Lovin Livin in Big Sky Country

I AM

2011-08-11T11:33:00.003-06:00

-loving having Mondays off....maybe even more than having Fridays off!
-happy that Gs family was here, the Bridges were here and that my family was here....but REALLY happy that we have the rest (whatever is left) of this summer to hang together and do whatever WE want to do with no other obligations!!
-loving my R+F business
-uber excited for my trip to San Francisco in Sept for R+F convention with one of my best friends
-enjoying reading silly modern day romance novels left for my by Jessie rather than text books about Human Resources and Financial Planning
-proud of G for having his first photography show this summer
-glad that he finally got a new truck
-grateful that we were able to go to some great concerts (Red Ants Pants and Jeff Bridges & the Abiders)
-shocked that hunting season is in just 3 WEEKS!
-a lot of other things that I can't think of right now :)

Brave Girls Club....

2011-07-31T13:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Inspiring Girl,

Try for the next 24 to say yes to whatever lessons life is handing you. Say yes to crazy things that have shown up that you weren't expecting, but that you know are meant just for you. Say yes to the opportunity to love unconditionally, even if it is difficult. Say yes to the opportunity to forgive another, even if it has seemed impossible. Say yes to the things that are creating resistance, because they are making you stronger. Say yes to a disappointment that you wish would have turned out the way you wanted it to...and say yes to what is going to show up in it's place.

We bring ourselves so much pain and suffering when we resist the flow of life...when we try to paddle upstream or walk DOWN and escalator that is going UP.

When we can stop and accept the things that we can not change...accept them just as they are....without conditions or expectations...we are free from so many unpleasant things. After we have done all we can, we need to just let things go, and even say yes to the lessons they are bringing to our lives. It is silly and futile when we continue to hold on to the belief that we have control over things that we can never control....outcomes, people, etc.

Trust is powerful. Trust life as it is happening. Let go of any attachments to any specific outcomes. Trust the One who made you, and the plans that are meant for you. Love unconditionally and forgive freely.

C'mon.....just for 24 hours...you can do anything for 24 hours. Chances are...you will love the way this feels so much that you will stick with it even longer....isn't it worth a try?

You are so loved, never forgotten and never alone.

xoxo

Are you a part of the Brave Girls Club? Do you read the Daily Truths? If not, you should make it happen!

This is a tribute to one of my favorite things that a little birdie has told me. Sometimes things are so serendipitous in this little world we live in. Some days everything just seems to make sense. The things that you read and see just seem to feel so interconnected no matter how unrelated things appear from the outside. As I read this daily truth, Dear Inspiring Girl, I thoughts instantly of all of the strong beautiful women that I have been blessed enough to know. Thank you little birdie for reminding me what is important when I need it most.

I HEART

2011-07-01T08:32:00.003-06:00

R+F
4TH OF JULY WEEKEND IN LIVINGSTON, MT
VISITORS FROM THE SOUTH
VACATION DAYS
MY SKIN
THE SUNSHINE
YNP
PVG
OLD CHICO
HIKING
RODEOS
PARADES
COWBOYS
GETTING PAID

worlds collide

2011-06-13T17:40:00.003-06:00

First off....I am STILL without my camera. I am pretty sure that I know where it is but I am waiting patiently for it to be found there (so that I can be right) and returned to me. Either way, I don't have it. Which in this case is sad. Because there are really no words to describe the fun that I had over the past weekend.
It was a wedding weekend which I usually do not look forward to and am happy to have behind me. Not because I am against weddings or hate love but because I don't fully understand the necessity of spending exorbitant amounts of money on mediocre food and a crappy DJ while people with nothing in common aside from somehow knowing either the bride or groom spend an evening with each other because the bride and groom are usually so overwhelmed that they are hardly able to spend any real time with their guests. And while all of that was a possibility for this weekend......it was in no way the case. Dan and Erin are thoughtful individuals who wanted to be sure that this weekend was an adventure not soon forgotten by anyone.
We were able to spend 3 full days and night getting to know and enjoy incredibly intelligent, creative and outrageously fun people and I am better for it.
Living in small town MT it is nice to be reminded of and get a taste of all that is out there. AND I have tons of new CA friends to hang with this September when I travel to SF for the R+F Convention!!!
Congratulations Dan & Erin and Thank You for a memorable weekend.

I will try to snag some pics for others to post....and hopefully my camera will be found and returned soon;)

2011-06-05T15:47:00.002-06:00

Just got home from a bbq with the fam for my mom's birthday. As we were leaving my brother was mowing the lawn on her new riding lawn mower........when you live in MT a riding lawn mower is the kind of thing that you ask for :) Happy Happy Birthday mama!! xxoo

R+F BBL

2011-05-28T15:56:00.003-06:00

I had an amazing night last night at my Rodan & Fields Big Business Launch! I was lucky to be able to hold it at The Drawing Room; the most adorable little store in Livingston and got some very lucky ladies set up with some fantastic skincare. Last night helped ease my nerves and I feel slightly less crazy for taking this chance on myself and this company. I am definitely blessed to have some really wonderful ladies in my life who support me.
I of course did not bring my camera and have no pictures. To be honest I'm really not sure where my camera is. I'm pretty sure that G was the last one to take it on an adventure but I haven't seen it around lately. hmmmmmmmmmmm

couldn't sleep at allllll last night.........

2011-05-17T11:45:00.002-06:00

A combination of excitement and serious anxiety kept me up most of the night thinking about my new venture with R+F. The product is great, the company is solid, that leaves the rest up to me.....but what if NO ONE I know is interested? I thought people would be interested but nothing for sure so far, I had to remind myself over and over that I JUST started and that nothing happens overnight. This business will not happen overnight. Hopefully I can convince myself of this tonight because if not....tomorrow will not be pretty! Help me avoid the loony bin and check out my website!!
http://jisaly.myrandf.com for products
http://jisaly.myrandf.biz for the business

xxoo

PS

2011-05-16T20:02:00.001-06:00

It is also no longer winter and we DON'T have this much snow.....i'll change that soon too!

Seasons of Change

2011-05-16T19:24:00.003-06:00

There is a HUGE possibility that there is no one out there reading.....aside from MEG who is awesome at blogging, reminding me to blog and life in general. I really have made no effort over that past months...ok many months......to blog at all. My reasoning is for the most part about feeling like I have nothing to say, no pics to post and the belief that no one is reading. But then when I reflect on my 'reasons' they are all either not true or not why I started this blog in the first place. It isn't about providing comic relief for others or communicating some greater message. It was for me. So that I could keep a journal of sorts, a way to keep track of myself and what I spend my time doing. When I look now at what I have written in the past months it is not much which is not reflective of what has been happening for me. So it is catch up time......and time for a recommitment to blogging and keeping track of myself.
I learned to ski. This for me was a pretty BIG deal. For some reason despite growing up in ski bum heaven I never learned to do it. I realized that if I want to be able to join my friends on weekend ski getaways I was going to have to face my fears. The fear of falling, of going fast, of looking silly and of doing something new on my own. So I did it. I took lessons and learned (surprisingly quickly) how to ski. The icing on the cake was when I WON A FREE PAIR OF HEAD SKIS!!!!!!!!! I took it as a sign that my learning to ski was meant to be.
I became a Zumba instructor. Again, faced my fears of no one coming to my class, looking silly and well, doing something completely new. SO MUCH FUN. If you have not tried a Zumba class........you should. I now teach a class at the FireHall Fitness Center every Thursday at 5:30 and I love it!
I turned 29 years old..........................................and by the looks of the rest of this post I must be having some sort of early-mid life crisis!!!
My next venture is my own business with Rodan & Fields. As of today I am a Business Development Partner with Rodan & Fields. If you know me you can guess what a leap of faith this is for me.
I have obviously had quite a bit of 'blog worthy' happenings in my life but blogging takes time and time is not something that I have a lot of these days!! Hope to keep it up more in the future and if you are reading this.....thanks for sticking with me!

