My M&M's

Congratulations, Blaine and Wendy!

2011-11-22T06:35:00.001-08:00

Dannika Leigh was born on 11/19/2011!

Mishayla and Melania

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July 2011

Quilting Giveaway (Not by me...)

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Greenfairyquilts.com is doing a giveaway! Stop by and check it out. Green Fairy Quilts is one of my favorite online places to go for Moda Jelly Rolls, Fat Quarter Bundles, Layer Cakes, etc. The prices are very reasonable, and Judi is an awesome machine quilter. I've learned a lot by watching some of the tutorials on her blog.

Sylvester - The hypoallergenic cat!

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Mishayla - 3rd Birthday continued...

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Dora the Explorer Hamster pet

Spencer and June

Entertainment by Spencer

More presents

Some help from Great Gma

Happy Birthday, Mishayla!

2010-12-05T16:58:00.001-08:00

Snow.... Some people just like it more than others!

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Backpack girls (or, Monkey see, Monkey do...)

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Mishayla

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Happy Birthday, Karen!

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Melania reading a book... Berenstein Bears anyone? Great Gma and Gma cut the pizza for Karen's party.

Is Mishayla up to something? Papa seems oblivious...

The Birthday Girl. My younger sister keeps trying to get as old as me.

The kids help her celebrate!

November Preview...

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Melania is not overly impressed that Mishayla has chosen to get her "Leapster observation hours" in by watching her play. Mishayla will have her very own Leapster later this month, and I'm sure the girls will miss this close bonding time. Betty D. reading to the girls on a recent visit.

Trick or Treat - A Tender Heart Bear and A Cinderella/Princess Bride

2010-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Oh Deer...

All dressed up for pre-school. Lovin' the purple crocks...

Sisters...

Tender Heart Bear

I wish I had captured the size of the bag. Melania was a very optimistic trick or treater!

Mishayla

The 2nd or 3rd annual party at Philip and Alisha's.

October 2010

2010-11-21T18:20:00.001-08:00

Taylor Rae dancing at Fall Fest The kids on the bus go...

I was leaving the house after lunch to return to work when I encountered this black bear about 30 feet away... I did a double take, and went for my camera. Then, I decided rather than take pictures, I really should rescue the neighbor's dog. It was young black bear. I never heard if he was captured and relocated or not. No more bear sightings in my front yard!

Picking apples at Gpa and Gma's house.

Melania paying with her kitties. They are her "babies."

Melania had a playdate with Greta. Poor Mishayla was the 3rd wheel.

"Best" Friends!

Mishayla chose this dress, made by a friend of ours from WA to wear one day!

Thank you for your thoughtfulness if you follow my blog.

Pre-School - Melania

2010-10-07T18:50:00.001-07:00

I told Mishayla she could probably go to school if she always used the potty and had dry panties!

She took me seriously and started practicing. Someday, she will really hate this picture. She also gets rewarded by getting to play with PlayDoh.

And, here she is, my "big" girl, all ready for school! It's hard for me to believe that this is really happening. The last 4 3/4 years have gone by so quickly. Melania is so excited and so ready for school. She'll be 5 years old in December. The preschool is taught by a newly retired 1st grade teacher who seems to do a great job with the kids. They have quite the curriculum 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours. It's just the right amount to prepare mommy for all-day kindergarten next year...

Candids from THE wedding!

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Papa and Mishayla get a litte nap in the shade. Taylor Rae helps in the kitchen. Melania and her Leapster... Fun tmes!

Uncle Duane - dad of the groom Shaun

Aunt Barb - mom of the groom

Colton Jack

Still sleeping. No crabbies!

M&M's

"Will it ever be tme to be the flower girl?"

Secrets?

Monkey see...

Finally, the moment has arrived!

Summer (Part 1) 2010...and, just where did it go so fast?

2010-08-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

For Sale - Need a 4WD Trailblazer? I needed more passenger space and found a good deal on a suburban. It's doesn't quite get the gas mileage, but then I sort of knew that! Happy Father's Day, Dad/Papa!

The girls were not about to cooperate for a picture.

" "I'm going to get you!"

Father's Day - Uncle Hugh with his kids. Honestly, Father's Day is just a strange holiday for my girls! We make the best of it.

Picture from the "old" farm with the "new" place in the distance. I took a trip to northern MT (Rudyard) for it's 100 year celebration. My family moved from the "new" place in 1986. My dad's parents lived here most of their lives. I remembered these roses, and wanted to "visit them. Nex time, I would like to transplant some at my home.

My dad is in the lower right picture. I only went to school here through the 7th grade.

My Aunt Luella. The Drinking Fountain at Devon Convention...

Not to be missed!

Funny thing, but I remember climbing on the fountain and drinking from when I was a little girl.

Not about to smile fo a group picture.

Melania and Lisa reading a bedtime story.

Typical of group picture of the girls this summer.

Here we are at Manhattan convention.

Mishayla - cooperative as usual.

Mom and Grandma

(Melania is standing beside me as I post and says, "There's our grandma's," and, she's right!)

Melania and Great Grandma

Melania and her bff, Nichole.

Mishayla at the carousel. We met Janelle and her daughter Hannah for the evening when they were visiting from OR. I didn't do so well getting pictures...

Swimming lessons 2010. Melania is ready for Level 1; Mishayla will continue to work on her listening skills. Her swimming skills are just fine!

At the lake.

Quilt show

*I have friends, or at least I think they would be friends of mine, if I were to meet them in person, whose blogs I follow. They are able to write posts that are hilarious, emotional and filled with feeling. Usually, I can relate to those feelings completely! I just wonder how they do it when I struggle just to keep up with pictures? So, thanks to you really amazing bloggers who write all the things I'd like to write and help me to remember the feelings that are captured in the pictures.

April / May 2010 - Think of it as time travel!

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Gma with 2 of her girls. Mishayla can be pretty sweet and huggable, especially when she's worried about having to share Gma with Kaitlyn!

This pretty guy was sitting outside my house one evening, just long enough for one picture.

Nature walk out on the "dikes". These have apparently been around for a while and are a great place to see wildlife. I just learned about them...

Happy girls to be out and about.

Pelicans and more! They are actually very large birds!

I need more zoom...

It was a pretty pleasant evening in spite of how overcast it looks.

Ginger likes outings too!

Opens to the lake.

Great Grandma's Birthday, celebrated in part one Wed. evening.

Great Gma and the kids

June with some of her students at Melania's 1st piano recital. She played "EIEIO".

All did a great job!

Girls with mouse ears. No, we didn't go to Disneyland...just visited the dress-up box.

Teri and Mishayla. Lovely hair bow!

Nichole, Melania and Mishayla

Nichole and Melania

*It's possible that my next post will include Father's Day, 4th of July, a school reunion and more!

Mukilteo Beach with Martha and Chad

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*Pictures by Sew Fab Martha

Princess Dress + Melania = Flower Girl

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My cousin Shaun and his wife, Emily, invited Melania to be a flower girl in their wedding.

Typical of me uploading photos to blogger, they are in reverse order.

So, presenting the happy couple!

Melania decided to sit down and rest during the ceremony. This might be the point where she thought talking to Emily would be a good idea.

A little nervous about her walk down the aisle...

