The Noon Family

Trophy Wives Club

2011-09-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Amanda, Lucy, and I have deemed ourselves 'The Real Trophy Wives' because after having kids we work hard for our husbands! :) We have decided to dress in Trophy Wife garb for all our races and got quite the response at the Mad Mudder. This is a four mile run (around a Marshal Mountain which is a ski hill) with an obstacle course through the mud, however, there was hardly any mud so it was mostly just obstacle course! We had fun though, and it was a good excuse to get dirty!

2011-09-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Update on the girls

2011-09-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

So many changes daily! I will try and post some videos shortly but I wanted to talk about changes with the girls first. Raleigh is riding a bigger bike and playing soccer. She started pre-K a few weeks ago and loves it! Yesterday she said, "Mom... I wish I could be a hero." I said, "Me too Raleigh. There are a lot of people I would save." She said, "Ya, but we can't save them because we are all just people." I said, "True dat, sister. So true."

Mark was cleaning the garage and Raleigh begged him to make her a red sword. My mom was upstairs watching the girls and Raleigh kept yelling down the stairs, "Dad is my sword done yet?" When I got home from the weekend we were outside playing with it and she said, "My daddy made me this red sword. Mom, when you were little did your daddy make you a sword?" I said, "No. No swords for me." Then she said, "Mom, when you were little was Grandma taller like you?" Raleigh has been understanding for some time the relationships with family and she is fascinated by it. She talks about Gracy being her sister like Uncle Shay is my brother, Grandma being my mom, and K-ma being Mark's mom etc. etc. So, I could tell she was trying to conceptualize short little grandma as a mother. I said, "No, grandma was little even when she was my mom."

Raleigh and Gracyn are always fighting for 'air time' in the car. They both talk at me at once and occasionally dialogue with each other. Which is VERY entertaining to hear Raleigh lecture Gracy on the 'goings-on' of life. Gracy will respond with a, "ohhhh Raaawwwllie, Ohhhh."

A few days ago Gracy peed in the toilet uninitiated by us. She has been pretending like she poops in the toilet so when she came to tell my mom and I she had peed in the toilet we didn't pay attention. Later, my mom walked in the bathroom and said, "Uh, I think Gracy really did pee in the toilet" as it was full of pee. We celebrated with M&Ms for everyone.

Vacation

2011-09-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

"What a BLESSING!" I thought as we pulled up to our forest service cabin on Lake Como. I also thought many other things, i.e. We don't deserve this, I can't believe we get to spend a whole week here, etc. etc. We secured this desolate cabin (only one other on the entire lake so aside from day use we were literally the only people on the edge of the lake) back in February and who except God would have known that it would be the EXACT timing and resource we needed to completely unplug from the world and get plugged back into more eternal and important endeavors?K'ma sent Pez dispensers and Silly Putty with us for the girls to play with. I don't know who had more fun- the girls playing with them or me watching them thinking of my own childhood with Pez and Silly Putty?? Between that, a campfire with s'mores, sandcastles, and Raleigh and Mark sleeping in a tent I was overjoyed with living vicariously through my children and their week of 'firsts'.

Summer update

2011-08-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, where to start?? July was a crazy whirl-wind month. Tyler and Lica came for a visit to Billings and told us all they were having a boy!! Samuel Cole Garnett- what a strong name. We had a baby shower to bless the couple where Tyler was (of course) the life of the party. The muscles behind my ears hurt from smiling so much!

Mark took Raleigh to Nashville, TN for Scott's change of command. Raleigh had an amazing time playing with the cousins (even though she had strep throat) and traveling across country. I don't know why we are always surprised but Mark and I are constantly in awe at what a little 'adventurer' Raleigh continues to be.

Speaking of Raleigh- I introduced her to Kit Kats. Had I known what a Kit-Kat-Krazed demon this was going to produce I probably would have thought twice. She asks about every 15 minutes for one. She says, "Mom. I want one of those new candies. Those Kitty-Kats." or "Mom... Can I have a Kitty-Kat? Puuuuuleeeeeese?" We ran out of chocolate chips to put in her waffle (something my mommy taught me) and Raleigh said, "Well mom. You can just crush up Kitty-Kats and put THEM in my waffle." Of course. Why didn't I think of that? I could crush them up and put them in everything! P.B. and J., Spaghetti, Mac and Cheese.

And then Gracy. She could not be more two-years-old right now. She tries on 5 of Raleigh's dresses a day (it would be 15 if I didn't put a stop to it after the fifth). She says, "NO! My turn mamma" when I try to help her get the dress on. She puts it on wrong, walks around in it for a bit, then goes for another. She wants to do EVERYTHING herself (which is diff. from Raleigh) and gets screaming mad when you don't let her. She dances and wiggles her booty and talks up a storm! The other day Raleigh asked Gracy if she wanted to be a 'big girl like me'. Gracy said, "Ya, Raleigh" so Raleigh proceeded to tell her how to act like a big girl and not whine like a baby...

The last picture is Mark and his two dear friends, Brian and Nick, from high school. They took a trip to Glacier which refreshed their manly souls!!

Summer lovin'

2011-07-10T10:59:00.001-07:00

It is well with my soul

2011-07-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh, good job, healthy family, great friends, beautiful house... and a 13.1 mile run in gorgeous Missoula, MT. It is well in my soul.

2011-06-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

More house pictures

2011-06-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

As requested -- finally -- some pictures of the inside of the house. Upstairs living room, kitchen, master bath.

Enjoy

Slackin'

2011-06-25T21:52:00.001-07:00

I am soooo sorry to my faithful followers! As you know, things are already crazy, but then I have added to the craziness! My parents are getting a divorce so there has been quite a bit of drama for my mama that takes a lot of my time. And then, I decided a while back to train for a half marathon (13.1 miles) with my friends Lucy, Amanda, and our trusty-trainer-Pete. We have been puttin' in the miles and today we ran 12.5-14.5 (I ran the lower milage-Peter, Lucy and Amanda ran the higher). My girls have been troopers through the whole thing going on play dates with L. and A.'s kids. And always happy and ready for loves when they see me. It has certainly been my outlet with everything both personal, financial, and familial we've had come our way. Praise God for Running. My race is in two weeks!

But otherwise the girls have taken to summer. They have been running around the parks in their swimsuits (it's really only 60-65 degrees still) riding their bikes, getting sun burned, etc. Aunt Amy came out and took family pictures. She posted a few so please take a peak at amyfree.com you will love her work! We've just been trying to enjoy each other and our summer that started a bit late.

More to come! Shan

2011-05-29T11:34:00.001-07:00

I don't have any pictures of the inside of the house as Mark and I have been busy with our jobs. The goal is to get a few projects done tomorrow and then I may have photos ready.

In the meantime, I had to share Raleigh's school pictures with everyone. I took the girls to Raleigh's school and Ali was picking them up so I could go to work. It was a crazy morning and I didn't even get a chance to comb Gracy's hair (she's two it wasn't worth the meltdown). We walked into the school and Gracy jumped right onto the photo-chair and said, "Cheese. Cheese. Cheese." Totally cute and they even printed them off for me (they let Gracy and Raleigh snap a picture together). Enjoy.

New Hooooouuuuuusssee!! Yay!

