Livin' the hi-line

FINALLY!

2009-04-08T09:45:00.004-07:00

It's been forever since I posted. I once again forgot my user name and password. So today I finally got everything reset. I am amazed at my lack of memory. :) Think it's time for that ginko stuff.
I want to thank the Lord right away!!!! Caleb is back to work! He has to work out of Great Falls, which kind of stinks, but thankfully he can commute. God is so good! He knew just when we would reach our breaking point and low and behold...Caleb is back to work. The other good news it that Caleb told me he doesn't want me to work part time when my current job ends!!!! Yeah!! I get to be a mommy again!! :) SO HAPPY! I will work for the CPA again next tax season, but for now I will be free to be a wife and mom full time! I am so thankful to the Lord. He knows my hearts desire and has provided for our family! Thank you Jesus for listening to my prayers, and strengthening my faith in you.
And in other news... We are so happy for Paul and Grace! I'm looking forward to have a niece or nephew close again! I miss Melissa's kids so much. And this will curb any longing I have for another baby. Way to go Grace...taking one for the team :) I told Grace how happy I was for her in spite of this totally ruining my gigantic baby stuff garage sale. :)
The kids are good! Emilie is really ready for mommy to be home again, but has really got closer to Caleb. I will post some pictures in a week or two. She's getting so tall! We need to get her some new pants before Noah calls wanting his back. Tom is great! Still getting teeth which isn't fun. Nancy taught him "Shhh". So now he runs through the house going "sssss" and holding his little finger to his lips. He's fun. The kids are loving being outside now that the weather in nice! It wears them right out!
Well I'd better go. Talk to you all later.

Mandie

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-18T15:25:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas from the Alexanders!

2007-12-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

I know you are all shocked that I'm blogging but, what can I say...it's Christmas! Our digital camera pooped out and so I haven't had any pictures to put up in a very long time. That's been my very lame excuse for not posting. Although being pregnant and have a 1 1/2 yr old seems to keep me plenty busy, I'll go with the camera excuse. Let see. It's been forever since I've written, and there is way to much to type so "let me sum up".
This spring Caleb and I started our own business. Most of you probably know that by now, but hey might as well be as thorough as possible. We bought an ice cream truck. Yep. It's actually a jeep. It's an old postal jeep so the driver is on the right. It's really cute. If we had a digital camera I would post a picture, but alas. We did really good for our first year. It's a lot of work, year round really. Now that tax season is coming I need to get busy with getting our books ready for the tax lady. Anyway, It was fun and we'll see how it goes this year.
Um we found out in June that we are expecting again. It was pretty shocking, but we are so thankful for all of Gods blessings in our life. Including Thomas James Alexander. That's the name we have chosen. To honor both of Caleb’s grandfathers! They are both such wonderful men and I love them dearly. Just glad they are names Cornelius and Jebediah. :)
Our summer was so busy with the ice cream truck and all, but we did get to go camping once and out in my Dads boat a few times!
Well, the real subject everyone wants to know about...EMILIE! :) What can I say? She's our doll baby! She finally decided that she wanted to walk in Sept. Yeah, she took her time. She is very smart and funny. She loves to make you laugh and is very good at it. She says just about everything (really). Her new favorite words are "window", "ta-da" and "breakfast". She is trying really hard to count. Right now the best she can do on her own is "2-4-6-7!!!". Not bad for 17 months! She LOVES dog still. It's uncanny really how interested she is in them.
Lets see, as far as Caleb and I, there isn't that much to report. Caleb’s job has really picked up this fall and we are so thankful! He enjoys his work and I'm thankful for that. We bought a new vehicle. Well new to us that is. It's a 07 Suburban. Wow, I never really picture myself trucking down the highway in a Suburban. But with another little one the way we had just plain out grown our truck. I really like the new car, truck, whatever it is. It's very nice and actually gets really good gas mileage for the beast that it is.
Um what else...Oh of course!!! We are really excited for Paul and Grace! Grace we are all so excited to officially have you in the family!! And I will once again take this opportunity to say "See I told ya!" We love you guys!!
We went to Colorado for a week in Nov. We had a great time. I thought a week would be enough time to see everyone, but alas, seems like we still ran short. My parents had a Birthday party for Caleb and I while we were there! It was great! Good to see lots of family and friends. I wish we would have had more time to visit with everyone individually, but it was great to see and hug everyone. Even my Grandpa Jerry and his wife Penny were there! They happen to be visiting from Ohio at the same time. Thanks for everything Mom, it was a great night. We were able to get together with my friends from Compassion as well. We had a great evening with Greg and Elaina, and Jessica (Justin was sick so Jes had to fly solo that night). And the kids all had a great time together. It was so nice to spend time catching up and enjoying their fellowship.
Well, I really better keep moving. I'll post some pictures of when Dave, Melissa and the kids were here for hunting. While Caleb and Dave were off camping on their elk hunting trip, myself, Dan, Kari, Andy, and Emilie all got really sick. Really really sick. Poor Melissa, she had to take care of everyone day and night. She's amazing. Anyway here are the pics. Enjoy!