Family picture - my mom's side. Just missing one cousin who wasn't able to make it to the wedding.

Pretty Mishayla!

Dancing Melania.

These pictures were all taken by Carlie Brene.

http://carliebreenphotography.info The girls.

Shaun and Emily

The wedding party

Mr. and Mrs.

Emily's friend for life!

*I hope to put up some of the candid shots I took of this special day soon!

Gpa and Gma with the kids!

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Little photo shoot in preparation for harvest... The grandkids with Gpa and Gma. Shot on location at Gpa and Gma's...

Maybe Gpa will buy the kids a "real" Escalade someday!

Wait- he's to busy farming for that!

Howler's Inn

2010-08-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

The night before my cousin's wedding, the girls and I stayed at the Howler's Inn. It is a bed and breakfast near Livingston, MT, that is also a wolf sanctuary. We were lucky enough to secure a one night reservation in the Aspen room.

http://www.howlersinn.com/ Playing with doll baby and Priness Barbies. Both girls were a little distracted by the Barbie Princess DVD playing off to their right! I was able to escape to the whirlpool tub with a good book! Breakfast was fabulous, but I did not take any pictures. We were told the wolves howled quite a bit during the night, but we slept right through... Hiking around the wolf enclosure in the very tall grass. I think this one is Chief.

He's missing an eye. Apparently it got infected and wolves have the ability to "heal" themselves. Nature just took its course!

Melania with two of the younger wolves. We were able to pet them through the fence. They licked our hands and were quite friendly!

Mishayla with one of the younger wolves. She was excited until he licked her hand. We were told to be very careful because sometimes the wolves will misinterpret the quick movements of small children as prey rather than play!

These particular wolves are about a year old.

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Babies playing babies.

From the dress up box of old dance costumes. Stunning, don't you think?

My sparkler.

With attitude.

African Princess

One of my patients gave me a box of outgrown dance costumes. Could 2 girls be any happier?

Thanks you! This was a great idea.

Happy Birthday, Grandma! That's one fine lookin' rooster!

Someone's a little bit tired and grumpy! Kaitlyn's usually speeding around to fast to get a picture.

Spring dresses. I was so proud to have remembered white sandals and tights to go with their new dresses! First time for everything...

I don't know why it is so difficult to get a picture of both girls actually looking at the camera!

Pretty girl.

Easter Egg hunt at Hugh and Carmen's with all the neighborhood kids

Fun times!

"Take my picture with this one, Mommy!"

Mishayla scores an egg.

The Easter Bunny...

Playdate with a couple sweet boys!

Hiding in the corner.

Melania and Lars playing "doctor." Yes, they were supervised!

Melania had just been to Urgent Care, and she loved the entire experience...

Lars might be a natural!

Mishayla is a silly girl! If it involves climbing, she's in!

One night, Mishayla was put in her bed and Melania was in her bed.

An hour or so later, this is what I found. It was to sweet not to take a picture.

Last bath in the old laundry room sink. Finally, new cabinets and a new sink arrangement to make the laundry room more functional. Still no bathtub, but this will work for a little while longer! Melania is dark chocolate and Mishayla is caramel. Mommy is vanilla. Melania wanted to know if she was going to be vanilla when she became an adult. We had a little talk about that, and she's fine with being dark chocolate as long as she can be a real princess and marry a prince...

My niece, Kadyn, is losing her teeth. The girls are quite impressed!

Silly girl - cracks herself up on a regular basis!

This is usually a process. Twists, braids, etc. A new "do" takes 45 minutes to an hour, but it will last up to 2 weeks! The texture of the girls' hair is so different. They both have a lot of curls, though.

Happy Father's Day! Melania and Mishayla celebrated with their "Papa." We are tired of rain and ready for summer. The girls would like to be outside riding their bikes.

January 2010 Continued...

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Mishayla and Sylvester come to an understanding...

The girls enjoying "snowman soup." A gift from a patient of mine.

It's delicious. What can I say, it involves cocoa, chocolate kisses, marshmallows, a candy cane to stir, etc.

Mishayla and Sylvester bond after her nap one sunny afternoon.

Sylvester is a downstairs only cat (failed to learn how to stay off the kitchen counters), and sometimes he just gets desperate for some attention. What is Mishayla doing to her eye? Sylvester kisses... Uncle Blaine and Mishayla. What's in there???

My mom's knee after getting stitches after a fall.

(It's healed up now.)

My mom - not so enthusiastic about me taking a picture of her knee.

Girls playing in the jet tub at Gpa and Gma's.

They loved "swimming" in the tub.

My "helper."

No, we really don't keep our dishes on the floor...Especially now.

Pantry cupboard pictures to follow!

Mishayla

Same old problem. Nobody wants to look at the camera.

Neah Nova. Neah means "butterfly" in Cherokee. This little girl came to stay for a week. Initially, her parents were considering an adoptive placement, but reconsidered. This little one has a special place in our hearts, and we hope for the best for her. She's a sweetheart!

Moving Right Along Into 2010

2010-04-07T21:23:00.001-07:00

We celebrated the start of the New Year with friends in Washington!

*Photo credit to Tonya (my camera battery died)

Entertaining story...

My only picture of Braden. I will have to do better next time.

You can see more pictures of this cute boy on his blog!

Lisa and Melania

P.S. Lisa, this picture really makes me miss you! I hope we are able to get together again soon!

Girls don't really need toys. Just give them some empty boxes.

This story is more recent than the picture...

Melania was holding a large flat rock that she found outside.

She showed it to June, and told her that she had reached Level 2 and was having a great game on her "Outside Leapster." Great imagination. June has dubbed the rock the "Stoneage Leapster." I found it pretty amusing because Melania is as addicted to her Leapster as I will allow! (which is about 30 minutes daily!)

Christmas in April...At least for this blogger!

2010-04-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Being an infrequent blogger puts one at a disadvantage. I can never remember what order the pictures will be uploaded... So we will start on Dec. 30 with Tyler's 10th birthday. He is my oldest nephew and has a cake with an archery theme! It's his new 4-H hobby. Both Melania & Mishayla love to sing "Happy Birthday!" One year, it became a tradition to take Aunt Wendy and Uncle Blaine's picture with all the kids. This year's rendition featured an unhappy Spencer, or "Spenster" as the girls call him. Hopefully Uncle Hugh was able to get a better picture than I did! Presents 2009. The ever popular bath foam.

and Chapstick!

Dr. Mishayla is now accepting patients.

Mishayla likes her Geotrax and yes, her chapstick!

Any dress that has "princess qualities" is a big hit.

Pizza?

Breakfast? The girls loft is fixed up as a playhouse, complete with kitchen and wooden food.

Another lovely gown.

And, the Princess Leapster game. Very popular on our trip to Washington!

Melania had Colton Jack's name. He likes GeoTrax too. Bull & Bruno?

Melania sprawled on Kaitlyn's bean bag.

Spencer is a little mixed up on his holidays!

The evening after Christmas Day....

Duane and Barb

Karen and Wendy playing with Taylor Rae's gift.

Karen might be accepting orders on knit hats... Let me know if you want one.

Dad's cousin Cliff and his wife stopped in for a visit.