2011-05-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

365 degree views!! A friend of ours commented, "They even have views of the mountains from the garage!" He's right. :)
This is the front of the house... Raleigh, Gracyn and Mark are standing at the front door where the sidewalk wraps around the right side of the house and up the stairs. To the left is what we call The Terrace (that's what the plans called it so the name stuck) and it has the best late afternoon sun.
This is Raleigh and Mark mooning me in the window from the living room.

This is the back of the house or what you see right when you turn up the driveway. Then the drive goes past the back of the house and wraps back around to the garage-- pic. below.

Ok, I am obsessed with my new house and hope you don't mind but the next few installments will be of my beautiful new home! (I guess I'll sneak in one post of the girl's birthdays just to be kind). Here are a few of the exterior to wet your appetite for more.... Kind of cool from the outside right?? Well wait until you see the inside and ALLLLLL the nifty details Mark has added.

To be continued

The Final Push

2011-04-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

These last four weeks are what will separate the men from the boys!! We have about two more weeks of hard work on the new house, packing and moving, and then getting the old house ready to rent. I am so excited! This week (I haven't seen it only heard it's 'f-ing amazing'- direct quote from Mark) granite bathroom counter tops, fixtures, and sinks were installed, Yah! Mark is working late tonight, spending the night, and then working again in the a.m. When we devised this plan a few days ago (instead of him driving back and forth late at night and early in the morning) I laid my hand on his chest and prayed out loud that his body would just hold up for a few more week! :) Also because we just got over the flu this week and don't want him to get sick again.

But, the girls are healthy and happy. Mama's staying sane (barely) because of her running 15-20 miles/week and spring is coming! I wanted to share a couple pictures the babysitter took of the girls in their spring dresses. They play SO incredibly well together. They share and talk sweetly to one another. Whenever I see them in a really sisterly interaction I always say a little prayer that it will last their lifetime!

Oh, and Raleigh is REALLY into wearing those headbands that come with the TJMaxx dresses. But she puts them on like this (below) and I love letting her go to preschool and tool all around town like this because she looks so dorky!! It's a riot-- she gets really enduring looks everywhere we go (her hair is tame above the headband in this photo- usually it's sticking straight out the top).

Outside of the house

2011-03-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Our families have been asking for pictures of the house. Sorry it's taken me so long but I rarely get up there and Mark has been working on it 24/7. I am SO excited to move into it as it's going to be so custom and fit our every need/desire!! The following couple of posts are highlights of the house, inside and out.

Above is the ginormous back porch which you will see in the other photos but I just wanted to show off the ceiling. Isn't it beautiful?
Turning into the driveway at the bottom of the hill. This is the back view. The bottom portion is metal siding the top is lap siding (unpainted).

Again, the house is not painted yet but this is the full front view. To the right is the front entry/ porch. To the left is the terrace (that's what the architect refers to it as in the plans) and there will be a little cement porch. It will be nice because in the cooler months we hang out on the terrace to get the evening sun. And this will be where we have a little bit of yard for the girls to play in.
See how Mark combined metal and shakes for the roof? Brilliant!

Turning the corner up the driveway and garage view.

A few shots upstairs

2011-03-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

Raleigh and Gracyn are standing where the dining room area is going to be and that is the door out to the back deck. I'm standing by the fireplace toward the front of the house.

Still standing in the same spot, now I just shifted to the right a bit and there is the kitchen and hallway.
Now I'm standing on the other side of the room facing the fireplace and front porch.
These are the gorgeous floors. Circle-sawn so you can see the round saw marks in them. Really pretty.
This is the upstairs guest bath right across from the kitchen. Painted it dark olive green and it's beautiful!

Inside the house

2011-03-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of the guest room heading across from the stairwell. Bathroom and basement rec room to the right.
Basement Rec room with in-slab radiant heat stained concrete floor. Done by Mark Marvelous. Behind him is storage/sewing room and the open space in the wall will be built in book shelves. To the left is the bathroom and then the staircase is to the left of that.
Coming up the stairs.
The wood trim is my favorite. So beautiful. Mission style.

Top of the stairs-Gracy.

More on next post

Back to the Licking Fetish

2011-03-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Raleigh story-- She licked the bottom of my tennis shoe the other day and I said, "GROSS RALEIGH!! (she caught me pretty off guard with that one) Don't lick my shoes!" "Why?" "Because mommy steps in poop with those shoes" (I was trying to think of something to just disgust her and hopefully break her of this licking fetish once and for all) She then replied ever so matter of factly, "Well MOOOOM, don't step in poop with those shoes. That's cuz then I won't be able to lick them." Duh- why didn't I think of that???

Mudder in the sky

2011-03-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have to share this story really quick while Gracy napping -rare moment.

Raleigh is learning all about God, in Sunday School and Preschool, and is starting to apply the concept all over the place. I.e. "Look at the moon my Fadder created" "My Fadder in the sky blew all those leaves off the trees because He creates the wind" etc. etc. So it's fun to have conversations about 'Fadder God' and seeing Raleigh's awareness growing of His creation.

Well, the other day we were getting out of the car and she saw some cottony-buds forming on one of the trees just outside the suburban door. She said, "Look mom! Those cotton that my 'Udder Mudder in the sky' made for me." I said, "What other mother???" "You know, my udder mudder married to my udder fadder!" I just started laughing and said, "Raleigh, you only get one mother because I am a possessive fierce woman and refuse to share you and Gracy with anyone else!!" She just looked at me curiously....

The little Lover

2011-02-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

The 301st Day of Winter

2011-02-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

A glimpse of sunshine-- everyone wanted to bask in the warmth.

We have been trying to stay sane during this brutal winter! We've been sick for the last several weeks-- you will see Raleigh is sitting in the chair during a lot of the pictures I'm posting because her cold turned into an ear infection. We've been eating a lot of warm soup, riding bikes in the house, taking a lot of baths, and Gracyn's latest past time is wearing hats EVERYWHERE!

The highlight of my week was getting Gracyn up one morning and telling her I loved her only to hear her say, "I yuv you too". Today, unprompted, she hugged Pearl and told her she loved her. She's a lover!

Life at the noons

2011-02-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. What have we been up to? Sinus infections (across the board), running (I ran 15 miles- outside- last week but only 10 this week because I was sick), and working on the house (mark). This weekend the goal was to get the cement flooring in the basement stained and waxed. Because we won't have flooring in the basement as we have radiant floor heating and it saves a lot of money to just finish it and make it look almost like tile.

The girls and I have been hanging out. Not without our challenges, however, as they are both at the age where they are incredibly vocal and asserting their independence. Gracyn is talking up a storm, hitting and pushing me saying, "NO". And all Raleigh's pretend play revolves around putting Mommy in time out and giving her spankings. Hmmmmmmmm.

Oh, here's a funny story. When we were driving home from the Y Raleigh informed me that there was a "gorgeous Prince" at the Y. "He was playing in the ball pit the gorgeous prince." I asked her what his name was (I am friends with almost everyone there) and she said she didn't know. She didn't, however, let the subject go. "Can the gorgeous prince come to my house and play?" I said, "Well, find out what his name is and I'll ask his mom." When she got out of the car she was swaying back and forth in a very smitten way and she said, "Mom, the gorgeous prince is going to come and kiss me and I will marry him." I said, "Well Raleigh, that's fine but he needs to ask my permission first." "Your merrmission?" "Ya, my permission. He needs to say, 'Ma'am, my names gorgeous prince and I would like to kiss your daughter." "Oh, ok."