New Pictures

2007-05-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pictures. I have more that I will try and put up soon.
Here is Ema at Paul's Graduation party.

Here are Caleb and I. My girl and me. I love her so much!!!

Papa Alan and the twins with the fish they caught. Isn't it amazing those boys are twins!! They are so much fun, and too smart. The sentences they say amaze me. And last but not least my one and only Kari Beth! I love this little girl so much! She makes me laugh and smile the whole time I near her!!

More Pictures

2007-04-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Okay so here are the picture I promised! I'm so proud of myself for actually following through!

Here is Emilie with her first Valentine from her Dad. She is displaying it proudly for the camera...it's just backwards:) In the second shot she is not happy that I took her card and turned it around, hence the frustration on her face.

Here we are in January with Great Grandma and Great Papa Horton! We miss you!!

Looking as cool as ever. She was admiring herself in the mirror.

I have a really hard time formatting my pictures and text, so sorry everything is a little jumbled. Hope everyone is grand!!

Mandie

New Pictures...finally

2007-03-29T21:34:00.001-07:00

Thought it was high time I put up new pictures. Emilie is growing and changing so fast, it's hard to keep up with her, let alone the blogg. She is such a joy and Caleb and I are amazed by her each day. She still isn't crawling, but she's close. She is drinking through a straw now and thinks she is big stuff! :) She eats lots of finger food. Look out, I'm sure some of you will die when you hear what she eats, Caleb and I haven't been real strict. Here she is eating spaghetti for the first time! Could you die of that little orange face?!?! She usually eats whatever we eat for dinner, unless it has dairy, I've tried to be good there. She loves carbs, just like her Mommy! The newest item in her diet are eggs. She really likes them. She also tried mashed potatoes, but she didn't like them plain, so we put some gravy on them and she LOVED them!

This next picture features her in pig tails! Those are work to get in. Getting one pony tail in each day is tough, but trying to get two that line up... well, we save those for special occasions! :)

Um...lets see what else to say...there really hasn't been much to report. God is blessing out little family, and we are so thankful for His presences in our lives. So, until next time (I'll try and do better really:})

Pictures!!!

2007-02-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here my beautiful baby, sporting a very flashy outfit! It's one of my favorites.

And here she is, eating her cheerios in the new outfit Bethany bought her! Gotta love that hair!! That's what is left over when we take her pony tail out. As you can see she is a very happy girl in the mornings. :)