Jason and Kaitlyn. She's a busy girl.

Guess what Santa brought Colton Jack?

Games

and more games.

Rook, anyone? House rules apply.

Tyler takes time after dinner to catch up with Calvin and Hobbs.

Kid games - Taylor Rae, Trenton and Kadyn

Melania has a slice of pie.

Family dinner.

Great Gma helps Mishayla.

Emily and Taylor - Emily will be joining the family as my cousin Shaun's wife!

Cooks in the kitchen

Prep cooks in the kitchen- Shannon, Wendy, Emily and Carmen

Pre-dinner story hour. So cute, Tyler reading to the kids.

Mishayla and Spencer playing. Spencer loves balls - any size will do.

Uncle Duane reads to Melania.

Christmas morning... Santa came! The girls in their loft recliners emptying out their stockings.

Mishayla wanted a Princess Barbie like Melania's.

My sweet M&M's

June was blowing bubbles for the girls. Not sure what happened to Mishayla.

Caroline

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Caroline posted her school picture on facebook. Isn't she beautiful?

I can hardly believe how grown up she looks! I love your smile, Carolina Girl!

Melania's 4th Birthday - December 5, 2009

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Happy 4th birthday, Melania! We woke up to presents for the girls. Melania, of course, loved the Princess wrapping paper. What is it?

New outfits?? I remember as a kid getting clothes (boring, in my opinion) for my birthday and "toys" for Christmas (much more to my liking)! Anyway, I plan to continue the tradition - sort of...

Ok, so the pants were a little huge. This just means they will fit next year, too.

Mishayla just was not quite as happy as the birthday girl.

I was able to outsmart blogger (for the most part) on this post. However, this picture is out of order. This is lunch, after a trip to Mountie Moose Bakery for doughnuts with sprinkles...

Can you sense the general level of enthusiasm?

So, back at the bakery...

Why eat the doughnut if you can just enjoy the chocolate frosting and sprinkles?

In addition to her new outfit, Melania received a Cinderella Princess Barbie. She'd been wanting one for a quite awhile. So, you see, toys aren't just for Christmas anymore!

After naps, it was time for brownies...

and candles!!!!

Then, on Sunday, we celebrated Melania's birthday again (because you just can't have to many celebrations when you are four) with all of her family.

Melania with her Princess cake at Gpa and Gma's.

Happy Birthday, Carmen!

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My sister, Carmen, had a "surprise" party last year for her birthday. Hope this year is just as special!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mishayla!

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Enthusiastic birthday party guest, Ginger! Sick girl. Very sorry to have to wait 2 more weeks until her birthday.

The party - fewer participants than anticipated secondary to illness.

We had salad, oven stew and bread.

Balloon party favors - a big hit. Mishayla likes to rub the balloon and make a lot of noise. It drives Melania absolutely crazy...

New doll from June

Monkey card from Gpa and Gma

Dishes from Great Gma, Great Aunt Barb and Great Uncle Duane

New kitchen for the "playhouse / loft" from Mommy

Family picture...

Typical Mishayla!

Chocolate cake and frosting - Recipe from Tonya.

"I know it's my birthday, but I don't have to smile with my cake!"

Happy Birthday, Caroline!

2010-01-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Caroline was my foster daughter for a little over a year. Here she is celebrating her 11th birthday! Today, Caroline is 13! Happy Birthday, Carolina Girl! We are thinking of you and hope you have the best year ever!

October 2009

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I decided I did not want to deal with mud again this winter.

So, the old step was hauled away. The Bobcat was employed, much to the girls delight and entertainment. And a sidewalk was installed. Along with new steps, a railing, and some more sod.

Sorry, no actual pictures of the completed project!

One afternoon, I was missing Alfy's. Last summer, I brought home a menu.

Here is my "pirated" version of Alfy's Chicken Alfredo pizza.

As good as the real thing!

A friend of mine from high school was visiting, and was even kind enough to call! We spent the evening with her family.

The kids had a great time playing together.

She has twin girls and a little boy.

Jeannie

Jeannie's dad with Melania and Mishayla.

Melania will never turn down an opportunity to snuggle!

Sylvester has not made an appearance on the blog lately.

However, here he is. Just as long-suffering as ever!

We celebrated Grandma's birthday at Hugh and Carmen's completed house!

My birthday was a couple of days earlier, and Carmen graciously saved me some pumpkin cheesecake.

The "birthday girl"!

The kids did a great job singing to Grandma with great enthusiasm!

Kaitlyn has been coming over to play periodically.

I was not home for this game, which seems to involve a swimming pool in the living room.

Mishayla's 23 months!

Kaitlyn is 20 months old.

Potty training with Dora!

Mark, Brenda and family were out to visit.

Was great to see you again!

We were invited to a Halloween party at Philip and Alisha's.

The kids dressed up, ate pizza and went trick or treating. A good time was had by all!

Kaitlyn and Kenzie (both very close to Mishayla's age! )

Lars H.

Somewhere between 19 and 21 kids total!

Mishayla was a pink butterfly.

Melania was Princess Aurora. (Her favorite!)

I can't believe I'm raising a princess.

Summer Pictures by Chelsea

2009-10-05T21:23:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine from out of town came over to my parents' place to shoot the girls on location! It was impromptu, fun (except for the mosquitoes!) and resulted in some great pictures. I've been horrible about taking the girls in to get their pictures taken, and have relied on opportunities such as this to get more "professional" photos.

What happened to summer?

2009-10-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Nap time - someone ended up in the wrong bed. Someone thought she was very funny!

Another someone liked it too!

How long has it been since a bath shot? The girls are still using the sink, however, they have a new "showerhead" installed by Mommy a couple of weeks ago. Wow!

The carousel. A favorite spot for a birthday party!

Princess and Flower (link on the right) invited us for Princess's 5th birthday celebration.

Thanks! A great time was had by all.

We went last year as well, but Mishayla wasn't quite big enough to ride all by herself yet.

My, what a difference a year makes!

Quilt for "Baby Henry" by June. Pattern by Wanda.

Family picture attempts are often thwarted.

As is the case here,

and here.

Everyone is accounted for; even if you can only see the back of Mishayla's head.

At least for now... My sister Wendy and her husband, Blaine, are homestudy approved, so it's possible that M&M's will have some adopted cousins soon! Most days, Melania happens to think another "chocolate baby" would be nice, but, like the rest of us, she loves all babies.

Attempted photo shoot - 9/06/2009

Two girls, one camera.

Dress-up, anyone? Your shoes will be filled if you take them off at our house!

I love this picture of Mishayla's hands.

Thank you, Piper, for the pretty, pink bug suit!

Thank you, Julie, for the dress-up clothes. The Princess is apt to try and wear them everywhere!

Breaking bread together.

Before meals, Melania likes to sing her grace.

"Lord, our thanks upset (accept),

Humbly, freely given,

May Thy presents (presence) sweet,

Draw us nearer heaven."

In her world, it's all about the presents!

Mishayla and Papa

Melania and papa go for a combine ride.

Harvest 2009

Time to play "Catch-Up" again!

2009-09-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Mishayla wearing an outfit made for Melania by Irina Eicher.

