I didn't do this on purpose

I dressed Nollie first thing this morning and then later when she was sleeping I showered and got myself dressed. After she awoke while I was holding her I looked down and just started laughing. What are the odds that I would choose our only orange shirts for both of us. It was not intentional. I guess I was in an orange kind of mood.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nollie tends to want attention right about the time that I'm making supper each night. I've tried different things to keep her happy so that I can get the job done including putting her in her highchair, putting her in the sling on my back and waiting until Curt gets home to make super. This was my solution for last night and it worked really well. She stayed happy and occupied sitting in the sink for the whole dinner preperation. I know this won't last long, soon she will not just sit there but try climbing out. I think I will try it again before then.

Christmas Party

We had Curt's Christmas Party on Saturday Night. It was a town Christmas party where a number of companies are together. We brought Nollie along with us since we don't really know anyone around here to watch her. She was really good though. She was so happy durring the comedian that she was talking and squeeling so her and I went to hang out in the lobby for most of his performance. She was even able to sleep with all the noise of the dance going on. Our first big meal of the Christmas season, delicious.

I always get worked up about what I will wear to events such as this. I left wearing a nice skirt and top and shoes that didn't really go, but oh well, who will notice right. What was I so worried about, I'm living in Provost. There was a guy there in his track pants, his best track pants I'm sure. There were lots of jeans with nice tops, many dresses and dress pants and of course there has to be atleast one girl who goes all out and wears an old prom or bridesmaid dress. I will try to remember next time not to get worked up about my apparel.

Sitting Strong

I can't believe how strong Nollie has gotten over the last couple weeks. She is now able to sit up on her own and balance quite well. She still tumbles over from time to time, well actually quite alot but she can sit up and play.

It kind of looks like the burger on the TV in this pic is a thought bubble above Nollie's head.

Play Time

It was pretty cute on Sunday to see Nollie & Abi playing together. Lots of tickling and giggling. Here are some photos.

Early Christmas Present

I was surprised to receive an early Christmas present yesterday. While looking at and trying out sewing machines in Edmonton Curt said "Wrap it up" Yea! I got a new embroidery machine and a new serger. What a treat. I am so excited to see all that I can do with my new tools. This is the first embroidery that I did last night. Today I will try out the serger and play some more with embroidery.

Thank you so much Curt!

New Poll

I've updated my poll finally. How often do you wash your kitchen floor? For me I intend to do it once a week as part of my weekly cleaning but lately it has not turned out that way. I've been putting it off each time and soon it is visibly quite dirty. It won't be long before Nollie is crawling around on the floor. I guess at that point I will have to kick it up a notch. That's the procrastinator in me, don't do it unit you have to.

Here are the results to the last poll. More tea drinkers than coffee. That was surprising to me.

Hot Drinks

Would you rather...

Coffee (4)	25%
Tea (6)	38%
Hot Chocolate (5)	31%
Other (0)	0%

Teeth

Feeling inside Nollie's mouth on Sunday I noticed something poking out. Her two front teeth on the bottom are trying to work their way out. Everyone I tell this to says "ouch" about me not her. I do however intend to continue breastfeeding. There are tons of mothers out there who have breastfed long past teeth and not had their nipple bit off. Hopefully I can be one of them.

Nollie in the Jungle

This is a cute little toy that I borrowed from my play group.

Morning Run

For the last 6 days I have gotten up at 6:30am to go for a run. I'm not quite sure exactly what it was that got me started on this. Was I inspired by watching the biggest loser, was it that the Dog Whisperer says that the dogs should have to work for their food and thus go for a walk before getting it. Or maybe it was the new form fitting work out pants that I made that didn't look all that great clinging to my thighs (they're not quite ready for the 4-way stretch). Regardless of the reason, I got out there and I feel great, endorphans are a wonderful thing! What is it twenty something days to make a habbit?

Here's a photo of Nollie last night trying to eat her feet.
I think I have more pictures of her naked than with clothes on.

Christmas

After a month of thinking that we would be stuck in Provost fo Christmas we have been informed that we will be able to go home after all. Thanks to Rick for taking Curt's oncall over Christmas. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday time of the year. The food, games, and most importantly the family. The thought of not being able to go home really bumed me out, along with a few other people I'm sure. I'm looking forward to a whole week of family fun.

High Chair

We started putting Nollie in the Highchair lately. She enjoys being up at the same level as us when we're eating or working in the kitchen.

She looks so small against the big chair.