Raleigh has talked about nothing else but her gorgeous prince she saw in the ball pit. This a.m. when it was time to get her to the Y she started to throw a fit. Mark said, "Maybe your gorgeous prince will be there. Do you want to go see." she did but she needed to pick out the perfect dress to go meet him in. He wasn't there and she was very disappointed. She wants to go play at his house....

My daughter will be 4 in May.... Someone from my running class thought the story was funny and asked if he was an older man. I said, "Well, if she's anything like her mother he is definitely an older man. But someday she will realize that age doesn't matter."

Here are some pictures of the house.

My Bottoms so huge!

2011-01-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Mark and I were dying at this interaction we had with Raleigh a couple days ago. I wish I had a picture of her bottom as it's all of 5 inches wide without an ounce of fat on it...

She says, "Dad my bike seat is broken (plastic tricycle seat). I broke it. That's cuz my bottom's so huge I broke it. I'm gettin' very, very tall. It's cuz I eat so much waffles."

She was quoting me because I pull out pants for her to wear under her dresses and daily shake my head and say, "My gosh Raleigh, you are getting so tall. We can't keep any of these pants long enough!"

I'll post pics of the house soon. It's a blizzard today so I probably won't get up there to take pictures. It's developing nicely and Mark and I feel the excitement growing!! We continue to receive discounts and upgrades from our gracious subcontractors and suppliers. This is going to be more house than we thought we were going to get (finish-wise, not size-wise). We're pretty excited!

Playing on Daddy's new toy

2011-01-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

Tour of the Neighborhood

2011-01-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the NC family wants me to orient them to the neighborhood and surrounding area. This is from the bottom of the highway, coming from Missoula you are turning right to go up a hill. Our house is the one in the middle with Tyvek on it.

This is an intersection as we wound around to the right of our house. Here is a row of 6 or 7 large houses-- all pretty unique in construction/look. Below is the opposite side of the street (Sugar Pine Place) where we will turn left to our house. There's a clump of 6 or 7 houses right on that corner then nothing until you reach our driveway on the right.
This is our closest neighbor across the street from us, then you pass our drive on the right, then nothing until the end of the cul-de-sac where you'll see the last house tucked into the woods.

Oh, and let me just tell you these pictures were ALL taken at noon promptly after church and LOOK HOW CRAPPY and GRAY it is OUTSIDE!! Blah!

Hope you enjoyed your tour,
Shannon

charles stuart free

2011-01-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

Can't get enough like me? Go to http://www.amyfree.com/ for more!

Gracyn

2011-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Since we went to the pediatrician Monday and she was blown away that G. is speaking 3 word sentences (I guess she's just supposed to know 6-20 words) I will tell you some funny stories of her language skills developing.

Last week we began to notice that if she upset Raleigh (and Raleigh would complain) she would come to Raleigh and say, "I sowwwy" and give her a hug around the waist. Then on Sunday we were coming home from church and G. yelled, "IIIII wwwwwaaaannnnn DUUUUUCE" (I want juice-- which she can totally tell the difference when we try to pass water off as juice). This was followed by the most Neanderthal scowl with pursed lips that I have ever seen!! Mark and I laughed hysterically. Such an expression of emotion from our little lovey.

I moved all the treat-like foods to a cabinet up high. But for some reason Raleigh and G. keep finding somewhat edible treats in the lazy susan. Yesterday morning G. was pilfering through it yelling, "IIIII wannnna doookie" (I want cookie). I was trying to get ready for work so Raleigh found some sugar cones and ate one. When she started on the second, and last one, I took it from her and told her she had to give it to G. (We had this whole battle before that about how she should save the last two cones for bath time and when I wasn't looking Raleigh ate one so I figured whatever now.) Raleigh had a huge meltdown. It resulted in a spanking when she wouldn't go pout in her room (her new thing is sitting on the floor, legs curled up, and stomping her foot saying 'humph' every two seconds). G. is contentedly rolling around the house eating her cone wondering what she had done right to get a treat so early in the morning. I was in the bedroom with Raleigh for 45 minutes disciplining and loving and every now and then G. would roll in and wave the cone in front of Raleigh -- upsetting her all over again. I said, "Maybe G. will share it with you because usually G. is a good little sharer. G. can Raleigh have a little bit of your cone?" Her response, "Nooooooooo MMMMMiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnne!" And then she'd run off.

All this and I didn't have my makeup on, hair dried, etc. etc. Well, I went to work (from 10 am to 9 pm) and when I came in the door Raleigh was getting ready for bed. I took my work clothes off and crawled into her crib with her. When we were discussing the morning Raleigh said, "Ya, and I was crying" I said, "Ya, you're always crying these days" (I know- not a good thing to say but when you've been counseling for 10 hours your sensors go out the window). Then Raleigh said, "Why do I cry?" I said, "Well, in most cases it's because you want something and you can't have it so you get angry." We laid there for about 10 minutes and then Raleigh said, "Mom, I want to tell you a story." "OK" "After you left for work, I snuck under the table and found the cone that G. dropped and I ATE IT!!"

January winter

2011-01-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, I hate to be a Debbie Downer but this weather is brutal!! Raleigh said today on the way to school, "Mom I just want this snow to go away.... I want this snow to be HOT!" I said, "Oh Raleigh, me too. Meeeeee toooo."

Mark and I didn't sleep at all last night, the girl's didn't nap, and Gracyn cries/whines all day.... Christmas is over so I need a new obsession. The only things that make me truly smile as of late are pictures of my new nephew, Charles Stuart Free (of which I have no digital copies so I cannot post yet) and my new house.... I have pictures of my house progress so I will post.

First, I have to share a story. Raleigh is infatuated with licking things. This is a hard phase for her 'germ-phobic' mother. She licks public door handles, garbage cans, mirrors, etc. The other day we were in a department store and the saleswoman was checking me out and Raleigh licked the entire length of the glass counter right in front of her! I was not only grossed out but sooooo embarrassed. I made her clean it right on the spot (with cleaner and a paper towel the 'grossed-out-lady' provided) but was wondering, 'How to I break her of this habit???' Any suggestions? Many of you have given me so much helpful advice in the past-- feel free to pass it on again.
Front of the house
Back of the house and back deck overlooking the view in the previous picture
It was well below zero and Mark decided we needed to go for a 4-wheeler ride. Needless to say, the 4-wheeler never ended up starting. Hmmmmmm

View out of our living room windows.

Christmas Day

2011-01-01T16:20:00.001-08:00

Raleigh is dancing because she just realized there was an abundance of presents under the tree. Before she could open any she needed to take her pjs off and put a dress on. She saw me pack the presents in the car so when she saw them she said, "Can we take all these home with us?" I said, "No, we're going to open them all right now!!" So, Gracie and Raleigh got busy and were having a blast when Raleigh opened this tiny Cinderella from K'ma. Raleigh stopped opening- well, refused actually - to open anymore presents. We took a Monkey Bread break and she still didn't want anything else....

