Oh yeah, we do other stuff

So, Peter is feeling left out because apparently all I do is talk about Matine on the blog ... can you blame me, really?  Check this face out!

But, in a effort to keep this online journal a bit more well rounded, I will update you on some other happenings in our lives (no real order):

1.  It's freaking windy here in L-town... Windy enough to drive you semi-crazy and keep you awake all night.  Generally in any given day you are looking at winds from 30-70 mph!  I am not kidding.  This means that we RUN outside when things are still, and then as soon as we get out there (which takes a good 20 minutes after chasing Matine to get shoes, jacket, and other appendages on) the wind picks up and we stand there scrubbing sand and twigs out of our eyes and hair.  It's awesome.  Yes Bozeman friends, the winds are that bad.

2.  It has been warm however, which means we haven't really been skiing for a few weeks and the mountain closes next week - I think it's time to change activities, as we do each spring.

3.  That activity, for Peter, has been FISHING again.  He is smiling and happier than I have seen him in a while.  He and an old friend, Eric Paramore have been sneaking away as often as possible for 30 minute to 5 hour fishing expeditions on the Yellowstone and Boulder Rivers.  I think Peter calls it "research" for work, but we all know what is going on here!

See his latest video here:  



4.  All our feather and fur kids are great.   3 chickens (Dora, Speckles and Black One) are still roaming the yard and pecking on the back door to come inside.  They seem well adjusted and there have been no massacres.   Oliver and Gaucho are great - Oliver still doesn't listen to ANYONE and now even Peter gets the middle finger when he tells Oliver to do something (glad it's not just me any longer).  Gaucho is still as darling as ever and can do no wrong.    The 2 cats have taken over the house (in true feline fashion).  They prowl around, constantly talking, not minding the dogs too much, and have taken to sleeping with us in bed.  Mattie can even approach (and almost hold) the cats now.  They let her pet them when they are really mellow in the evenings.  They have figured out that she likes to feed them and when she starts filling up their food bowls they RUN to her - very fast.   It's a bit like Dr. Doolittles Farm around here, but I have to admit, I love it and the chickens and cats have added a lot of life to our house (because it was lifeless before?)....

5.  I am exhausted but feeling good otherwise.   Working, Matine, 8 months pregnant, the animals, and general managing a household can take it out of any gal - but I am extremely grateful for an uneventful pregnancy and healthy babies!   3.5 weeks to go until we meet our newest member of the Howell Farm.

She asked for the hand towel to be wrapped around her like a big towel.

6.  My dad was just here for a week and mom and Jim get back on the 10th of April.   We are excited to see them again.  They have had a CRAZY time back in Oklahoma trying to get their house on the market and things sold, packed up and settled.  Apparently as soon as they arrived EVERYTHING broke or busted in their house and they spent the month in a pile of bulldozers, jackhammers and paint as they tried to reconstruct their home that has been sitting locked up for an entire year.  Alas, things are looking up and they still plan on getting it on the market this month and heading back up here to enjoy Montana, their million hobbies and part time jobs, and of course, their grand babies!   Joellyn will be here this weekend to watch Matine while Peter and I go out on the town for our friend Jacqueline's 30th Birthday!

7.  Amy and Eric are doing well in Dillon - Amy has been promoted to "merchandiser" for the Patagonia Outlet and still LOVES her job and friends.  Eric is still teaching and training horses at La Cense Ranch.  He is currently laid up with some back problems (poor guy) but Dr's say there is nothing really wrong, he probably just needs to take it easy for a bit.   They have done some traveling int eh last few months.  First a trip to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo and 2 weeks ago went to Arizona for a horse buying trip with the Ranch.   During these trips, faithful Nana Jo kept the kids and of course, we love it because it means we get to see them too!   Jhett turns 2 years old this weekend (wow how time flies)!

8.  We are going to Dillon for Easter.  Should be fun to see the kids search and destroy for Easter Eggs.   Matine is on Easter Bunny Watch again this year - pretty hilarious.  She knows they are in the yard and keeps checking the bushes for them.  She likes going on walks at night to check everyone else's yards too.

