know what she wants to do

2011-04-08T13:30:00.003-04:00

I am the baby translator.. " Ma, do you see that cool play thing out there.. I want to go play on it.. please, please, lets go! Come on! Let me off this deck!.."

Ma says, " No, Ella that belongs to the neighbor but lets see what Auntie Becca has to play with.."

Ella's response!

TRIP TO BOSTON

2011-04-08T13:27:00.003-04:00

This peaceful picture only lasted a moment.. On plane for 2 hours.. for an hour and a 1/2 it was a constant battle.. She fought and fought and fought.. and screamed and was not very good.. BUT for 30 minutes she played nice and was a sweet thing.. DON'T LET THESE PICTURES FOOL YOU.. This child KNOWS how to put up a fight..

Coffee UNDERGROUND with Uncle Toma

2011-04-08T13:25:00.001-04:00

Need to scratch your Bum?

2011-04-08T13:16:00.002-04:00

Ella dancing with her cousin Emma

2011-04-08T13:11:00.002-04:00

When you are on the HUNT!

2011-04-08T12:57:00.003-04:00

I have been on the hunt for some new dishes for a while.. A few years back Ross and I saw some dishes we both really liked and the price was amazing, but at that time in our lives we did not have the money to be buying dishes SO we saved for them and when we finally got the money we went back only to see they were no longer there.. SO the hunt began again..

My Sister in law, Brandi came to town for a few days so we wanted to take her to our favorite antique store.. AND Ross and I both found dishes we liked and once again the price was VERY affordable! BUT THIS TIME we actually had the money.. So my sweet husband let me pick them up.. Once I brought them home I realized I had no room in my cabinet for them and the yellow and the flower were just so pretty I wanted them out..

Brandi is VERY gifted when it comes to decorating.. ( you should see her house)

So she saw my Hoosier Cabinet and said.. " put dishes in here and keep it open!.."

AND SO I was inspired!

Thank Brandi for the idea!...

Check out Quick Update from Tokyo

2011-03-13T15:07:00.001-04:00

Hi,

I want you to take a look at: Quick Update from Tokyo

Ellie's First bike

2011-03-09T09:48:00.002-05:00

March has begun..

2011-03-05T18:22:00.002-05:00

Stumptown Whitefish, MT. 02.09.2011

2011-03-02T21:54:00.000-05:00

28 Weeks.. Magnolia Mae

2011-02-27T13:43:00.003-05:00

Another girl!.. As much as I wanted to wait to find out.. Ross talked me into finding out what we are having and NOW I am so thrilled i did..! A sister for Eleanor... how much fun!.. I have reach my last trimester and its crazy that I am in the last stretch before meeting my other daughter..!

Lake Lure Eleanor with a LEMON

2011-02-27T13:24:00.003-05:00

Lake Lure, N.C...

2011-02-27T13:14:00.002-05:00

My Ma and two sisters, Breanna and Kelly came down to visit for a few days.. AND whenever we have people come to visit us I love using the excuse of them visiting to head to Lake Lure, for the Brownie Sundae.. ITS SO AMAZING..! The weather was amazing.. so off we went!.. here is Eleanor and her "Cheese"...

Kelly, Bre and I ...

Ross and Ryan..

Zoo

2011-02-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

Greenville, in february.. 75+ degrees... We headed to the park on Friday to get a walk in and since we are zoo members to take a walk thru the zoo.. Ella's favorite thing to do at the zoo is climb on the fence.. she doesn't seem to care for the animals just yet.. BUT its always a nice thing to do in Greenville...

Dinner at the Shoes

2011-02-20T14:53:00.002-05:00

I normally would not put a video on with the family and kitchen SUCH a mess, but my little E is just a cute little button.. a normal night of dinner in the Shoe home..

Eleanor is not one to eat but LOVES TO PLAY

2011-02-20T14:49:00.001-05:00

Just a few minutes

2011-02-10T11:16:00.003-05:00

I am about to go work out.. get dressed and head to the airport! I can't believe my Montana trip is over... 2 months in a winter wonderland is more than I could have asked for.. And I did not just have snow but I have got to spend time with family.. I am go on and on and on of all the things I am thankful for.. Of all the things that brings such joy and happiness to my life.. The sky is gray.. snow flakes are lightly falling.. A PERFECT day to say goodbye.. I am going home to sunshine and humidity SO I will take clouds any day!... Well.. Turbo Fire is calling my name.. ( don't worry Brandi I am doing the 20 HIIT one.. ) Until Next time..

MONTANA

2011-02-09T23:17:00.002-05:00

Church

2011-02-09T23:09:00.003-05:00

Tom and I at the top at "church"

Last day in winter wonderland

2011-02-09T22:50:00.002-05:00

Last day in my winter wonderland.. I woke up to see cotton like snow falling from the sky.. Made for a perfect last ski day.. We took off and headed into the trees..! I could not believe that I have been able to ski as long as I did.. While Ross and I waited for everyone else.. Ross made this look like an animal.. Can you guess what animal he made?

playing in the snow..

2011-02-09T22:28:00.004-05:00

I have kind of lost count on what day I am in.. BUT I wanted to show you some more pictures of my Montana trip..

