Ernie's Art Show

Cousin Marni's boyfriend and fellow artist, Ernest had the opening of his very cool and interactive art show at MSU.  Like Marni, Ernie is in ceramics and he had made some very elaborate installations and pieces that are nearly impossible to describe - you just needed to be there, trust me.  

I told Matine that we were going to go to an "art show" the day before (FYI  - waaayyyy too early).  We picked out a very chic little ensemble (a gift from Nona last year), that I knew she would love wearing and we then proceeded to talk about it for 2 entire days before we were finally dressed up and on our way there.  

before the show at the house, she thought she was so cute, she wanted pics taken with each dog.  

We met Nana Jo in Bozeman for dinner first, Loni was coming over from Missoula, it was going to be a big night.  

The show was very fun!  Hundreds of people, very active and exciting "show."  Ernie had made dozens of ceramic bowling pins and balls, a bowling alley, 2 enormous ceramic boat/vessels (filled with balls), another boat that was used as a cooler to hold beer, and had this all "online" and streaming live to those that couldn't be there.   It was interactive with iPhone apps and even sponsored by PBR Beer (when you live in Montana you understand that sponsorship from PBR is very cool).  

Someone ADORES her Aunt Loni! 

Ernest, against the wall drinking a PBR, watching his clean up men sweep up the latest bowlers mess.  

The second we got out of the car at MSU Matine starts the dialogue (actually, we all know it started long before that), but it was "where's the art show, where we going, where's Marni and Loni, is this the art show, is this the party!, this is fun, do I get to dance?, etc, etc."  Gal was ready for some culture and mingling! 

When we arrive the place is packed!  People are taking turns bowling the ceramic balls down the lane and smashing (very loudly) both balls and bowling pins, cheering, drinking, laughing and talking.   I dare say MOST 2.5 year olds (and many adults) would have FREAKED OUT at all the chaos and loud noises.  Matine watched stunned (big brown eyes) for about 1 minute and then was completely in her element.  She chatted it up with Loni and Marni , complementing them on their clothes and earrings, met some new friends, some old, and within a half hour didn't even need or want to be held as she made her way (knee height) through the crowds to help herself to the food table and juice boxes.    She soaked in every single detail of what was going on and was so happy! 

  

Soaking it in and getting an art tutorial from Aunt Loni.

The Buell / Howell clan! 

Ernest Forward's ceramic boat/vessels - at the end of the night they were set to collide and break and explode... Cool! 

She did what she usually does these days and as soon as anyone made eye contact with her, she immediately, "What's your name?"  They of course answer back and ask hers and she begins her "conversations" with them.  I just wish you could see this little social butterfly in action.  

The drive home, she sat in her carseat, clutching a broken (but not sharp) souvenir piece of one of the bowling pins, half dazed and wiped out, smiling, talking and processing her "art show" night.  We have got to keep this little gal plugged in to the art scene - she definitely has a propensity and natural draw to it all! 

Making new friends and mingling at the food table. 

On her own and making her way through the crowds. 

Wow, I really love those earrings Marni - did you make them yourself? 

Miss Manners

While it may not appear that she is concerned about "manners" as she eats naked (a usual occurrence when we are home alone), but don't be fooled.  This gal is very concerned about how we treat our guests, who we serve a meal, and minding our p's and q's.

This weekend we had the honor of getting to spend time with the Brunel's.  As many of you know, Keely has been one of my best friends since 3rd grade - she's the reason I was in Colorado at that beautiful wedding in October (see those pics on her photographers blog again here).  Her mom, dad, she and her new hubby Tom were in town for another mutual friend, Jen Chrisman's (now Jen Campbell) wedding at the Gallatin Gateway Inn.

We had a great time and it was oh so lovely to see she and Rob get married!

And now the manners portion of this story:  Mom and Jim had dinner at their house for Pete and Diana  (Keely's parents).  We had a lovely dinner and Matine was quite well behaved for a two year old, even asking questions occasionally to our guests and eating her food.   Earlier in the day, she and Nona had made a red velvet cake and she was very excited to serve it after dinner.  As soon as everyone was done eating she asked if we could eat the cake, looked at Nona and says, "we need clean plates and forks for dessert!"

Now, we haven't sat down and read her Emily Post yet, I guess she has just paid attention to us doing that at other dinner parties.  We laughed so hard!  As she was eating her cake, she kept saying to me, "oh mom, this is so good."  She then, just like an adult, points her fork at the cake and shakes her head declaring, "mom, it's so good, we really need to take some of this home."