Christmas Pictures

2006-12-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ready for her picture! Not quite ready yet... :)
Emilie just being Emilie.
Meeting Santa for the first time!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not sure if anyone checks out my blog anymore. Since retiring there really wouldn't be much of a reason to, but to you few hopeful people out there, here's a post from me. :)
Emilie is in bed and Caleb is at work. It's 11:30 on a Friday night, and here I sit. I've been thinking a lot lately about how blessed I am. I'm so thankful for all the Lord has given me. There are crazy days where all I want to do is cry, but for the most part I feel so fulfilled in my little life. My husband is so patient and loving to me. No matter how crazy I get, weather I'm whacking him on the head with a pillow or crying my eyes out, he is there with me. Most of the time I feel like he is definitely the "better half". Seems like we are still learning how to juggle a baby on top of life and trying to maintain our relationship, but I'm so thankful we are trying together. Caleb is such a good husband. So babe, if you read this, know how much I love you. I want to grow old with you and learn to fully be your "help meet".
Emilie is so much fun right now. Today when I was feeding her lunch (banana's mixed with rice cereal), she was cracking us up. She was making the funniest noises and faces. We would laugh so hard and then she would give us her biggest smile, as if she were proud of herself for making us laugh. I love her so much. Her personality is starting to show through and we can already tell she is going to bring even more joy to our home. She is such a good baby. At night after her last feeding most of the time when I lay her down she is still awake, but she lays there until she falls asleep. She is learning to do the same during the day at nap time. She is so good. She still has her fussy times, but I'm so thankful for the blessing that she is to me.
My parents were going to come to MT for Christmas, but the blizzard in CO put an end to that. God knows and I'm thankful they are safe at home and not stuck somewhere in WY. I miss them so much and Christmas just isn't the same with out Moms buckeyes and Dad's silly dancing to Christmas music. He's always trying to sing the songs but never gets the words right! :) My heart misses them so much, and I'm thankful for all the happy Christmas memories I have with them. Part of me wishes for just one more Christmas at home. One more year of seeing the decorations I grew up with. One more Fiedler family Christmas party (for those who don't know, almost all of my Moms family still lives in Colo Sprgs). We should be able to see Melissa and her family before New Years. Who knows we may be able to be there for New Years. I miss Melissa so much. Being able to be with her during the holidays is so special to me, especially since Mom and Dad are so far away. Melissa and Dave are so good to pray for us and support us. They are an irreplaceable part of our life. Melissa and I share every inside joke, every holiday tradition, and how hard it is to miss your Mom and Dad. Two peas in a pod we are, and I will always love her more than she'll know. Dave has been such a good brother to me. Never mushy, but always there when I needed him. He's seen me through a lot of hard times. I love to hear Dave laugh, he's got the best laugh. And their kids, well what can an Aunt say? I love being with them. They make me smile and laugh, and realize how I miss watching them grow. I'm thankful to be close enough to see them as often as we do.
I'm so blessed to have Caleb's family here in Havre with us. They are a huge part of our life and we would be so alone with out them. They have taken me in as their own and I will never be able to tell them how much that has meant to me. I've enjoyed learning of their family traditions, and being a part of what Caleb has always known. Mom and Dad Alexander has been such a blessing to us in so many ways. They give of themselves in every way. Thanks for being you! It's really fun to watch Noelle grow. She is such a beautiful girl! Full of life and fun and always has a story to tell to anyone willing to listen. She is a great Auntie and takes good care of Emilie. Noelle has a big heart and is always happy. Paul, well, Paul is such a good friend to me. He's the little brother I've always wanted. We can joke, have a heart to heart, or just be wild and crazy (AHH!!! Stream!! Remember that Paul?). Paul has a heart for the Lord and His church.
Well, sorry this is so long. I just really wanted anyone who reads my blog to know just how thankful I am for my family. My heart is so full. I told Caleb the other day "it just doesn't fell like Christmas to me". Missing my family so badly has been putting a little damper on my holiday spirit. But somehow writing all of this has helped me to feel better about Christmas just the way it is. I'll be home Christmas morning with the love of my life, and my beautiful daughter, making our own Christmas traditions and enjoying every moment of Emilie's first Christmas. I'm so thankful for all God has blessed us with.
Well, I guess you could consider this my "Christmas letter". I'll put Emilie's Christmas picture up in a few days! Love to everyone.

Mandie~

Goodbye Remington...

2006-12-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, we are offically no longer pet owners. I'm a little sad. Today Remmy went to his new home on the farm. I'm going to miss him a little, but I know he will be much happier there. His new owner is a 7 yr old boy, whose older brother left for college this year, and is in need of a play mate. Remington will fit the bill perfectly. They have a big fenced yard and 2 other dogs for Remmy to play with. I know it was the right thing for him, but all day long I keep hinking, "Oh, I need to let Rem out", or "I wonder where hes is sleeping?" then I realize he's not here anymore. Anyway, to those of you who don't have pets, you'll think this post is a waste of energy, but to those of you who have loved a dog, you'll give me the sympathy I need. :) I will miss his soft little ears and the way he comes running inside with his face full of snow. But, I know he needs this little boy as much as the boy needs him. They'll do great. Today when we dropped him of I started to cry and Caleb kissed me and asked me if I wanted a puppy, I was quick to say "NO!", but I thought that was sweet of him. He's glad to see Rem go, but he was never as attached as I was.