Day 49 SNOWSHOEING

2011-02-08T23:05:00.002-05:00

I don't have any picture to download tonight.. BUT I can share about my day.. Everyone took off to do some skiing and I took Tracy out for her first winter activity!.. We went snowshoeing.. The view was lovely.. the weather could not have been more perfect and of course the friendship was delightful!.. We went for a little stroll down the mountain and then back up.. SO of course we probably went a bit further than we should have since the way back was more of a trek than when we first left the house.. BUT over all the day was very nice.. Great weather and great friendship.. with a little bit of snowshoeing in between!...

day 50 SUPERBOWL Sunday

2011-02-07T21:16:00.003-05:00

Superbowl.. Ahh yes.. I didn't even know who was playing until it was about to come on and I didn't even see a minute of the game being played!.. That is how much I am into sports..! =) Tracy and I took off to the top.. the summit so she can get some views of the mountains and see some snow ghosts and of course we got some girl time to go and sit and chat.. Something I have missed.. we were together at least a few times a week when we are home so for me to be gone and not get my Tracy full was hard.. BUT how nice to get out.. When we headed back Tracy went to lay down with Manny for a bit so Tommy, Kay and I went out to do some runs!.. I really enjoyed getting out there even without fresh snow.. It was nice..

day 48 wounded warriors and BEST SNOW DAY

2011-02-07T21:14:00.003-05:00

WHAT A DAY.. I got up to find out we got some AMAZING new powder all over the mountain.. I worked on getting some of my food done and off I went on to the slopes.. I do believe it was one of the best ski days I have skied this year.. the snow felt like butter.. and I just glided and felt so comfortable out there.. You see now that my belly is growing it makes it VERY difficult to ski.. all my clothes are feeling tight and having a belly throws off my balance a bit.. BUT I figured it out and it was lovely.. Wounded Warriors started at 12:30 so 40 people came in for lunch.! It was busy, but I do believe it turned out to be such a success.. We had volunteers that helped with the clean up which ALWAYS makes life easier and after the lunch it was just VEG time.. Ahh... I was just exhausted.. I am very thankful for all those who have fought and are still fighting for my freedom!.

day 47.. Prep day before Wounded Warriors

2011-02-07T21:12:00.003-05:00

My sister in law Brandi is amazing baker..Cook.. and she KNOWS how to make food look so inviting.. I always say to her that her food is from the devil because I am so tempted to eat until I am going to burst.. BUT The flavor tastes like heaven.. She also knows how to arrange food and make it look so very beautiful.. I am not very good and decorating my food and laying it out... I would LOVE to be but every time I try I realize that I just don't got it.. ( Brandi, if you read this I loved being your helper!)

Some dear friends of mine came up from South Carolina.. Lucky them they came up in time to help with Wounded Warriors!.. It was so nice having extra hands to help cook.. and get things ready.. My sweet friend Tracy has been under the weather and though she was not feeling quite herself stuck it out and worked hard.. I am so very thankful for her servant heart.. and her willingness to help even though she is a bit on the sick side.. ( not anything anyone could catch)

We worked hard until late that night but got so much done..! And how grateful I was to get so much done that night instead of waiting until the morning of...

Days 46 and 47..

2011-02-05T00:13:00.002-05:00

The past couple days have been nonstop.. No pictures today.. I have been taking them its just a matter of downloading them.. After many nights of losing sleep I finally took Eleanor to the Chiropractor.. I got a full night sleep for the first time in a while.. I do hope tonight will be restful as well... The Friedlobs have arrived and HOW wonderful it is to FINALLY see them after 45 days!.. They are truly family, and I missed Tracy oh so much..! Manny is picking up skiing.. I watched him today and he was just a doll.. ( I will get video soon!..) Yesterday was food prep for Wounded Warriors and today was the day they came!. I got up finished my food preparations and went out on the slopes!.. I must say today was the BEST SKI DAY EVER..! I was not out long but those few short runs was amazing.. Its very hard skiing with a belly!.. So for me to feel as good as I did out there was so nice..

Day 45.. Friedlobs FINALLY have arrived!

2011-02-02T22:00:00.001-05:00

Day 44 SnowShoe

2011-02-02T00:45:00.003-05:00

44 Days Snowshoe

2011-02-02T00:37:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is snowshoe.. There is something about getting outside and walking in the snow.. Its quiet expect for the crunch in the snow.. My little Eleanor is cutting more teeth which means no sleep and fussy.. So for me to step outside today was JUST what I needed to get my mind back in the game.. My husband and I took off and explored parts of the mountain we have never been before.. hiking up and around into the woods.. Besides the animals we were the ones leaving marks in the snow.. Rabbits.. deer and elk have been where we were but no other signs in the snow showed that a person has been where went were in a while.. It was fun and so refreshing.. The high today was maybe 5 degrees.. cold for some.. As you see my husband's beard froze.. My time in Montana is coming to a close.. the end is in sight .. HOW GRATEFUL I am to have had some winter in my life this year.. HOW much I have missed the snow and cold refreshing air.. Its 11 pm.. My Eleanor is awake.. She has been crying for over 20 minutes.. Ross is letting me get somethings done before my work as a Mom continues.. Who knows maybe just maybe he can get her back to sleep.. But if not God will give me what I need to get through today and tonight and tomorrow.... He always does.. His mercies are new every morning..