The next morning, the Brunel's came up to our house to see the place and visit before they went on an excursion with Nona and JimPa.  Mattie very nicely led them from room to room, giving them the tour of the house, and after we got to her room, she looks up at me and says, "Mom, you haven't taken their coats!"   Sure enough, I had not offered to take their coats yet, and I was reminded of my rudeness!

Oh my!  I think for her birthday in May she needs an Emily Post book for children.  Come to think of it, maybe we will just skip the kids version and give her the real thing.

And ... guess what?

I am listening to the funniest conversation between Peter and Matine, typing, and trying not to laugh...

Today is my birthday.  And I want blueberries and my friends will be there.  And guess what? The kangaroo will come home and that is when its my birthday.  The kangaroo will eat my birthday.  The kangaroo is going to break my chair.
Peter: Which chair?  
My chair.
Peter: How will he break it? 
He won't break it.
Peter:  How old will be you be?  
Guess what, I will be aaaallll the way big (arms up to the sky).
Peter:  I want you to be my little girl and not get too big. 
But I don't want to. I want to be big! And guess what?
When the kangaroo comes he will eat my birthday and he will jump way high and jump on me.  And guess what?  When the kangaroo comes he will come to our home.  Be outside.
Peter:  Have you seen one?  What color is a kangaroo? 
Black and white and it's tall.
Peter:  Have you seen a kangaroo? 
Yes, it's hopping outside.
Peter:  Right now?
No.  Later.
Peter:  Who's kangaroos friend? 
It's called family and Little.
I will jump on the kangaroo and it will be scary.
Peter:  Can they kick and buck? 
Yes.
Peter:  Where would you ride the kangaroo? 
On it's back.
You can't ride on the tail.  I can.
You ride on it's back.  I will ride on its tail.
Peter:  Will it go fast or slow? 
Slow. So you can stay on.
Peter:  Do you need to poop or pee? 
No.  No pooping on people....

As I was finishing up typing this little dialogue I hear her in the bathroom negotiating with Peter that brushing her teeth "makes her sick."

I swear this is one of a thousand conversations like this each day.  The stuff that comes out of this kids mouth is hilarious!

These are my boys

Mattie is getting quite comfortable with travel, flights and being on the go.  This last October's trip to Florida was her 5th or 6th flight in her 2+ years on earth.  She loves the planes, the experience, and especially, the people!

Flight number 2 of the day - we were on our Minneapolis to Jacksonville leg.  Mid-flight she strikes up a conversation with the passengers directly behind us.  Turned around and standing in her seat, she asks them with perfect clarity, "what's your name?"  The nice couple who looked to be in their early 60's answer her back, asking her what her name is ... they get the usual response "My names Maaaateeen" (finger pointing to her chest), "I'm two" (2 fingers in the air).  She asks the couple "how old are you?"  They laugh and say something to the effect of "not two!"   Mattie proceeds to babble on about the beach, being in an airplane, her daddy, and a million other things that run through her overactive two year old brain.

The nice couple starts telling her that they have grandkids her age.  Mattie is very interested in "their kids" at this point and asks all about them.  Like every good grandma, the woman pulls out a picture of "her kids" from her wallet and shows Matine.  Mattie takes the picture and examines it closely, studying it, smiling and then saids, "aw, they are cute," and hands her the picture back.  The couple and about 12 other passengers have been listening and start to laugh and are now really paying attention to this funny two year old carrying on a very legitimate and adult like conversation (all clearly spoken and comprehensible).

After a few more minutes of questions, talking, and funny kid conversation, Mattie bends down to our seat and takes the kleenex that we have been using to wipe her face and nose.  It is no ordinary kleenex.  It is one of the cute ones which only my mother finds and gives me.    It has a cartoon baby on it reading a book that says, "how to raise parents."

Mattie grabs the kleenex, holds it up to the couple and says, "these are my boys."  The little gal just had to show off HER kids to these folks too!

I thought the entire back of the plane was going to die of laughter.  I could not believe she did this.

That just about sums up the personality of our kiddo.  Funny, smart girl!

History Lesson

I know I have been MIA for a couple of weeks.  LOTS of summer fun (and pictures) to be had ... stay tuned, I promise I will play catch up one of these days.  Until then, I have some fun pictures to share.