So, I finally had the idea that Cinderella might have a house somewhere in the pile of presents. Would Raleigh like to see if there's a house for Cinderella? She thought that was a good idea and that's how we got the rest of the presents opened up. We had a great day!

Christmas Eve Night

2011-01-01T16:07:00.001-08:00

Here's our annual Christmas Eve picture in our red pjs-- Minus Tyler and Lica.

Yes, someone caught me on film. This is my standard position in the evening or while the girls are napping...

Mark and I were 'being Santa' in these photos. It was so fun!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

We had an active time at Grandpa and Grandma Garnett's house. We had to be creative with things to do as it was cold out. So we...Made and ate cookies...

Went to the Indoor Water Park

And played at Chucky Cheese...

Sugar Pine Place

2010-12-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Second story walls and the view down the valley
Placing the second story floor.
Insulating the foundation.
Initial stages. Hmmmm, can anyone say snow
Sunset view from the basement floor.

True definition of being a parent- highs and lows

2010-12-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh-- if I couldn't have gotten any more 'real life' today then I don't know what is. After working out and Gracyn throwing a tantrum at the Y (low) we went to our new house and I stood where the 2nd floor would be and I saw the amazing view I would have and I got the biggest smile on my face!! (high)

Gracyn throwing a temper tantrum at the post office mailing packages to Mark's family (low) (ya, people were seriously giving me the evil eye and I was like, "Hey! this is my good one!!!!) Then the girls wake up from their nap and I am prepared and ready to fight the weather and while I am excitedly talking to my brother-in-law who almost had a baby today (high) Raleigh sprays an entire bottle of baby powder in her room (low). Then while I'm trying to clean it up they destroy the rest of the house and spread my folded laundry throughout (low-pictures to follow).

Then the Christmas pageant that my adorable Raleigh participated in for her preschool--(high) and our celebration at a restaurant afterward (high).She's just tap dancing after the show was over. I mean, who wouldn't with a hardwood floor and some heels???

You who are parents can appreciate. And here's a picture of Raleigh ordering her celebration dessert....
That is so me right there. If only my parent's had a picture to compare....

Finally, Christmas

2010-11-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

I finally found my partner in crime for my favorite holiday....

The finished product. Raleigh stuck with me the entire way.... And we sit everyday and talk about how beautiful the tree is.

Then we went sledding. On our property, in Lolo....

Keep in mind-- this is 12 o'clock in the afternoon. This is how overcast it has been for weeks!

SugarPine Drive

2010-11-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, here's pictures of the house. where the tractors and suburban are parked-- that's where the house will be. We poured footings today. Mark is stressed about the weather cooperating. Raleigh ran the excavators and scooped dirt last Monday. She thought she was pretty awesome.

A little bit of dirt that was left. We had to remove a lot of dirt-- not very 'green' if you ask Mark. This is the turn about for the driveway and additional parking.

Driving down our driveway.
Ooops, how did that one get in there???? Just checking to see if anyone actually reads this.

Snow!

2010-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, quick story about our first snow and then I will share pictures of our house that you all have been begging to see.

Last night we went for a walk and when we set out at 8:30 it was dark, cold and drizzly-- but not snowing!! When we got about a mile out this beautiful snow storm came with BIG fluffy flakes so Raleigh and I were talking about it and what it may look like outside the next day.

This morning when she woke up I said, "Raaaaleeigh, loooook outside!" She said, "WOW, snow! Look Dad, Look!" Then she said, "I don't have school today." To which Mark and I chuckled because it takes a lot more that a sprinkling of snow to cancel school -- fortunately. Then she said, "Dad, will you hold my bee's (pacifiers) so they don't get lost in the snow!" Here is a picture of her running through her first snow, that she can remember, at 7 a.m. this morning

Last day of fall

2010-11-14T13:08:00.001-08:00

This was our last day of fall. Raleigh and her two bestest friends Rosie and Audrey got together to play in the leaves... It was still 40 degrees out but they didn't seem to mind. It has now turned COLDer and WET. If anyone has fun indoor activities to do with toddlers please, please, please give me ideas! Especially because mine have not napped in the last two days. Ideas for play please!

2010-10-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

Halloween was fun this year. I made Gracy a tutu to wear to church, we took naps, then set off to show off our costumes. Raleigh was a "Princess Pirate" and Gracyn was supposed to be her parrot. But I wasn't sure if Raleigh would keep her costume on or not so I dressed up like a pirate too just in case. We went to our friends' Amanda and Rodney who LOVE Halloween. Gracy didn't get into it for about an hour. Then I asked her if she wanted to try some after observing. She shook her head yes. The first couple of houses-- as soon as the owner opened the door Gracyn walked right into the house. Then she started to get the hang of it and would hold her bag out to fill. By the end she was saying, "Tankooooooo". Which was thank you for those of you who don't speak baby. Her tail was saggin' by the end of the night which was pretty stinkin' cute.

Raleigh of course ran all over the neighborhood yelling, "Let's go to another house, let's go to another house!"

Garnett Wedding

2010-10-27T21:32:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

2010-10-27T14:46:00.001-07:00

Boys vs Girls

2010-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Raleigh is certainly getting the boys vs girls concept. Today on the way to swimming lessons I said, "How come you don't get in the hot tub with the other kids after the lesson?" She said, "Because I'm scared and there's monsters in there." I said, "Vincent goes in and he doesn't get hurt by any monsters." She said, "Ya, and Vincent's my boyfriend" (she calls him that everyday). Then she said, "And Vincent's brother goes in there too." I said, "I know and Draven's a big boy and he likes you very much and he would never let a monster get you in the hot tub." She said, "Ya, Draven will GET those monsters for me because he's a boy. I can't get the monster's though because I'm a girl."

I laughed.

She stayed in the hot tub for over a half an hour.

Hail the Conquering Hero!

2010-09-30T20:58:00.001-07:00

For all the working moms

2010-09-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

I got to work Thursday, sat down at my desk, closed my eyes and wondered-- "Why am I doing this? Am I just a glutton for punishment?" And when I say 'doing this' I am referring to being a working mother.

So, some background and then I will share what my heart told me.

Raliegh threw two of her BIGGEST and probably only (maybe I'm blocking one or two out but this is not a regular occurrence at our house) temper tantrums this week. Mark is away hunting. Normally when I tell her, "Ok, let's go to school. Or let's go to the Y" etc she is gun-ho. Here's a piece of a family email I wrote this week....

So, this morning Raleigh wanted a kid's tums (she likes the taste) and I told her no-- we don't take medicine everyday just to take it. She threw a fit on the floor and I told her she needed to go to her room to throw the fit. WEll, I had to carry her into her room and I heard her making a ruckus. I peeked in on her and she was punching her bed saying, "I'm not happy. I'm punching the bed!" Later she came out to me and was hitting her leg in exasperation saying "I want a little boy medicine and you won't give it to me." I said, "I'm not talking about the medicine until you apologize to me for being grumpy." She said, "I'm not grumpy I'm sad!!!" I kind of laughed inside because she had me-- I was thinking, 'well I can't tell her she's not allowed to be sad'. So I said her behavior was inappropriate even though she was sad and she said she was sorry. Then she said, "You need to say you're sorry to me because you won't give me medicine." I said, "I AM sorry I can't give you any medicine today. I"m soooo sorry it has made you so upset but that's no way to treat mommy, etc."