Day 42 Eleanor bathing in Ketchup

2011-01-31T20:43:00.002-05:00

Day 43.. 24 weeks Pregnant.. and GROWING

2011-01-31T11:42:00.003-05:00

Monday.. Monday..

Day 42.. EMPTY

2011-01-31T11:22:00.003-05:00

After a BUSY weekend and craziness the house is empty again.. We spent our Sunday relaxing and not doing much at all.. no cooking.. no baking.. no cleaning... just relaxing..

Day 41.. Eleanor SLedding..

2011-01-29T00:53:00.002-05:00

DAY 40.. first day snowshoeing

2011-01-27T23:16:00.003-05:00

I have been waiting all year to snowshoe and i FINALLY got to go today.. My sister in law, Brandi and I took off for an hour or so and got in a good snowshoe! I JUST love love being outside and LOVE snowshoeing.. I do hope that I will have someone to go with me again before I leave..

The beginning of Band weekend..

2011-01-26T22:47:00.003-05:00

DAY 39.. Band weekend begins..

2011-01-26T22:15:00.004-05:00

Today has been a very busy day.. Eleanor knew lots had to be done so she wanted to make sure I stayed as BUSY as I possibly could be.. Helping Brandi with Breakfast.. Ben has History today.. We were learning about the Middle East.. Ella was climbing in and out of her swing.. Ripping pages out of Ben's History book.. BITING.. she was in everything and everywhere.. I also had to get LUNCH ready.. SO finally when I could not take it anymore we headed up and started getting lunch prepared..

Though Ross is in Montana when work comes no matter where he is he sits and works.. Ross sat at the bar all day.. or if he got up and was not far.. After my sweet pea went down for a nap.. I started on the baking.. Cookies and cupcakes.. while Brandi made bread for dinner.. We got more of dinner prepared and so the story went on.. Its 8:30 pm and I am ready to crash.. I can hear my father in law singing and playing with his old band its so very soothing..Tomorrow will not be as bad as today.. with school anyway.. BUT if Ella does not sleep well tonight it will make for a very long day..

I need to stay focused.. and Keep my eyes on positive thoughts.. My child is very active and keeps me on my knees asking my God for help.. And God gives me JUST what I need to get through that moment .... Today is done and all is well.. and what a wonderful day it was.. HARD.. BUSY.. ACTIVE..NONSTOP.. It was a great day...!

DAY 38.. I LOVE CREPES

2011-01-25T22:07:00.003-05:00

I can eat a crepe for every meal.. Breakfast with an egg.. Lunch with turkey.. dinner with strawberries.. Ahh... Today I went to town and ended up getting the most amazing crepe.. Dark Chocolate with fresh strawberries.. Yummy.. The snow came down quite a bit and i just LOVE watching it snow.. Two families arrived today for the beginning of band weekend.. My sister in law, Brandi will get here tonight with food to feed an army!.. Tomorrow will begin the all weekend party.. SO lots IF I have time I will download lots of pictures and fun of what this weekend is all about.. I am helping my sister in law with the food and helping my mother in law with Ben's school.. So my hands will be full..

DAY 38 Eleanor and her Dance

2011-01-25T10:27:00.002-05:00

MY sweet thing dancing first thing in the am..

DAY 37... Elevator ride

2011-01-24T21:53:00.003-05:00

Eleanor just got done with her Tubby and the boys and E are heading downstairs in the elevator.. I am not a big fan of riding in elevators So I took the stairs.. Ella of course has a blast!.. Today was a perfect ski day for those who love groomers.. I normally have no problem with them but with my stomach growing I find that I would rather have a couple inches of powder on the ground to make me feel a bit more comfortable.. It started snowing around lunch and is still snowing so tomorrow will be a great day for skiing..

Day 36.. Eleanor loves her Daddy

2011-01-23T21:25:00.003-05:00

Another perfect day in Montana.. Though not everyday life I will soak in anytime I get Ross time.. Kay and Ben watched Ella so Ross and I could have a date day.. Started with a few runs on the Mountain.. Off to see a movie and just be!.. I understand why so many people love being close to family.. I am TRULY a blessed person, Though problems and circumstances come up that are not pleasant and of course I would not like to deal with but God has poured blessing after blessing on my life.. I am soaking in everyday day here.. I love winter.. I love snow.. I love the cold crisp air.. I love hot soup and cooking food in crock pot and socks.. When I go home I will love my home even more since I got to have my winter fix!.. I AM loved and so so so blessed.. And if it all goes tomorrow I know I can look at my life and say.. I have had a rich and beautiful life.. and the God who gives and the God who takes away Blessed BE HIS NAME...

DAY 35.. Ross is back!

2011-01-22T21:40:00.005-05:00

I woke up this morning to the sun coming up over the mountains and I knew today would be a day I would remember for the rest of my life.. I don't like being apart from Ross.. He is apart of me and when he is gone I truly feel like a piece of me is missing.. I can tell you that the minutes seem to last for hours this morning as I waited anxiously for the time when Ross would be here.. Ellie and I sat waiting patiently to see our man walking out from those airport doors.. and soon he did!.. Ahh.. Eleanor truly did miss her Daddy.. She was acting super silly and excited and did not like when she could not see him.. She kept giving him hugs and kisses and HAD to sit on his lap while he ate.. What an awesome feeling seeing my little lady love on her Daddy.. Our family is back together.. Though I hate those times apart it sure makes the reunion SO sweet and rewarding..