xxoo
J

Spring in Montana

2011-03-22T11:25:00.002-06:00

This is what spring in Montana looks like.....We were woken at about 3am because the power went out and noticed a few inches of snow outside. After waiting for a bit for it to come back on we called to let the power company know, turns out the power was out in the whole Valley. This is what we woke up to in the morning and it hasn't stopped snowing all day. This makes me even more excited about my girls day with Anna at Bridger on Friday!! I love spring snow. It is wet and heavy and sticks to everything which makes for a beautiful, clean landscape. I just wish I wasn't inside all day.

Check Them Out!

2011-03-21T12:47:00.007-06:00

I realize I may not have any readers at this point since I haven't blogged for months. But this is blogworthy no matter how long it has been. Amy and Chris Thompson (see their blog here....The Thompsonheads....) have begun the process of starting their family through open adoption. They live in Athens, Georgia now but I met Amy at MSU. They are kind and generous and thoughtful and deserve to have the family that they dream about. Please, if in any aspect of your life you come across someone thinking about open adoption or who knows someone else looking into adoption options please think of Amy and Chris and pass on their website information...The Thompson's Adoption Site...... Help them in creating their family!!

Thank you from my heart and theirs.

Also, if you would like to follow their adoption journey......here is their Adoption Blog :) I know I will be!

So Long 2010...................

2010-12-31T14:16:00.002-07:00

We are headed down to Yellowstone National Park this afternoon for a scenic drive; the cold has thwarted our plans to ski so we will be searching out photo opportunities followed by a romantic dinner for two at the Mammoth Hotel. Enjoy your New Year celebration............see you next year!!
xoxo

12/28/2009

2010-12-28T14:06:00.002-07:00

While driving to work 1 year ago today I answered a call from my mom. It seemed early to be hearing from her, or anyone for that matter. She was calling to tell me that my cousin Eli had been in a car accident and had been flown or was on his way to Billings... The next 10 days were filled with tears, fear and a lot of hope and praying in our family. Eli has made a miraculous recovery over the past year and in his fight to live the life that he has always known has been a incredible reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the body's ability for healing. So today I want to say Thank You Eli for your sweet soul.
xoxoxo

THANKS SANTA!!!

2010-12-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

ps

2010-11-24T08:20:00.002-07:00

we got more than 17inches of snow at the ranch in less than a week and i don't think the temp has risen above ZERO. i of course forgot my camera to show you but watch the weather channel...Bozeman, MT was on there this morning for record freezing weather...... -20!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving....so what am I grateful for?
-The BIG beautiful blue sky that I live under.....even in freezing weather the sky was beautiful coming into town this morning.
-Wood burning stoves.....yes, we do have electric heat but there is nothing like the warmth of a wood burning stove.
-Being well equipt....I love being able to feel ready for whatever mother nature has in mind for us here and the adventures that we are faced with; while sometimes frustrating are often really fun.
-My neighborhood and my community........yesterday there were 2 people stuck on our road and there were 3 vehicles (including us) immediately to get them out. Although our closest 'neighbor' is at least 1/4 of a mile away and we can go weeks; even months without any more communication than a wave everyone is there to help each other out. Livingston is the same way, it is small and people really care about each other. Not necessarily because we all know each other well but because we are all a part of a community that is important to all of us.
-My new AWD.........enough said.
-My job.....it is consistent, reliable and it allows me to make connections with people who I would otherwise never know.
-The ranch......living on 1,000 acres is Paradise Valley really is PARADISE!
-Snow removal equipment.......plowing for hours can be fun if you let it.
-Horsecicles, pupcicles and kittycicles........they are going stir crazy right now!
-The snow.....I am really looking forward to the snow this year. Skiing, both xcountry and yes, maybe even downhill. I am planning to take some lessons as long as I don't wuzzzzz out; I am the loser who grew up in MT and never learned how to downhill ski. I am hoping that this is the year that all changes.
-Drift fence and the boy who puts it up for us ;)......who knew that such ugly fence could be such a lifesaver.
-YNP.......I am going to spend more time exploring it...this is a promise to myself.

Did you notice that there has been no mention of G, my family or my friends. Well I feel like it goes without saying that the people in my life bring me the most gratitude. But today, the day before Thanksgiving I am going to focus on the not so obvious things. Besides, I will spend all of tomorrow with those special people, doing what we do best......you will see.....I'm not gonna lie-It is great to be an Isaly! xxoo

Good Morning Winter.....

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for you!

fall friends

2010-11-01T20:32:00.000-06:00

Our new buddy bucky has been hanging pretty close in the back yard. He comes in at dusk to say hello. He and Fisher challenge each other and to our surprise he doesn't seem to mind the dog. He just comes back closer and closer. It is funny when you think about how much time is spent and how many miles are hiked to attempt to get anywhere close to this distance to deer and elk and in the back yard we can almost reach out and touch this guy. I love that he is just as territorial and protective of the yard as Fisher is :)

Roots Rock!!

2010-10-19T19:06:00.004-06:00

Root vegetables are now my new best friend. They are hearty, resilient and most of them take no work at all and can be stored and used all year long. Granted the carrots take some work but they are soooo beautiful. I can't wait to eat our onions and I really can't wait for our garlic and shallots next year. I think I might try potatoes as well.....one more thing I can just dig up, wash off and store.

domestication

2010-10-19T18:44:00.003-06:00

I have been a canning FOOL this fall. Cooking and cleaning are not things that I would consider domestic.....just regular, everyday stuff. But canning, preserving your freshly grown veggies. That, in my mind is domestic. I love having a garden. Although the constant battle with the weeds usually ends in me ignoring the garden for the later half of the summer paying only enough attention to keep it watered and take what I want from it. But I am always frustrated by how much ends up going to waste...back into the ground. Because a household of 2 can only eat so many peas, beans, squash, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, carrots............you get what I mean. I am making it my goal to conquer the preservation of more and more of the veggies each year until someday maybe there won't be as much waste. Either that or I will dedicate the entire thing to garlic, shallots and onion since they don't take much work at the end of the year. But if you have seen out garden you know that I would then produce more of those items than we could eat in a year. Some of the earlier veggies were picked and prepared but never made it to preservation this year. So sorry little beans and peas....I had good intentions.