Anyone who knows me (or my family) knows how over-the top PROUD and excited we are to talk about our family and family history.  It's always been that way and it always will be.  I was raised going to our family reunions (multiple) each year, rain or shine.  We didn't skip out on them for a cool party with friends, sporting event ... nothing.  Family is the most important thing and it was bred into me that the bonds and time you spend with your extended family is just as important as a brother or sister.   Most people are happy if they see their brothers or sister or first cousins once a year.  Not the Jarvis - Cottongim Clan.  No, multiple generations and 2nd, 3rd and even 4th cousins gather each May and September - no fail. 

My great grandmother Lois Ann Brown Jarvis and great grandfather Louis Richard had SEVENTEEN (17) children.  My grandmother, Pauline (my dad's mom) was the youngest of the 17.  As you can imagine, just that branch of the family tree makes up a small village.   The coolest part of it all is that you could as any of my dad's 52 first cousins who someone is in any picture, or whose car or house is in a picture and they could all tell you.  They stayed close and strong all these years, and that is only because they were raised by people who stuck close and strong for a hundred years before that. 

I can't make the fall reunion again this year (see the sadness on my face) but I wish I could.  I hope to be able to take Mattie to these reunions someday and let her develop a sense of pride and honor for her heritage.  These are all amazing people with huge hearts and smiles - all interesting in their own way.   Here are a few of the pics I stole from our Family Facebook Page (yes, we even have a facebook page)

My grandpa Keith - dad's dad ... See the resemblance to anyone?

Aunt Jerry and my grandmother (dad's mom) Pauline - they were all beautiful women!

My great grandmother Lois (the mom of 17) taking a break from child rearing to fish apparently....

Aunt Mary, Grandma Lois, Uncle Andy, and my grandmother Pauline- this picture looks straight out of Madmen to me

Uncle Doc - always looks so cool in his pictures.

Mother - Daughter Pose - Great Grandma with her girls. I love how they are so giggly!

Some of the boys of the 17 - this was taken at the funeral of the 3rd oldest, Joe's funeral.  He died in a plane crash in Oklahoma.

My grandmother Pauline, holding her 2nd oldest, my Aunt Susie.  She was so pretty!

All the kids that were still living when their mom, Lois died  (taken at her funeral) .

I have a million more pictures I could post - similar poses and stories... But of my dad and aunts holding us as babies and playing at reunions.  Now WE have the kids and have more generations running around the same places.  Different hairstyles and clothes but it is fun to see the same smiles and those Jarvis genes going strong!

Bull-Dozer!

I am quite amused at myself and the strange (yet handy and useful) skills I have developed over the last 10 years.  Many of my friends laugh when they hear of some of the antics and situations that I have found myself in, but I am quite proud of my ability to try (at least once) just about anything. I figure I have nothing to lose and only knowledge to gain!  Now, I will not claim to be an expert at ANYTHING but "aware" of many things.  I am pretty sure this is an inheireted Cottongim trait as well.  We are great B.S.'ers simply because we are excited to jump into to just about any situation or sit down and talk to anyone - for better or worse.

The latest "skill" to put away and add to the eclectic resume:  Grading a dirt/gravel road using a BULL DOZER!  That's right.   Did you know you can get 1 Yard (approx 1 ton) of road grade gravel for $4.50?  You can also have a bulldozer delivered by a semi for $350/day.   In that day you (and mostly the work, skill and precision of Jim Bynum) can grade a road to perfection!

Check it out!  Chicks on tractors.... I am sure there is a sleezy calendar that already has a non-PG versions of this.... 

Thanks Jim for teaching me how to operate this thing and doing most of the hard work!  You are a real Gem (pun is always intended)! 

Swiss Miss Visits Montana Again

Friday through Tuesday ... This was all we had to give Clark and his gal pal, Sammi the whirlwind tour of Montana (or at least Southwest Montana).   I think Clark, and Sammi for sure, thought we were joking when we said we would be picking him up at the airport in the 34-foot RV.  We weren't joking.  If Clark wanted non-stop fun ... well, you get what you ask in this family!

Sammi had never met the family .... Within 5 minutes of landing she was greeted by Brooke, Peter, Matine, Jim, and Kerri, Oliver, Gaucho and Annie!  Welcome to Crazy-Town Sammi!  We drove straight to Virginia City, the original proposed Capital of Montana, and a very OLD, cool mining town that has been preserved and prides itself as as "Drinking Town with a History Problem."  It's a fun place to spend the day (and night). 