I haven't posted any wild hair pictures for awhile! Melania took swimming lessons this summer. It took her a couple of days to get comfortable with the situation, and then she did a great job. Jumping off the diving board is a new favorite!

Mishayla must need laundered since she's hanging out in the basket.

My friend Justin H and his family were visiting during the fair.

Melania hugs Smokey at the kiddie parade for the county fair.

I was babysitting Kaitlyn. The girls are having a little bedtime snack. Maybe I'm not so ready to adopt another little one yet!

Melania reading to Kaitlyn.

Whitehall quilt show.

Not the best picture of a very nice quilt.

Mishayla dressed in one of my childhood outfits. Melania wore the same one for pictures!

M&M's eating June's birthday cake. Yummy dark chocolate!

Another place we are spending quality time this summer.

Sylvester napping with Melania.

I spent an evening with my friend Janelle and her family at her cousin's place. Here is Mishayla riding one of the resident goats.

Melania holding a 2 week old puppy. They were the cutest, but no we didn't take one home.

Janelle and I. We need to get together more often.

Melania and Mishayla loved the trampoline.

Love the backwards blogger picture order. Melania reads the name she drew out of the "hat" as the raffle quilt winner.

No pressure, Melania, just reach in and pull out Mommy's name for the raffle quilt.

One of June's entries.

One of mine.

Another one of mine. Just so happy to be at the quilt show.

Raffle quilt for the show. Constructed primarily by my mom with help from a few others.

In July, we went to Billings to see Thomas. It was quite a road trip for a little train ride. I totally flunked Thomas Trivia, but my nieces and nephews did a great job. In the coach car - Melania and I are still smiling. Mishayla was D-O-N-E, and then some Smarties appeared from the seat behind us and saved the day!

Kaitlyn and Mishayla - still small enough to contain in strollers.

Sir Topham Hat. (Now there's a job I won't be applying for anytime soon!)

Butterfly kisses.

Melania playing with Holly.

June / July 2009

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Melania at the lake Mishayla gets her toes wet.

Evening rainbow from my deck.

Yummy doughnut with Erika at the Mountie Moose Bakery.

The glass blowing shop - one of the local attractions.

Erica reading to Melania and Mishayla. I love Mishayla's expression.

Ronan convention. 1st night in the dorm...

Spring/Summer 2009

2009-07-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yummy! "I think the tablespoon works the best!"

June and some of her piano students.

Great Gma and Melania at the recital.

Mud puddles are better than sprinklers.

More fun in the "sun."

Fun in the sprinkler.

The princess on her throne - a Princess lawn chair.

The T-shirt says it all.

Princess Melania gets a tiara for good behavior.

Mishayla apparently takes after Aunt "Windy."

Dirty girls get to sample Ginger's bed.

Yardwork takes it toll on cleanliness.

One evening, we decided to do some digging in the the yard.

Pretty girl in a pink sundress.

The "almost wink" with the left eye. It has now been mastered.

A quick kiss!

Playing with Mishayla's baby bib.

Melania has a new toy - Mishayla!

Mother's Day - My mom, Gma, Aunt Barb and Uncle Rod

The girls, who cannot look at the camera at the same time.

Happy Mother's Day!

Uncle Jason, Aunt Karen, Mishayla and Kaitlyn

Aunt Karen snuggles with Mishayla.

April 2009! Pictures in the blogger-upload-allowed-order.

2009-05-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Finally, enough hair for a clip.

Smiley girl!

Balloons from Donna B. Thanks!

How big can I make it?

Melania's busy with something.

A very common expression for Mishayla - mouth OPEN.

Cute little babies with their diapers. Not for long, though. Potty training in session.

Easter morning. Not much time for picture taking.

Even less interest in picture taking.

We survived bowling with three one year olds. Amazing.

"Hi, Uncle Blaine. You're going to let me go next, right?"

Melania's score. Where's my gutter guard?

Aunt Wendy helps Melania "granny bowl" a strike.

Nervous grin Operation Easter Egg Hunt!

Melania and her cousin, who is just a little older.

Group shots are rough. Nobody wants to look at the camera at the same time.

Operating Easter Egg Hunt....Continued.

Easter egg hunt with Kaylee

Aunt Wendy was feeding Spencer some frosting. The "Spenster" as Melania calls him has really come out of his shell and become quite the social little one!

Melania and June post Easter egg dying.

Great Gma Marion celebrates a birthday.

Mishayla grabbing a random leg. If you give a mouse a cookie...! Actually, Melania was sick, so she got to break out her Halloween costume and snuggle in mommy's chair with her quilt from Sew Fab Martha.

I just grabbed the camera to take a quick picture as we were leaving the house one evening.

Mishayla sporting a headband. She is finally starting to get curly hair!

Quilt show - I loved the daisies!

A new quilting recruit! (Carmen, not Spencer.)

Quilt Show Kids!

Another not-so-exciting update

2009-03-27T22:13:00.001-07:00

My dad loaned me his computer and internet connection device for the evening, so I can play at home. It's so nice. I can't believe how much I miss being able to blog from my favorite brown chair. Of course, I probably get more done around the house when I don't have internet access. I was just thinking today that it has been almost 2 years since I met Caroline. Mishayla is nearly the same age now as Melania was then. I look at Melania now, and it hardly seems possible. She's such a big girl now; most of the time! It's also been a year since Caroline went to live with another family. I found out in January that she moved again. I spoke with her mom when I was in WA , and it seems like her new home is a good fit. We still love you and miss you, Caroline! I hope you are a happy girl, and I think of you often. It's also hard to believe that we've been living in MT for over half of a year already. I'm so glad to be here and for what it has meant to be closer to family. That's not to say we don't miss Wendy and Blaine and everyone else who was like family in WA. I thought I'd be more settled in by now, have more house projects complete, and be all ready to start working in the yard... It hasn't quite worked out that way. My business is growing each week. I have enough patients to stop doing home health, although I will continue in a limited capacity. It's so nice not having to drive so much everyday. I have plenty of paperwork to keep me busy, and the learning curve on billing insurance is steeper than I expected. No complaints, though, because I am so happy to be able to do physical therapy in my own little office. Tomorrow is the home show which will feature my bro-in-law who has an exhibit to promote the sod farm, so I'd best sign off and go to bed.

Fingers crossed that there will be more pictures.

2009-03-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th birthday Colton Jack! Cool combine cake by Karen.

Sick baby girl with her kitty.

Sister love. Mishayla is still the "baby," but she is only a couple of pounds lighter than Melania. Chopsticks anyone?

The little climber in action.

Melania with a lot of braids. One and a half hours went into this hairdo!

It was so cute though!

The "cooker" at our house. Melania tells me that I am a very good "cooker" when I make mac & cheese for her. Sad, I know. We really miss Trader Joe's.

Great Gma with a very sleepy Melania on New Year's Day.

Awesome quilt by Sew Fab Martha!

2009-03-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I'd hoped to post even more pictures, but.... Blogger doesn't like me, and it's bedtime. Maybe tomorrow

It's spring, right?

2009-03-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Trenton! Go, Bulldogs! Mishayla's up and then she wants down. Repeat.

Happy 30th birthday, Carmen. Where is the guest of honor?

The lollipop returns.

Ginger gets into the picture.