Cats vs Dogs

When we first moved here to the ranch we acquired about 10 cats. This seemed a bit much for us but they mostly stayed in and around the barn, besides we couldn't possibly have any mice with 10+ cats. This summer we got two dogs, Simon as a puppy first and he was fine with the cats because they were about the same size as him and he was a little intimidated by their hissing at him. Later we got Rufus at about a year old he was much more rambunctious and loved to chase anything that moved. Well Rufus chased all the cats away. Now we don't want to get any mice so recently we picked up a couple of kittens. We've been keeping the cats in the garage to keep them separate from Rufus and let them get used to us. Rufus knows that they are in there and is going absolutely nuts. He's whining all the time and looking through the windows of the garage. The time has come now to introduce the two animals and I don't know if there is any good way. I asked at the vet office and they don't have much for suggestions. I guess we'll just try a little at a time with Rufus on a leash so he doesn't get out of control. I don't think I'll do it until Curt is home. Wish me luck.

Sewing

I'm very excited to have started sewing again. I spent all last week cleaning up the basement and setting up a sewing area. Late last week I received the fabric I ordered online. I spent some time yesterday sewing Curt a shirt, I'm almost finished. Curt is happy because I was able to make the shirt longer for him. Most shirts that we buy are too short. I love sewing so much and I seem to forget until I sit down and get started. I would love to take a course to help me with tayloring clothing to fit properly, there's nothing around here but maybe I can take a trip to the city some time to take one. For now I will just keep practicing and see what I can figure out on my own. I've also ordered some pattern magazines filled with the cutest kids clothing. They are coming from Finland. You can check them out at www.ottobredesign.com. I can't wait for them to arive so I can try making Nollie something really cute. Maybe someday I can make her and her dolls matching clothing like my mom did for me.

Halloween

Nollie's First Halloween. Although she doesn't know any different I had to put her Eeyore outfit on for Halloween to go to the play group yesterday. It was so cute to see all the kids in their costumes as well as the ones that decided they didn't want to put theirs on though they had been practicing wearing them all week. It's neat to think how exciting Halloween will be for Nollie in a couple years. I didn't dress up, maybe next year I'll be really prepared and make a costume, but I say that every year. No tick-or-treaters at the ranch last night so I get to eat the little bit of candy I bought.

Here are some Pics of little Eeyore.

Movement

The movement has begun in our house, I guess I'll have to babyproof soon. Last night Nollie scooched on her back from one end or the living room to the other (lengthways). In less than an hour, wearing only her diaper she would lift into a bridge & push herself back, arms flailing and giggling along the way. Stopping every few minutes to chew on the toy she was carrying along for the ride. I had to redirect her a few times when she ran into the couch. She'll have the hair on the back of her head burnt off in no time.

Visitors

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. My Grandma Graves came down to visit us for a few days this week. It was really great to have her here, we had a nice visit. We now have one day alone and then Grandma & Grandpa Buchan are coming to visit. Busy week. We sure enjoy having visitors here on the ranch.

Here's another picture that Sandra took, aren't fall photos the best.

A need for supervision

Curtis said last night that maybe I should only be allowed internet time under his supervision. Oops, I guess I said "I ordered" or "I'm thinking of ordering" a few too many times. Durring his weekend away I spent alot of time on the internet researching and ordering a few items. Photos, Fabric, Patterns, Magazines, Diapers. That is not even the things I looked at and didn't order; cute bags, childrens clothes, more fabric, more patterns. So much for the money I made selling on e-bay, I've now spent more than double. I guess I'll have to find a few more things to sell in order to pay for this shopping spree.

Girls Weekend

Well Curt has gone out of town for the weekend. Gone to Calgary to do a paint job on a car. So Nollie and I are home together for the weekend. Really not much different than your average weekday. Looking forward to skreeches, giggles and fun together.

Thumbsucking

Along with squeeling and skreeching Nollie also started sucking her thumb this last weekend. It looks too cute and she does it when she's tired to put herself to sleep. Good? or bad? I don't know, but if you pull it out she just puts it back in. Oh well, not many 20 year old girls that suck their thumb.

We also got our new carseat last weekend, here's Nollie trying it out. We are going to continue to use the bucket for a little while but she'll be out of it soon at 16 lb 6 oz. What a big girl.

Not so quiet anymore

Nollie started squeeling this last weekend and talking alot more. It makes me smile to hear it.

No one likes winter

For anyone that didn't notice my poll the last few weeks was about favorite seasons. Aparently no one likes winter. Why is it that we live in Canada then? 70% like summer best, 10% fall and 20% spring. I'm in the spring category, I love to see everything come alive after the cold winter.

We cleaned our garage out this weekend. Now we can get out of both sides of the car when it's parked in there and the stroller does not have to sit directly in front of the door so you have to walk around it to get outside. It looks so pretty, I might just have to go sit in there and enjoy it.