The old slat wood sidewalks of town.  Matine insists on walking any herself.

Of course, the nightlife is the best part of Virginia City.  The incomparable, raunchy, hilarious, and wrong on so many levels, ensemble that make up the Brewery Follies is not to be missed.   My side is still hurting from seeing these guys again.  They take a joke that is sick and wrong and twist it to the point you can hardly repeat it out loud again. After the Follies, we enjoyed the Pioneer Bar and a few more libations.  The juke box is good and the PBR always goes down easy ....

I really like this gal ...

What?

During the day, w all toured the sites and did some window shopping in VC ... we couldn't pass up the "Old Time Photo" place (who could?) and insisted on a family photo ... Hold your laughter, this was the result.  

Totally creepy family portrait.

There are too many funny things in this picture for me to start ... but did anyone notice Matine's pistol.  She loved it and wouldn't put it down.  JimPa looks a little too authentic for me to be comfortable.   Sammi felt great about getting undressed in front of me and then dressing up like a hooker in front of her boyfriends family .... No worries Sammi, that's just how we roll!

So, we slept in the RV park, got Clark and Sammi acclimated to the cool, crisp Montana weather and enjoyed some breakfast in Virginia City.  If you are wondering where we all slept ... 6 adults, 2 dogs and a baby all slept in the RV.  It was tight ... yet again, "no worries Sammi, this is how we roll!"

Matine loves the RV ... especially when she can share it with 6 other people AND her dogs!

We made our way back through Norris and along the Madison River - some of the prettiest scenery in Montana (in my opinion).  We got to Livingston and had one of the most beautiful days I had seen here in some time - sunny, warm, and about 70 degrees.   It was perfect bike-riding weather.  We toured town on the cruisers and checked out the Yellowstone River, the park, stopped by Marks in and Out for burgers and ate them by the River.  

Best burger in town.

At Sacajawea Park, just cruisin' on a perfect Livingston day.

The mighty Yellowstone River

Awww... That is just so cute, isn't it?

 After a few hours of seeing town, we brought them back to the house for a quick shower and nap and then it was time to head down Paradise Valley to Pine Creek Cafe.  Pine Creek has a Summer Music Series and BBQ each Saturday.   The Fossils (a semi famous, at least to the locals, band) played and we dressed up, visited with great people, had some beer, and danced outside under the pine trees.   It was a great night. 

Mattie LOVE LOVE LOVES her "uncle cark."   Warm my heart.

Dressed up and ready to dance.

The Ladies.

Dancing with my gal.  Has to be one of my favorite things. Ever.

Kids dancing.  Doesn't get much sweeter.

More Clark and Sammi fun...

Clark two-stepping ... With enthusiasm!

We stayed up late drinking some more beer and chatting on our back patio under the stars and to the warmth of the chimea.   We got 8 hours to catch some Z's and then Clark, Sammi and Peter had to pack up again and head 2.5 scenic hours north to Craig, Montana - the hub of June fly fishing on the Missouri River.  I had to work back here at home, so Mattie and I stayed behind (boo), but it worked out great, as only 3 people can be in the boat at any given time anyhow.   Clark was determined to change his fate and actually catch some trout on this trip.   I knew Sammi would have the charmed rod and catch the big one for the weekend ... I was right.

There is a reason they call it Big Sky Country.

Sammi and Clarkie on the mighty Missouri River.

Hot girl with a big fish ... this one will be sent to a magazine for sure!

Clark held this fish as far away from his body as possible so it would be half as big as Sammi's catch.

Pete's a rowin' away ...

Nice scenery, get a tan, catch some fish.

This needs to be an advertisement for Buggers or Schmidt Beer ... one of the two.

The couple who catch fish together (at the same time) stays together!

Gorgeous morning in Montana ... Not a bad way to wake up in the morning.

Clark yet again threw Sammi into every situation possible.   You can add "first time camping" to the list!  She is awesome.  She actually loved it all and wants to come back!  I guess the Cottongim/ Howell's aren't so scary after all?

Kind of creepy that Peter even took this picture of them sleeping ....

It was a quick and action packed 5 days... I am THRILLED to see my best friend, Clark, anytime and I was delighted and so thankful to meet Sammi.  She's a keeper and it was so fun to have such perfect weather and opportunity for their week.   The second Clark and Sammi flew away my dad's flight arrived and with him he brought the RAIN ... and it is still raining!