Well since I'm posting, I should probably talk about more than just the dog. Emilie is napping so I have a little bit of time. Um, things are good. I've been walking 2 miles every morning and eating a good full breakfast. Since I'm in the rutine now, I'm also remembering to take my vitimans and iron, that helps me so much!! My house has taken over these's day. I just can't seem to win. Caleb and Mom are going to go christmas shopping for me in the next few days and they are going to take Ema with them, so that means I will have 2-4 hours all to myself. Look out house!!! Here I come. :{

Ema's doing really good. She's just about sleeping through the night. She still wakes up aroung 6:00ish to nurse, but then she goes back to sleep for 2 or 3 more hours. She is starting to like having books read to her. Have I ever said on my blog that she LOVES the movie Pride and Prejudice (the forever long BBC version). When I need a half hour or so to bust through some house work, I put her on the floor and she will watch it. She loves it! Sometimes she coo's at Mr. Darcy. No kidding! She ca now sit on her own for a full minute, but not soon after she flops to the side. She really likes toys and her toes. She is a lot of fun and starting to get very vocal. It's cute to listen to her "talk".

Caleb is doing good. He's been working more lately, which is weird for both of us. We kind of got used to him only working a few days a week. I'm thankfull though for the busy season. Lets see, what has Caleb been upto lately. He's been shovaling a lot of snow. He doesn't complain about it though. Oh, he got an Xbox 360. He sold his old Xbox and all his millions of games, and so his family and I pooled our resourses and bought him the new one. He likes it a lot. Other than that work has been keeping him pretty busy.

Lets see, is there anything else to say... We put our christmas tree up the other day. It's always fun. We have a pretty desent amount of stuff for only having 2 previous christmas's together. I love our Nativity set!!! It's the Willow Tree one. Our first christmas together, one of our dept. stores forgot to exclude those in one of their sales and we got a screaming good deal on it. We got it for under half price! If you know anything about Willow Tree you know it doesn't go on sale. So anyway, I always love setting it out. The only place large enough for us to set it is on top of our entertainment stand. It's pretty silly in the whole sceme of things. Putting that most beatiful scene on top of the tube. But, it's better than nothing.

Okay, enough rambling. I'd better get dinner going. Enjoy this holiday season. Bake cookies with your kids, call your grand parents a few times, do a puzzle.

Me~

It's been a while.

2006-11-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to retire from blogging before I get kicked out. Seems like there is so much going on I haven't even been able to read any blogs, let alone write on my own. I will keep my blog so I can put up pictures now and then, but other than that I think I'll be leaving this fair blogging community. It's a pity too, just when the whole church decided to start a blog. Oh well, my family and the cleanliness of my house must come first.

Oh, looks like we found a family for Remington! I'm so happy for him. They are coming this weekend to look at him. They have a farm and an 8 yr old boy. PERFECT for our little Rem. We just don't have the time and I can't stand his hair in the house. It's too cold to leave him in the garage. Right now it's 2 but in the wind it feels like -17. Yep! I love MT!!! ( I love you too Momma Tammi)

Okay, well here are some pictures. Fare well my blogging friends.

This is my birthday. There were actually 24 candles on the cake!

Here is Emilie in her cool shades from Grandma Lucy.

And last but not least, here she is in her new over-alls from her Dad. I love these jeans! They are so cute!

Hunting season so far!