I did manage to make tons and tons of apple sauce and apple pie filling (the apples were fresh but not from our trees...those are always stolen by the bears before I get to them), blackrazz jam (berried from the truck in the parking lot), canned diced tomatoes (from our garden and my brothers), the onions are downstairs curing and the carrots are ready to be picked anytime and will be blanched and frozen for winter enjoyment (that is the plan anyway). I just planed garlic and shallots tonight for next year. Following my Uncles Jamies gardening advice, he has two greenhouses and a big garden so when he tells me to do something I usually listen. We did lose quite a few tomatoes and all of our tomatillos (first year growing them) to frost because I was trying to eek out every last day I could and then got lazy even though I heard it was supposed to freeze. Next year to goal is to get the peas and beans in the freezer the day I pick them, otherwise they are destined to sit for weeks in the refrigerator until I throw them away and get the tomatoes inside more quickly. I also need to make sure that we eat all of the stuff that I have canned and that it is not out of sight, out of mind on the shelves in the basement.

diced canned tomatoes

Dear AMC,

2010-10-19T11:46:00.003-06:00

In general I understand why a series does not run all year round. We need a break, you need a break, in the summer we are too busy to watch most of the time anyway, blah, blah, blah. And in general I am ok when my shows come to an end each season and I am ready for them to start at the beginning of the next. But Mad Men is not your regular run of the mill series. I assume you realize this. It can't be because the show is 1 hour long rather than 30 min and you just don't have enough material.......Greys is an hour and so is Desperate Housewives and they run all winter. I don't want to have to go back to watching DH on Sunday nights when it airs....I am ok with skipping it and watching later in the week. I WANT MY MEN!!!!!!!

It is coming.....I can feel it.

2010-10-18T19:54:00.006-06:00

A few signs that any day now we will wake up in the middle of winter...........

The wood is chopped and stacked up high....
The drift fence is up....thanks bro...
And Marks is now ....'Closed for the season..reason..freezin!'

Happy 23rd Birthday to my little sis!!

2010-10-15T16:03:00.004-06:00

We celebrated Keeli's birthday in true Isaly style with a mountain man obstacle course. Maybe red neck obstacle course would be a more appropriate name. Either way we gathered with the family and Ty, our brother from another mother at Quinn Creek where we tried our skills/luck at roping, the sling shot, archery, tomahawk throwing and of course some shooting. Turns out I am skilled in none of these arenas.

If baking had been part of the course I would have won for sure with my mini cheesecakes!!

mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

I would like to bake in exchange for $$.... just throwing that out there for anyone who would like to pay me to bake ;)

checking the perimeter

2010-10-15T15:58:00.001-06:00

every fall we do our best to make sure that the property boundaries are clearly posted. would you be intimidated??

everything is better when it is toasted on bread!

2010-10-15T15:39:00.000-06:00

blackrazzzzzz

2010-10-15T15:37:00.000-06:00

best jam EVER!!!

first snow 2010

2010-10-15T15:31:00.000-06:00

September 5, 2010 7:15 AM

YNP

2010-10-15T15:29:00.000-06:00

Not sure when this was...a month or two ago...fishing in Yellowstone National Park. Soon we will be in the same spots skiing!

pure class

2010-10-15T15:27:00.000-06:00

Big Timber, MT

Grizzly G

2010-10-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

The Grizzly is his spirit animal whether he likes it or not!!

I know, I know

2010-10-11T18:22:00.003-06:00

Yes, I realize that I am running the risk of my blog turning into a food blog but this is really what I spend my time doing. And I am really going to make more of an effort to document and keep track of the other fun MT adventures that we have!
But just wait until you see the mini cheesecakes that I made for my sistes bday....they are on a different camera that is not at home right now. And I will even post some of the other pic from the fun bday celebration last weekend for all you non-foodies.
And if you want something extra exciting to read about (stuff that I just can't give you) check out my friend Ashley's blog to read all about her exciting news!! I'll give you a hint.....Aunt Jacq X2!

2010-10-11T18:21:00.000-06:00

The best way to end a 4 day weekend when the weather is beginning to really feel like fall is with a big pot of chilli......mmmmmmmmm.......

Pasta Sunday

2010-10-11T18:19:00.000-06:00

A day of creating. Spinach pasta turned into both feteccinni and torteloni filled with mushroom ricotta filling.
We stuffed ourselved with the torteloni with pine nuts in brown butter sauce before we spend the evening walking it off hunting.

are you jealous

2010-10-10T05:47:00.000-06:00

Awake at 5:30 AM on a Sunday morning (LOVING hunting season)...........enjoying a mini cheesecake (fulfilling my daily dairy and sugar needs early)..............reading my pasta making recipe books.
I live an exciting life! ;)

really....really???

2010-10-01T12:28:00.003-06:00

There are just some things that I don't think I will ever understand. I try to be non-judgemental. Taking a non-judgemental stance is part of my everyday mindfulness practice. And still, I sometimes find this impossible. I live in Montana. Surrounded by the freshest air, tall trees and..... a cat stroller??? People put cats in strollers and walk them around? This stroller:

pink

made specifically for a cat...or I guess a small dog (which I still don't think I would understand)

in MT......

This is not some crazy city....the streets are clean and pet friendly.

AND...judgement is a slippery slope that I am now going to carefully get off of
Happy Friday!

I am Smitten

2010-09-29T21:05:00.002-06:00

My new Favorite, and I mean FAVORITE little corner of the internet to hide. I am not sure how much time I have spent lost in this bliss of reading about, looking through and imagining myself creating these recipes at home.
www.smittenkitchen.com

2010-09-29T10:51:00.000-06:00

Desiderata
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

2010-08-10T08:20:00.001-06:00

Little Jackson Force belongs to my dear friends Sarah and Force Tolar. He is their first...well second if you count Harley dog. Congrats friends!
xoxo

sweet baby boy!!

2010-08-07T21:03:00.005-06:00

JACKSON FORCE TOLAR made his grand entrance on August 1st!!! This sweet little guy has the cutest hair already!

In NEW YORK....

2010-08-05T20:57:00.009-06:00

concrete jungle.....

2010-07-27T09:07:00.003-06:00

A week in New York City will take it out of a girl. I had the most amazing tour guide ever and lucky for me she is a wonderful friend. Heather and I walked for miles, demolished our feet, froze our lunchladies in the AC and almost suffered from heat stroke. The week was jam packed full of seeing amazing sights, catching up with family and old friends, eating incredible food, indulging on pastries and cupcakes, being on TV, shopping, sunning on the beach, did I mention the eating? The food may have been the BEST part for this foodie! For being a Montana girl I feellike I have explored cities before..........but NYC is nothing like the sprawling cities of the west coast. Millions of people on a tiny island....not an ideal place to live in my mind....but it was an amazing vacation!
Our days were JAM PACKED! We spent every hour out and about. I squeezed in a 360 view of the city from Astoria, dinner at Il Bambino in Astoria, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, pizza at John's on Bleeker, Union Square farmers market, dinner at Sushi Samba with my cousin Isaly, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock, a live taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (he shook our hands and we were on TV), a back stage tour of the show, cupcakes from Magnolia, a near death experience in a bike chariot, an outstanding dinner at Ze Cafe where a high school friend is the head chef, the Today Show summer concert series with John Mayer in Times Square, Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, shopping/brousing on 5th Ave, dinner in Astoria at Locale with my friend from MSU Shane, an early morning mani/pedi to take care of the aching feet, Museum of Natural History with Heather and Isaly followed by dinner at UVA with the girls, an adventure to the LES to meet another high school friend Frank (Heather and I had not seen Frank for 10 years...since graduation) and a late night drink with Shane at Vynes, Sunday...beach day...sunning on Long Beach and dinner at Bare Burger in Astoria with Heather, Josh and Shane. I'm tired just writing it all down!!!!! I feel like I had a real NYC experience complete with crabby cab drivers and a mariachi band in the subway car :)
While the city was full of fun I was instantly reminded as I got off of the plane in Billings and started my drive back to the ranch that Paradise Valley holds that name for a reason. I live in PARADISE and not many people can say that.