34 Day.. My Mother in law who spoils me..

2011-01-21T23:27:00.003-05:00

Sweet, Sweet Kay.. She has been spoiling me.. Not only just loving on Ella but even will wash and dry my hair so I will look ready for when my Babylove comes..

Tomorrow is going to be a glorious day.. My husband is coming in.. Oh I pray for safe and fast travels its BEEN TOO LONG..

33 Days.. Ellie

2011-01-21T23:16:00.002-05:00

Ellie and her new boots... Eleanor in the pantry.. This is what happens when I try to clean the kitchen.. She finds the chocolate chips pulls it out and eats them.. Positive way to look at this.. SHE seems to enjoy pretending to cook SO maybe this will be her thing..

32 Ben Day

2011-01-19T22:13:00.002-05:00

Today is Wednesday.. Kay's ski group day which leaves Ben and I to do school.. We had 2 days of school to day today and BOY.. It was a LONG school day.. ( poor kid)... He finally finished school at 7:30 tonight.. but in between school we watched Man V. Food and could not wait to make dinner.. Loaded Cheeseburger pizza.. not that we sa any such food on Man V. Food BUT the main dude on the show went to this pizza shop that made people's favorite sandwiches into pizza and Ben told me he would like Cheeseburger Pizza.. So for the sauce.. Ketchup and Mustard.. Elk burger.. Pickles and cheese.. It turned out super yummy! The picture below shows you what Ben's Wednesday school is like.. Still in jammies.. drinking hot cocoa.. sitting in the theater room studying History and messing with Netflix/Xbox.. We had to find somethings to keep Ellie entertained.. Wednesday's is bonding day for Ben and I.. I so enjoy spending time with my little brother..

Day 31 New England skiing..

2011-01-19T00:02:00.002-05:00

Today Whitefish Resort had reached 101" of snow !.. So of course to celebrate off we go.. Today was very very icy it reminded me of skiing back in New England.. Very HARD snow.. The back side was nice.. hard snow but nice..

I am 6 months pregnant today and I do believe my skiing has been affect by this babe!.. I find it harder to ski and tend to stick out my bum a bit more for balance.. This evening after dinner.. One of the guest that have come to the MT. is from Alaska.. He runs www.ultimathulelodge.com An Exclusive Alaskan Adventure Lodge.. The stories and the pictures were something so unbelievable..

Day 30.. SnowGhosts

2011-01-17T22:07:00.004-05:00

Today I have been waiting for guests to arrive.. Paul and his daughter Logan are from Alaska.. and when I saw Alaska I mean the only way to their house is by airplane.. no car.. no boat.. They are off going around.. Logan who is 15 has been taking flying lessons in Oregon and soon will be able to fly solo..! Though I have just met them I know I am so going to enjoy listening about life in the true wild.. they are the only humans within 150 miles I do believe.. Ben had to go to Missoula today for Remicade.. but they should be back soon.. So Ella and I made huckleberry muffins, and Tomato soup..

DAY 29 the things that Matter

2011-01-17T00:20:00.002-05:00

MOVIE Night.. Ben and his new friend Joaquin and Kay.. about to watch Mad Money.. Great movie for those who have not seen it..!

This is the story of my life.. Any other Mom's out there that feel this way.. FOR me to get anything done my child is getting into something that leaves a mess behind.. She thinks she is cleaning but boy things are torn apart.. When I take a shower she is pulling everything out of the cabinets and when I am out of the shower she is in the shower getting all wet and pulling all sorts of things into the shower that really should not be in the shower.. This really would have bothered me before I had a child.. when my life was organized and so much easier.. BUT now this little girl has come into my life and has turned it upside down.. and THOUGH I wish it was in a clean way.. She teaches me so much about what is TRULY important.. SO what is important to me.. My relationship with God and with my husband and child/ren. The things I find important are they eternal? Its 10:30 pm Montana time.. and my daughter has just woken up.. Will it be another long night? Maybe? BUT God will give me what I need to get through the night and the day.. SO may I stay focused to the task at hand.. Time to say goodnight and take care of my little Butter bean..

Day 28.. Stillness

2011-01-15T18:53:00.003-05:00

Eleanor in the shower of course after I get out.. She loves playing in the left over water.. I should just take off her clothes before I shower so she doesn't get all wet.. I normally catch her in time before she hops in but today I was a little late.. My sister in law Brandi, has been SUCH a blessing today.. with my mind being fogged from lack of sleep she has helped with Ella and been on top of things where it would take me a second to realize what is going on.. I can't be more grateful for a big sister who cares!.. I don't know if its a good thing or bad thing but she made some Amish cookie dough brownies.. I cannot wait to eat one but on Monday I don't know how grateful I will be when I step on scale.. SELF CONTROL.. that's what I need..

"When I consider Your heavens, The works of Your fingers... What is man that You are mindful of him?" I headed out on a walk today and my let me tell you picture cannot put to words the beauty I see out here.. the vastness and beauty and to think MY GOD cares and loves me.. He knows my struggles and knows my needs.. My God supplies my needs.. and though its so easy to complain about having things not go the way we want He has given me strength.. Today, though I did not get much sleep last night He put it in Brandi's heart to help me out.. Today marks one week until my husband comes back to Montana.. I LONG for that day.. May you praise our God for His Mercies endure forever!!!