2006-11-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

Dave shot this nice 5x5 day of this
It was a perfect hunt for him.
On the last day he would be able to hunt with us on the east side. On opening day He had resolved to shoot the first deer He saw , and went to an area where we had seen lots of does . Just so was he sure to have meet on the table .
Dave didn't see anything that day. And decided to relocate to the same area where we had been hunting for the big monster deer wich you will here about later . Opening day my Dad had seen a nice what he thought was a 4x4 in the same area. So thats where Dave went still planning to shoot the first deer he saw . Then there they were a few does and a little buck. Butt he didn't shoot ! The buck fever had got to him . Later that day when he told me I laughed out loud " I just got greedy " He said . So we went out again the next day to the same spot. At first light I heard herd it! POW a rifle shot rang out through the hills ! "Wow that was fast, i hope that was Dave " I thought as I a began to hike His way .
Sure enough I found him just finishing feild dressing his dandy of a 5 pionter . "Well getting greedy paid off " I said !
Great Hunt Great Deer

My Dad Shot this huge 7x7 in the second week. it is the biggest buck he has ever bagged !
This deer gave us a very exciting hunt this year .
We (Dad ,My Papa Elic and I) spotted him the week before hunting season and chose to dedicate all of our efforts into his capture .
Amazingly these big old deer get about ten times smarter when the season starts . Paul and I had spotted him again at first light on opening day about 500 yards out ,so I decided to stalk him for a closer shot . in spite of all my efforts he wisely hopped over a fence in to a NO HUNTING area! i felt sick " oh no " I thought "what if I never see him again " I couldn't beleive it. I was only 100 yards away from him and there was nothing i could do .
It was a full two weeks before I would cross paths with the big deer again. We had split up this morning Dad went to the southern side of the mountain my brother Paul who was with me when we first saw the monster ( we had so come to call the big old deer)on opening morning went to the north to come up the a draw. I went straight up the ridge and much to my dismay when i got to the top there he was ! In the same spot 500 yards away all over again only this time he saw me first and was in a dead run for that same old fence . My mind raced "oh know not another blown chance NO not this time !" I took off running as fast as I could dropping everything that would slow me down , my pack my coat its a wonder I found it all! Butt it worked , I had done it ! the big deer in feer of being persued turned and went south instead of crossing that stupid fence ! At this piont I was exausted . So I waited for Paul to come up the draw and we gathered my things . While I went for my my back pack I Couldn't believe my eye's ! I stumbled across the deers shed antlers from last year ! It was an amazing find and truely one of a kind!
Once we were ready to go we began to track and follow after the big deer ,as we went along we talked of how we hoped that Dad would be the one to capture the amazing animal . "After all " I said " Dad has hunted many more years than we have ,and has never really got a true trophy animal" . "Ya" Paul added "He has allways hunted for us and not Himself, that would be cool for him to get the monster" .
With the big deer moving south around the mountain we kept tracking and hoping our work would pay off. And then sure enough Paul's cell phone rang ! It was Dad , He said excitedly " I got him I Am standing over the monster ! " .Our hard work had payed off ! I yelled out for joy ,and we both began to run down the mountain untill I remembered that we had a long drag ahead of us to get the big deer out! So we slowed down. It was a great hunt and a great day! We thank God for the oppertunity he gives us to hunt and the harvest he blessed us with . This post was by Caleb Please Forgive any spelling errors LOL

Pictures

2006-11-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the MSUN football game! We beat our rivals and had a great time!!

Her is out little "Wee" chilling at her Grandma and Papa's house.

Just when you thought I was gone...

2006-11-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

Ha! I reappear. Sorry it's been so long everyone. I'm sure you all ha ve been waiting on pins an needles for me to update this blog of mine. Well, it's your lucky day. I really don't have much to say, but I'm sure I can ramble on enough to fill a few paragraphs.
I had a really good time with my family during hunting week. It got a little stress full here and there, but we all made it through. The twins had a great time hunting, and Kari and I had some really nice "girl time" here at home. We watched Cinderella, and ate Totino's pizza. I even gave her some pop! It was fun. One night Melissa and I got in the hot tub together. We sat out there talking and soaking for over an hour. It was so much fun! We needed some time to catch up and just talk with out children or husbands to interrupt. It was so funny, we had planned to get in that night, but earlier in the day Mel went out and soaked her feet for a few minutes. Well, while she was out there she turned the hot tub temp up to 103! She wanted it nice and warm when we got in that night. Well it was plenty warm alright. I was like "Mel, we aren't lobsters!". Anyway, I just added some water from the hose and that brought the temp down enough for us to get in. It sounds kind of lame written out, but it was really funny. My Dad stayed a few day later than Dave and Mel and we had a great time with him. We made taco salad and watch Nacho Libre. It was fun, but Dad fell asleep. He's a crack up. :) I miss them all!
On Sunday Emilie rolled over for the first time!! It was very exciting. She did it quite a bit for the first few days, but after she realized that she just ends up on her tummy, she doesn't seem real interested any more. :} she a crazy kid. I lover her so much! She is getting smarter everyday. Which keeps Caleb and I on our toes. She is figuring us out faster than we are her! She is eating cereal, and tonight she had a little bit of juice for the first time. I love all these "first". We took some pictures of here on Sat, I'll try and get them in this post.
We had our first snow of the year a few days ago. We only got a few inches, but still its was nice. It's been cold enough to keep those few inches. We still have snow in our yard. It's only been in the teens during the day, but I think today we got into the 20's or 30s. The snow really gets me in the holiday mood. I watch White Christmas today as I folded laundry. I love Bing Crosby. He's so great. Danny Kaye is kind of scary looking though. Funny, but still a little on the wired side. That's alright, I'm sure his mother loved him. Rambling...sorry.
Um, I really don't have much else to say, so I'd better go now. Talk at you all later.