When your dog is 16...............

2010-07-12T08:08:00.002-06:00

..you give him extra cookies and happy pills just because he is old and has probably earned them at some point
..you accomodate him in evey way you can....a special bed on the porch where he spends his days 'protecting' the ranch....leftovers 'because he's old'....special joy rides in the truch to do ranch chores....trying to limit his doggie visitors because of the stress and extra running around it causes....did I mention cookies?
..you accept that he just doesn't smell good.....EVER and that he makes strange noises, has annoying habits, and sheds so much hair that it seems like he is balding
..your heart skips a beat when you pull up, almost on top of him because he is sleeping in the driveway and doesn't move a muscle
..you have prepared yourself for his passing more than once (tear, sleepless nights)...he pulls through
..you develop a sort of sign language of claps, whistles and hand gestures because he is going deaf and somewhat blind
..and when he completely disappears one evening while on one of these said joy rides to check to pond and fields you spend 2.5 hours searching, whistling, clapping, yelling, retracing your steps, combing the fields, checking and rechecking the pond, 4-wheeling, driving, walking fences all in the dark with flashlights, tears running down your face (me) until 11:15pm. And when you don't know what else to do he will come meandering back up the driveway ready for some cookies and a happy pill....and that is what he gets...because he is 16!

Matine's day on the ranch

2010-06-27T18:52:00.001-06:00

A sunny Saturday with Mattie J. We played bugs and blocks and books. Cuddled cuddled and napped. Watched the weather and toured the yard. Went on a coffee run to town and jammed out to progressive techno beats. Laughed at G's funny faces and noises. Visited mom in Emigrant for lunch. Tried to make friends with kitty and Fisher but Fisher was too old and crabby and kitty was too strange..............can't complain! Thanks for being such a great little girl Mattie! xxoo

Meet Gus!

2010-06-27T18:35:00.000-06:00

Have you met Gus? If not, you should. He is my brother's uber cutie puppy and he is growing like a weed!

Out with the OLD....In with the NEWish!

2010-06-27T18:03:00.004-06:00

My poor old silver Elantra GT hatchback is now sitting back on the very same lot where we met just 3 years ago at Montana Import Group. She has had a rough couple of months!! On May 20th she was sideswiped while parked on Park Street while I enjoyed a quick tanning sesh. She was promptly whisked away to spend the next 30 days in a skinky body shop garage while I crused around in a gangster black Grand PriX with blackout tinted windows (that also smelled like a stinky body shop garage).

A month passed by and she was mine again but I wan't quite happy with a few things so back she went. And at the end of the day she looked like this.............

There had been another casualty so again we waited patiently to get fixed back up.

Little did she now I had been feeling the itch to upgrade, and upgrade I did. Within hours of her window being fixed I passed the keys back to the dealship and left with my Santa Fe.

love to hate it/hate to love it

2010-06-11T11:32:00.003-06:00

I HEART YOU DON DRAPER!

I ended up with Mad Men on my netflix que and have been in love ever since. We have been watching a disk of Mad Men episodes (3-4 hour long episodes) every weekend for weeks now and just found ourselves at the end of the line. We have to wait until July 25, 2010 for season 4 to begin and watch one episode at a time! I love the character development, the music (esp the intro), the unbelievably real portrayal of time and place. I hate the cheating, the drinking, the smoking, how they degrade women. Who am I kidding....I love it all.

WTF??

2010-06-11T11:29:00.003-06:00

I don't blog for weeks and weeks and now that I want to I can't get any images to upload. It doesn't seem to matter what the picture is or where it is coming from.....it WON'T upload. GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

love this

2010-06-06T21:24:00.002-06:00

playing with Gus....watching movies....gardening....reading in the sun....riding horses to the top of the world, well the top of the ranch at least....dinner out with the family for mom's birthday....drinks and laughs with the siblings after....tennis at the park....finding more morels....my new appliances making Sunday cleaning a little more fun and much more efficient....Sunday night TV.
I feel ready for Monday.

Someday..............

2010-06-04T14:57:00.002-06:00

When it stops raining here and the sun decides to gace us with it's presence I will.........
-enjoy walks on the road
-float the river every moment that I can
-play with Gus outside on our days together
-work on my skin cancer....I mean tan
-wear shorts and dresses and tank tops and bathing suits and sandals.....
-spend time with my plants in the garden
-practice my tennis game
-take little breaks at work and walk around town
-go camping....maybe
-practice my cast

Until then you can find me still wearing a coat, under my couch blankie watching Food Network with Gus curled up on the floor next to me, pale, plants in the garden freezing and lonely, in desperate need of some exercise.

So much to Celebrate!

2010-05-09T09:24:00.003-06:00

Today is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day mom! You are wonderful......I love you.......I am blessed everyday by you. It is from you alone that I learned to love honestly and selflessly, give thoughtfully, nurture and be me. Thank You

Today Grif turns.................. Happy Birthday Love! You are my favorite person by far........I am blessed everyday by you. It is from you alone that I learned to trust fully in someone other than myself, that I am deserving of everything that I desire, that sometimes selfishness is necessary, and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me every day.

Today is Matine John Howell's 1st Birthday celebtation. Happy 1st Birthday (in 2 days)!! I am blessed everyday by you. It is from you that I am reminded of how precious life is.

All of this celebration reminds me that I am surrounded by some amazing people and that is what life is really all about.

Happy Birthday Brooke!!

2010-04-29T10:23:00.003-06:00

I met Brooke in Bozeman, MT. I think I was a sophomore in college at MSU...I was maybe 19, 20? We, along with a few other awesome ladies ran the show at the Dean of Students office ;).....or at least we thought we did! We have been friends, co-workers, peers, bigs, bridesmaids and confidants together. I am gratful to have found such a honest, generous, non-judgmental, kind, funny, beautiful friend! They are hard to find! Happy 30th Birthday Brooke!!!! Love You!

21 and famous

2010-03-08T19:27:00.003-07:00

My little brother Keegan turned the BIG 21 today!! For his birthday he got to be on NATIONAL TELEVISION. His first year guiding Elk Hunting for my friend Peter Howell at Willow Ranch Outfitters.....his very first hunt ever was the trip of a lifetime. He spent 10 days hunting and shooting for Western Extreme and was on the Outdoor Channel. I am watching it right now! I am told that the hunt that he guided himself will air in May but he is in some shots today too!!!

I remember when Keegan was born 21 years ago. I was almost 7 years old. I have to be honest, there were times when I thought not having a brother would have been easier. But now, I couldn't imagine life without you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BROTHER, I LOVE YOU.........man....I FEEL OLD!

Super Bowl

2010-02-10T11:19:00.014-07:00

We are not much for professional sports on TV at our house. We spent the day touring around Yellowstone National Park and trying a new x country ski trail. We had a GREAT day....the weather was AMAZING and we caught the 4th quarter of the game when we got home...all we needed to see ;)

There were 5 of these guys right next to the road. Park elk and pretty impressive and don't mind the photo shoots.

Buffalo on the move.

Having a fruit roll up snack and soaking in the warm sun at the top of the trail.

Yellowstone Rive close to the source.

Above the river canyon.