Then yesterday I won't even get into because it was a BRUTAL tantrum and I really think she was just tired. But, I had to get to a conference and get them over to the neighbors and of course was late. My mood was good however because Wednesday at bible study we read Acts 16. This is the passage where the apostles were redirected from their mission many times and eventually thrown in jail and beaten. All the while they had a great attitude. Well, I've heard this story since I was a little kid. But this time I was convicted as my life is not a FRACTION of how difficult it was for them and yet I cry in frustration (like Raleigh) saying, "I'm angry. I'm hitting the bed."

One year, shortly after Mark and I got married, Amy sent me these pajama pants that said, "It's all about me." I used to believe that WHOLEheartedly. At least those who loved me and surrounded me made me feel special and loved. This year, however, I have become a bit more tempered. I put the pants on and laugh. If I can think like the apostles, "This is not about us. This is about God's plan and his purpose for me." Then I can be a mom, do my job, be a wife, etc etc with less frustration.

Oh, and it doesn't hurt that Mark shot a beautiful bull and is on his way home with a truck full of meat and won't be needing to hunt for the rest of the season!! :)

Godparents

2010-09-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we hung out with Mark's Godparents-- Knute and Annie Lee from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were in Coeur d' Alene, close enough drive, and we wanted to spend some time with them. Although I never doubted all the HYPE Mark portrayed about these people I had never experienced it for myself as we were busy getting married the first interaction I had with them. Well, the hype is true. I had two VERY unruly/obnoxious children to interfere with the relational aspect but when I had the opportunity I just soaked it in. They are sooooo RELATIONAL! I was so happy to just listen to stories about their lives and about their knowledge/experience with "Mark Marvelous" (that's what they called him). Knute is EXACTLY how Mark will be when he gets a little older. He's just a brute of a man but oh-- such a softy! And what struck me the most is that he loved his wife and KNEW her-- strengths and weaknesses. I loved this family. Mom is strong and squared-away and Dad is.... Well, he's the perfect man because he is so much like my husband so why wouldn't I call him the perfect father/husband.

Ok, I can't rave about this family any longer as Gracyn is huffing a helium balloon so I need to go take it away from her.

2010-09-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

We had a happy reunion with Daddy. Raleigh kicked and beat him until she was sweaty. I really think she needs to wrestle daily!!

When did someone decide 3 1/2 was old enough for school?? And who was that person?? I'd like to personally thank them.

Raleigh started school today. She fought and argued me into the car and I was pretty nervous that she would be resistant and the whole process would be more stress than it was worth. But when we got there, she sat down, and didn't even acknowledge my departure. Since I picked her up four hours ago she hasn't said more than 10 words. She's exhausted! It makes me wonder what she was like at school as I haven't seen her this worn out in a LONG time. Not since swim lessons last winter.

God bless pre school.

A Rose by Any Other Name Is A... Wildflower?

2010-09-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

I hate the label "crazy". I've had that label all my life and it annoys me when people say someone is crazy. These last few days, however, I've been struggling to find another appropriate name for Raleigh.

Last night, 10 pm, I told her it was time to go to bed. She started jumping on the mini-trampoline in our living room and said, "Mom I want some juice." I said, "No juice Raleigh." She said, "How about some candy?" I said, "No Raleigh, no more sugar you've had enough today." She said, "How about a cookie?" And we carry on like this for a few minutes all the while she's boing, boing, boinging on the trampoline until she starts chanting, "I want sugar. I want sugar." Jump, jump, jump. I just started laughing at the insanity.

Tonight we got done from dinner and I said, "Raleigh please go in the bathroom and wash your hands." She starts whispering and bowing herself out of the kitchen saying, "yesss massser, yessss masser mommy (yes master mommy)." What made it even funnier was that she was wearing little mermaid underwear, plastic high-heel shoes and a t-shirt that said 'cuter than most'.

Ahhh, are three year olds supposed to be this funny? She is such a sassifrass. So much personality. I wonder where she gets it from. Her crazy mother????

Rolling into the fall

2010-09-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Sadness that summer is coming to a close! We did SO much this summer. Mark and I went to Whitefish last weekend and rafted The North Fork (river in Glacier). We saw 5 black bear along the river and one of the cubs was an albino -- she looked JUST like a polar bear.

Raleigh starts preschool Monday and Wednesdays next week. She's excited, we went to an open house last week.

The weather is settling in for fall and I'm not going to lie, I experienced some grief last weekend when I knew summer was coming to a close. Here are some fun pics of the girls.

I think we're going to start our house next weekend. I will post pictures of the progress as we make it. I'm pretty stinkin' excited to finally have one of Mark's houses!

Folly Beach, South Carolina

2010-08-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the beach. We spent 5 days with my parent s at Folly Beach before Tyler and Lica's wedding. The girls had a blast!!! I can't wait to do it again! We ate seafood, flew a kite, went to the aquarium, boogie-boarded, collected shells, and went for walks! More pics to come!

A Summer of 'Firsts"

2010-07-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Our first obsession with All-Things-Princesses.

Our first Rafting Adventure
First time sharing a movie and a treat
First tenting experience

More Firsts

2010-07-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Our First Boat Ride
First time walking in Ruby Red Shoes
Our first camping adventure
Raleigh's First time on a 4-wheeler

Raliegh goes to Peter Pan

2010-05-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Auntie Pauline got us tickets to Peter Pan last weekend. I was so excited to take Raleigh as it was her first play, let alone movie!! She's never been to either. When we were walking down the isle I couldn't help but wonder if she would remember this day. I'll never forget when I went to my first play, Annie in Kansas City, MO. Maybe she will just remember the dressing up part and the date that she and I went on. She definitely liked 'Tinker Bell' who was portrayed by a little lazer jumping around in the theater. But, she only made it through the first half and then she said, "Let's go Mom." I tried to talk her into staying and she said, "No, we go now."

Happy Mother's day!

2010-05-13T11:26:00.001-07:00

Is it bad that my favorite Mother's Day thus far has been one without my kids??

Ya, please don't comment on that one if the answer is Yes.

Mark and I went to Coeur D' Alene to visit the Heffters and the Phillips. We spent a very romantic night in an old bed and breakfast, had a fun time with Emily's whole family, and had an amazingly beautiful drive. The girls were in GREAT hands as Suzi spent the night with them. This weekend cast a lot of hope for me as the all-consuming baby days might be rounding out and we transition into a new era.

Speaking of new eras. It seems that OVERNIGHT Raleigh has developed a fixation for all things princess. She loves princess dresses, to be called Princess Raleigh, and Castles (like the one we now have in our backyard. See below). Raleigh lives in her Cinderella dress. And Auntie Pauline bought Raleigh Peter Pan theater tickets for her birthday. On Saturday Raleigh and I get to go to the Missoula Children's Theater for the play. She is REALLY excited.Gracyn has been crying and fussy for about a month now. Last night was the first night we got her to go down without a screaming crying fit until 11-12am. I don't know exactly what her deal is but I know she is a good baby with a good temperament so I think something is bothering her... When she's in a good mood, however, her personality just blossoms. She will let Raleigh do anything to her!!