Mandie
P.S. Well, I can't get the pictures to load in this post, so I'll have to post them seperately.

Hunting

2006-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the first hunting pictures. Yesterday Caleb shot 2 pheasant. This was Dan & Tim's first real hunting trip! They did great from what we hear. Caleb, Dad and Dave are at it again this morning, but Tim & Dan need a little break. Hopefully we'll have more god pictures tomorrow.

New Pictures

2006-10-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Most of these were taken on Sunday the 15th, but a few are a week or so older.

Ummmm...

2006-10-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't really have much to say, but I thought I would post while I have some time. Emilie is taking a nap and Caleb is on the phone, so I'm a free bird for the moment. Caleb went hunting for 4 day and 3 nights this past week. He got home yesterday afternoon. No luck for any of the guys, unfortunately. Oh, well. Emilie and I did pretty good by ourselves. Grandma Nancy helped out a lot.
It was really rainy and yucky today. It's starting to clear up now though. I love these yucky days. I love the rain and clouds, and cold. It's making really anxious for winter. I wonder what it's like for all the people who live in hot weather climates. I can't imagine life without snow, or cold. I couldn't handle it. Knock on wood, right. Now God will make us move some where hot. :{ Just kidding.
Emilie's been really cute lately. She growing up so fast. She's been reaching for her toys and is on the verge of laughing! :) It's really cute. Oh, she learned how to do raspberries! :} She thinks it's so much fun! I was going to take some new pictures for my Mom, but Caleb had the camera with him on his trip, so maybe I'll be able to get some done this weekend.
I tried taking a nap today, ha! every time I would doze off something would wake me up. I hate it when that happens. Ya know what I mean? Then I end up getting really frustrated, and end up crabbier than when I laid down.
Well, I'm feeling a little melancholy right now, so I'd better stop writing for know. I never know what I'm bound to say when I'm in this kind of mood. I do have a prayer request though. It's nothing I want to say publicly, but please if you think of me during you're prayer time, please give a shout out for me. I've got something heavy on my heart, and I need Gods help.
Well, talk to you all later.