We skied up to Tower Fall where Tower Creek falls into the Yellowstone River. We had the perfect day and can't wait to go back. Every time we are in the Park we ask ourselves why we don't go more often. WE WILL take advantage of the annual pass that we got and spend more time there.

I'm a sucker!

2010-02-01T08:19:00.005-07:00

It is true. I am a sucker for anything kitchen. It is like my Achilles heal. All of this my sister is aware of and she swooped right in yesterday. She started selling Cutco knives and came to do a demo for me yesterday. Please keep in mind that I just bought a set of Henckels knives at the end of December. I took the bait hook, line, and sinker and I can not wait for my Homemakers Set + 8 table/steak knives; shears; peeler and Classic 6 piece Utensil set arrives in 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure that when G got home and I told him what I had gotten he regretted leaving before we finished our order so that he could go ice fishing and telling me that he fully supported whatever I chose to get both emotionally and financially......ooooops......now he is in for half of a big knife purchase ;) This also leaves me with a very nice new set of Henckles knives if anyone is interested!

Can't wait for these new bad boys to arrive!!

2010-01-18T07:43:00.002-07:00

My cousin Eli is making AMAZING progress. He is in Missoula going through rehab. He will be moving into outpatient this week which means he gets to live in his own little apartment and ride a bus each day to therapy. He gets to have dinner over at this sisters house and hang out with the fam a lot. My sister told me that the other day he was playing guitar and singing Old Crow Medicine Show.

I am working with a few ladies and my bro planning a benefit for him in Livingston and at his rate of recovery he may even be able to be there!! I am collecting donations for the silent auction and raffle....if you want to make a donation let me know........

COME JOIN US AT THE ELKS ON FEB 21st!!

Sunday Funday.

2010-01-10T12:49:00.007-07:00

The sun is bright and beautiful today in Paradise Valley. G and I have been feeling a little under the weather and don't really feel up for what we really want to do today.....go to the river, x-country ski, go for a horsey ride. We settled on treating the horseys to some yummy hay from the back of the truck and jumping ditches on the 'Kitten'; sorry Brooke....we had to change it up a little cuz kitty is a little protective of his name. ;) I found the perfect helmet and goggles yesterday (I'm calling myself 'Pink Vader') and G got a new beacon and has ordered a helmet. As soon as I am ready to trow down the $$ for a beacon we will be set for safety. For now we will settle for fun on the ranch.

Sweet Elijah James

2010-01-04T08:40:00.014-07:00

Thank you to everyone out there sending your love and support to my wonderful family and little cuz. For those of you who are loving Eli without ever having met him.......we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

This is who he is...

.He is compassionate

.Full of life

.An amazing problem solver

.Easy going

.Sarcastic

.Full of hugs and love

.Strong

.Charismatic

.Witty

.Inventive

.Calming

.Willing

.Thoughtful

.And so many other things.

If you don't know Eli......you should! You would LOVE him!

WE DO!

My sister Keeli, Eli and I the day after Thanksgiving 09.
Cousins unite!!!
again.........................

and again.........................

and again......................we are soooooo blessed to have each other!!!

Eli LOVES boating.....well, we all do!
Playing pool at Grandma Norina's house.....
Eli, Traci, Jamie, Ruby

Eli and his beautiful mama.

Thank you all for your love and support. If you are wondering how our man is doing you can follow his progress here....http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/eliisaly

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

I heart my new Kindle!

All I want for Christmas is......

2009-12-17T13:08:00.002-07:00

~ A Kindle
~ a subscription to Bon Appetit mag
~new sunnies
~some free time
~ snow for xcountry skiing and snowmobiling
~ someone to come and deep clean every month

I s that too much to ask for??

blah

2009-12-15T15:46:00.002-07:00

For awhile now blogging has felt like much more effort than I am willing to put forth...
The things that I have been putting my energy into include:
~planning a trip to San Diego with my bro and sis...and dad and step-mom
~preparing for and enjoying an awesome Thanksgiving feast with mi familia..........
(missing my bro, mom, bruce and justin on Thanksgiving due to an injured horse and an angry appendix)
~bringing back the Isaly family Thanksgiving tradition of being crafty together.....we make kick ass bee's wax candles (thank you Jamie and Traci)...I heart you guys!!
~worrying about my bro's health
~being done with xmas shopping by the end of Nov.
~making x-mas spider ornaments and selling them at the xmas stroll at the Danforth!!!
~sitting for hours in my bro's hospital room with he and my mama
~canceling our trip to San Diego....bro is in no shape for travel
~being thankful that bro is back home and one the mend
~work xmas parties
~picking and cutting down as tree in sub-zero temps
~planning the xmas tree judging progressive party
~buying a snowmobile from a friend
~working
~hoping for more snow
And at some point I may get some pics up of the last few months.....Hope you are enjoying your holiday season!!

Has it really been a year?!?!?!

2009-11-11T13:54:00.006-07:00

My best friend Ashley's little angel Karmella turned 1 last week. I hitched a ride to Billings with Sarah and Force to help Ash and Austin celebrate. We ended the day in Billings with a trip to Cabellas and dinner at Texas Road House before we hit the road and headed back home. Thanks Karmella for bringing SO MUCH JOY to so many lives!

FOUND THEM!!

2009-11-09T11:10:00.001-07:00

Found my sunnies in my gym bag...I had already looked there once!! YAY!!

Have you seen my...................???

2009-11-04T09:37:00.002-07:00

I am a little panicked..............Can't find my sunnies anywhere.. Checked the gym, my gym bag, my purse, the car and the kitchen. The only places I ever put them. I know that obviously if I can't find them I must have put them somewhere else and those places must not be the ONLY places that I put them but I am at a loss. And VERY SAD!! We are close to the sun in Montana and it is BRIGHT out there! I felt like I might be blinded this morning droving home. If you find a pair of SMITH Methods-green stripe...THEY ARE MINE AND I AM MISSING THEM TERRIBLY.
On the other hand this does give me reason to get a new pair ;)

Halloween 09

2009-11-01T17:18:00.007-07:00

I have to admit....I am not the hugest fan of Halloween. I really don't like dressing up in a costume....I am not very creative....just not my fav. Doesn't mean that I don't partake though. My 'costume' usually ends up being something that is not to uncomfortable...and it must be somewhat warm (Halloween is often snowy and blustery around here). I remember as a kid having to pick a costume that I could wear over my winter clothes.
That said...my prisoner and I did have a pretty good night out;) Happy Fall Back....YAY for an extra hour today!

Fun being tourists!

2009-10-14T09:30:00.028-06:00

One of the things that I love about having company is that we get to act like tourists. There are so many very cool things to do around here and we just never seems to take the time to experience them unless we are trying to show visitors a great time. G's mom, brother and 10 year old niece came to visit from Alabama and Florida. Of course it had to be in the single digits and low teens the entire time they were here.....that did limit us a bit in terms of what we could take them to do. A 10 year old who has spent her entire life in Alabama is NOT a happy camper when she is expected to walk around in the snow when it is 10 degrees out!!! We found that out pretty quickly. But that is all a part of the Montana experience when you choose to come in mid-October.. You just never know what the weather will bring. I think the thing that she liked the most was soaking in Chico Hot Springs. Between soaks at Chico we managed to sneak in breakfast at Pine Creek and the Beanery. A day trip down to Yellowstone National Park, dinner at the Yellowstone Mine in Gardiner and we got a quick lesson on how to explain away what it feels like to hit a raccoon at 70 MPH late at night on HWY 89S. We checked out the Grizzly Encounter on Bozeman Pass the we have driven by hundreds of time and never stopped before. HB REALLY wanted to see some bears and since she would not get out of the car in Yellowstone this was our last resort. We moved on to Bozeman to take in the Museum of the Rockies complete with dinosaurs, native Americans, early western settlers and WWII exhibits. In the evenings HB schooled us all in the art of WWII bowling while we warmed our frozen selves by the fire. It is possible that we enjoyed all that MT has to offer just as much and maybe more than our guests. I guess that is why we live here right??