9.  I have been trying to spend as much time with girlfriends as possible before I am back in the newborn haze (diapers, breastfeeding and nap schedules).  As always, my girls are always great comic relief and stress relievers!   They are planning a shower/blessing for the baby mid-April and are making me promise to not have the baby till then.  I am doing my best to suck it in!

10.  The Turnkey Property Management business is going well - rental reservations are coming in nearly every few days (and at least an inquiry a day).   Mom and I have been working hard on my rental house in Livingston to get it ready for Vacation Rental folks by May.  It will be great to see the house used "lightly" again and have a chance to generate some income on it at the same time.  I am doing my continuing ed classes on April 13 and 14 in Billings.  My OB Doc assured me that this was a guaranteed way to go into labor a week early - by scheduling to be out of town!  We will see .... Our friends, guide friends and colleagues are doing a great job sending me business. I am super hopeful that this business is the way to go - good money with flexibility, that allows me to interact with cool people and also be home most of the time with Mattie and #2; oh, and once it starts making more $$ traveling to see my friends in other exotic locations!

You too can stay here .... Just send me a message!  

Well, as usual I am being summoned (bossed) by Matine to "just rest momma, let's go rest our bodies, the teacher says no talking, rest your mouth and body!"  I guess that means its nap time and I should go.   Dr's orders!

Mornings ...

Mornings are the best.  Hot chocolate is pretty good too.

She's Feral.

This look is priceless... and we get it ALOT!

I want to hold them.

What does summer look like?

In a few pictures, I hope you can see, smell and hear our summer ... Life is so good.

Friends, snow cones, dancing and sun ... Farmers Market every Wednesday

Backyard play with our favorite friends (aka, momma's get to visit while the kids play)

Sweetest girls ever and Camille is my GOD DAUGHTER - so proud!

I am really trying for pig tails.  Here she is "fishing"

MUST walk the dogs on a leash whenever possible... Oh, and wear her helmet even though she isn't even on her bike anymore!

Summer = beautiful babies!  I heart Brody Davidson!

Mattie LOVES babies, and has, has, has to feed and hold them... Oh so gently with lots of kisses in between.

Summer means HIGH water!   This is the Yellowstone at about 36,000 CFS!  Gaucho doesn't seem to care. 

Oh the Days of Summer ...

Well, I like to call it summer because "officially" today is the Solstice and the first day of summer.  It hasn't felt like it too much yet.  The grass is green - yes,  the lilacs are in bloom - nearly 1 month later than usual, and I have unpacked my shorts and skirts - but haven't had too many days to wear them.  Like the rest of the country we are experiencing LOTS of water - from our big snow amounts from winter to the seemingly endless rain, I sometimes feel like I am in Seattle, not Livingston, Montana.  But, I can't complain too much... It is beautiful here and I love not being too hot, but I will admit that wearing my down jacket one morning this week was a bit much. 

Regardless, we are pressing on with our house projects, camping, playing outside (even in the rain) and summer BBQ's with friends.  If the weather won't change, we will just ignore it! Here are some snapshots of life these days in Seattle with a very rambunctious 2 year old.

view from the front yard... LOTS of snow still in the mountains... will it ever melt?

She loves mama's sleep mask -  it's becoming an addiction (thanks Micca)

Everyday cuddles with dad and mom in bed.  Best part of the day.

Planting our flowers and veggies.  FINALLY the garden is in ... June 15th.

Chopping some wood while "camping" in the RV.

I need my coffee, STAT!

What would we do without our Grandpas to help us out?  Mattie LOVES them so much!

Dad is the best... No one gets her giggling like dad.

Enjoying a beer on a nice "summer" day in the backyard.

Mom, Grandpa Scott and JimPa finished the fence!  Yay!

Helping mom with the cauliflower in the garden.

Two shovels and the face of determination!

I love pizza outside.

Watching her favorite friend, Logan swing on our new swing in the front yard.

If only you could see how cute I am in person! 

Bliss.

As always, MORE to come ... Summers are so fun here!

Fish Tank

Much to my chagrin, Pete loves fish tanks.  Our latest is a 28 gallon salt water tank.  I am just grateful he likes to take care of them and all I have to do is feed the fish every so often when he is gone.   I do LOVE how happy the darn things make Peter and Matine.  They are both constantly showing it off to friends that visit ... and our friends at home.