Day 27 Hannah is 11

2011-01-14T22:53:00.004-05:00

My Niece, Hannah is 11 years old today..

The day was full of skiing, ice skating and of course NO SCHOOL.. which always makes birthdays so much more fun!.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HANNAH..

DAY 26.. The Snow is almost at Jesus' Feet

2011-01-13T18:10:00.003-05:00

I wish I had a picture to show you how much it has snowed.. the base that Jesus is around 6' and as you see the base is almost completely buried... LOTS OF SNOW.. Lots of POWDER.. very warm today!..

TREE WELLS

2011-01-13T00:33:00.000-05:00

I love skiing in the trees but this winter I tend to be more cautious! Their have been three deaths on the Mountain this year and all within a few weeks Two died because of tree wells.. Last year My sister in law, Amelia and I were off in the trees when we stopped and were joking when she sank down in a tree well.. She could not feel bottom and the snow was pulling her into this bottomless hole.. I grabbed hold of her and SOME HOW got her out..If I did not see her fall in I don't think I would have ever seen her again alive!.. How Thankful I am that we were together and how we have come up with such a system of making sure we stick together.. BUT this is real.. tree wells are deadly.. SO for all those skiers and snowboarders Stay clear of the tree wells.. Stay with a Buddy and maybe carry a whistle..

DAY 25.. (21 weeks along..)

2011-01-13T00:13:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I am already 1/2 way through my pregnancy.. How time flies.. I woke up this morning to dark and fog.. A storm was on its way.. The snow started around 8ish this morning and its been snowing hard all day long.. No skiing, no exercise.. I did school with my brother in law this morning and then it turned into movie day.. I finally finished reading the Hobbit.. Such a good book!.. Brandi and the girls made it in around dinner time and now I am looking forward to starting my new book.. My plan for the picture of the day was of the Oligee girls but of course two of the girls were not around and the other two decided no to that so I ended up being the picture of the day me and Baby Shoe #2! I am styling my witch hair and of course not looking in the best condition but here is the picture of the day!.. Tomorrow is Thursday and Brandi and I will be off skiing.. I do hope it is not too foggy and that we will get in a few good runs.. I do need to work out tomorrow and of course FRIDAY is going to be FULL HOUSE.. we have a someone coming with 6 children..! So the house will be booming with 11 children and 4 adults!

DAY 24.. Veggies

2011-01-11T22:06:00.002-05:00

Ella and her LOVE for Noodles..

Dinner... Today I headed out for some skiing.. The skies were clear and the air was cold.. At the top you could see the most beautiful view of the Canadian Rockies.. It was a very peaceful time.. I ended up going in and sitting in the Summit House to warm up and have my quiet time.. with the sun beating..

DAY 23 CLEAR day in Whitefish

2011-01-10T23:30:00.004-05:00

Its been a nice clear day in Whitefish.. the high today 7 degrees!.. We sent most of the day inside getting things done.. and heading out to run some errands.. We stopped at a local Noodle Shop.. We all got Noodles and could not finish our food, But Ella ate all of her food, Kay's food and Ben's food!. SHE ATE MORE THAN I EVER SEEN HER EAT.. This morning I had major FOMO (fear of missing out) since Greenville got lots of snow without me... even though I am in a winter wonderland my home never gets snow.. I miss my Baby love and can't believe its been only a week..

Day 21 and 22...

2011-01-09T13:50:00.002-05:00

And the weekend is coming to an end.. I went out this morning for a few runs.. VERY windy..! I listened to a message this morning by Paul Tripp.. "War of Words Getting to the Heart For God's Sake.." WOW.. what a wake up call.. The words that come out of our mouth shows who we are in the heart. What comes out of my mouth? When I choose to speak am I speaking words that are uplifting,encouraging,pure, true, right? God didn't give you His grace to use for your own kingdom.. He mentioned if we listened to a recording of what we spoke for a month? Would it be pointing to the Kingdom of God OR does it show we use our Words for our own kingdom. Are our words spoken for the kingdom of God? What flows from my heart? This life is not about me.. Its not about having life make me more comfortable or convenient.. Its about dying to self .. Loving my neighbor.. Do NOTHING through SELFISH AMBITION..

DAY 20 legs burning..

2011-01-07T22:02:00.003-05:00

HEAVY wet snow today.. I did not think I would get out skiing.. SO I did p90x. but Ben wanted someone to Night ski with him so off we went.. With so much snow and wet heavy snow I might add.. MY LEGS are still burning from the snow being so cut up.. Tonight is last night with Rickey and Amelia.. Jess,Lexi and Haley.. So some golf is coming right up..

DAY 19 a SNOW walk

2011-01-06T12:35:00.002-05:00

Kay had to drop off some of the guest off at the Outpost So I thought I would drive down with her and walk home.. Its all uphill and would be a perfect morning walk.. There is an 80% chance of snow.. and I wanted to go out with Ella so I would not miss out on a walk.. Of course Ella fell asleep.. and it did start snowing.. BUT the walk was peaceful beautiful.. Having Brandi with me would have been the only thing that would have made it perfect! The last picture is the home I have been staying in for the last 19 days..

AN ELK

2011-01-06T12:27:00.003-05:00

Driving up Mountain rd. back to house 2 female Elk were crossing the road. Got one for a few minutes.