We inherited a jungle-gym this week and the girls are thrilled about it. Raleigh has been out in her "castle" everyday. Here are some pics and a video that cracked me up.

Did Daddy Build that One?

2010-04-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

I have to tell this story because I don't want to forget it. Today after the Y I thought we would go drive by Mark's worksite. I knew the house would be framed and sheeted so that Raleigh could tell it was being constructed and not just a finished house. When we drove up Raleigh did her standard, "Where we goin' mom?" that she asks a million times a day. I said, "We're going to see Daddy at work." I rolled down her window and said, "there he is-call him over." Raleigh started yelling, "Daddy, Daddy." He came over and Raleigh and Gracyn were delighted to chat with their dad for a few minutes. Raleigh said, "Ya buildin' that house dad?" The fun thing about watching the action was that there were several subcontractors on the job so it really did look like quite an operation (and it's a huge house he's building right now).

We said our good-byes and as we were driving down the street Raleigh said about several houses we passed, "Did Daddy build that one?" I answered 'no' to every question. Then we came to a big building in a similar phase as the one we just saw Mark building and she said, "Did Daddy build that one?" I thought that was pretty smart as she started to catch on when I told her no to all the ones that were finished. It was a sweet moment for me to observe. I wonder if Raleigh will remember the first time she understood what it was her Daddy did. I also wondered when we drove home how many houses we will be able to point out to our children and say, "See that house? Your Daddy built that house." It's much better than what Mark currently says (with too much pride in his voice)-- "See that satellite dish girls? Your daddy installed that MANY years ago and it's still standin'."

Princess Party Part II

2010-04-26T20:30:00.001-07:00

Posting a few more pictures for the benefit of family that live far away

Gracy got a sucker from the pinata
After we went a round we let the 3 yr olds whack it without a blindfold. Draven, the oldest, finally beat it to the ground.
Gracyn was crawling around welcoming all the guests to her party.

The Noon Princesses

2010-04-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Gracy's first cake!

Present opening was pure chaos. I've never seen anything like it. It was like a pack of wild hyenas!! :)

We pulled off the princess party yesterday without a hitch. There were 14 kids and 16 adults! We decorated crowns, broke a pinata, and pinned the kiss on the prince frog. Mark cooked all the food and Gracyn ate her first birthday cake. As you will be able to see from the pictures-- It was busy but fun.

This morning Raleigh woke up and the first thing out of her mouth was, "Mom where's my birthday party?" I said, "It's over sweetheart. Everyone went home last night." She said, "Weellll, I want to do it again. I want to have another party." 'Ahhhh' I was thinking, 'of course you do.'

BIRTHDAY BUILDUP

2010-04-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

I made Raleigh a "Princess Hat that she discovered the other day by accident. She has been asking to wear the 'prinnnzzzzhat' everyday now. I say, "No not until your princess birthday party". So, before I left for work Thurday Raleigh found these other birthday hats in my closet. She said, "A PRINZZZESS HAT MOMMY??" I let her have the bag of b-day hats to carry around. But then she wanted to put them on everyone that came in the room. Me, daddy, Gracie, Suzie, etc.
Tuesday little Gracyleigh turned one!!!! What a bitter-sweet day as I held my last baby and rocked her to sleep. I look forward to discovering her personality and little voice-- but she was such a snuggly baby. I will miss that. You all know how it is. She's off bottles, feeding herself. Wandering around getting into things.... Sniff, sniff.... She doesn't even need me anymore.

She is so incredibly fun and interactive. Today Mark was playing peek-a-boo with Raleigh and Gracyn as he loaded them in the suburban for me. Gracyn was laughing with all of her might! Mark said, "You are so stinkin' rewarding to play with." When we were in Billings last weekend we would hide behind furniture from Gracyn and she LOVED having to crawl around and find us. One time, she crouched down and looked under the couch for me, found me, and reached through and grabbed me. You know, you always think your child's the smartest......
But Gracy really is!! Haa-haa

This video is funny because the first few seconds of it Gracyn is singing into the microphone.
Then the babysitter got distracted getting Ral's stickers. But watch Gracie at the beginning of the clip.

Easter Egg Hunting

2010-04-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

Gracyn got in on the action
Raleigh and her friend Audrey ready for the hunt.
Look behind us at the hundreds of people waiting for the hunt to begin.
University easter egg hunt.

We went to so many easter egg hunts this weekend. One was a free-for-all at the University in the oval. Today we joined friends for a celebration and the girls hunted for eggs. I think I might like easter more than christmas. Here it definitely signifies spring. Yesterday it was freezing-- today a beautiful, sunny, fifty-five degrees! Happy Easter!

He is Risen!

2010-04-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sisters

2010-04-04T05:08:00.001-07:00

I hope my girls get a long like this forever!

Raleigh and Gracyn

2010-03-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Raleigh and Gracyn.

2010-03-09T08:51:00.001-08:00

Well, I have no idea who on earth is going to check this seeing as I have not posted in months!! If anyone out there is wondering what the heck is going on with the noons-- here it is....

We have had a crazy life lately. Our babysitter left for the month of February (No, Raleigh did not chase her away. She went to help her grandmother in Kentucky) so I had to make temporary childcare plans. This was unanticipated and not so great as far as timing goes. I am/was busier than ever with counseling (I'm seeing clients through my lunch and dinner hour as there are not enough hours in the work day). And I started group therapy Thursday evenings. This is something I have ALWAYS wanted to do in private practice as I led many at the Western Montana Mental Health Center. Group work is challenging and exhausting but where the REAL healing takes place. So, I am fortunate to have 10 women who have been committed to meeting together.

Anyway, that's the update on me. Mark re-tiled our entire shower area in 2 days. I repainted the bathroom, vanity, etc. Gracyn is crawling and getting herself into EVERYTHING!!! She is such a great baby and just follows me around the house on her hands and knees. Raleigh is as full of life as ever. She really enjoys playing with Gracyn. In the morning she waits until I give her the ok, then crawls into her crib and laughs and plays peekaboo with her for about 15 minutes. Then she calls for me and I get them both out and feed them breakfast.

This weekend was actually pretty sunny and about 40-50 degrees so we spent the whole weekend outside. Raleigh would say, "You come outsideme?" And I would reply, "I would love to come outside with you!!"

HEre are some before and aft. picts. of the bathroom and some of the girls playing around.

Sleep deprivation anyone?

2010-01-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm. Why am I so obsessed with my children despite the fact that they deprive me of the one thing I love the most? Does anyone else feel this way? This must be what parenthood is all about....

New Year's weekend Raleigh discovered how to crawl out of her crib. All my friends had been complaining about their children doing the same but we had been fortunate enough to avoid it. It happened in an evening. We were trying to watch a movie and we heard a THUD, pit-patter-pit-patter-pat-pat. Raleigh jumped over the rail and came downstairs to see what we were up to. Mark would put her back in her crib and after about the third time started camping outside her door to observe the little "trapeze artist". So, since I had been sufficiently informed by my friends who had gone through this before- I changed Raleigh's bed into a toddler bed the next day. Oh my gosh! What a battle....

