Beauty and the Beast

We had a wonderful weekend in Spokane with our dear friends Jackie and Scott and their three amazing boys, Owen, Ethan and Liam. On Saturday, Jackie, Marge, Owen, Ethan, Addison and I went to the Beauty and The Beast the Broadway Musical. The show was so good and we all really enjoyed it. It was actually really funny!  The Beast was a little scary in the beginning and the music leading up to the scary Beast had Addi on my lap. Even so, she really enjoyed it. About half way through Addison and Ethan got restless and were playing together in one chair - cuddling, tickling, giving butterfly kisses. It was pretty adorable. Addison sure loves 'her boys'. They are affectionate kids just like Addi and will put up with Addi hugging and kissing them and always wanting to hold hands!

We are so thankful to have such wonderful, lifelong friends in our life. We are thankful to have such special friends for Addison to grow up with. We only wish we could see them more often.

The kids in line to pick out a special treat. Addi choose a pink Belle T-Shirt.

A quick picture of Addi and the stage. No photos allowed, but how can you resist?

The kids and Grandma Marge

Holding hands wherever they go

Yay! Sleep over!

Ethan and Landon

Owen and Landon

Jackie and Landon

All the kiddos. 

Drumming with daddy

He was actually watching Strawberry Shortcake on the way home! It was so cute!

A Dare to Give Thanks

My mother-in-law gave me a book for Christmas -- One Thousand Gifts, written by Ann Voskamp. I have only begun the book, but I am really enjoying it. I am reading it slow, with a highlighter.

In keeping with the spirit of this book I have dared myself to make a list of 1,000 gifts in my life. One thousand things I am thankful for. In passing, it is easy to take for granted the small gifts that make the whole of my life incredibly special. I am daring myself to slow time down, live a full life, give thanks for the gifts in my life, take in each and every moment and to live by this - "Wherever you are, be all there".

1. Soft skin of baby's cheeks
2. Sunlight through dark, storm clouds
3. Secrets whispered through daughter's sweet, pink lips
4. Fuzzy baby hair
5. Tender kisses from my husband on my cheek. It is early morning, he thinks I am asleep and the kiss a secret.
6. New socks
7. Fresh snow sparkling under Montana's big, blue sky
8. Cool, clean drinking water
9. Long talks with a close friend. Laughter. Tears. Bonding.
10. Campfires
11. Fresh fruit
12. Live, acoustic guitar music
13. Baby animals
14. My Lab's soft ears rubbed on my cheek
15. Fresh hair cut
16. Wildlife photography
17. Wildflowers, freshly picked. Displayed proudly in clear glass vase.
18. Hot, bubble baths
19. Deep, dark red wine.
20. Warm sand hugging toes
21. Solitary bald eagle perched high on top snowy, pine tree
22. Long, slow swim in cool mountain lake
23. Muddy Jeep tires
24. Tender hugs of encouragement from my dad
25. Cowgirl boots
26. Phone calls from my niece Ellie
27. Falling asleep with my baby on my chest
28. My Granny's handwriting and receiving handwritten cards from her
29. Purring kittens
30. Stories told by my Grandfather
31. Whale songs
32. Freshly gathered farm eggs
33. Old black and white photography
34. Winter songs of a chickadee
35. The smell of freshly cut hay fields
36. Reminiscing with mine sister about our childhood
37. The baby blue color of robin's eggs
38. Handwritten notes from my mother
39. Happy endings
40. Salty chips and salsa
41. Shooting stars
42. My children's belly laughs
43. Extra cheese on Italian food
44. New hats
45. Hiking in the fall

{I will continue to share my list as I compile it}

Snowshoeing

We took advantage of the fresh snow and winter sunshine and went snowshoeing on Sunday. Addison does not have snowshoes so Daddy pulled her on the sled. It was much harder than it looks and I am pretty sure the next trip to REI Addi will be getting some snowshoes! Dylan said, "It's like dragging out a deer. And that is not the fun part of hunting!"

fuzzy, young, mule deer

at least Addi was enjoying this set-up!

Snow Swimming

How to...

BUILD A SNOWMAN. {Featuring Addi Jo.}

1. Roll freshly warmed snow into 3 large balls. Stack 3 large snow balls one on top the other.

{Be sure to pack it tight.}

2. Use a carrot for his nose.

3. Make your snowman cozy by dressing him in a scarf and hat. 

{If your dog steals your scarf, yell and scream at him and chase him down!}

Snowman building is fun for all species.

 {Hopefully that same crazy dog will not continue his games and steal your glove. If he does pause for more screaming and crying if along with that glove he also bit your little fingers.}

3. Use rocks for his eyes.

5. Use twigs or branches for his arms.

6. Pound in rocks for his buttons.

6. Use rocks for his mouth.

 7. Last and most importantly hug your new snowman friend.

My New Favorite

When a person takes nearly 1,000  pictures a month it can be difficult to call just one your 'favorite'. I captured my new favorite this month!

Addison was straddling Landon before bed time the other night. She was singing and talking to him and he was talking (very loudly for Landon) right back to her!  Perfectly precious!

Click It Up A Notch Photo Contest:

A few others...

And a short video...

Snow!

Montana winters can be long. Even longer when it is cold and gray with no snow. Compared to most years, especially last year, we have had a mild, warm, snow-less winter. I was happy for the recent snow storm. In one day and night in Helena, we received over a foot of fresh, white powder. For me it is like the first Chaco and shorts day of spring; the snow, like the sunshine, gives me new childlike energy. 

My Snow Angel.

Our 19th century snow shovel weighs as much as her!

Ready to be done with the sled!