Daddy and Eleanor Sledding

2011-01-06T12:17:00.002-05:00

This video was taken around Christmas.. Ella's first time playing in the snow..

Day 18

2011-01-05T23:51:00.003-05:00

We have been playing golf almost every night this week.. We miss you Ross..

DAY 17.. GIANT Muffin

2011-01-04T21:47:00.002-05:00

My Sister in law, Amelia got a giant muffin pan for Christmas SO I made some for her this morning.. Today, was the first full day without my Ross.. I tried hard to keep my mind occupied but not seeing him around made today a bit emotional.. I ended up going out skiing.. My plan before I left was to do as many runs on the front side as time would allow.. So off I went the FOG was so thick that riding the chair up I could not see the chair in front of me.. So first run down I got so dizzy I had to stop to figure out what I am doing.. It got so bad that after my 2nd run.. I thought I was going down one hill only to realize I so got off course.. AND I just wanted to sit and wait for someone everything was white the grounds and ski all blended in.. I could BARELY see my skies that is how thick the fog was.. Ella is down for the night.. We are probably going to play a few rounds of golf (the card game) and then I will off to read and bed for the night.. Tomorrow is Wednesday one day closer til I see my baby love..

Day 16.. a sad day

2011-01-03T18:58:00.003-05:00

a sad day for Ella and I.. We dropped off Daddy at the airport.. I hate seeing my Baby go.. 18 days is a long time.. Need to keep busy!

DAY 15..

2011-01-02T23:46:00.001-05:00

DAY 15 an adventurous MORNING...

2011-01-02T14:58:00.003-05:00

A picture will follow later on today.. but for now I thought I would share my adventure for the day.. As some might not know I am 20 weeks pregnant.. So what I am about to tell you will make me sound foolish and stupid.. Ross, Rickey, Amelia and I headed out this morning to go ski.. The weather was cool but not as cold as it has been.. EVERYONE is heading home so the mountain is pretty much empty.. We headed to the top to hit some of our favorite runs.. (WHICH always includes trees, powder and some steep.) the first couple runs were fun and smooth.. Amelia and I normally stick together while the guys go off and do something.. we always meet somewhere in the woods but kind of do our thing.. The guys wore blades today so they were everywhere while Amelia and I were looking to ski in places where their were no tracks.. VELVET.. smooth.. gliding.. sailing.. some of the best snow is back in the trees.. Around 11 we decided we should head back.. give Ella some lunch and put her down and Rickey wanted to watch the game.. SO normally we like to take hellroaring basin.. which is one of the blacks off the basin and into hellfire.. normally we do glory hole but today we did Connies..! NOW after all that here is the story... The guys were off and so Amelia and I head down.. a VERY VERY steep hill.. when you are side ways you are still moving down.. for some reason I took a sharp turn and my skies flew off.. with that I start sliding down the mountain.. I grab a tree so I was lucky I didn't go too far.. dug my legs into the snow.. SO now I am in the snow up to my thighs and climbing up the mountain.. It would look like I am rock climbing. if you can imagine.. finally make it to Amelia and get both of skies. we got me up to a tree so I can get them on and off we go again.. AND again my skies pop off.. I got one the other one takes off down the mountain.. I can't see it anymore and I am sliding down the mountain as well.. hoping to grab a tree so I don't get seriously hurt.. and while I am sliding snow is falling on me so I am kind of getting buried while sliding.. I finally grab a branch.. but my ski is no where to be found.. Amelia ends up skiing up to me and we try to figure out what to do.. She heads down in search my my ski while I have 1 ski and 2 poles and head for thick tree so I can scoot from tree to tree.. AND then a miracle happens my ski is stuck in a tree standing up!!.. AMELIA found the ski.. I finally make it to her put my skies on.. and we notice my boots and skies need to go in for an adjustment.. my boots barely fit in my skies.. We head to more open space and down we go..! My body from the waist down is SO cold from being buried in the snow.. SO as Ross and I headed up the chair we decided no steep steep blacks for the rest of this year.. TO be on the safe side.. Its nap time for Ella here.. I am all showered and dressed about to do some Bible study and maybe have time to read.. THEN we are off to WHITEFISH.. TO all those wondering I am going to be way more careful. no more connies this year..!

DAY 14 HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-02T14:52:00.002-05:00

THE FAMILY.. and a new year has begun.. I am so thankful for family.. I miss my family terribly, but I do have a wonderful family that I have joined who makes fun of me and loves me just as if I have been with them forever... It has been a wonderful 2 weeks and Though Ross is getting ready to head back home my journey this year has just begun.. I am SO thankful for the past year.. God has poured blessing after blessing after blessing.. Happy NEW YEAR.

Day 13 NEW YEARS EVE

2010-12-31T23:33:00.003-05:00

The Day started off cold.. Haley, my niece and I took off first thing this morning to go hit the slopes.. at -4 degrees we froze our fingers and toes and screamed and laughed as we rode up the chair because the freezing air gave us an instant headache.. BUT the groomed trails and the clear air and of course the time we spent together made it all worth it.. As the day came to an end my other niece, Hannah and I made some Amish cupcakes.. which is our New Years Eve dessert.. The Fireworks were amazing and I hate that the majority of the time I was trying to take a picture for 'the picture of the day' BUT the memory card was not in the camera AND of course the battery was dead.. So thanks to Amelia.. You get to see some fireworks.. The kids are down in the theater room watching some movie while all the big people are playing games.. Ella is asleep and I just want to read the Hobbit.. New Years Eve.. What will 2011 bring us ? Bless all who look at this silly blog with happiness..health and a new year to remember..