The clan at Pine Creek Cafe for a breakfast of champions.

The entrance to Yellowstone National Park. 'FOR THE BENEFIT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PEOPLE' YNP was the first National Park. We live north of the park and much of my family live south of the park. I have spent my entire life driving back and forth through the park sometimes many times each year and this is the first time that I have ever stopped at the entrance and acted like a tourist...standing under the arch for a photo shoot...it is about time!

Walking on the boardwalk of the terraces in Mammoth Hot Springs....something that I usually speed by.

We had one UNHAPPY camper.....taking a stand against the cold; tears and all.

You are NOT supposed to leave the path...but I wanted to see how warm the water is.

Mr. Crow showing off. G loves crows.

TATONKA

BABY BUFF

FALLS................another short short jaunt outside of the car that was NOT enjoyed by all.Yellowstone Lake...The source of most of our summer fun.

Meet Jake and Maggie. 3 year old Grizzlies...they eat 20,000 calories each day!!! Griz have a life expectancy of 25 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity. These guys were rescued from living their first year of live in a dog run..............They are VERY happy!!

Jake checking out our scent.

Wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that!

Museum Of the Rockies HB meeting Hazel.

G and his Mink.

All in all I think their trip was a blast. HB got a disk of almost 400 pictures to take home and show off to her class. Her trip was supposed to be educational and she had to keep a journal which she had not started yet when she left. lol She said that she doesn't like to write because her handwriting is bad and she thinks that it gets better the less she practices...10 yr old logic. ;)

PS....... I HEART MONTANA!!

YAY KEEGAN

2009-09-20T15:47:00.002-06:00

I am a proud big sis this week. My lil bro Keegan was hired by my friends Peter and Brooke to be a guide for their hunting camp this year. Not only was this his first gig as a guide but the first trip was with a TV crew and hunters for a show called Western Extreme (I think) on the Outdoor channel!!! BIG DEAL for all involved. His first day out on his own with a hunter was a big success and by the end of the day he had called in 2 bulls, one was down and he had it quartered, packed and back in camp. Big day! A great time was had by all and I think that he really learned ALOT from 10 days with professional hunters and cameramen. Read more on Brooke's Blog.

mmmmm...jam

2009-09-20T15:40:00.002-06:00

Delicious jam and salsa.. If I thought I could make a living making this stuff I would quit my day job! But I think I would need a greenhouse first. Luckily I think that is somewhere on 'the list'.

That wait is over!!

2009-09-20T14:12:00.005-06:00

I have been waiting patiently for 3 years to have a dining room table. There are ups and downs to dating a man who can design and build amazing things.... up: he can design and build amazing things... down: he doesn't really like anything that you might see in a store and because he designs things all day every day there is not much time left for personal design and build time. Thus...no dining room table for 3 years. At meal times you can find us hovering over the coffee table. And if we have guests; you can find us hovering over the coffee table ;) or eating at one of those long plastic folding tables. I am not sure why these options are better than buying a table but this I do not dare argue for it is an argument I will never win.
Last weekend Brooke and I saw a great old antique table at a community garage sale in Emigrant. We think that the table is perfect for the house but I hesitate to throw my money at something that is well, already designed and built. So I go home and think about it. He does sometimes like old things... I convince him to take me back to Emigrant on Sunday in hopes to find my table still there waiting for me and to also get a thumbs up. It was there' waiting for me so we strapped her in the back of the truck and headed back down the road. We decided to put a finish on it and it turned out BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't wait to use it... friends...come over and eat!!

Old antique 'treasure' table: $100

Minwax Antique Oil Finish: $10

A place to eat together and with guests: priceless

much needed

2009-09-18T11:22:00.003-06:00

Brooke planned a much needed.....for all I'm sure.....evening at her house. Great food and great people!! For me it consisted of yummy lasagna, wine, bread and delicious apple cake and fun visiting with friends. For her it consisted of a little more than she has bargained for....check it out!!!!! ;)

Fishing for...ELK???

2009-09-07T18:32:00.006-06:00

Our routine weekend float started out just like it always does. A visit with Brooke and Matine at the fly shop as we head south to hit up our favorite stretch for fishing and finding sweet rocks. About half way between Carbella and Point of Rocks we came across a bull elk...he seemed to have lost his herd but didn't really seem to mind. He was spending his day on the river just like we were. Being the second day of bow season G was bummed that he didn't have his bow; and I thought it was pretty funny that the first bull we see a season is on a day we chose to fish!

either/or

2009-09-05T09:47:00.018-06:00

Either I have been doing NOTHING interesting for quite awhile / Or I have been crazy busy.......
Really, I decided to bring my personal computer home from work in hopes that I would stop wasting so much time on non-work activities at work. Not sure if it worked but I did realize that blogging takes time and it is not time I am really willing to spend out of me precious evenings and weekends. But I will sacrifice today because it is a 3 day weekend and I am planning on going into work today to do some paperwork and am of course procrastinating. ;)

Riding Hazel.
Night out with my favorite girls!!

I really do live in Paradise!

More time on the river...

My family knows how to have fun.

Gpa Bill's annual visit out west from Florida.

Day trip to Crystal Park.... We found SOOO many treasures!!

River time with the Arch boys.

My best fried got married!!

Bach party in Boz!

'Playing' with guns with our CA friends.

At Travis and Molly's wedding on Ennis Lake..

This just about wraps up the past month....enjoy.....

How can you argue with this??

2009-08-07T14:17:00.002-06:00

I'm sure they will still try though. At least I have more credibility now.

brothers from another mother

2009-07-21T12:52:00.003-06:00

I think deep down Fisher really does love Kitty. Although he would never admit it and would be mad if he know that I broadcast this sweet mealtime moment. It is either love or he is just getting too old to care.

Party for me ;)

2009-07-19T18:02:00.014-06:00

Last night my amazing family and friends joined G and I at the ranch for a party to celebrate well...me. ;) We enjoyed great conversations, laughs, a campfire, tons of wonderful food, many rambunctious dogs and babies galore. We pulled out the turkey fryer that we have had for 2 years and never used before to try something new. We did a 'high' country boil and it turned out great. Thank you everyone for making the trek out to the ranch......we had a super night!!

Sweet Matine getting her beauty rest.

Matt's 'beer'pack...High Class!!

The High Country Boil.

Thank you for helping me celebrate!!

xoxo-J

Action Packed 4th of July

2009-07-09T13:41:00.008-06:00

There were some very fun and very busy days over the 4th this year. I also enjoyed a 4 day weekend which I covet. I spent the 2nd cooking up a storm for my bestie Ashely's bridal shower the next day. Everything turned out really great. Headed into town for the annual 4th of July parade (which happens at 3pm on the 2nd). It brings the entire town out. I enjoyed the parade with my family and then headed to my Aunt and Uncle's house for a low country boil feast....(I'm gonna try this out for our next gathering) and then back to town to hang with old friends. If you grew up in Livingston you would know that it feels like more people come home for the 4th an xmas!! I stopped by my office on the way to a party to find out if I had passed my licensing exam.....I DID....even more reason to have a night out on the town. After visiting with some old friends I headed to the Murray to meet up with G and CELEBRATE....good night.