Raleigh has experienced her first spanking (administered by me) and I have never slept less. I will never again think, "Oh ya, that's just YOUR undisciplined child but mine would NEVER do that" (i.e. crawl out of bed after I put her down for the night). So now Gracyn keeps me up by sleeping in my bed until I dump her in my crib at about 2 a.m. and then Raleigh gets out of bed and comes snuggling onto my side at about 4-5 a.m. Lord- why? Why? I LOVE my sleep. Now my queen sized bed is a "family bed". Oh, but I love my babies....

ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

2009-12-13T11:53:00.001-08:00

With Ladies in Christmas Dresses...
Baking Cookies with K'ma and Christmas Tea with Santa...

And antique sleds for the snow!!

The Crazy Month of November

2009-12-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh. (Big sigh of relief). We made it through the events of this month with our health and sanity!! Nothing like packing in a trip to Spokane to see the Lion King, extra hours at the office for Mark and I, a 10 year anniversary trip to Vegas, and a major surgery into three weeks! Are we crazy or what?? I came home from the hospital today and the girls seem to be doing fine-- no tears, no drama, just hugs and an excited greeting from both of them.

Our trip to vegas was fun. Mark and I cannot get over how incredibly large everything is--buffets, casinos, shows, hotels, etc. We were also marveling at how quickly 10 years of marriage can flash by. And we are thankful that we are still best friends!

We went with a good friend of mine, Amanda, and her husband Rodney. Mark and I went to dinner and a show for our anniversary. We gave each other jewelry -- I finally got a BEAUTIFUL diamond -- Mark wanted a watch. We brought back an elephant from FAO Schwartz for Raleigh as it reminded us of Horton Hears a Who (Raleigh's new favorite movie) and she was thrilled to get "a pezzzant".

Ok, now I'm just going to rest and recover from my very successful surgery (I got a picture of Pheobe the Fibroid and I wish you all could see the size of the thing!) It's amazing what they can do and I'm so incredibly thankful for a very talented doctor!

Enjoy the pictures of Vegas!

Wonder Woman

2009-11-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh! I've had some very tough cases and have been working really long days at work lately. The success/progress of my work is very intangible. Last night I got home and felt very rewarded and blessed as the house was clean, dinner was ready, and the girls were happy! Suzie also had Raleigh dressed in a pimp-ass Wonder Woman suit. What a riot! I went to bed exhausted but thinking, "You know, I am surrounded by 'wonder women'. My girls, my sitter, my friends...."

And how can one have a super hero without her trusty side kick?

Gracyn

2009-11-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

Gracyn is a happy baby. Her nose has been stuffy for a few months now, so she still doesn't sleep that well at night (sometimes waking hourly). Despite her lack of sleep I am amazed at how happy she is during the day!! Sometimes she will go ALL day without a nap and still smile at you whenever you look her way. She is a lot like her daddy!

Halloween P.S.

2009-11-01T10:00:00.001-08:00

I love it when other people are into holidays that I don't really care about. I learned that glow sticks are essential and next year will be loading Raleigh up so cars can see her in the dark Montana night. Also, Amanda had dry ice in her punch, a fog machine on her front porch, scary music, and a life size scary man (looked a bit like Frankenstein but I don't think it was) who was passing out candy to the kids. Amanda and Rodney dressed as Frankenstein and his bride. Here's some pics

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

This year was Raleigh's first trick-or-treating experience. I have to admit- she didn't tackle it with the 'Raleigh-flare' we are accustomed to. She was pretty reserved. We went up to Amanda's house (whose favorite holiday is Halloween) and went trick-or-treating in her neighborhood. Raleigh didn't say trick-or-treat once. She just stood in the doorway and let Draven do all the work. After she got her candy she would continue to stand in the doorway until I pulled her away and told her to say thank you.

Here are some pictures of our time. Excuse the Ghetto-ness of Raleigh's costume (I could have painted her face or done something with her hair). I was sick. If it weren't for grandma Raleigh probably wouldn't have had a costume!!

2009-10-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord for our new baby sitter-- Suzie. She reports that the girls are just "Angels" and loves on them the entire day. This picture should express our sentiments of how grateful we are for her. Those of you that know our darlings, know that they WILL NOT do that with anyone!! We love her and hope she's with us forever!!

Recent Sorority house photos

2009-10-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who sent birthday greetings and wishes! I think our expectations were a little "over zealous" for how the girls would do on the trip to Moses Lake, WA. Mark expressed our mutual frustration when he said, "The frustrating part is when you feel like you're making improvements with the girls and then you venture out, test the waters, and find out-- 'No, we're not as far along as we thought we were. Let's just stay home'." With that, I mean that Raleigh was bouncing off the walls (spilled red wine ALL over the white comforters and pillows in the hotel room) and Gracyn barely slept the entire 24 hours we were away. They were both up half the night in the hotel room. The other thing, my friend's daughter Ruby, is a child prodigy who genuinely likes to just play quietly on her own. Hmmmmm. Was I jealous? Yes. At times.

This week, however, we've had some sweet moments at home. This is Gracyn's first week of solids. Last night she took her first 'big girl' bath with Raleigh and the two played in the tub for a long time. Also, every morning for about the last month I bring the girls in to my bed with me and we snuggle and talk. On my birthday, Mark put them both in their monkey pjs and it was such a sweet gift to see my little monkeys wrestling and loving on each other.

QUACK!

2009-09-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

If anyone has any insight into the following story PLEASE do not hesitate to enlighten me. Whenever Gracyn falls asleep these days Raleigh gets in her face and yells "QUACK! QUACK!" until she wakes Gracyn up. Whether it's in the car, swing, or bassinet if I don't keep an eye on Raleigh when I finally get Gracyn down I will hear, "QUACK..... QUACK" in the other room followed by Gracyn's cries. It took me awhile until I figured out what was happening. We were riding in the car. It was quiet and Gracyn was sleeping peacefully. Raleigh yelled out, "QUACK!" Gracyn startled awake, whimpered, and went back to sleep. Raleigh did it again, Gracyn startled, and fell back to sleep. I figured out what Raleigh was doing and kindly asked her to stop yelling "Quack". When she did it again I had to pull the car over and have a 'sit down' with her.... Ah, I laugh as I write this. What a character. Why in the world?? The pictures above are from when Raleigh was three months old and wore her ducky outfit proudly.

After I wrote this we changed from our cool farmer's market clothes to our sunny playground clothes. I found this ducky suit(used to be Raleigh's) and had to sport gracyn in it. I thought it was appropriate since she couldn't sleep because of all of Raleigh's Quacking. Ahh, they really do quack me up!!

A Moment of Silence

2009-09-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

My families pet guinea pig died today. They had him for about 13 years. We're sorry to see you go Button and we will miss you!

The Noon Family

Raleigh Stories-- Once again

2009-09-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I am thrilled to report that Gracyn is officially an ANGEL!! She is the best baby on the planet. She coos and laughs and spends hours upon hours jumping in her bouncer!! :) So, now that I am not dealing with a screaming infant any more I have the energy to update you all on funny Raleigh-isms. Lately, she will say, "Go away Mom.... GO AWAY!" when she wants some privacy to poop. So, I'll say, "Ok, you poopin'? Do you want to go poop in the toilet?" She'll say, "No mom, go away!" She also loves driving 'my truck' as she calls it. Today she said, "I drive mommy, I drive." So I got Gracyn out of her car seat and we were hanging out in the back seat playing when Raleigh said, "Go away MOM." I thought she needed her privacy to poop so Gracy and I sat out on the lawn and talked. It was very quiet in my truck for a long, long time. I asked, "Raleigh are you done?" Nothing. "Raleigh, what are you doing?" Nothing. I peaked through the window and she was eating my 'emergency stash' of suckers as fast as she could inhale them. She caught sight of me and said, "Go away MOM, Go away."