DAY 12..

2010-12-30T20:46:00.001-05:00

Ella playing with her Uncle Ben and cousins.. Hannah and Lily

DAY 11 A VERY WINDY DAY

2010-12-29T22:06:00.003-05:00

Ross and Rickey braved the high winds and low temperatures..

Rickey

Ross and his ice beard..

Ross helping the kids put on skies so they can say they skied in -13 below.. That is with the wind chill.. and the winds 30 mph..

Kay and Lily... showing how cold it is!.. They braved the storm.. Today I stayed inside.. too windy and too cold.. a 15 year old girl died today in a tree well.. not sure the details.. ( NEWS FLASH! JUST LEARNED THIS HAPPENED AT A DIFFERENT RESORT.. )

Day 10.. 8 inches of fresh snow!

2010-12-28T22:10:00.002-05:00

My Brother in law Ben in his jammies..!

For some reason this family is obsessed with watching zits being popped on utube!..

It started last night and once again being continued making sure everyone has seen the zit exploding.. Thanks to Tom Friedlob for showing my husband this video now has been seen by almost everyone in this household.. Minus me.. I can't stomach it right now in my life.. SO BACK to day 10~ Woke up with fresh powder.. Ross, Rickey, Amelia and I headed out at 9:30 to hit the slopes.. 8 inches of fresh powder and holiday crowd made the normally groomed trails very difficult so we took off into the trees!.. Its a little bit of heaven back in their.. The word that kept coming to my mind was velvet.. the snow was amazing! My legs shook insanely BUT it was so worth making my own fresh tracks in the snow..

DAY 9.. AND the skiing has begun

2010-12-27T19:04:00.002-05:00

Kay and I ventured out this morning.. Kay in her new boots and me just still getting used to the snow.. Our first true run was green run on the back It was such a winter wonderland.. I wish a picture could show you truly what I saw.. After some skiing I headed in while Ella napped and then Ella and I headed off for a snow hike.. the weather was perfect.. I bundled my darling up and off we went.. we saw 1 mule deer and 2 bucks.. SO close up!.. Such a wonderful moment.. Day 9 was a exciting day.. My sister in law Brandi, and her three little munchkins are heading this way tonight.. So tomorrow will be full of fun and adventure..

DAY 7 Christmas Day...

2010-12-27T10:04:00.002-05:00

Happy Christmas from the Shoes.. We woke in a hurry.. Our plan was to pack up and head out by noon to surprise Ella's Me Me.. I made some homemade cinnamon scones which ended up tasting like a cinnamon roll/cinnamon cookie..! Ross didn't mind.. We drove 4 hours south to Burnt Fork Ranch.. Ross called his Ma right when we pulled on to Ranch property to ask her if she would like to Skype.. and to let her know what we have one today.. ( We both went out for a ski run to say we skied on Christmas) and to throw her off a bit.. We pulled up just as she was about to go in the house.. It was a perfect surprise!.. a wonderful Christmas day!.. ( We forgot the camera and computer so that is why I was not able to update..)

DAY 6 Christmas EVE in Whitefish, Montana

2010-12-24T20:19:00.001-05:00

DAY 5

2010-12-23T20:08:00.003-05:00

Today has been a lovely day.. Ella helped me make some Elk Stew.. Which Ella and I ate.. Ross had a hard time with stew. but he ate it anyway! =) This morning started with such beautiful skies and then a snow shower followed by amazing sunshine!.. Ross been working on Puzzle.. I read some book while the Ella napped.. And then Ella and I took off for a small hike up the road.. Great to get some fresh air and exercise...

CHICKEN PARMESAN with KALE

2010-12-22T12:52:00.003-05:00

I am excited about this recipe...I have been baking a lot and have not been coming up with meals.. This turned out very yummy and healthy.. Clean Eating for the Shoes..

DAY 4..GUESS THIS MOVIE.

2010-12-22T12:39:00.002-05:00

After a rough night.. and hard morning we headed into movie room Ella woke up at 11:30 pm and screamed like someone was killing her until 2 am. then up at 5am!.. I tried to get her back down but by 6 both Ross and I gave up. the only thing that sounded sane at the time was morning movie.. Went for a walk only 10 minutes into the walk she wanted to go to sleep.. SO we headed back so that she will nap!.. Though its hard to see the picture.. can you guess the movie we are watching?

Art Azurdia - Unequaled Greatness

2010-12-21T23:11:00.000-05:00

It might be 8 minutes but SUCH a POWERFUL message...

DAY 3

2010-12-21T15:54:00.001-05:00

Ross has completed the border of a 3,000 piece puzzle.. with NO help.. day 3.. a sunny day.. I went out for a ski run first.. My goal was to do all of chair 2! Of course my first run was a black which got my legs nice and warmed up for the rest of the runs!..