A little under the weather on Friday but pulled off a great bridal shower for Ashley.

We had some friends come up from Gardiner on the 4th to join us for a float, BBQ and the Livingston Roundup Rodeo.

All in all a wonderful 4 days wrapped up with relaxing and making homemade pasta dough for the first time...raviolis were delicious!!

YAY ME

2009-07-03T13:48:00.001-06:00

I just found out yesterday that I passed my licensing exam and I am now a Licensed Addiction Counselor!!! Time to celebrate!

Long Weekend......

2009-06-28T12:38:00.002-06:00

I am pretty sure that I need to find a way to have 3 day weekends every weekend. I LOVE them! G is out of town on a big Bachelor Party rafting/camping extravaganza which has left me to devices. I have spent the last 5 days checking out the Livingston Farmers Market and seeing tons of friends there of course. Making myself my favorite foods and watching Food Network shows that I have on DVR......yes I record Food Network shows. Having Tea with our neighbor and giving a quick Facebook tutorial. Spending an evening with Brooke and Matine and having dinner with them, Peter and some of his clients.....who I happened to meet last year when they were here also. Getting my hair done and shopping of course. Spending some quality time with Ashley and her whole family-Sarah even came over from Bozeman- eating cake and ice cream for Ash's 27th bday and playing with Karmella. Today I am lounging at the ranch doing chores and soaking up the beautiful Montana sunshine and trying not to think about having to return to work tomorrow. Good thing next week is a short one too!!! YAY 4th of July in Livingston!

2009-06-06T12:14:00.001-06:00

Feeling a little SHEEPISH.

2009-06-05T10:47:00.007-06:00

Meet CHOWDER the sheep. He will be living in the round pen at the ranch for the next 64 days until his big premiere at the Park County Fair where he will be shown fro 4-H and the sold at the auction......I don't think he wants to know what happens after that. A friend wanted his son to be able to show sheep like he did as a child but they live in town. Obvious answer....the ranch. We spent Wednesday evening revamping the round pen and making it sheep proof so that Daniel can come out to the ranch every day to feed, water and 'train' his sheep.

Stare down. The horses are not impressed with this small animal making strange noises.

I think he is trying to hide himself.

The very BEST part of this story is what happened on Chowders second day on the ranch. Matt (the dad) and Travis (works with G and Matt) stopped by to check on Chowder and give his some hay after a site visit in the Valley.

PLAN A:

Trav has the wonderful plan to catch Chowder...for fun I guess?? Well, sheep are fast and this guy is not trained to love people yet. Result....Trav chased Chowder right out of the round pen through the gate that he had left slightly open. So now Chowder is loose in the paddock. Mat says 'DON'T MOVE'; Trav thinks he can handle it and catch him and they end up chasing that poor sheep for hours up and down the creek bottom and all over the fields. Chowder #1 was last seen at about 3pm yesterday when they decided that they had frightened him to the max and they were not going to be catching him by chasing him.

PLAN B:

Purchase another sheep from the sheep farm and put Chowder #2 in the round pen to hopefully lure Chowder #1 back down the mountain and back where he belongs. The guys were out well after dark last night in search for Chowder #1. No Luck.....he spent the night alone in the big bad world. We hoped that in the morning we would find him back down in the paddock waiting to meet his new roommie but Chowder #2 was by himself this morning in his new home.

UPDATE:

I got a call from G at lunchtime today and Chowder #1 has been found and returned to his home!!! YAY!!!! And now we have to deal with 2 sheep????

My mom is 50!

2009-06-05T08:58:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear MOM,

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

My wonderful mom turns 50 years old today!!! She is a very specil woman and will be showered with even more love on this day than usual. We went to dinner last night at Mexicana because Bruce's kids love the birthdays there and love that she has to wear this silly hat. She doesn't like it much but is a good sport.

Tonight I have planned a girls night out with her family and friends at Livingston Bar & Grille. YUMMY. I can't wait.

Happy Birthday MOM.....I LOVE YOU!

The garden is in!! Finally!

2009-05-29T08:34:00.004-06:00

We finished putting the garden in this week.

I can't wait for fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, oregano and parsley), strawberries, raspberries, cucumbers, lettuce, beans, peas, eggplant, butternut squash, yellow squash, zucchini, and tons of tomatoes and peppers. Soon we will have veggis coming out of our ears. I HEART our garden and feel very lucky to be able to plant it and take care of it every summer.

Firsts of Summer 09.

2009-05-26T13:49:00.012-06:00

The garden has been tilled and is ready for planting.

My strawberries are netted to keep the animals who like to lay in the cool dirt OUT!!

Flower post have been planted.

Garden starts are ready to go in the ground.

He just might be the culprit who tries to kill my strawberries......we grow kitties if you need one.

First float.....We bypassed all of the bridges and had a great fast float in some very big dirty water.

We found what we were looking for.....first and possibly only Morels of the season.

Sun River Game Range

2009-05-19T10:16:00.015-06:00

We took a long weekend and ventured North to check out the annual opening of the Sun River Game Range. The 26+ sections are closed from Dec 1-May 15 to give Elk a safe secluded place to winter. At 12 noon on May 15 the gates open and the place is flooded with people on foot, horseback, ATVs and vehicles to search for sheds. We left at 5:30 am in the circa 1991 two tone Suburban pulling the 4-wheeler. It may be old but it only has 60,000 miles and is full of power. The scene itself was worth the drive. There were a couple hundred people at least. The place was crawling with men, women, children, horses and of course dogs and humming with stories; most of which I found hard to believe. When they opened the gate everyone filed in hoping for some big finds. G found 2....I found o. But he did let me carry one so that I could look tough. We decided that next year we want to bring horses for sure.

See you next year.

Go Home GOKEY.....

2009-05-14T15:20:00.001-06:00

It is about time! I have been ready for him to go home for awhile now!!!!!!!

Matine 'Matti' John Howell on her 1 day bday!

2009-05-13T09:15:00.004-06:00

I went to visit Brooke and Peter and new addition Matine in the hospital yesterday. Matine was just 1 day old and absolutely beautiful. After almost 2 hours I had to force myself to give her back to her mama so that I could go home. She is a little angel for sure!

2009-05-12T10:06:00.021-06:00

I spent 4 action packed days in Vegas for my bestie Ashely's Bachelorette party with the wonderful girls that we grew up with in MT. Here is what 4 days in Vegas looks like thru pics...

We spent much of our time chatting it up and filling each other in on our lives, talking about good times past and getting all the love that we could from baby Karmella. For the Bachelorette shin-dig we had dinner at Lavo and then went on to Tryst for the night. The night before we all left we went to Kona Grill for Din..... Everyone there was from MT. My MT peeps ROCK!

CONGRATULATIONS Brooke and Peter!! WELCOME Matine Howell!!

2009-05-11T11:54:00.002-06:00

The long awaited arrival of Baby Howell is over. Brooke and Peter have welcomed Matine into this crazy world. She is lucky to have such wonderful parents to guide her in this life. I don't have many details yet but will update soon!! I can't wait to hold her!!!!