Just Hanging Out

2009-09-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Ah, we are enjoying these last few weekends of

nice weather.

I tried to download a video of Raleigh

sayingere is a video of

Raleigh saying, "Dats-a-my sheeshster, Gracie" but it didn't work. Seems like we spend every evening playing outside in the front lawn until the weather takes a turn. Some of Raleighl's neighbor friends come over to play. Those of you that know me know that I love fall-- I wish we could have the cool mornings and warm after noons all year round. Mark agrees as it's ideal weather to work in.... He's been working his fanny off but comes home to play with us in the yard. Raleigh and Mark fly around the front yard like airplanes and butterflies! So, here's some pics of us just hanging out. Trying to keep you all connected. Enjoy.

Body for Life 12 Week Challenge

2009-09-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

I hesitated posting what I'm about to say because I have a very real fear that I will fail. Then, all of two people who read this blog will know that I failed. So be ever so gracious if I fail. Mark and I started the body for life eating regime. We are like rock stars on that program. Got that part down. I'm kicking but on the intense work-out routines. Mark hasn't been able to fit it into his work schedule yet. Anyway, I'm wondering if we need to post our "pre-diet" pictures just to keep us motivated and accountable?

Thankful for Family

2009-09-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, I just love that Mark is playing with his brothers (in-law and otherwise) while I am playing with my parents. Raleigh was so excited to see her "grandma and grandma" that she could not be settled down for hours. At one point she was telling everyone when it was 'their turn' to do summersaults in the lawn. Grandpa, at 61 years of age, executed a beautiful summersault next to his granddaughter, Raleigh. And here are a few pictures of the dress that Grandma crafted for Raleigh and Gracyn is now enjoying. I just thank god for family and love that Mark and I can enjoy both of ours this weekend. Thanks Family!!! We hope you enjoy ours as much as we enjoy YOU!!!! My parents volunteered to watch the girls on Sunday while I go watch Fiddler on the Roof and shop in Spokane with some friends!! They're even watching my friend's kids. I know, what the hell do I have to complain about???? Nothing right???????

Friendships

2009-08-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

Raleigh and I have been going to a play group once a week for a few years now. In Montana it is a good thing because it guarantees that we get some socializing (both mother and child) at least once or twice a week when the weather's bad. This group of mommies were a tremendous support to me when I was coming out of my hole from Raleigh crying for the first 6 months of her life. Not only did they encourage me but also gave me creative ways of approaching "dealing with Raleigh". I owe most of my sanity to these ladies....

This summer, one was in Fort Collins in training with Crusade with her family, one had a baby, and another was deathly ill. I saw two of the women when I went and helped them and their families, but we had not all been together for several months. Tonight we hosted a barbeque and when Raleigh saw them coming down the street she shouted their names at the top of her lungs....

Of course, at the barbeque conversations were disjointed and there was a lot of crying and fighting for toys (7 kids under the age of 3 years old) but when the dust settled I think the overall sentiment is that we are all SOOO thankful for each other!!! Our girls are exhausted and our hearts are full because we are proud to be friends to each other and moms to our adorable bundles of love and friendship. Maybe these pictures will share the sentiment better than I. They are standing in a "Holy Board" game that the mommies were trying to play without the interference of 'our little helpers.' I am really looking forward to another year of bonding (both big girls and little girls) and learning from one another!

2009-08-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Here are updated pictures of the angel=== GRACIE-LEIGH

2009-08-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

WELL, we bought a fancy new suburban, loaded it up, and the girls
and I headed to billings to see grandpa and grandma. It's sounds funny but my heart just soars when I drive this 'rig'. Even with a four month old
crying for the duration of
the 5 1/2 hours there and 6 hour return trip-- I am just happy to be driving my big rig. It's something God has put in my heart since I was a little girl. I grew up with suburbans, I took my driver's ed. test in a suburban, and I got in a knock-down-drag-out fight with my ex-fiance about how I would never drive a Land Rover but preferred a suburban! My girls and I are going to have many great memories in this car. And it fits that Raleigh calls it, "MY TRUCK!" Today she was mad that her fort we made in the living room was blocking her view of "My Truck" so I had to make a window out the fort so she could see her truck at all times.

Raleigh and Gracyn also got to experience their first Montana State Fair at Grandpa and Grandmas. Raleigh was pretty apprehensive at first but then when she figured out how the rides worked, etc. she was FEARLESS!!! She went on the full-sized fairis (sp?) wheel

and at first said, "I want off, Mommy" but I offered to put my arm around her and that was all she needed to feel content enough to start heckling the people down

below and saying hi to grandpa

. We had a

BLAST, petting zoo, fair food, rides, etc. We were all content and tired afterward. We really had a great time in Billings and Mommy got to catch up on her much needed sleep!!!

2009-08-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Family Photos

2009-07-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law came to stay with us for a couple of weeks. She is an AMAZING photographer and captured our lives while she was here. Here's a sampling of her work. Log onto her website (amyfree.com) for more!

"Moms Gone Wild!!" Glacier Nat'l Park

2009-07-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday myself and a group of my YMCA buddies woke up early for the best adventure I've had in over a year. Six of us drove up to Glacier for a 11.3 mile hike. Seven miles into our hike was a beautiful chalet where we spotted a grizzly w/ her 2 cubs!

We shot from the hip: started our day later than we should, drove up to a parking lot that was supposedly 'already full', hitch-hiked back to our car, drank beer and ate smoked salmon back at the car, found a fabulous restaurant still serving dinner at 10 pm, etc. etc. Our 'unplanned adventure' could not have turned out any better. The next morning we slept in, sat in the sun, took a jet-ski trip across flathead lake, and then headed for home around 3 pm. Mark did an excellent job watching the girls and I came back excited and refreshed. I forgot how much I need God's country to feel human!

2009-07-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

When you have 2 like mine you may ask your self on occasion (or daily in my case) 'why have kids?' That's a good question and in the following blogs I'd like to present a few reason for having high-maintenance beauties like mine.

NUMBER 1: You can experience the world through their eyes.

There is nothing like seeing a water-park for the first time through your child's eyes. It's hilarious really. She's so exhausted, yet she cannot stop the thrill of it all. She also demanded to go on the big water-slide (pictures included) only to be told by the life-guard she was too short.... Hmmmm, little did he know she was only TWO YEARS OLD!! She was upset by this set-back but decided she would just rule the kiddy slide instead. What a great day for all of us!!

ANTI-facebook

2009-07-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

After visits from Grunky and Gumpy, Pops and K-ma, and Amy I decided we needed some way to keep folks up to date on our family activities. Since we are ANTI-facebook you will have to follow us on our new blog. I'll post funny stories and videos when I can and your comments are always appreciated!

So, here we go. Here's a picture of my beauties loving on each other. Check out the first few pages of Amy's website (www.amyfree.com) as they are chalked full of pictures of my girls. More to come...