DAY 2

2010-12-20T21:46:00.002-05:00

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY.. I do love my sweet girl but it has been a long time since I have had a date day with my husband... My sister in law came up for the day to watch little Ella. Today consisted of Skiing.. hot cocoa.. Christmas shopping... Buckwheat Crepe with lemon juice.. it was 13 degrees at the top of Mountain.. My husband and I tried to ski the whole back side but I don't think my toes could have taken anymore.. we did all but one run.. The snow was just right.. and IT WAS SNOWING.. and the best part of this day Ella had a wonderful day with her Aunt B.. Ahh that made it so much easier to enjoy the day!

DAY 1

2010-12-19T15:52:00.003-05:00

We finally have arrived in our home away from home.. the mountains an snow is just breath taking I don't know if I could ever get used to the view. It has been spitting snow on and off all day on the Mountain. day in the village its nice and sunny! My room for the next month is 33 stairs to the kitchen and let me tell you I feel the burn every time I come up.! I come up and then realize I forgot something and back down again only to face those stairs my legs dread.. but oh that burn should do some good!.. Tomorrow I will be 18 weeks pregnant.. my stomach official looks like I have either gained weight in the stomach area OR I have a baby bump coming along.. the next few weeks I should really be showing.. well this is it for today.. Ella has officially woken up from her nap.

4 generations

2010-12-13T21:54:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful visit to Boston, My sweet Gigi was there.. She came out to visit the family for a month and what a beautiful time we had together!..

Life as we know it

2010-12-13T21:38:00.002-05:00

This piece of artwork sums up my life.. My child not quite dressed, me, still in my pajamas and cleaning my tea cup just to get some more.. Being 17 weeks pregnant and running after a VERY active 13 month old.. is exhausting. I clean and I clean, I say NO and I say no.. I chase and I chase.. over and over and over.. some days I don't think I can handle any more of it.. And then God pours his grace on me and reminds me that all of this is for a reason.. All this is what I have wanted since I was 2 years old! How often God tells me 'No' and chases after me over and over and over.. I am so very thankful for my family, I am thankful I have a healthy child and the fact I can be at home with my daughter.. and care enough to say 'no' and chase after her.. I am thankful I have a home to clean and clothes to wash.. I have money to cook and bake.. SO I can very easily get caught up in the exhausting life of a homemaker/ MOM.. no sleep.. breaks are far and in between BUT God has been so good and blessed me over and over and over.. I can look at this painting that my husband has done and it will remind me of life as we know it and this life its a wonderful life..

BEST KISS EVER

2010-11-15T19:44:00.001-05:00

MY Baby is 1 year old!..

Bitter Sweet

2010-08-10T21:42:00.003-04:00

There is something about food and drink that brings comfort to so many people.. I guess thats why I find joy in cooking.. Yes, I do love to eat but I find that baking a dessert or making someone a home cook meal brings warmth to their hearts.. ( My husband would shake his head and say silly silly just about now.. )

When i was 14 years old I went out to the midwest to visit family.. it was back in 1996 that God brought Darrell and Karen DeGreve into my life.. I find that it was no mistake.. ONly a few months before I met them I was in the hospital for O.D.

Life at home was tough and I thought that would be a quick fix.. But God had plans for me.. and brought this couple as my "comfort food"..

they were warmth to my heart.. AND still are. I titled this post as bitter sweet.. because we don't get to see each other often and it really leaves a bitter sort of feeling in my heart.. BUT when we are together..! Its like Thanksgiving Day!..

I love you D and K..

Pizza

2010-06-25T21:14:00.002-04:00

Pizza: of course I forgot to take pictures once they cam out of the oven.. but we made a veggie overload with goat cheese and a three meat with mozzarella..

I have not had pizza in a while because Ella did not do well with tomatoes.. so I just loved it..

I do love food

Happy Birthday To Tracy

2010-06-25T20:52:00.006-04:00

Another recipe down.. This is a chocolate coconut CRUMBLE cake..

The Flavor is amazing.. now the texture it was a bit crumbly but I think that will be an easy fix.. I will do a bit tweaking and I think this will be good.. the frosting was very light and I would like to make it thicker and more fluffy.. BUT I do think once I work on it a bit it will be worth going in the cookbook..

My Friend, Tracy is turning 38 on Monday and I thought since we are doing the cookbook together I should try to come up with a recipe that will be dedicated to her..

So this was her birthday cake..

Tracy, has been a great friend the past 4 years now and its been amazing to see our friendship flourish.. We both have grow so much and the things we have grown in has been together! She has taught me so much about what a WIFE is suppose to be like.. SHE is a godly wife.. She loves her husband and puts him first.. (well God is first and then Tom)

She loves loves her family and does all she is able to make the best for her family and I LOVE it.. I am truly blessed to be around her and have her rub off on me..

She is a wonderful chef and can make some amazing meals that are healthy and both her and her husband have given me a love for cooking for I tend to like baking more, but I would never have gotten into cooking if it wasn't for her..!

She has such a Passion for Jesus and a love for the WORD of God that will make anyone want to dig in it more.. She is truly a godly woman and I love her so very much..

Happy Birthday to my sweet sister in Christ and dearest friend..!

BIg HEART

Burgers in the Mail

2010-06-15T07:19:00.002-04:00

YOu've Got MAIL

This is the perfect turkey burger put in a pocket!.. The nice thing with this is you don't have so much bread and you place your cheese and all your favorite things inside!..