Creating

2009-05-06T13:40:00.007-06:00

It started to get pretty windy and yucky outside on Sunday afternoon so we decided to have another art lesson and this time we got to paint!! ;) We took our pencils and paper and sat ourselves out in the truck (out of the wind) to do an observation drawing of the old shed by the creek. I got instructions as I went as this is my first attempt at drawing anything more than a cube......We had lots of fun. Especially when we sent back in to add the color. I have to admit that I was pretty proud of myself when we finished.

^this one is mine....first timer^this one is G's.....not so much a first timer....

They are still up on the easel in the living room as a constant reminder of our awesomeness.

I also made G a yummy lasagna for an early bday dinner because I am leaving tomorrow for a Vegas weekend with my girls and will be missing his bday....I am a bad gf but a good friend.

Happy Birthday Brooke!!

2009-04-29T09:42:00.002-06:00

I want to wish my beautiful friend Brooke a fabulous golden Birthday today!!

I have known Brooke since my crazy college days at MSU. She has been an amazing friend and I feel so blessed to know that I have her in my corner for love and support. She is currently waiting for her little baby girl Howell to arrive any day so send her some baby love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!! LOVE YOU!

I'm learning...

2009-04-28T11:06:00.006-06:00

We went over to Boz on Sun to check out the painting dept at Michaels. G wants to get some paint on canvas ans I decided that I want to learn to watercolor. As I wandered throughout the aisles full of stuff I am unsure how to use I realized that it might be in my best interest to learn how to draw before I begin to paint. Drawing is not one of my many skillz. Lucky for me my man took 4 years of drawing classes and is well equipt to show me the basics. So I left Michaels with just a sketch book and some pencils.

We ran into some beautiful MT spring weather on the way to Boz.

My perspective drawing lessons........I got better over the course of the evening I was getting better but then when I tried again last night it seems that I had forgotten all of the 'rules' that I was supposed to have imprinted into my memory and understanding. We are planning another 'art lesson' tonight.

This is Today in MT.

2009-04-24T08:09:00.006-06:00

They call me the Fireman........

2009-04-22T13:47:00.006-06:00

It is that time of year again...... The fields go up in flames.

Fire Truck....pretty BA.

Last grass standing.

Dinner at the ranch.

2009-04-22T13:26:00.013-06:00

We were finally able to coordinate schedules and have Brooke and Peter out to the ranch for dinner last weekend. The evening was full of meeting Mink, shooting bows, shooting guns, taking a short walk with the weapons into the field to shoot at gofers-Peter was close to nailing one with an arrow...very impressive-talking, yummy food, google earth, watching and feeling baby Howell move around, learning that if we all just listen to Peter the worlds problems would be solved and of course tons of laughs.

Boys with their toys.

Enjoying the beautiful evening.

Oliver hot on the trail.

I think the fur kids had fun.

Looking for the kill.

Sharp shooters.

Homemade key lime pie w/strawberries put us all over the edge.

THANKS FOR COMING OUT GUYS....WE HAD A GREAT TIME!

Easter wrap-up...a lil late.

2009-04-22T09:40:00.012-06:00

All of the MT fam gathered at my mom's house in Shields Valley to enjoy tons of great food, Easter egg hunting, a beautiful view and time with our favorite peeps! I had planned on setting up the tripod and taking a big family photo with everyone in it.....of course I didn't.

My two favorite men.

I want...........

2009-04-09T10:06:00.003-06:00

I want Adam Lambert to win American Idol.
I want to find time to use my new pasta machine and all the cool gadgets for it for my bday.
I want it to be sunny and hot Fri-Sun this week.
I also wish that I could wear all of my great new outdoor gear now instead of have to wait till next season.
I want to find the perfect summer shoes for work....brown.
I want to find a better way to organize all of my coats in a way that none of them are neglected.
I want to go through the closets and purge....
I want it to be 5:00 right now so that I could go home to do yoga and watch my shows..
I want to know who got voted off last night without having to wait to see who is 'missing' next Tuesday or having to watch the DVR.
I want new earrings; have a picture in my head...now to find them.

The sun is coming!!

2009-04-07T14:04:00.006-06:00

The sun is finally beginning to show itself. We spent last Sunday on the river fishing and catching some rays. G managed to find many fish....I did not. But I can feel my casting improving and I used my new waders for the first time.....got them last summer and didn't need them until now. They ROCK!! We both got a little too much sun our faces and probably could have benefited from a little sun screen.

I spent last week; my 'birthday week' in Billings for training so I was all by my lonesome.... poor me....I am now 27....late 20's I believe. yuck

Meet Mink

2009-03-23T15:17:00.015-06:00

We headed out last Friday morning in the good ole' ranch beast...early 90's suburban with 60,000 miles on it and my uncle's horse trailer. I think we lost our bargaining power by showing up pulling the trailer. But who are we kidding.. the intent was to come back with a horse!

First meeting Fisher and Kitty's new brother Mink.

Mink showing off his running skilz......We were impressed! ;)

Who is the boss??

Oh, that's right....I'm the boss! lol

Handsome boy!!

Our trip to the Crow Agency was a success and Mink came back to take up residence in Paradise Valley. What a lucky guy!!

A horse is a horse...of course, of course.

2009-03-19T10:20:00.004-06:00

We are traveling to the Crow Agency Reservation (just outside of Billings) tomorrow hauling an empty horse trailer in hopes of returning with it not so empty. G has been longing for a horse for some time now and as it turns out this is a pretty good time to be in the market for a horse. Many people can no longer afford to take care of their large animals and have to find homes for them in a hurry. This is not the case for these prospects.....they have a safe lovely home with plenty to eat but G is not the bargain shopper that I am. But that is the sad situation in this area....I have heard of people letting thier horses loose in the National Forest to lighten their own burdins. SAD ANYWAY.......We are going to check out 2 beautiful (I imagine) animals with intentions of bringing one back to live on the ranch with us. I wish that I could get the other one but being responsibel for a huge animal is probably not the best choice for me at this point. He will be joining 2 friends there and will probably be overwhelmed with the amount of hay and goodies that he will now have to choose from. Very exciting day tomorrow.. ;)

Meet Camryn Stanley Spring.................

2009-03-07T07:58:00.002-07:00

Ruby and Derrek sure made a beautiful little boy!!!!!

What a tragedy.

2009-03-06T08:09:00.003-07:00

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/

As I sat reading the Bozeman Daily Chronicle this morning I noticed that I was fighting back tears. Not sure why I was fighting them....maybe because I am at work. Thinking about all of the crazy nights I spent bouncing from bar to bar on that block.. They are no longer there. What a blessing that it happened when it did. Most buildings were empty, not full of patrons. So SAD. And although I have maybe stepped foot in those places only once or twice in the last few years they still hold a very special place in my life and memories.

Who's Bar Is It?............It's Rrrrrrrr Barrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Camryn Stanely Spring

2009-03-05T16:02:00.002-07:00

My family keeps on growing........ My cuz Ruby had her little baby boy this morning. Camryn arrived at 6:07am and everyone is healthy and happy. I CAN NOT WAIT to meet him. I am jealous of my sister who lives in Missoula and got to see him this morning and give him his first bath. ....LUCKY..... My guess is that Ruby and Derrek will be making a trip home soon so that little Camryn can meet the family.

Ruby being tortured at her baby shower in January....Sorry Rub, just had to put this one up.