Selling

Well I told you I'd update you when I actually sold something and the day has come. I sold one book on amazon and a bunch of videos on e-bay so I spent much of yesterday morning trying to figure out how to collect payment and pack up and ship the items properly. It's kind of like taking the bottles in to the depot, I only made about $20 for all the work. However I got rid of some junk and most importantly learned how to sell using these two venues.

Here's some photo's from the ranch.

A quiet ride home

What a good (and busy) weekend. We got a chance to visit our families and it was great to see everyone. We ran all over the place and ate like crazy, as we do at all family gatherings. These weekends can be tough on a little girl though, being out of her routine. I learned that I need to take Nollie to lay down and sleep even though there's lots of going on. She's not very happy when she hasn't slept all day and she won't necessarily just fall asleep when she's tired with all the action around her like she will at home when it's quiet. We had the best drive home yet though, she was so exhausted that she slept the whole way, all three and a half hours.

Geese

Last night as Curt & I were eating supper we heard a funny sound. I looked out my window and there were geese flying right over our house. Not just one or two v's of geese but thousands all at once and really low. Of course we didn't grab the camera quick enough to capture this part but we did just stand outside and enjoy it. We then put Nollie in the stroller and went for a walk and we saw where all of these geese were heading. In the field across from us were thousands and thousands of geese stopping for the evening. It was absoulutely unbeleivable to see, amazing and the sound of them was so loud. We could hear them from inside our house until dark. Wow! Pictures can not even start to show what it was like but I will post some when I can get photoshop to work.

New photo

At the request of Jess D. here is a new photo of Nollie.

Excited

It's only Tuesday and I'm already very excited for the weekend. We will be going home to visit our families for Thanksgiving. I love holidays. I can't wait to see everyone.

I've added a poll section to my blog, I will try to change it every week. Please check it out.

A weekend around the ranch

It was nice to be at home this weekend. We spent alot of time outside, I was able to get everything out of my garden. The dogs were happy to have company. I also spent alot of time reading, I love to read! Nollie gave me her first real giggle on Saturday, we both just sat and laughed at eachother. It's like a drug though, once you get one you just want more and more so you spend your time acting like an idiot trying to get her to laugh.

Addicted to Selling

I decided to try selling some of my old text books on amazon.ca. I don't imagine I'll actually sell any because science text books go out of date a year after they are written but it's worth a try. Now I keep thinking about what else I can sell online. I'm addicted, books, cd's, movies. I'll let you know if anything actually sells

Life Lists

I've been hearing alot lately about life lists and I decided I should write one. When you write things down you are more likely to take them seriously and start working towards them. There are many things that would have been on my unwritten life list that I have already accomplished ie get degree, get married, have baby buy house etc. and there are so many more to put on my ongoing list. Here's a sampling:
1. Play piano every day
2. Visit the tropical rainforest
3. Have $1,000,000 in assets
4. Pay off our mortgage
5. Move closer to home
6. Send Thank you notes

I would like to challenge everyone to write a life list and to start ticking things off of it. If you need ideas for what to put on your life list check out www.superviva.com

Weekend in Devon

What a good weekend! We had our first family photo shoot, you can see a couple photos on Sandra's blog (see Photos by Sandra to the right) I can't wait to see the rest. I attended a Stampin-up card making class and ran into a friend that I met in BC 9 years ago and haven't talked to in ages, what a small world. I have now since joined a card making class in Provost to meet some people and I am so excited for the first class. We did some shopping, including two new pairs of jeans for me, so I am now able to ditch the maternity pants, yeah! And we had a very successful baby shower. Thanks to Jess for hosting the shower and everyone for all the gifts. Now hopefully I will have a productive week. Maybe I'll even do some card making or scrapbooking, I've been inspired.

Up Hill Against the Wind

One bad thing about living on a hill is that no matter which way you walk when you turn around to come home you have to walk up hill and it always seems that the cold wind is also blowing rain in your face. So I enjoy a nice walk with the dogs but then I turn around to come home and wish I hadn't quite walked so far because the walk back is not as fun. Our poor dogs have not gotten as much attention lately since we've had 2 weeks of cold rainy weather and they just want to come inside. When you do go out to take them for a walk they get so excited that their jumping all over the place and trying to lick you to death. Here's some photos of the two on a not so rainy day.

New Jumper

Nollie got her new jumper in the mail last week and she loves it. I can put her in it while I make supper and she'll stay happy and occupied. It's really hard to take a picture of her while she's bouncing all over the place.


And one of her new, cutest hat. She just loves to be naked, gets angry when I have to put her clothes back on.
I've started going to a mom's group in town and I've been meeting some people there. It's great to get out and socialize with people in the area.