The girls with their knit items from June's Aunt Kathy. I love Melania's African American doll, complete with clothes and a bead necklace.

The girls with their dresses, hats and stuffed animals from Don and Barbara.

Thank you!

Bath time + sisterly love. We have no tubs in our new house, just showers. So, the laundry room sink has to suffice!

Tiggers have stripes. So do M&M's.

Melania's very happy with her huge lollipop! It even trumps Pooh Bear. Gma and Taylor Rae June and the kids. M&M's nanny is very popular here in MT! Great Gma and my sister, Karen. The apron gives you a little clue about where we live!

February update

2009-02-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been this long between posts. Oops. Most of my pictures are on my other laptop, so I won't have a chance to post them tonight. The girls are very busy to say the least. Mishayla has been walking steadily for about 6 weeks. Her vocabulary is growing every day. June started a list of her words because they are still along the lines of "Mishayla-speak," which is recognized only by a few people who live in the same house. She might be getting a little more hair, but that is debatable. Melania has started calling me "Mooommm" - complete with attitude. This is a little distressing, but she still likes to snuggle before bedtime. She's very busy reading about Curious George. Melania likes going to basketball games because of the popcorn and licorice. My business has really picked up since the first of the year, so most of my "spare" time is spent working at the office trying to understand insurance claims and how to submit them for payment. Overdue blog congratulations to Lisa, Troy and Braden! You can check out their blog for more information...

Christmas Eve: Pictures by Martha!

2008-12-24T22:39:00.000-08:00

We drove to the greater Seattle area yesterday from MT. Our roads were better than expected. I can't say Mishayla enjoyed the trip, but then would any one year old?

I went to work today at my old job. It was wonderful to see everyone again, but I am still excited to have moved on to owning my business.

Christmas Eve finds us staying at my sister's house, even though she and her husband have left for Canada. Housesitting and catsitting. It's nice.

We are looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family while visiting WA, but disappointed that we won't be able to visit Caroline this trip. Thanks to all of you who have asked about her and how she is doing.

Enjoy the picture collage. My friend Martha and her husband babysat the girls today and this was the result. Martha is an amazing photographer (and friend!), and you can visit her blog -- Sew Fab Martha.

Mishayla and the Balloon

2008-12-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

Look for a slideshow of Mishayla's 1st year soon!

Mostly Melania - 11/07-06/08 Half way there

2008-12-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Melania!

2008-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Melania - 8 months to 1 year in review

2008-11-26T22:07:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

Now that I've been out of the blogging loop for awhile, I see some of you have went to "invite-only" status. I miss you, and I hope you'll invite me to be a part of your blog world if you come back to check out mine! Leave me a comment, or send an email to my work email address canyonferrypt@mt.net. Thanks!

Birthdays, etc.

2008-11-25T22:55:00.001-08:00

Internet returns to Canyon Ferry PT

2008-11-24T21:30:00.001-08:00

Yes, we have internet access in MT! Unfortunately, for the last several months it involved me sitting in my car at the wi-fi park with a really slow connection and the heater blasting away. Now, I'm sitting at my desk in my warm (nearly finished) office at Canyon Ferry Physical Therapy. I opened last week, and you can check out the article in the Townsend Star when they update their website. I have been busy working in Helena doing home health physical therapy. I like it more than I expected, but can't wait to have enough patients to stay right here at my clinic! Not much has happened at the house because all of my "spare" time has been spent on renovations. Think late into the night and every Saturday. Mishayla's birthday was on 11/21/08. We celebrated with family on Sunday evening. Like most parents, I can't believe she is already a year old. On a sad note, the attorney who assisted with the Ohio portion of the adoption died last week from complications resulting from an automobile accident about 6 months ago. I called to let her know we had moved and to give an update on Mishayla a couple of days after her death. She had also been adopted, and I really appreciated her compassion for Cortney and me through the process. The joy in her voice when she called to tell me the results of the paternity test is something I will probably never forget. As for Mishayla, we won't have much to go on in reconnecting with her birthfamily someday, but if it is meant to happen, I'm sure there will be a way. Mishayla is talking a little bit; she says, "Uh Oh!, Mowwww, Ginger, Hi, Mama and Bah (for bottle)." She crawls, pulls up, cruises, and stands for brief periods. She loves Melania, Sylvester, Ginger, and her stuffed kitty and bear. The stairs are her favorite "toy." Mishayla is generally a happy girl with a big, toothy grin lighting up her face and showing off her dimples. She goes by Mishayla, Shayla, or sometimes, still just Shea. Melania is "almost three." She likes MT, but can't wait "to go to Washington in December." I think she imagines it will be just like it was when we left there in August. Melania loves going to "mommy's work," playing with her cousins, volleyball games, etc. She loves Papa "very bad." Melania is Winnie the Pooh's biggest fan. She plays "Pooh Sticks", lets me know that "Tiggers don't like ice skating (as I'm trying to convince her to walk across a slippery parking lot), and has about memorized all of her Pooh books. We went to a couple of the state volleyball matches this past weekend. The Bulldogs placed #1. So, at least the girls have good examples to watch between the Huskies and the Bulldogs! I have to admit to feeling like a "lonely blogger" as I would follow other blogs during my absence. Prior to this experience, I would often wonder what became of bloggers who appeared to keep current for quite awhile, and then just fell off the bandwagon. Now, I know! So, thanks to you regular bloggers for keeping up. Sometimes when I was feeling overwhelmed, it was nice just to "catch up" with you and enter into your day to day experiences. Hopefully, a few picture slide shows will soon follow this post! Blogger cooperating and all.

More Summer 2008

2008-09-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

Sylvester can't stay away from the tub!

Finally, some pictures. Even some from way back when...

2008-09-15T21:36:00.001-07:00

Early August, Mishayla started pulling herself up.

Thanks to everyone who came to our nacho and packing party.

Smiley girl one morning...

Celebrating Troy and June's birthdays in July! Happy 40th! (I decided an announcement would be OK, given that most people will notice the candles anyway!) Aunt Wendy with Mishayla, who wasn't feeling very smiley Our Sunday morning meeting in Everett. We're sorry to be missing a few in this picture. Melania has decided her Husky jersey in one of her favorites. Go Dawgs! She wore it proudly to a UW vs. MSU volleyball game in Bozeman a couple of weeks ago. She danced with the Bobcat outfitted in purple. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures. June took the girls to the Kangaroo Farm. Melania "kissed" an alpaca. She still talks about it to anyone who'll listen.

A few friends went with the girls to the farm.

A post for the beginning of September!

2008-09-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Suddenly, I am the worst blogger around. I'm sorry it has been so long between posts. My computer power cord decided to quit charging the battery, so I've not had access for awhile. I moved from Washington to Montana two weeks ago. It was stressful, but I'm happy to be here, and the girls have adjusted quickly to new bedrooms and routines. They seem to love being close to Gpa, Gma, and their cousins. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, but doing my best to keep it all in perspective. I've started working with a home health agency to fill in my employment while outfitting my clinic for a prospective early October opening. My email address and cell phone number will stay the same, so keep in touch!

Erika visits from South Carolina

2008-07-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

Nap time? Chow time! Bubble time. Gotcha! (Erika's very popular.) Bath time. Duck towel is not so practical, but very cute. Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House -- One of Melania's favorite books!

Canyon Ferry Physical Therapy

2008-07-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Future home of Canyon Ferry PT. Several have commented on the wagon wheels, but they were not included in the acquisition of this fine building on Front Street. This glorified shed is well insulated and in a great location. There is plenty of parking, and I'll have room for a small office, 2 treatment rooms, accessible bathroom, and large "gym" area. I can hardly wait to get started on my own practice! A mid-August move is planned. I've resorted to renting my house in WA in hopes that the market will improve...

Mishayla loves Sylvester

2008-07-09T23:24:00.000-07:00

Kisses by Mishayla!

2008-07-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Catching up - slowly! (Blogger pictures - out of order, like usual!)

2008-07-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been quite busy. We went to the Strawberry Festival Parade with Wendy and Blaine. A few days later we made a trip to MT pulling a 6x12 U-Haul trailer. It was a slow trip, and I did not get the best gas milage ever. It could have been worse, however! The kids were pretty patient, and my arm only went to sleep a couple of times reaching behind the seat. We enjoyed convention at Manhattan with family and friends. I spent Monday organizing the stuff I had hastily unloaded at the River House so that it will be ready for the next load. The real estate market is not especially encouraging in my area right now, but hopefully someone will appreciate the great deal soon!

Manhattan Convention 2008

Convention - Taylor Rae and Melania - (I hardly took any pictures. Oops.) Mishayla with Melania's kitty riding shotgun.

Playing in the grass. Note very cool sandal! Once upon a time, there were 2 sandals!

My Dad is adding dirt and moving it around my MT house to make a circular driveway, access to the river, and a nice backyard. It looks great, in my opinion. You kind of have to squint and imagine the possibilities. If landscaping is what you do, I could use some help!

Parade shot of Mommy and Mishayla. Back to the parade... A bit later. Blaine and Melania. Much later...

Auntie Lisa paid us a visit one evening on her way home from work. We went on a walk. Melania's favorite lines, "Lisa love you? Troy love you?" Yes, Melania, they do! We went to the Strawberry Festival Parade a few weeks ago. The girls in their stroller. Wendy teaches Melania about candy necklaces. Wonderful... Mishayla's candy.

2008-07-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Melania at story hour at the library. Playing and singing "Toss the beanbag." Another game. Getting a stamp!

Sleepy baby girl.

2008-06-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Tub time - almost 7 months. Orange kitty does everything a real baby does!

A few recent pictures!

2008-06-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Warning: Wordy post only - no pictures.

2008-06-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

An update without pictures this time as I can't seem to find my "connect the camera to the computer" cord. Mishayla had her 6 month appointment yesterday - a few weeks late. She's 18.13 lb. and 28 and 3/4 in. tall; the 70th percentile and 99 percentile respectively. Still on track to be a basketball and volleyball player. She was a good sport about her shots, and she did a great job showing off her sitting skills for the doctor. Mishayla can hardly wait to crawl. So far, she gets up on her hands and knees, then faceplants into the carpet. This does not go over so well... Melania is a busy girl. She's learning to keep her pull up dry at night and during naps. Happily, she is having some success in this area! She is a happy girl, always singing. Melania has entered the phase where she feels it is OK for her to tell adults (primarily Mommy and June) what to do. This morning as I was leaving for work, she says, "Be a good girl, Mommy. Stay dry. No wets!" I did my best to comply. We are planning a trip to MT during the final week of June. I will attend Manhattan convention with most of my family. The plan is to also pull a UHaul trailer and at least get started on the moving of stuff. It should inspire me to further condense my belongings. The house continues to be slow to sell in the current market. I feel pretty confident that it will sell, but I am no longer sure that I will break even. Bummer, but what can you do? The weather here has just been miserable. The news is referring to it as June-uary. Wretched rain everyday. I saw a joke today for the perfect sunscreen - just move to Seattle. It seems to be working for me. Also, a good way to become Vit. D deficient. OK, if I'm talking about the weather, I'd better wrap this up. Comments welcome, but I'm not expecting any given the fact that there are no pictures, and I am a major lurker who fails to comment most of the time myself. (Wednesday admission secondary to guilty conscience!)

Flickr Mosaic

2008-06-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the photo credits. 1. Wanda Gaze Longing, 2. Girl with bread - Pakistan, 3. US-12 West Distance Marker, 4. Pink Petals, 5. Lowe Sepia, 6. the light seems too bright before my morning mocha..., 7. La Isla de Puerto Rico, 8. Bittersweet Chocolate Cheesecake, 9. Still in love? I think so ; ), 10. Unconditional Love: A Mother's Love, 11. Capable...?, 12. when i was sixteen Okay, I am not getting to bed early tonight, because I was totally inspired by this mosaic game featured on SewFabMartha's blog. You make a mosaic that is 'you' using the following recipe! I am glad she read about it on Baby Anne Quilts . Here is an interesting link to alot of other Flickr gamers who made mosaics! The concept: a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search. b. Using only the first page, pick an image. c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker). The Questions: 1. What is your first name? 2. What is your favorite food? 3. What high school did you go to? 4. What is your favorite color? 5. Who is your celebrity crush? 6. Favorite drink? 7. Dream vacation? 8. Favorite dessert? 9. What you want to be when you grow up? 10. What do you love most in life? 11. One Word to describe you. 12. Your flickr name *** It is a good idea to read the Three SneakyBugs security warning before you make your mosaic! Then, have fun with it! Thanks, Martha!

Borrowed from a blogger friend...

2008-06-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

The link no longer works. It tells me, "This garden is illegal." Oh well, it was fun while it lasted, and I already know that I am a sunflower.

Mishayla - rattle

2008-05-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Melania - At the ocean.

2008-05-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

Melania had trouble keeping her pants up after the bottom got wet in the waves. Another one of those videos she will love as a teenager.

Memorial Day Weekend - Rialto Beach

2008-05-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Memorial Day weekend spent on the Olympic Peninsula. Rialto Beach is one of my favorite places. The pictures are in no particular order, thanks to my inability to upload them is the order I would otherwise put them in! Chloe loves Mishayla. Melania plays with her new friend Chloe's toys.

June and Melania contemplate the waves. Melania's not so sure about climbing over the big logs by herself. Melania hikes the beach with her walking stick. Woody Woodpecker - not afraid of us at all. Swinging girls at the park in Forks.

Mishayla loves to swing. Higher is better! At Rialto Beach The rocks were a big hit. Old trees at Rialto Beach.

2008-05-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Due to a recent a complaint from the quality assurance division of blogging , I will refrain from from more than one post per day. I understand there is a way to "bank" posts for later dates, but I have not yet learned how to exercise this option. So, here's today's update. There will be more to follow this week from our weekend in Forks, WA. We just had to visit the Pacific Ocean one more time before moving back to MT, land of no oceans within a days drive...

Melania pretends that she is actually "Baby Mishayla." Quilted tablerunners are not typically skirts... but, this one seems to do the trick AND makes quite a statement. Melania helps transfer the eggs from the carton to the fridge container.

Maybe her true calling will be as a plumber.

"Mommy, please tell me you didn't just take a picture!"

Last visit with Caroline...at least for now.

2008-05-19T22:46:00.001-07:00

Melania shows Caroline her new bike. Sylvester has been under the weather, but is now nearly recovered. He will be 10 in July, and has started to eat a high fiber diet.

The girls snuggle and giggle before Melania's nap. June and Caroline finish up work on her memory scrapbook. Caroline is a sweet girl with a special place in my heart.

Caroline's social worker has agreed to allow ongoing contact through letters and pictures sent to her address in Everett. She will then deliver them to Caroline. Hopefully, once Caroline has adjusted more fully to living with her new family, we will be able to resume email, telephone conversations, and possible visits in the future. Caroline will graduate from the 5th grade on June 12, 2008. Congratulations, Caroline!

Here's the address if anyone would like to write to Caroline.

Carol Louquet - social worker for Caroline B.

840 N. Broadway Building A. Ste 340

Everett, WA 98201

1st Mother's Day with Mishayla!

2008-05-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Both girls had colds on Mother's Day, so I spent the day at home - being a mom! Little did I know that I would also have the cold by the next day.

Melania was already napping when these pictures were taken. Getting big for the swing as well. What will I do next with this "little" girl for entertainment?

Melania trades her "paficer" for a "Big Girl Bike."

2008-05-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Melania is growing up fast. She has only used her pacifier at night and nap time since she turned 1 year old. However, she was still very attached. On her first night without the pacifier there were plenty of tears and anxiety was running high. Once asleep, though, she slept the entire night. So, the next morning, she was promised a big girl bike in trade. She was completely excited about the bike and her new helmet, which actually cost more than the bike. Cheap mom, I found it on Craigslist. For a couple of days, the helmet was always on. Melania has not actually mastered the pedals yet, but I think she will catch on quick.

2008-05-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

Melania reads about the big red dog, Clifford. Melania outside reading to her doll on a sunny day. I liked this picture becaue it shows her pretty "braids." Mishayla has outgrown her infant seat,

or at least she is heavy enough that I don't like to carry both.

Blue water. Melania's been using her "fun times in the tub stuff"

from Aunt Wendy and Uncle Blaine.

2008-05-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

just for kicks 1. Your rock star name (first pet, current car): Pepper Trailblazer 2. Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Chocolate Brooks 3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal): Pink Cat (??) 4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born): Lynn Chester 5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name): LamWa 6. Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Purple Irish Cream Mocha 7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers): Louis Forrest 8. Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Amarige Skittles (definitely sounds scandalous) 10. TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Richter (Major city, anyone?) Rochester (Thanks, Carl.) 11. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Summer Daisy 12. Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now): Grape T-shirt 13. Hippie name (What you ate for breakfast, your favourite tree): Pumpkin Pie Maple (Actually, I'm not sure I have a favorite tree...)

2008-05-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have not been so good at taking pictures lately. I know that I will regret not doing it, if I don't get started again! Not much news on the house selling / move front. Some flickers of interest, but no offers.

Melania feeds her biggest fan, other than Mommy and Aunt June, of course!

Thank you, Trenton, Kadyn, & Spencer's "old" grandparents for Mishayla's hand-knit sweater! It's beautiful, perfect for walks, and goes on easily.

Melania tries to fit in the sink. The "new house" has no bathtubs, just showers, so I told her she'd have to get used to taking a bath in the laundry room sink. Guess she decided to practice. In other big news, Mishayla has two bottom teeth. Trying for a closer look. This is not so fun anymore.

What a face!

Melania loves her new princess lawn chair.

Fun times!

They were both quite entertained for about 30 minutes.

Maybe it was the threat of bedtime unless everyone could stay happy...

Busy girl.

My favorite dimples.

I need to download some more pictures!

2008-04-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

Guess who would like to become a camera phone expert?

Thanks, Chelsea for making Melania's entire week!

One smiley girl looking the right direction!

A move is planned...

2008-04-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it's unofficially official. I am planning a move back to MT when my house sells in WA. I want my girls to live closer to their grandparents, and I have hopes of starting a physical therapy practice of my own. I never imagined that I'd return to my hometown, much less be looking forward to it!

I found a house on a couple of acres that I liked when I returned to MT for Easter, and I am in the process of purchasing it. It is located on the banks of the mighty Missouri in a really nice setting. The house itself had been foreclosed on and purchased as an investment property. However, due to some "unique" features, it was on the market quite awhile, and with the help of my dad and mom, a deal was made. It will need some work as it was unoccupied for nearly 2 years; primarily maintenance type stuff, major landscaping, and TLC. The good news is that there is a detached garage with an upstairs loft that will eventually serve as an apartment/ studio for June, who has decided to continue her "nannyship" and make the move with me. The bad news is I'll have a bit of a hike to the house when I park in the garage! Oh well, it is only winter for about 5 months of the year, right? I'm sure I'll toughen right up.

This has been a big decision for me, and it was not arrived at easily as WA has become my home. It is wonderful that I will still have so many friends and family to visit, and I look forward to making regular trips back to the area. I will also have plenty of room for guests, and my cousin Shaun has agreed to take visitors fishing on MT's finest rivers. (See his blog for more details...)

These pictures are from the real estate listing last summer. I don't think the leaves and grasses are out yet this year!

2008-04-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, Caroline! I promised you a message on the blog. Aren't you glad it's almost Friday? Will your tests be over? Hope so. See you Sunday. Love, Wanda

"Formal" portraits on Adoption Day!

2008-04-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

2 little girls were done with pictures by the time we returned home,

so not much luck was had in this department.

Melania tries to steal the show!

2008-04-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

A very busy Melania was trying to dance in her new dress and shoes in the waiting area, much to the delight of the folks waiting in line to check in for jury duty. She was also very impressed by the candy machines! Aunt Wendy gives in and feeds Melania her favorite jelly bellies.

Mishayla's Adoption Day 3/31/2008

2008-04-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

I am the only one willing to look at the camera. Melania was very distracted and Mishayla wanted to pull on the ribbons on Melania's dress. Answering questions before the judge. Well, at least we are all looking the right direction! The judge invited us for a picture. Being adopted makes me hungry!

Mishayla's adoption is complete. We set out for the courthouse on Monday morning the 31st of March 2008. It was a cloudy day with light rain, not unlike most days this spring! Aunt Wendy and Uncle Blaine met June, Melania, Mishayla and me at the courthouse in Everett. It was also my first time to meet the attorney who handled the WA aspect of the case. Our time in the courtroom was less than 15 minutes. Hard to believe all the time, pre/post. placement reports, emotion, etc. comes down to such a short session before the judge to make everything final! It was a very special day that I will alway cherish and remember.

Some quick pictures.

2008-04-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

Melania loves her "laptop." Smiley Mishayla! Fashion statement. The maid returns. Just hangin' around.

Easter weekend

2008-04-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

My Mishayla is 4 and 1/2 months old. At her 4 month check-up, she weighed 15 lb. 5 oz and was 26 and 1/4 inches long. Her doctors comment, "She has more rolls than a bakery." A very healthy, happy girl! Her adoption was finalized on 3/31/08! More pictures to follow in another posting of that happy day. I got the kids skateboards. They were "free" with T-shirts I found. The shirts were not so cool, but the skateboards were a great hit. My nephew, Trenton, told me that he'd been wanting one for "all of my life." Hope no one breaks any part of themselves. Be careful, kids! "Wook, Mommy, a swide." Mishayla gets to know Aiden, my cousin Todd and Kay's boy. He is 1 month older. All the kids.

