Grand Champion for Claire

Claire has amazed me once again. She dedicated over 25 hours to sewing a beautiful dress for 4-H and won Grand Champion. She was even able to pass off her Personal Progress Knowledge Project. Woo Hoo! Go Claire!

Not too excited to go to the 4-H Fair.

Very pleased to find her dress did so well!

Claire's dress with her friend's skirt behind it. Good job, Ashton!

The Whole World Celebrates on My Sister's Birthday

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful sister a girl could ask for!

I love you Betsy Boo.

You are gorgeous, fun, funny, kinds, sweet, loving, creative, pregnant, motherly, smart, and amazing.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Woke up to snow this morning! Just a couple inches, but still white and pretty. I took Banjo out for his morning bathroom break and we stayed out for an hour because it was so gorgeous. With the wind being absent, it actually felt a bit warm because I was so bundled up. The snow is perfectly mushy, so I believe we'll be making a snowman today. As I gaze out my bedroom window I spy Hank helping the neighbors across the street build a huge, dirty snowman. Jane just strode by with Banjo on a leash.

Last night, he escaped from the yard while we were playing and ran wild and free for about 10 minutes.I was worried he'd run all the way to the highway, but thankfully he came back to us wagging his tail.

Yesterday, I had the stinkiest pits you've ever smelled! If you were at church and came within a few feet of me you probably had the unpleasant experience of taking a whiff. Sorry! This has only happened in recent years, but when I get nervous, I get the grossest smelling sweat ever. Is this too much information? Does this ever happen to you? It never used to happen to me and I always wondered why it happened to others. Now it's happening to me and I don't know why. Maybe my ph is off? I've got to figure something out, because when speaking in Sacrament Meeting at the beginning of church, it is no fun going through the rest of the meetings with my arms squeezed to my side while trying to look perfectly normal.

Anywho, what are your plans for the last day of 2012? I'll be sewing the binding on Eleanor's blanket that I am making her for Christmas, yes I know that was a few days ago. Later tonight we'll be partying at a friend's house playing games, pigging out and laughing our heads off. Can't wait!

Here is to a new year without stinky pits!

Banjo

Morning Walk

Christmas 2012

Christmas 2012 at the Bird House

It's safe to say, it's been a wonderful year!

Cowgirl Kate is 7

My beautiful Kate is officially a cowgirl. For her 7th birthday I took her horseback riding. She absolutely loved brushing, saddling, and riding Annie.She learned how to tie a western knot, stop and turn the horse, and ride with her feet behind her instead of in the stirrups. 

She did an amazing job and was a natural in the saddle. So cut!

Elsie is Swinging Like a Big Girl

Eleanor is growing up too fast.

Today was her third week in nursery, which is bliss for both of us.

This week her favorite trick is pointing at anything we name, when she feels like it.

She has recently graduated from the baby swing to the big girl swing and absolutely loves it!

Doula in Training

Today was my day to be a doula. Eeeee! My very first time, if you don't count the time I was 9 1/2 and was a doula for my mom when she delivered my little sister Betsy. I guess you could count it, because I was rubbing her feet and changing chux and helping to soothe her during contractions while my dad read the Reader's Digest. So, on my way to the hospital after getting the call that my friend was heading there because her water broke an hour earlier, I called Betsy. I was so excited! It felt like I was going to have a baby, but I wasn't in any pain. I was nervous and excited and couldn't get there fast enough.

And you know what?


I didn't.


That's right. My first chance to help another mother in labor and see a baby born, except for mine and Betsy, and I was 2 minutes late. I glanced at the clock as I went into the elevator. It read 5:30pm. When I checked in at triage they said the door would most likely be locked because she has just delivered at 5:28pm.



Bummer.


But that sweet little baby was so cute and chubby and adorable, that I forgave her instantly for not staying inside for just 5 more minutes. She just couldn't wait to arrive on this glorious day. Mom did so well without any help and stayed calm and collected through it all. Water breaking to delivery, two hours. She is amazing. Maybe I'll post a pic of her wee one later with permission. For now, I'll let her spread the happy news.


Anyone else want a doula? I would love to try again.

Our Littlest Fish

Eleanor got to go for a little skinny-dip. So cute!

This girl loves the water and thinks she can swim without help. 

I really have to keep an eye on her when we are at the pool.

Elsie Tries On Shoes

This is especially for Mom and Dad who haven't been able to see Elsie for a while. Just a little 5 minute snippet of our everyday life. 

Love you guys!