Family

Mom & Shelby came to visit us this weekend. It was so great to see them and it was good for Nollie to spend some time with people other thatn myself. I'm really wishing that we lived closer to our families now. I feel like we miss out on so much. If only we could just pick up our acreage and move it, because we also love our place here. At least we can still drive home for the weekends. I can't imagine being further away and having to fly home or drive for days to get there. Maybe someday we'll be able to move back. I'm sure as soon as we get ourselves settled here and get the house just the way we like it it will be time to move. Oh well, such is life.

Decorating

A note to anyone that enjoys or is good at decorating. Please Help Me. Curtis is always trying to encourage me and inspire me to decorate the house. Hang some pictures, make a new bedspread, get some window treatments. I have several problems though.
1. I have no sense of vision. I will look through decorating magazines and books but since none of
the rooms look exactly like mine I can't imagine what each item would look like in my room.
2. I am sooo indecisive. Once I decided the type of blinds I wanted for our windows I spent months deciding exactly which ones to get, and they all look the same.
3. I'm cheap! I can't even think about spending money on anything for the house let alone something that will look nice
4. I'm a procrastinator. There is a picture frame that I bought when we first moved here (8 months ago), I know exactly what I want to put in it and where I want to hang it but I have not done it yet
On a positive note my new duvet cover has just arrived from Sears today. Maybe dressing up my bed will inspire me to decorate the rest of our bedroom.

Tagged

I've been tagged by Jessica so here we go.

The rules of the tag are: list 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them.

The only bloggers I know were the ones Jessica tagged so I'm not going to retag them but I'll tell you some weird things.

1. I am very particular about the arrangement of a sandwich. Mustard next to the meat, mayo next to the veggies etc.

2. I make my own bread and yogurt (most of the time).

3. I am the "official game board referee."

4. 98% of the time I have hairy legs

5. I tripped going up the stairs from my room nearly every morning as a teenager.

On the Line

There's something quite relaxing about hanging your clothes on the line to dry. You can take your time, get outside, enjoy the sunshine. There are of course many hazards that go along with it. Your clothes may not end up clean if tank trucks are continually driving by on the gravel roads or if your neighbour is combining his field, watch out for this. The Provost wind could blow all of your clothes off the line and about 10 miles down the road (this has not happened but worry about it). The dogs may attack your sheets and rip them (this however has happened). None the less I love hanging my clothes to dry and seeing them on the line. Ahh.

Here's another one of Nollie with her crazy eyes.

Lazy Weekend

What a lazy weekend. I think there is a permanent indentation on my rocking chair and I nearly burnt through a set of batteries on the TV remote. At least I'm well rested to have a productive week. I've got my list and I've already started my weekly home blessing. Tonight we're going to try dealing with some of our tomatoes. We will be making and canning some pizza sauce or pasta sauce. Should be fun. Here are some photos of Nollie and her dad.

Nollie

Nollie is two months old now. It's hard to remember what it was like before she joined us, what did we do all day? Nollie loves to sit up and stand up. When she's laying on her back she just starts to lift her head up (this takes alot of effort for her), then if you give her your hands she'll help pull herself up to a sitting or standing position. She is smiling all the time and starting to coo and talk to us. We just love it.

Fly Lady

I'm going to try to get back on the Fly Lady Train (for those who don't know about fly lady check out www.flylady.net). Her method works so well when I follow it but for some reason I can't seem to make it a habbit, I'm always falling off the wagon. I did my before bed routine last night and walking into the kitchen this morning felt great, I could see the counter and it was clean. However I'm sitting at the computer this morning and I am not dressed, let alone dressed to my shoes and I have not done anything yet today. Oh well, one step at a time.

Visitors

I'm so excited!! My Friends Vanessa & Jessica are coming down this weekend. It's getting to the point were we only get together 3 times a year (Christmas, beginning of summer, end of summer). It seems so strange considering we all used to live together and see each other every day. I guess with Jess on the East Coast, Vin in the city and me in the flat lands it's just not that easy anymore. We always have such a good time when we get together, the conversation never stops. Curt figures I've been a little kookie this week in anticipation. Well I better get the house tidied, have a shower and maybe go to town and pick up a bottle of Wine. Yea!

PS Happy Birthday Quinn

In a moment our lives changed

We got high speed internet last night!!! We are both so excited. I'm affraid however that I may not see much of Curt in the next little while, he will have to catch up on all the internet time that he's missed in the last 8 months.

I'm going to try to start blogging now but it may take me a while to figure this all out. Please feel free to post comments.

Here are some photos of Nollie from this weekend.

Could life get any better?

It's a beautiful evening on the ranch. We've taken the dogs for their nightly walk, I was able to pull a few weeds from the garden. Nollie is sleeping, Curt is painting and I'm able to put my feet up and relax (for a moment anyway).