I think the dialog here was, "Baby like blue fish?"

RV is a great way to get around town.

We took the MRC (Mobile Ritz Carlton) to the Rogers' house this weekend ... Just to say hi, watch the baseball game from their backyard, and let Logan actually ride in the "bus." Yes, we are THAT couple ... we drive our RV around town for fun. The dogs dig it and Mattie does too. I sure hope we can drive it more than 1.2 miles this weekend, or next? Seeing something pretty like a river, or mountains, or NOT OUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE from the RV might be cool.

because they are pretty cute too.

Me Too

We don't have the heart to tell her that she doesn't have enough hair to cut yet ... So we just pretend.

We told her to "hold still."  So she doesn't even blink.

She looks terrified.  But really, she loves it.

Does this really come out of my mouth?

Every so oftem I hear myself say something, or observe something in my life that is well .... odd to say the least.

Are there others out there that find themselves regualrly saying or experiencing things like:

• "Oh yay, did you kill something this week?" (in reference to elk camp, not general killing) 
• "Don't eat the poop!"  (Matine contemplating eating a large brown turd in the backyard)
• Finding a pacifier, bottle of elk urine and nails all in the same pocket of Pete's jacket while doing laundry.
• "How many horses did you do today?"  ("do" as in put shoes on)
• Me:  "Hey babe, what did you just wash in the sink?  It's all muddy ..."  Peter:  "My chaps.  Oh, and I wouldn't use that sponge again ....."
• This is our FOURTH set of tires to put on the trailer in 2 months!  (yes, that really happened)
• "No, it's not that windy ... I think it's only going to blow about 35 mph today."  (we live in Livingston)
• "Oliver, don't stick your tongue in her mouth!"  (Matine - Oliver ...  Need more explanation?)
• "No Matine, we have already watched the elk video 3 times today ... We need to wait until later." 
• While standing in our horse trailer with 2 inches of horse poop and hosing it down, "wow, this is the cleanest I have seen this in a while"  (what ??? what is my reality??????????????)
• Me: "So, are we 100% booked or do we still have spots left?"   Pete:  "Yes."  (Sure, that clears it up - welcome to my world!)
• "Did you see that grizzly bear this week?"  
• "If we cut off the knee, I think it will fit into the cooler."  (while helping a hunter get his dead elk in his coolers for the drive home)
• "Brutus, quit humping your brother!" (pretty self explanatory, again)
• Me: "How did the tent get that big tear in it?"  Peter:  "Oh, a bear."

And this was just this week ..... Have an "odd" day everyone!

Mini Me

The Little Miss loves to do whatever you are doing. I mean WHATEVER you are doing. Talk on the phone. She needs a Crackberry too. Brush your teeth. I can do that. Stretch on the floor. I am an expert Yogi! Sing a song. Have you heard the pipes on that kid? Boss the dogs. Well, you can imagine.

It's not suprising that if I want to get some muffins made, I HAVE to set up a "baking station" for Mini-Me or I will just have a little 2 foot tall Pyranha yanking my leg. As with all endeavors in Matine's life - they aren't done right unless there is an enormous mess!

Even with her little Hitler mustache of flour, she's pretty adorable (uh, does anyone still notice the constant presence of Brutus in her little life?)

Sliced zucchini, flour, flax, some cute chubby-baby legs, and a little brown sugar - delicious!

A Letter,

Dearest Matine (Chubs, Mattie-John, MJ, Teeny, Monkey, Bug, Lovely, Baby)

It has been too long since I wrote you a letter. While I am sure I write you about 20 love letters a day in my head, it's not the same as getting it on paper (er, the computer). Another sign of the times and proof that time is flying by. You will be 14 months old next week.

I have been thinking a lot about love lately. What is it? I thought I knew. I love falling in love (and hope you will one day too) - it's wonderful and makes you feel alive. I wholeheartedly believe in falling in love with many things and people in your life. Be prepared that the joys of love bring with it the hurt and the pain, but it's oh so sweet and is the essence of living a life worth remembering. But, alas, I discovered that the real deal - is YOU. It's the overwhelming notion and truth that I feel about your very existence. It's nothing you can do or not do to make me love you any more or less. To the moon and back, through the fires of Hell, I would go anywhere, do anything for you. I never really got it until I became a mother. The "love" just "is." There's no reason in the world that I "love" you - it would then be conditional. I love you because I do, because my soul has no choice in the matter. But, I also really "like" you. Wanna know what makes me adore your very existence right now?

You love walking now. Your frankenstein wobble is getting a little less wobbly, but I still find myself holding my breath as you scurry around the house, in the yard, and through the gravel. You stick your arms straight out in front of you and make little fists. You hold your breath and your eyes get really big, then as soon as you get in the groove of your walk, you smile really big. It's extra cute. You have started to try to "run." This is the same look as above, but I can see your face, your eyes get even bigger like you are putting a car into high gear and your little legs go a bit faster. You love to position yourself on taller rocks or steps or anything a bit higher than the ground. You still are one tough, independent cookie. You don't cry or fuss when you fall down, or bang your hands or knees, or dimply hiney. You bravely and confidently get back up and start over. While I am always willing and ready to hold or comfort you, I respect you so much for this resilience.

You adore your dogs still - you greet them first thing, every morning, and you say "hi -oggy" in a sweet little high pitched voice to every single dog we see on walks or around the neighborhood. You love animal books and animal noices - you growl like a bear, moo like a cow, "oooh-eee" like a monkey, bark like a dog (of course), and occasionally neigh like a horse. You know all your animals, even if you can't say the name yet, and will point to them all in your books. You can say "duck" very well and "bird." One of your favorite books right now is "fifteen animals" and in it, each animal's name is "Bob." You love flipping through all the pages and saying "bob, bob, bob" over and over. You know it's funny and you laugh at yourself. You have a bug box with some toy bugs (thanks Auntie Christina) and you love to collect them and make them hop and run up people's legs. Last night, we went to a 4th of July Party and they had chickens in a coop in the backyard. You loved the chickens and I didn't I'd ever get you out of there. Those game-chicken genes are in you after all aren't they little girl! Go Oklahoma!

You are downright sweet - all the time. You are gentle and funny and love to show affection. You are such a cuddler lately and adore to lay down, dig into my belly and spoon. Books must be read in a lap, with arms wrapped around you. You love to give real kisses and blow them. You still smile at people within a few minutes of meeting them and put everyone right at ease. You share very well, even though I don't think you understand what it all means yet, you have no problem letting others take things from you or giving your toys to your friends to play with too. I will remember how grateful I was at this in about 7 months I am sure.

You are finally getting out of your screaming bloody murder when I change your diaper phase - thank goodness! I am certain the neighbors thought I was removing your toenails with tweezers every time you needed a new diaper. Now, you think it's fun to be changed because you like making the smelly "ick" face and wiping your own butt. It's funny. The other day, you had a dirty diaper and you actually brought me a clean one and said "ick." Does this mean you will be easy to potty train?

3 Words: Pool. Backyard. Tents. Between those three things, you are one happy kid. We play in the tent when it rains, hails, or when it's so hot and sunny it feels like a sauna. I am glad nudity is an accepted thing for 14 month olds, because I can't seem to keep clothes on you. I usually strip you down to a diaper when it's really hot ( you get your clothes FILTHY anyways and its one less thing to wash later ) , but you have learned to take your diapers off and as soon as you can, you do! Matine, you have the kind of daddy that takes you to the backyard to hang out in the tent during rain storms and take naps with you outside. He makes sure you are outside to see pretty sunsets and on bike rides to the river to see high water. You are so lucky. So am I.

You are in a serious momma phase (honestly, this can get pretty exhausting). You want to be in the middle of whatever I am doing right now and if you get a choice, you choose mom. I am enjoying this while it lasts. Again, I will be grateful I wrote this when you are about 14 and hate me for not letting you get those shoes that cost more than our car.

We took you horseback riding the other day - surprise, surprise, you LOVED it. Cried when I took you off the horse. Luckily, you get over any crying spells pretty quickly. We have also been camping a few times this summer. It has gone surpsingly well. Night one of the first trip about sent me to a Holiday Inn, but ever since, you sleep like a champ all night, not waking at all. You are a bed hog. You prefer to sleep horizontally between your dad and I. Enjoy that little girl. Speaking of sleep - still 2 naps a day. You wake up at 5am and come to bed with us (I do need to break you of this habit, but the snuggling is SO good). We then all get up about 6:30-7:00am. We play, eat breakfast and drink our coffee (we call your milk "your coffee"). You then go back down about 9-9:30 and sleep for 2 hours. Up at 11:00 or so and we do errands, play in the yard, water flowers, go for walks or runs or meet up with friends. Afternoon nap again around 2:30 and again, you sleep till about 4:00-4:30. Wash rinse and repeat activities, usually do walks or bike rides with dad before dinner, bath time, and bed by 7:30-8:00. You love to brush your two little teeth and read books (as many as possible) before bed.

You still have 2 bottom teeth. That's all. I keep thinking more are coming, but nada. I love those 2 teeth though. You do this underbite, jutting out your jaw thing lately to accentuate them. Adorable. Even cuter that you don't bite yet. You are very aware of "hot" food. You know when things come out of the stove, toaster or microwave that it's "hot." And you will tell me across the house if you hear something come out - "hot, hot." When it is hot, we blow on our food and you love that. You also love to sniff flowers and blow kisses. You are a mimic and pick up on things quicker than we realize sometimes. Much to our shagrin, you even walk and pace while "talking on you phone" now. Yikes! Having a baby around really accentuates our bad (and good) habits!

You have your daddy's physical strength. Truly, you are freakishly strong just like your dad. You also don't complain, just like you dad. He's not afraid of hard work and I have a suspicion you will be the same. Patience, I think you get that from him too. You will piddle and play with something until you get it figured out, without getting flustered. I am so happy to see that in you. Now, I am surrounded by two people who can fix the thingy-ma-jig and I won't have to freak out and throw it across the room.
You have my out going personality. You love to make others smile and enjoy really engaging with people. You got that from me. I love to look people in the eye and really see how they are feeling. You do the same. You will make eye contact with total strangers and not look away. You always grin or laugh or show them your teeth. You "high five" and wave "hi" and "bye" until they are long down the road.

You love to look pretty- I am not sure where you got that from. I have never seen myself or your dad as style icons or people who put much effort into our "look," but apparently I did always make sure I matched and looked nice and put together when I was a kid too (so says my mother now)... Not sure what happened. Maybe it's from your dad - he, without trying, always looks fantastic! It must be those long legs and great tan - they make everything look good. Regardless, you love to wear mardi gras beads (with everything) and you pretend to put on earrings and necklaces. You have to look at everyone's ears when you meet them to see what kind of jewelry they have on and you "ooh and ahh" at it. You love to pick out clothes each day and seem to enjoy getting dressed - with and without my help.


Baby girl, I don't deserve you. I lie in bed at night and wonder and pray that I can be good enough for you. That I can give you everything you deserve, that I can have enough wisdom and grace to guide you through life safely and give you the tools you need to live it well in your own ways. Thank goodness we don't do this alone and you have a mighty village surrounding you - people that love you and will do things better than I. There are so many lessons and secrets and things I can't wait to share with you. Things my parents told me, things I learned the hard way, the easy way, things no one told me about, lessons that I now realize are essential. Will I do this all in the right way? Will I do it in time? Will you respect me enough to listen (or at least pretend to)? The questions... As a mother now, will I ever sleep again?

Your daddy and I have enjoyed you so much. I have never seen your dad happier or more giddy than when he is playing with you. It has made me appreciate and love him more too. Your dad's a great man. He is honest, simple, hard working and very loyal to his family. You will see all this. You already love him unconditionally, but someday you will have your own reasons to "really like him" too. Communication with each other has not always been our strong suit, but I am so thankful that we are growing, getting better at it every single day. I know that part of our determination to be better husband and wife is because we want to be our best for you. I am grateful for that.

So, many funny things everyday that you do - giggles, phrases, looks, laughs ... I am trying to keep it all written down somewhere!