Mandie

Cold feet

2006-09-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

No really I have cold feet. I need some socks, but they are all the way in my bedroom, and I don't want to get up and get them. Anyway, I don't have much to say, but I thought I would post while I have some time. Emilie is in bed and I'm waiting for Caleb to get home from work.
I had so much fun with my Mom! She was here Wed night-Sun morning, then she went to C-Falls to see the Hendricks clan. She is coming back to my house tomorrow to stay the night and then head for home. We watched movies, ate too much, played games, went shopping, made Italian and eggrolls (on separate nights of course), made the coolest clock ever! It's been grand! I'll post a picture of the clock when I get the hand on it. I need another set of hand to put the hands on. HA HA HA!!!! That is too funny coming from a one handed person. But I really do need Caleb (or somebody) to help me, so I need another set of hands. :) Ah the ironies of life. Anyway, getting back to the point of this paragraph, I'm SOOOOO thankful my mom was able to come and visit! I love her so much and miss her constantly. I'm so blest to have a mom who is also one of my very best friends.
Emilie is teething, more or again, I'm not sure. She did pretty good for about a week and then the last 2 days have been very hard on her again. I had to give her some more medicine. It's so hard because she isn't old enough to know how to hold the cold chewy teether thing in her mouth and she only has the patients for me to hold it in for a few minutes. Ove rall I'd say she is a trooper though. For ouchy gums, a low fever, and not wanting to eat much, she's in pretty good spirits. Better than me at times.
Remmy is still outside. He's actually adjusting quite well. I think he'll live through the crisis. Hopefully we can get his fence up in the next week or so, then he will have more time outside rather than in the garage.
Brrrr it's really cold, too bad I'm so lazy.
Grace, sorry I haven't emailed you back. I'm really bad, I know. It doesn't look like I'll be able to go to Ladies Retreat. There is still a month, so you never know what God can do, you keep praying! I'm so sure it would be smart to drive through WY that late in the year,and flying is so expensive. But if God sees fit, he'll make a way.
Um...I'm kind of at a loss of what to say next. Surely I'm not out of things to say. Is my life really that boring? Oh, I know!!! We've been having wonderful Sunday services! I'm so thankful!! God has been with us in such a beautiful way. It's such a blessing to feel that sweet spirit where ever we are. I'm so thankful! Nancy and I got to the same chiropractor and we both have had he and his wife on our hearts. He's the doc and she's the office lady, they are both wonderful people, and we've been able to witness to them several times. I know God has blessings in store for them and I pray that He will keep opening the door for us to talk with them! Pray for us here in Havre (pronounce have-her), I know God has a work for us. We need to find a place to hold services that we can afford on 2 incomes since it's just our 2 families. I know God can provide.
Well, I'm just about frozen. Talk to you all later! God bless!

Mandie

Feeling better

2006-09-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for praying! I really appreciate it. Emilie took a short nap and I was able to sleep for about 20 mins. Sorry for being so groggy Haley. She's been a little better today than she was yesterday. I'm sure some of it has to do with the baby tylonal, and the cold gummy chewy thing. Poor little girl. I remember when my wisdom teeth came in, it hurt bad. My Mom is here now, so that will be a big help for a few day. Today my Mom-in-law (sounds so formal) watched her for a while so Caleb and I could run some errands with out a crabby baby. That was so nice.
We bought a new game. We've played it with my parents before, and decided to buy it. It's called Sequence. It's really fun! I highly recommend it! :) We played tonight. I won once and Caleb one once.
I'm sorry I was so sharp in my last post. I was a little over wrought. I know God has been convicting me, and "trying" to teach me to be a kind person. Then I get caught up in the fun of sarcasm, and well, there goes everything I've learn. Don't get me wrong, I love sarcasm, and bantering back and forth, I just need to know my limits. It's so much easier to find and say the bad things than to find and say the good. I wish it were the opposite. The Bible tells us to build eachother up, and I don't do that very often. So, I'm really sorry Becki for being so sharp. I know you take it in stride and probably thought nothing of it, but I need to practice kindness. In Prov 31 it says "her tongue is the law of kindness". Yeah well, I've got a long ways to go. :)
Well Emilie is in bed and that's where I should be too. Talk to you all later.

Mandie

Nothing catchy...

2006-09-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

If there is any sympathy or love left in this blogging world, would you please pray for me? I had a very hard night and so far today isn't shaping up to be much better. It's only 9:15am and I've already had a really bad phone conversation and Emilie won't stop crying unless she's being held. I don't feel well at all, and I'm hungry. I'm sure most of you will only count this as complaining and a cheap way to post, but whatever. I really need God to help me make it through this day.

Oh dear...

2006-09-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well, first off I'd like to apologize to all my blogging fans for my friend Becki, I hope she won't scare anyone away with her outlandish comments. :} That being said, thank you Lyndi for sticking up for me. Someone's got to. And since Grace is MIA it looks like the task falls on you Lyndi. I find it interesting that the very day Becki graces the blogging world with a new post, she jumps on my blog and rails on me. We all know who the victim is here, so that being said, I feel no further need to bring up the matter. :)
Well, my Mom will be here tomorrow! I'm so excited! