Kate and her boys...

A New Blog & Giveaway: Need to clarify something

2010-05-19T15:17:00.003-06:00

I will only be adding new posts to my new blog.

So please add my new blog to your blogroll.

I have enjoyed all of the comments so far, and can't wait to hear from more of you.

Don't be shy...head over to my new blog to check out the giveaway!

And make sure to add this blog below to your bloglist & become a follower...

I plan to make a new post there shortly!

http://therancherswifesphotography.com/

New Blog and a giveaway!

2010-05-16T19:26:00.006-06:00

I am so excited to share my new blog with everyone!

http://therancherswifesphotography.com/

Please add the new link to your blogroll if you have time and think of it.

I will not delete this blog so if you would rather come here first that is fine too. :)

Click on the link above to learn more about the giveaway I am having in celebration of my new blog.

First Shoot Me Picture: Moby D Wrap Baby

2010-05-13T07:21:00.002-06:00

A dear friend lent this wrap to me, and I love it. It is more comfortable then any front pack carrier I've ever used, and easier on my back.
Dusty loves it too.

A Big Day for Daddy & a new blog coming soon...

2010-05-11T13:46:00.004-06:00

Today is a big day for Daddy...

He has 10+ truckloads of yearlings coming to a nearby town, and it is pouring rain out. He set a new grass deal up, and it is always exciting/nerve racking when the trucks start coming.

Just Click on the Image to make it Bigger

We love you Dad and are proud of you! Everything will work out great.

(can't wait to post about my new blog once I am finished...this picture of Dusty is a little sneak peek of some of the images on it! I plan to have a blog contest once it is up)

Look Closely...

2010-05-09T20:47:00.004-06:00

I guess I should explain this more clearly. I was slightly distracted last night when I posted it. It was more a reminder for myself to look closely as a photographer.
Sometimes it is easy to pass up a picture, and not LOOK CLOSELY. These couple shots below are some that after I took a second look I just loved them for lots of reasons.

Also just click on the images to make them bigger...
I am working on a new blog site that will showcase my pictures better, but not quite done yet.

Hope you enjoy!

Oh my dear dear boy...

2010-05-07T16:43:00.009-06:00

I can't get enough of your chub, your toes, your fingers, your blue eyes, your red hair and your sweet smile.
Love you dearly.

A Picture

2010-05-07T11:06:00.003-06:00

that I love...

52/52 Celebrate

2010-05-06T11:46:00.019-06:00

I made it to 52 pictures. I thought it would only be fitting if I celebrated by posting about certain things I never knew about being a mother...
(also since Mother's Day is right around the corner)
Hope everyone has a Happy Mother's Day!

I never knew that I would have to consistently put my pillowcases back on my pillows throughout the day because my 4 & 2 year old love to take them off and then walk around inside of them.

I never knew how much simple lovely tulips could brighten my day.

It was snowing this morning, and my tulips outside are not close to blooming yet.

I never knew that alphabet cereal can become like cement pasted in your sink if you leave it sitting for awhile.

I never knew that I would come to prefer plastic plates, cups and bowls.

I never knew that I would allow a pretend snake in my house.

I never knew that a tape/CD player would be so wonderful.

I never knew that I would consistently head to the library every month to find books on tape and CD's.

I never knew that I would love listening to Hank the Cowdog of CD as much as my boys.

I never knew how much fun cantaloupe can be.

I never knew that a pillowcase could become pretend ice cream in a cup.

I never knew that broccoli would be such a treat.

I never knew that my boys would automatically think of it as trees (like I did as a kid.)

I never knew how wonderful my black Wal-Mart stools could be to a 4 & 2 year old.

They have to scoot them as close as possible to each other during dinner. They have to sit on the stools. They also use them to pretend they are riding in different kinds of machines (backhoe, tractor, skidster, etc...)

I never knew that my plant would be a perfect baby mobile.

I never knew that I would have 2 workout partners.

I never knew that McQueen shoes (on backwards) and crocodile crocs (on backwards) were the perfect workout shoes.

Luckily...

2010-05-06T11:40:00.002-06:00

I choose not to haul baby Dusty this way! I took this picture right before Dusty was born, and it still makes me laugh. This is how you haul your baby around when you are 4 & 2 and ALL BOY!

Change & An Adventure...

2010-05-05T10:59:00.008-06:00

Baby Dusty is over a month old. I can't believe how much he has grown and changed already.

There is nothing quite so fun as a stick, a rock and your imagination when you are 4 & 2.

We headed out for a morning adventure...

Sometimes I wonder why I buy toys at all.

Then I look in my backyard and see the tree that was blown over into our fence, and I realize that sometimes we can't go outside due to weather and wind. It is during those times that I am glad I have the store bought toys and a basement! :)

Boots, Owls, Hugs & Kisses...

2010-05-03T16:18:00.003-06:00

every cowboy needs a good pair of boots!

Whoo Whoo Loves You?

Hugs & Kisses (notice baby Dusty's tractor themed outfit for Corbin's birthday party)

51/52 Moments with baby Dusty...

2010-04-30T08:43:00.005-06:00

I'm a little late this week, but thought I would still join in the fun!

Baby Dusty is starting to have more awake periods. I love this stage when they just stare at everything with bright eyes. He also will just sit and stare at me with adoration in his little eyes. I know this will change ( my 4 year old and I have been having a few battles lately!). We have even heard him coo a few times. I am trying to soak up every minute of this precious stage he is in.
He grunts and squeaks alot.
Also a fun memory I don't want to forget is that during all of my late night feedings with baby Dusty I could hear a real owl outside my window hooo hooing.
I thought it was fitting since he is my owl themed baby.

The Rancher's Wife's Photography: Turning 2 means...

2010-04-29T10:28:00.023-06:00

dressing like Daddy

lots of running (I am a little sore today after running so much with him!)

occasionally losing your hat from a gust of wind (this brought lots of tears which mom was able to fix once she was able to catch the hat!)

being big enough to pick up heavy rocks and throw them in the water to watch them splash...

being big enough to walk across the bridge

being big enough to climb up on the slide (with mom nearby)

being able to ride in a real tractor...
and being able to have a tractor themed birthday party...

not being too big to hold moms hand...

playing with great g'ma's tractors and trucks while eating a cookie

Week 17 - April 26 - Smiles

2010-04-27T11:10:00.002-06:00

The contest this week over at I Heart Faces is all about smiles.
Head over to www.iheartfaces.com to check it out!
I knew I had to enter this picture of our newborn baby boy Dusty Christopher when I saw the contest was about smiles.
He was only 24 days old when I took this picture on Saturday.
There is nothing quite like a newborn smiling...
Authentic, Real, & not forced at all!
I was so happy to be at the right place at the right time when he decided to SMILE.
Hope you enjoy!
Just click on the image to make it bigger...

Shine

2010-04-27T09:27:00.013-06:00

Last night the light was absolutely beautiful. Everything was just shining...
Hope you enjoy!
Just Click on the Images to Make Them Bigger...

And as I was just soaking up all of the beautiful light around me this is what the boys were up too...:)

Just keepin it real!

Fischer told me that he found a rock with "fly poop all over it."

Smile

2010-04-24T12:27:00.003-06:00

50/52 Memories before and after baby Dusty...

2010-04-22T08:01:00.008-06:00

This is the last picture I took with my boys before baby Dusty was born. If you look closely you will see a huge piece of GUM in Hazy J's mouth, and Fishy is making a funny face.
(he is a lot like his Dad!)

5:10AM on March 31, 2010 preparing to have my c-section...
My last tummy picture at 39 weeks and 1 day...

after baby was born
Baby and I did lots of sleeping after surgery...
Chris brought me strawberry slushies from sonic & it snowed 5 inches while we were in the hospital...
We stayed the night before at Aaron and Candy's house. After we dropped the boys off at G'pa and G'mas house after lunch, Chris took me to a "city" to do some shopping before my surgery.
I bought some t-shirts, comfy pants, a nice top for my motivation to lose my pregnancy weight, and McQueen undies & socks for the boys!
Then we met Aaron and Candy at Bernie's to have dinner. We then headed to Safeway to pick up some brownie mix and ice cream to bring to Aaron and Candy's house. We played BLURT, and ate brownies and ice cream.
I did not sleep most of the night before surgery because of nerves.
Then we were up and getting ready by 4AM to make it to prep for the surgery at 5AM.

And after all the late night bathroom runs, late night stumbles to find the tums, after all the discomfort of not being able to sleep or turn over or eat anything after 5PM because of indigestion...
after not being able to catch my 2 & 4 year old if they were being naughty
after worrying in the first 12 weeks if you were alright or if I would miscarry
after worrying in the next trimester if you would be okay & make it full term
after the late night rush to the hospital after our mtn lion scare
after the 4th time they had to poke me to put my IV in
we heard you cry for the first time, and it was all worth it
(I remember very clearly during surgery that the atmosphere of the room changed after baby started crying...it was as if the doctors & nurses just breathed a sigh of relief along with Chris and I)
It was even worth it afterwards when I felt RAW and sore and tired
It was all worth it because you were alive & healthy & hungry & perfect
and you proved once again that nothing in life that is worth it is easy!

I took this picture the other day while we were out helping Dad irrigate.

Starting to feel more like myself again...

Some inspiration...

2010-04-21T14:45:00.001-06:00

I also wanted to re-post another of my favorite quotes about everyday life. This one's from Anna Quindlen:

..but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

And while it takes courage to achieve greatness, it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary. For the joys that last have little relationship to achievement, to standing one step higher on the victory platform. What is the adventure in being ordinary? It is daring to love just for the pleasure of giving it away. It is venturing to give new life and to nurture it to maturity. It is working hard for the pure joy of being tired at the end of the day. It is caring and sharing and giving and loving…
Marilyn Thomsen

A Week in the Life:Monday & Tuesday

2010-04-20T19:30:00.005-06:00

irrigating with a 2 year old...

No he is not throwing a rock in the water (it is a cow pie!)

I guess they were helping our fields grow better by removing all of the dried up cow pies and throwing them in the ditch

a snack break of cinnamon rolls...

Wow I am still a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of energy and organization it takes to get a 4, 2 and 0 year old out of the door...

put your socks on...put your pants on...grab your mud boots...do I have the diaper bag...where is your other sock....stop fussing...where is the front pack for the baby...do I have the mail keys/cell phone/purse/bills and mail???

I have made lots of trips back and forth on my driveway because I forgot something! HA

I guess the more I practice the better I will be at it!

2 pairs of pants down in one morning...and 3 more to go for Mr Hazy J! He takes the cake for creating the most laundry in one day for mom!

Loaded up and ready to go to town...

I then had to turn around 2 on the dirt road...I forgot the mail key and my cell phone!

But at least they are buckled in and they had both gone potty

Dad made out like a bandit the other day on the mtn horn hunting.

I am trying to follow along with Ali Edward's for a Week in the Life. I am taking a no stress approach to my documenting...

I am just doing bulleted lists to remember certain things about our day, and I take my camera with me as much as possible.

A few things I want to remember about Monday and Tuesday:

Monday:

Dad, baby and I were up before the boys

I made dunkin donuts coffee

Dad ate cereal/I ate a yogurt cup & banana

Dad left to go and feed cows/fence

read from Ecclesiastes

Boys woke up/told them to head to the potty

lately been telling Hazy to show Dusty how to go potty, seems to help him want to go

Boys ate leftover breakfast casserole/strawberry yogurt

We headed to town to pick up aunt em and went to the grocery store

dressed the boys and had them go play outside for a bit

(loading 3 kids up/making sure they are dressed and had gone potty took quite a bit of effort)

I had to turn around 2 times get my cell phone and the mail keys!

it was great to have em's help at the store, she took the boys in one cart and I had baby in another

she ended up heading down the snack aisle with the boys and came out with 2 mini cans of pringles and a pack of cookies...

I let Robyn (the pharmacy lady) hold Dusty and we chatted a bit

as we were checking out the boys decided to start fighting so it was a hurried rush to the door after I paid for our groceries

the boys wanted to go to the park, but since they were naughty in the store I did not let them go

We had to head home to fix lunch for dad

Em and I hauled the boys slide outside for them to play on as I was fixing lunch

made turkey sandwiches, aunt Em came with us home

lots of crying because I would not let them go to the park!

after lunch Dad helped put the boys upstairs for nap time...but Fish took longer then usual to fall asleep

kept bouncing back and forth between the upstairs and our room with the baby and Fish

we all laid down for a nap, but it was soon cut short because Fish woke up earlier then normal too

decided to take a walk, had to haul the stroller upstairs from the downstairs closet

Fish kept stopping in the middle of the road and throwing dirt in the air

He was a dirty mess

after out walk we all loaded up in the car again to take Em home

we decided to stay at her house for a minute, she made us homemade popcorn

then the boys and I loaded up and headed home

pretty worn out by this time of day...still trying to recover from my c-section

dad took the boys with him irrigating, went to lay down and take a shower

Tuesday:

everyone up together to eat breakfast/Life cereal for breakfast/dunkin donuts coffee

Dad left to feed cows and fence

beautiful day, boys played make believe for awhile

I decided to try to cut their hair, I made it through Hazen's haircut before my hair trimmers died I have to buy a new set at Wal-Mart when we head to town again

then I showered the boys and then ran a bath so baby could join them

bathed all 3 boys, and then after Fish's bath I just used scissors to trim his hair a little since I couldn't cut it

dressed the boys to head outside

Hazen came in 2x from playing outside with pee pee pants/usually just left his pants and underwear outside and then came in asking for another pair

after the boys played awhile they stopped by for a Popsicle on the deck (has become a new favorite treat lately) had to have MATCHING green Popsicles

Fish wanted a snack but I did not want him to eat to much because it would spoil his lunch

gave him a string cheese

as I was making lunch the boys decided to play right at my feet they like the warm spots on our tile but it made for some interesting cooking

put baby in the baby bjorn because he seemed to want mom while I was cooking

I made enchiladas for lunch/put some cin rolls out to rise

fed the boys a little early because they were starving

Dad came in for lunch, and helped put the boys to bed for nap

I laid down with baby in our bed downstairs and took my computer to work with a few pictures before we ended up falling asleep too

we all woke up at 3PM

sent the boys to the potty while I checked on the cin rolls and started the oven

dressed the boys while the rolls cooked for 15 min

grabbed my diaper bag, baby bjorn, baby in carseat, paper towels and coats for the boys to head down and bring dad a snack

loaded the boys up in the car along with all of the stuff

lots of water everywhere when we headed up to the Lake field where dad is fencing we had to cross lots of water in the car

slightly nervous I wouldn't make it though some of the water

we made it and found g'pa and jazz

jazz ended up stealing some of the cin rolls! but we caught her before she ate them all

G'pa called dad to join us, we all had a snack of cin rolls and water

then we loaded up in the ranger to go irrigating with dad

(kind of a big deal because the boys wanted to ride on the 4 wheeler instead of the ranger but then baby and I could not go)

I drove the ranger with baby as the boys followed dad irrigating

they were completely soaked by the time we went to the car/had to take their pants off and socks and stick them in the very back of the car

that was the 3rd pair of pants for Hazen

headed home with all of the boys to heat up leftover enchiladas

unloaded all of the boys and wet clothes and snacks

let the boys play for awhile

Dad came home about 6 PM, ate cin rolls for dessert

boys headed outside with dad to play Haz ended up peeing his pants again 4 pairs of pants in one day!

the boys are downstairs right now listening to Frances and Taily-po on the tape player (library books we have to take back on Thursday)

I have baby in my lap as I am typing this on the computer

baby had to to fed, changed and put lots of dessitin on him, he peed on me again today

I finally got a pee pee tee pee but sometimes I in a rush and forget to use it

8PM and I am ready for bed! I plan to brush teeth soon and do just that soon

Haz just peed his pants again 5 pairs of pants down! :)

I don't think I am going to put another pair on him today

brushed the boys teeth with watermelon toothpaste, backs and fronts have to tel them to hold still

Wednesday:

Hazy woke up in the middle of the night and his diaper had come off

he ended up sleeping with mom the rest of the night (talk about having bed bugs!) only a really snuggly cute bed bug...

Found out this morning that I won Alison's contest

Made dunkin donuts coffee

we all ate and sang together this morning/cereal

boys headed to see g'ma, I worked on my blog and pictures

headed to town to pick up the mail and send a contract for Chris

baby is sleeping and wearing a little cute lion outfit from Aunt Renee

I love how he looks with stripes and orange, he seems to be getting chubbier by the minute

Dad even said this morning that he must have gotten chubbier over night last night!

Dusty makes lots of squeaks and grunts, loves to eat and be held

Hope you have a lovely day!

2010-04-20T11:17:00.002-06:00

The sun is shining, the meadowlarks are singing and I have now officially changed my 2 year olds pants/underwear 3 times this morning (while searching for his pants/underwear in the yard that he wet in) because he seems to forget to take his pants down to go to the bathroom unless I remind him!

About being a parent & things I don't want to forget

2010-04-17T11:06:00.003-06:00

Chris never thought he would say "Boys stop fighting over your lima beans!"
For some reason whenever I cook mixed vegetables the lima beans are pretty special.

Hazen woke up the other night and told Daddy he needed to go pee. wow! We were both shocked. I hope he keeps this up! I won't have to wash sheets all the time. :)

It is amazing how exciting having new McQueen Undies, McQueen Socks, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles or ice cream can be when you are 4 and 2!

Fischer is starting to understand the difference between what is an accident and what is not...

They are downstairs hunting mtn lions with their bows as I am typing this.

Our Life Right Now

2010-04-16T11:14:00.011-06:00

Beautiful Days to take adventure walks...

Finding things to pick and just enjoying the sun...

Lots of diaper changes, snuggles, kisses & just being enamored with this new person.

Mommy holding baby's feet down so I can take just the right picture. I decided not to crop my fingers out because I want to remember this little moment just the way it was...

I found these orange socks the other day! They are a new favorite around here. How can you not smile when you see this little guy with such fun socks on!

Special Company

2010-04-16T11:04:00.005-06:00

It just worked out to have some special company since they were on there way home from a Spring Break Trip. We loved having them, and I had lots of help holding baby. We were happy to share our new baby!

49/52 Bringing Popsicles to Daddy

2010-04-15T19:00:00.003-06:00

Before I do my mom post, I wanted to let everyone know that my dear blogger friend Alison is having a contest. Head on over to her blog to read more about the details.
http://hugsfromus.blogpost.com

Today the boys and I brought Dad and G'pa some popsicles. I put baby in my baby bjorn and he did great(he is under that green blanket). I plan to borrow a sling from a dear friend too. It felt so nice to take a walk. I am feeling great, and I had my 2 week post op yesterday. Baby also had an appointment. He now weighs 8 pounds 15 ounces...Wow!
I brought my camera along on our little adventure today, and I plan to post some of those pictures soon.
Thanks to The Rancher for taking this picture of mom and baby.

My 2nd Newborn Session

2010-04-13T16:01:00.011-06:00

Here is a sneak peek at some of my favorites so far...
I will probably post more as the week progresses. Hope you enjoy!

Introducing Dusty Christopher...

Home with baby...oh my

2010-04-07T11:26:00.010-06:00

Little Dusty is sitting right next to me on top of a pile of laundry that his big brothers brought out to the couch for me. We have been busy holding, kissing and changing baby Dusty. We left the hospital on Friday of last week.
This morning I mostly slept with baby. Luckily, I have good help so that I can.
The boys have been so wonderful with him.
If you came to my house you might find a small baby laying/lying (never can remember which is right) in laundry...
A dumptruck and backhoe turned upside down in the middle of the livingroom because the boys were making a dump pile...
You might hear a fly sprayer that needs to be replaced...I've been listening to it all morning. :)
Also you might find a tired mommy that needs to go hop in the shower!
But a happy tired mommy because baby Dusty is healthy and happy sitting next to me on a pile of laundry in need of another diaper change.

I had to include this picture so everyone could see that I chose orange jello at the hospital.

Introducing Dusty Christopher...

2010-03-31T12:28:00.005-06:00

Dusty Christopher
7 lbs 12 ounces, 20 inches, 8:01 AM
He has lots and lots of red hair.
We are sure happy to finally see him and hold him.
Thanks to G'ma Susie for the pictures!

My heart

2010-03-29T13:14:00.014-06:00

has been stolen by these three.
On Wednesday morning my heart will be stolen once again when baby boy #3 is born.
Please come and see us if you are in the area. We would love it! It is always special to share the excitement of having a new baby.

48/52 Preparing for baby

2010-03-25T15:26:00.005-06:00

38 1/2 weeks pregnant...(I just set the timer on my camera for the first two shots of my belly and me painting)
That is sure a handy function to have and know how to use finally. :)

Painting baby's shelf orange...

My head in the reflection of the mtn lion tracks on my screen.

Me and my bogs in the reflection of our sliding glass door with mtn lion blood on it (and lots of kids prints, dog prints & mud).

For more of an explanation on the mtn lion on my deck see a couple of posts below.

How did this happen...

2010-03-24T14:05:00.003-06:00

How did my two baby boys grow up so fast. They look so grown up in their meeting clothes.

They are the best of friends. As I am typing right now they are walking around in cowboy boots and carrying their babies. The babies at this moment are two stuffed animal puppy dogs. Another favorite game is to take mom's stools from the kitchen and pretend that they are tractors or snowblowers or skidsters.
Thanks to G'ma Susie for emailing these pictures of the boys that she took.

Perfectly Imperfect

2010-03-24T13:26:00.005-06:00

A little story about these pictures...
I took Fischer's coat off to try and take a few shots of him with his button up cowboy shirt on. He was not impressed. He kept telling me that he was freezing. Don't worry I wasn't too mean. I put his coat on right after my little photo session here.

A few things I want to remember about Fischer...

The other day we were heading to a nearby swimming pool. As you can imagine I have a hard time finding anything that fits very well. I just decided to wear some shorts and a t-shirt over my green bathing suit. Fish looked up at me with a smile and said "Mom, you look like Toad." If any of you have ever read Frog and Toad there is a story about Toad in which he decides to wear a bathing suit to go swimming in, but is embarrassed to have the other animals see him in it. :) I can relate right now, and his little thought made me laugh.

As we were getting ready for bed Fischer explained to me that "Hazen, him and me" all have "whiny voices" sometimes but Dad never does because his voice his deep. And then he proceeded to talk very low and business like. As you can imagine Chris thought this was great!

As we were driving in the car to town I had a favorite radio station playing. There was a lady singing from France and then I heard a voice from the back tell me "that lady sounds funny. She must be Amish." I have never talked much about Amish people, and I have no idea where he came up with this!

He loves to listen to Hank the Cow Dog on our CD Player, and his favorite CD right now is The Case of the Missing Watermelons.

Making "dump piles" has become a favorite thing to do...much to my dismay.

He takes all of the toys in the basement and piles them in the middle of the room. Needless to say I had to try to put a stop to this after the 6th time that we were trying to put everything back!

He loves to pretend with his brother. Recently they have been Clifford and G'pa George or Kenny, Jennelle and baby Chaizley.

He also loves to pack things in an old suitcase that we have or his lunch boxes downstairs.

I took these two pictures of Hazen yesterday. I love them for so many reasons. That morning he had run into my end table so Daddy had to put a Spongebob band aid on his cheek. It really is amazing what a special band aid and kiss from Mom can fix.

His shirt is on inside out because he has to dress himself.

Definitely in the "me do it" and "I'm big" stage. Here lately he says "I'm big" and then stands up real tall with his tummy and chest stuck out.

He had just woken up from a very long nap, and his hair shows it.

Also he is eating a special ice cream sandwich because just that day he had taken it upon himself to come upstairs and go poo in the pot. This is a big deal when your little boy tells you that he needs to go poo instead of hiding somewhere! He is becoming self motivated. HOORAY

We will see how long it lasts.

A Mtn Lion & A False Alarm

2010-03-22T19:04:00.010-06:00

Yesterday started out like any Sunday morning. We dressed the boys for meeting, and I took some pictures of the boys in their Sunday clothes.

After lunch at G'pa and G'ma's house, we headed home to take a nap. Our dog Dot met us halfway up the road, and then followed us home. When we pulled up to the driveway Chris said "there is a mtn lion on the deck!" I looked at him like he was crazy. I thought it was such a random thing to say, but then I saw it. When we pulled up it started batting at my sliding glass door screen, and then jumped up and ripped my screen off of the window above our red couch in the livingroom. Chris thought it must have thought that my windows were a way out. I was worried the cat might go through one of my windows. Can you imagine the mess then?

Chris then parked the car behind the horsetrailer to make the cat feel less trapped. The cat then hopped onto the ledge of my front windows facing the mtn, and finally jumped off of the side of the deck. I am not sure how the mtn lion had cut itself, but there was blood on my windows and screens.
I never imagined that in my last weeks of pregnancy one of things I would have to do is wash mtn lion prints and blood off of my outside windows and screens.

I think all of the excitement might have caused me to start having contractions. We had to take the boys up to G'pa and G'ma's house at 10:30PM, and head to the hospital about an hour and a half away. We had to stay over night, and my contractions stopped with the help of some medication. It is best for baby if I can wait until my scheduled c-section. So now we are home, and resting up from all the excitement yesterday!

This is the side of the deck that the mtn lion leaped over to head for some near by trees.

47/52 Waiting for Baby...

2010-03-18T14:27:00.005-06:00

37 weeks

We are packed and ready to go just in case!

The Rancher's Wife's Boys

2010-03-17T09:00:00.029-06:00

Just click on the image to make it bigger.

The Rancher

2010-03-10T16:16:00.010-07:00

I don't have very many pictures of my husband. Today I had fun MAKING him take some pictures.

What a handsome man...

All things bright and girly and sweet:The Rancher's Wife's Photography

2010-03-08T05:14:00.017-07:00

Just Click on the Image to make it bigger.
Please keep in mind that these were saved at 72 pixels and will not be as sharp as the printed photo.
If you look closely you might see a bear playing peek a boo and a tiny bubble in the corner of two pictures...

Hope you have a lovely Saturday...

2010-03-06T08:32:00.006-07:00

Just click on the image to make it bigger.

Sometimes I like lots of exposure and some blurriness to a picture...I feel like it adds to the image. This is an example! Don't be afraid to push your exposure up...

Catching snowflakes...

A Few Thoughts on my Hazy J...

2010-03-05T08:59:00.003-07:00

He is holding onto the bottom of my nightgown in this picture. He will hold onto it, and follow me around the house in the morning.

Every night before bed he says "Hey Mama."
"Yes Hazy"
"One day a dog bit me on the leg." I am not sure why this is his conversation starter, but it is. Fischer's used to be "last night a coyote bit me."
Sometimes he substitutes G'pas dog Jazz into his story...

He loves to sing nick nack patty wack give a dog a bone
At the end of the song he says "This old man he play three he played nick nack on my DAD or Mom." And then he just laughs and laughs.

"I'm serious" (said like only a 2 year old can say it) has become a new favorite phrase and he loves to sing his ABC's...
He will be a big brother soon, and I just wanted to remember a few things about him right now.
I am off to prepare for baby. I plan to wash crib sheets, and to get the carseat ready. I like to be prepared...:)

46/52 Reflection

2010-03-04T01:19:00.003-07:00

This is actually a reflection of me in one of our paintings at home. There are actually some neat places to take reflection pictures in your own home without using a mirror. You just have to look for them!

A few digital scrapbooking thoughts...

2010-02-27T08:10:00.012-07:00

Just click on the images to make them bigger.
***also a good thing to check your LO's a couple of times before you send them to print. I did this, and had to make changes to my journaling on my Wrangler LO. I put that instead of then...
I have since changed it for the LO I will send to print. :)

I've had several emails and questions lately about digital scrapbooking. I thought I would take a little time to answer them on my blog with some examples.
I have started to love to do my LO's in 8.5x11. I do not own a printer that prints LO's that are 12x12. Sometimes it is nice to just have the instant gratification of printing my LO out right away. I still send some 8.5x11 LO's to print. I like the different sizes in my scrapbooks too. It kind of mixes things up, and makes it more interesting to look at.
Also I wanted to add that I usually look for a simple background. Here lately I have tended to choose brown, grey, or light blue. We all go through stages, but sometimes if I don't think too hard about the background then I finish my LO a whole lot faster.
I also believe that less is more. I tend to let the pictures and story speak for itself. Embellishments are great, but in the past I used to focus more on picking the right embellishment than just getting the memory/story down. My focus has changed on that point for sure.
I truly believe that 10 years from now I will not care what heart/flower/button I chose to finish my LO. I will just want the story and pictures to look at. (Simply my personal opinion about my scrapbooking)

I just finished this LO, and I kept the journaling simple and short.

Have you ever included a shot on your LO that covers the entire area? This is a two page spread that I just finished.
Sometimes blurry works...and sometimes it tells the story perfectly. My 2 year old is definitely in the BLUR stage right now.

Another example of not thinking too much about my use of color and embellishments. Also don't be afraid to use something over and over again if you like it. If you notice I used the H in my LO above too. I just went with a simple, clean color scheme.

Do you notice my background? Lots of Blue lately. Don't ask me why...I am just going through a stage. :)

Perfectly Imperfect...

Try going back over old photos of your kids/spouse/pets...

I found these photos on accident the other day, and just started laughing when they started popping up on my slideshow. I loved how imperfect they were...every mother can relate to trying to capture that "perfect picture" of her children. You know the one where they are sitting perfectly and smiling at the camera. ha ha ha

I happen to love all of these imperfect photos best. It is just a slice of real life with little ones.

Rich

2010-02-26T15:18:00.002-07:00

Rich texture that is...

Country Road

2010-02-25T17:32:00.002-07:00

45/52 Taking pictures

2010-02-25T04:48:00.004-07:00

My friend Jennifer took this picture of me the other day while we were out on the ranch taking pictures. I was "crouched" down trying to capture moving water. I'm also 33 weeks pregnant in this picture, and "crouching" just isn't that easy. :)
We had so much fun taking pictures together, and giving each other ideas to improve our photography.
Also a big thanks to Aunt Lisa who watched my two boys while I did this.

PS I just noticed that I was off on my picture number. I am actually on number 45! Man I need to pay more attention. :)

Paying Attention to Detail...

2010-02-23T18:26:00.006-07:00

Reflecting...

Click on the image to make it bigger

Ranch Life

2010-02-23T09:22:00.005-07:00

The boys loved sitting on the saddles in Uncle JD's tack room. They were able to munch on chocolate chip cookies.

Worried...
A cow broke into the area right in front of the tack room, and the boys could hear her running around.

The Audience

2010-02-20T13:18:00.003-07:00

Hope you Enjoy!

2010-02-19T09:50:00.005-07:00

Just click on the image to make it bigger.

43/52 You Are Deeply Loved...

2010-02-17T21:06:00.002-07:00

Another Blue Eyed Beauty

2010-02-17T14:24:00.003-07:00

More fun with black and white pictures...

2010-02-17T11:38:00.005-07:00

PixelsbyJen

2010-02-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

A few of my layouts are featured on Jen's blog. I think she has a very informative article about digital scrapbooking. Check it out when you have a chance.
http://www.pixelsbyjen.blogspot.com

They will never know...

2010-02-16T17:27:00.004-07:00

how often I just sit and watch them sleep.

that even though F decided to dump his scrambled eggs all over the table or that H came walking out of the bathroom smeared with desitin cream (I think he thought it was lotion) or that they both decided to haul 3 baskets full of toys to the top of the stairs and dump them that their mother will always dearly love them.

PS The little mark of F's arm is where he was laying/lying (never know which one to use in this situation) before he decided to move.

Ordinary Beauty

2010-02-16T13:55:00.001-07:00

A Diaper Shower

2010-02-16T11:54:00.011-07:00

My dear friend Jen threw me a diaper shower on Saturday. Since we are having a third baby boy we already have everything we need except for diapers. We decided to do it at my house. It was good motivation for me to clean and organize. I accomplished lots of the things I wanted to before baby.

This happens to be the outfit that I plan to bring baby home in...(notice it has ORANGE in it!)

I had to include owls in the decorations.

There were ladies of all ages at the diaper shower, and it just made it extra special. We had a great time just visiting.

I have lots of diapers now!

Dixie decided that I needed to have some Tension Tamer tea and Ginseng Energy tea since I was having baby boy #3. I think she may be on to something!

A Blue Eyed Beauty

2010-02-15T19:14:00.005-07:00

Hope you enjoy!

The Rancher's Wife's Photography

Valentine's Day Hearts...

2010-02-14T13:09:00.004-07:00

The boys and I used a punch to make our Valentine Hearts from the fingerpainting artwork the boys did a couple of days ago. They handed them out today after meeting.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T17:21:00.006-07:00

Jen's Challenge This Week...

2010-02-12T09:02:00.005-07:00

I had to use all of the products from her FeelingBlueForYou digital kit. I just opened a new 8.5x11 document in Photoshop, and created my own template.
I plan to print this layout off on my printer, and round the corners around the outside too. I think that it adds to the "soft" spring feel to have all rounded corners.
Hope you like it, and I had fun doing it this week Jen.

First Newborn Session Part 2

2010-02-11T21:14:00.012-07:00

I know Kirby and Dixie were wondering when I brought a stump into their house. I loved the texture on it, and wanted to try to use it somehow. Hope you enjoy the rest of the pictures!

My First Newborn Session

2010-02-11T15:40:00.013-07:00

She was such a joy to photograph. She snuggled right in and didn't move for such a long time.

43/52 The Rancher's Wife's View and 32 Weeks Pregnant

2010-02-11T02:52:00.006-07:00

This is the last shot I have of me pregnant. I was 28 weeks! I better have Chris take another one soon. I am already 32 weeks. Can't believe how fast it is going...

The Rancher's Wife's View...

It is just reality to have a cracked windshield and mud all over my car. Still I wouldn't trade it for a shiny clean car because when I see this dusty dirt road I know I'm almost home.

Thinking of Spring...

2010-02-10T13:23:00.005-07:00

The boys start to take Springtime walks out to shut the gate so the neighbors cows don't come in our yard.

Daddy lets the boys ride his horse since he is busy doctoring the yearlings.

The boys can wear boots with no pants outside!

The boys are able to go fishing at the pond without snow clothes.

Old Barn

2010-02-09T14:03:00.004-07:00

Hat Party

2010-02-09T10:27:00.001-07:00

The Rancher's Wife's Photography...

2010-02-08T13:01:00.004-07:00

Just click on the image to make it bigger.

More fun with Texture

2010-02-05T13:18:00.003-07:00

A few laughs for your Friday

2010-02-05T09:44:00.006-07:00

I could not resist cutting this out and sticking it on our refrigerator.

You know you are a Mom when your milk carton looks like this...

I couldn't help but laugh when I noticed Mr. Dinosaur next to my pregnant Willow Tree Figurine...

42/52 Yesterday & Today

2010-02-03T21:15:00.004-07:00

I wish I knew the date of when the top picture was taken. My great g'ma is the one on the far right of the picture leaning in next to her friend. The writing of "Westfield Girls" is her actual handwriting. I just scanned the back of the picture so that I could use her handwriting on my LO.

Some thoughts on this LO:

Friendship requires no date.
Friendship was as important during my great g'ma's generation as it is today.
I have lost touch with lots of my middleschool Reno friends, but their friendship meant the world to me at the time.
I wonder if my great g'ma kept in touch with all of her Westfield chums or not?

Another Hybrid Layout...

2010-02-03T09:17:00.005-07:00

I just glued my LO from the computer onto red cardstock & added the brown pearl embellishments next to the title. Sometimes just keeping it simple is best! :)

This is what I printed off the computer...

Theme

2010-02-02T15:55:00.004-07:00

I did a hybrid page yesterday! The page below is what I copied off of my computer, and then I glued it to a textured piece of black cardstock. The only other embellishement I added was the frog for Fischer's theme. I already had this cut out and waiting for sometime.

A New Button...

2010-02-02T09:16:00.002-07:00

I have a button now. Just copy the code to your blogger layout!
Thanks to Brianna for all of her help. It took me awhile but now I have figured it out.

Boots Like Daddy

2010-01-30T17:24:00.001-07:00

New layout with familiar pictures...

2010-01-30T08:58:00.003-07:00

For Daddy...

2010-01-29T09:35:00.007-07:00

Here are the orange walls...

We had tortillas and cheese last night for dinner.

A York Peppermint Candy for dessert...

A bubble bath...

And then bed. We sure miss you!

The Rancher's Wife's Photography...

2010-01-28T11:41:00.006-07:00

41/52

2010-01-28T08:13:00.004-07:00

Guess What??? I have orange paint on the walls! I will post a picture of the room once I paint it one more time.

Here I am trying to pick up drywall goop. YUCK!

The boys riding in the snowblower with G'ma Wendy...

2010-01-27T09:25:00.004-07:00

Concentration...

2010-01-27T01:31:00.002-07:00

Another take on Hazy J's harmonica playing...
I have now learned how to use actions in PSE7. Yippeeee!

Textured photographs & one more LO

2010-01-26T14:53:00.004-07:00

I want to Remember this about my Fischer Lee at the age of 4!

I love this picture of my husband with his cow dogs. I miss him so much right now! He is away at class learning how to make our ranch more profitable. He went to it last year. I am so proud of him, and know he will bring lots of new information back to improve our ranch.

such concentration...

words can't describe how much I love this picture of my Hazy J...

More Hidden Inspiration...

2010-01-26T14:48:00.002-07:00

The ashes and "stuff" from the wood I have been hauling in lately for the fire. I swept it into a pile, and then noticed that it was just a lovely arrangment.
Hope you enjoy! from The Rancher's Wife's Photography...

Week 4:"Texture" Photo Challenge

2010-01-26T09:12:00.003-07:00

Shana Rae is the guest judge this week. I decided to submit a picture of my oldest son Fischer Lee. Hope you enjoy!

Painting in Carhartts & Spell Check

2010-01-26T00:26:00.006-07:00

This is the next step in the process...

Can't wait to see it on the walls!

Today I primed (okay a little paranoid after the spell check incident...I'm not sure if this is right?) the bedroom downstairs while the boys slept. I had to find something to wear that I didn't mind smearing paint all over. I dug these out of our closet. Unfortunately, they were not made for someone who is 30 weeks pregnant. I was glad no one was around to watch as I tried to roll paint on the ceiling while trying to keep my briches up.

PS: Those black hair clips are the only ones left in my house that have not had a least one of the little prongs broken off. The boys love to play with my hair clips. I go through them like grant took richmond. Fischer is always asking me if he can use my "hair clips to play crane!"

If you look closely I spelled Clos(e)ly wrong. I could not take it back once I had sent it. Photoshop does not spell check, and now I've started to try to be more careful and put everything on a word document before I add it to photoshop.

Oops! ;)

My mom called me the morning after and asked if I had spelled it wrong. At first I played with a few options... well actually I was just trying to be clever and spelled it wrong purposely because I wanted everyone to look closer (HA! come on Kate like your mother is going to believe that anyway), but then I had to admit it to her and myself.

Ummmm no I just spelled it wrong!

So I am starting to really appreciate Spell Check. It seems the longer I am out of college the more I need it.

Next time I will not be so impulsive & I will take the time to spell check my LO. Also I will not let my 2 year old sit on my lap while I am trying to submit something. He has this habit of reaching for everything I have on my desk whether it be paper, pens or our phone wall hanger (I'm not sure what to call it) that I don't know what to do with because we don't plan to hang our phone on the wall.

Finding hidden inspiration...

2010-01-24T19:52:00.005-07:00

Hidden under all of the drywall dust I found inspiration. When we first poured the cement for our basement the leaves from nearby trees blew in and left leaf impressions on our cement floor. We are now finishing our last room in the basement and will soon cover all of the leaf imprints with carpet.

I found inspiration in this messy room. It just goes to show you that inspiration can be found anywhere...we just have to pay attention.

PS If you need a sturdy bag to put trash in/drywall scraps dog food bags work great. They do not fall apart like most trash bags.

40/52 Yesterday & Today

2010-01-21T10:16:00.004-07:00

Don't you just love my Dad's shorts!
This is a 2 page LO I just finished. I started it awhile ago. Hope you enjoy.

Cold Piggies

2010-01-20T23:12:00.003-07:00

This is my LO for the Sketches Ebook by Donna Jannuzzi.

Digital Products used: AASPN_ArtPlayPalette4_Stiching
Background grey paper mfen-April09songbird-solid-1
Title font Marcelle, journaling font Garamond

Change

2010-01-20T15:36:00.004-07:00

I made this 2 page LO awhile ago, and just finished it.

Inspiration

2010-01-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher

2010-01-19T08:16:00.005-07:00

G'ma Wendy called this morning. They decided to read one of the special "white books" that I keep up high on my bookcase.
Hazy was busy dripping yogurt all over his stomach & his chair.

Another Creative Mama contest & this time I won!

2010-01-19T06:13:00.004-07:00

Head over to http://thecreativemama.com/ and check out my scrapbook page! I won a few prizes from Log Your Memory!

I didn't end up winning last night. Angie wrote that over 3000 people voted. Carrie Hartman won. Her picture was the top one. I loved the texture of the brick wall behind her, and if you look closely it is a polaroid.

Thanks to all who voted for me.

A lovely post from Our Tiny Dot...

2010-01-18T22:37:00.003-07:00

Amy over at Our Tiny Dot on the Planet has written a lovely post. My thoughts have been with all in Haiti lately. When I think of little babies not having formula it just makes my heart ache. Read Amy's post because it is a good one!

One of the top five finalists...

2010-01-18T17:21:00.004-07:00

I entered a photo contest to win a spot in a workshop given by marta locklear. I have been chosen as one of the top five finalists. Now people are allowed to vote on their favorite entry until 10PM tonight.
Head over to http://thecreativemama.com and scroll down until you see my picture along with 4 others for the Marta Locklear workshop.
Place your vote on which one you like best!

Sometimes...

2010-01-18T13:07:00.002-07:00

a picture is just RIGHT! Just lovely...Just special.

carhartts

2010-01-18T10:16:00.005-07:00

39/52 Kisses from my boys & for my boys

2010-01-16T13:22:00.005-07:00

Smile Boys

2010-01-16T10:40:00.004-07:00

I love you!

Another Reason to Love Digi Scrapbooking...

2010-01-10T18:36:00.007-07:00

I love digital scrapbooking because I have officially caught up on all the boys birthday party layouts. It is so quick & I just used the same template for all their birthday layouts. I think I will continue to use the same template for all their birthdays for awhile. It sure makes it easy!

A Special Machine Birthday...

2010-01-09T23:11:00.025-07:00

I can't believe he is four already!
(Thanks to Candy for this picture of Fish)

I had to put out the machine decorations & my pages I made for Fish.

I made White Chilli, and just put it in the crockpot.

Blaire is sure adorable. She even has an orange pacifier. This girl knows what color is the best.

Fischer's Machine Birthday Cake...

We had a great turnout this year. We never know because of weather & sickness. It was really nice to see everyone.

Fischer blowing out his candle. We had to light it a couple of times, and Amelia was even able to blow it out. Candy reminded me that the matchbox had 250 candles. We decided to stop lighting the candle before we used all of them!

These two have grown up together. The day Fischer left the hospital was the day Candy went to the hospital. Amelia was born the very next day.

When Fischer first saw Amelia he covered his eyes, and just smiled because he was so excited that she came to his party. They had fun today just playing imaginary games. At one point they were going on a picnic.

Hazen decided to remove his shirt so he could snuggle it, and then decided that he needed to "help" Daddy serve cake & ice cream. As you can see, Daddy was not really in need of Hazy J's "help."

Opening his presents...

He is his father's son...(notice the cheesy grin)
Candy took this shot of Hazen, and I love it. It captures him shirtless (which is common these days because he always wants to snuggle his shirt instead of wear it) & his dump truck is reflected behind him in my fridge. Also his baby is sitting right next to him.

Library Books & Uncle James's Visit

2010-01-08T09:09:00.009-07:00

Chris, James and Ashley played lots of cribbage. I just scrapbooked while they were busy playing. Chris enjoyed having some people to play games with.

The boys loved dancing while Uncle James played his guitar. Chris even brought out his harmonica a few times.

We have been to the Library two times now. The boys love it. It is very special for them to pick out their own library books.

Listening to Wee Sing on CD...

The boys listening to The Ants Go Marching while I was making homemade pizza.

Hazen thought he would march along too. Fish just liked looking at the pictures as the CD played.

38/52 Great G'ma & Me

2010-01-07T08:31:00.004-07:00

I plan to use an American Crafts Pen to do my journaling in my own handwriting once I get this back from the printers. I cheated a little bit & used two pictures from the same day on my second page. I love how the LO turned out, and I plan to do something similar for my boys and Chris too.

I plan to print this off & use an American Craft Pen as well. I think it is really important to include some of my own handwriting on my LO's. It is something that gets lost when I do lots of digi pages. Now I am going to start to combine them.

In this LO, I am comparing pictures of me & my great g'ma. She is holding her first born who just happens to be a boy. I love that these pictures were taken close to a hundred years apart yet the emotions are similar. We are both new mothers. We are both experiencing the myriad of emotions that goes with becoming a new mother. We are both looking down at our new baby boys in awe. It is pretty amazing to think that this little person was once inside of me, and now depends on me! I plan to think more about this common human bond that spans generations when I journal. I'm going to let it percolate for awhile before I actually put pen to paper.

A Few New Layouts for the New Year!

2010-01-05T22:19:00.004-07:00

I can't believe my first baby boy is going to be 4 in 5 days.