Baby Kaitlyn, Taylor Rae, Melania, Mishayla, Kadyn, Colten, Tyler, Aiden, Trenton, Spencer

Uncle Duane, Carmen and Spencer Great Gma, Gma and Mishayla Melania discovers Leapster. Taylor Rae and Mishayla - cousins The girls minus Kaitlyn Gpa "rocks". Gma no longer fits in the rocker to read to the kids. So many grandkids, so little lap space. Brrrr - it was sunny, but very crisp morning. Great Gma was kept busy being an "equal opportunity great grandbaby holder."

We went to MT over Easter. It was a quick trip, but we had a good time. Melania and Mishayla were able to meet their new cousins. Melania went on an Easter egg hunt in town; she picked up 3 eggs to fill her Halloween soccer ball "basket." Not bad for a 2 year old who was really very busy looking around and not so interested in picking up eggs. To her, eggs are scrambled for breakfast, so she wasn't sure what the fuss was about. On Saturday, we celebrated Colten Jack's 4th birthday. He loved his semi-truck cake with hay bales, as he really likes to ride along with his dad making hay deliveries. Both girls were tired of the car by the time we returned home. Actually, I was tired, too! Aunt Karen gave Melania a "laptop" computer to play with so she was very entertained. One problem, no mute button. So, the words "Challenge yourself!" are still ringing in my ears.

Finally...

2008-04-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's difficult to know where to start when one has been so remiss about updating their blog! The more behind I get, the harder it seems to get motivated to catch up. It's hard to believe that people would tire of looking at the beautiful quilts, but there's been a bit of an uproar about my shortcomings as a blogger. Joe, Jasmine and Gina paid us a visit right before Easter. Gina has relocated to TX, and it was great to see her again. Good to see Joe and Jasmine, too.

My shows aren't in order!

2008-03-16T23:22:00.001-07:00

This was supposed to be Slide Show #3

2008-03-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

Quilt Show - 2008

2008-03-16T22:50:00.001-07:00

Kaitlyn makes another appearance!

2008-03-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn Rose - 2 weeks old. I'll get to meet her in a few days! Kaitlyn's family - Colten, Karen, Jason, Tyler & Taylor Rae Melania and Mishayla are sure lucky to have such great cousins, and I'm a lucky aunt.

Preview of coming attractions:

2008-03-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

Baby Blues

2008-03-15T15:32:00.001-07:00

Do you remember when you learned to do this?

2008-03-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Video Post

2008-03-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

More pictures - a reward for being so patient while my computer was SLOW.

2008-03-14T23:06:00.000-07:00

Melania reading to her very attentive kitty. Close up of Mishayla. She's sitting on my lap, and I'm leaning back in my favorite brown chair as far as I can. Speaking of favorite brown chair, I think it's going to be retired from the living room in order to make it appear larger. That will be a sad day... Girls in pink. Ahhh...sisters. It's hard to get them both to smile at the same time.

Finally, a housekeeper. She's very affordable.

2008-03-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday eve. with Uncle Blaine & Aunt Wendy

2008-03-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday evening, Wendy and Blaine came over for a walk. Melania was so excited to have them along with us. She had to hold Wendy's hand from the stroller and kept up a running commentary the whole time. Of course, we waited until afterward to take pictures. Melania loves my Ipod shuffle. "Music in ears, mommy." I think I will get her one for our trip to MT next week. We have different taste in music... Wendy and Melania are listening to "Love More" by Benjamin Stockwell. http://benjaminstockwell.com/tracks/love_more.mp3

Guess where I'm going next week?

2008-03-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jeff Foxworthy's Comments on Montana

If "vacation" to you means going shopping for the weekend in Great Falls, Billings or Bozeman (while the kids swim at the Comfort Inn), you might live in Montana.
If parking your car for the night involves an extension cord, you might live in Montana.
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 8 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Montana.
If you're proud that your state makes the national news primarily because it houses the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Montana.
If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy", you might live in Montana.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Montana.
If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in Montana.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Montana.
If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Montana.
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Montana.
If you know how to correctly pronounce Butte, you might live in Montana.
If you measure distance in hours, you might live in Montana.
If your family vehicle is a crew cab pickup, you might live in Montana.
If you know several people who have hit deer more than once, you might live in Montana.
If you often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again, you might live in Montana.
If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching, you might live in Montana.
If you see people wearing hunting clothes at social events, you might live in Montana.
If you've installed security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked, you might live in Montana.
If the largest traffic jam in your town centers around a High school basketball game, you might live in Montana.
If you carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them, you might live in Montana.
If there are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Wal-Mart at any given time, you might live in Montana.
If there are more people at work on Christmas Eve Day than on Opening Deer Rifle Season, you might live in Montana.
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you might live in Montana.
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you might live in Montana.
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you might live in Montana.
If you can identify a southern or eastern accent, you might live in Montana.
If you consider Red Lodge exotic, you might live in Montana.
If your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your cottonwood, you might live in Montana.
If the sunbelt to you means Miles City, you might live in Montana.
If a brat is something you eat, you might live in Montana.
If finding your misplaced car keys involves looking in the ignition, you might live in Montana.
If you find 0 degrees a little chilly, you might live in Montana.
If you actually understand these observations, and you forward them to all your Montana friends, you Must live in Montana! (or once lived there...)

2008-03-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Caroline has added a new comment to the 2/20/08 post. Check it out, especially if you left a message for her!

2008-03-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

Caroline came for a visit this afternoon. A quick shot before lunch. Everyone except Mishayla was hungry! Caroline is keeping busy working on her science fair project about solar power cells. She's really enjoying her "bro." We miss her, but sure enjoy our visits! In true blogger fashion, this picture should follow the others...

Well, it's definitely been awhile since my last post. I can honestly blame a really slow server connection, which makes it difficult to upload photos. My IT guy has a final due tomorrow, so he's been unavailable. There are other reasons, of course, but that is the main one! Here's a happy picture of Mishayla I took one morning last week as I was going out the door to work. She's such a morning girl, which is unusual around here. Plus, it just wouldn't be a proper post without a bathing beauty featurette. (Is that even a word?)

Spencer is really growing. We can't wait to see all the kids when we return to MT Easter weekend. I hear that he looks like Trenton did as a baby. Apparently, he looks like quite the "bruiser" next to Kaitlyn. Hopefulley I'll have a Kaitlyn update soon.

Welcome, new baby cousin!

2008-03-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

Kaitlyn Rose - Born on Feb. 29, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. Kaitlyn and Tyler, who is 8 years old. Kaitlyn with her big sister, Taylor Rae, who is 6 years old. Kaitlyn and Colten Jack, who is 3, soon to be 4 years old. Kaitlyn weighed 8 lb. 1.5 oz. She was 20.5 inches long - yesterday. We all know how fast they grow.

Congratulations, Karen and Jason. I am so happy that I will be able to share the hand-me-downs with you! It will be less difficult to pack them away this way.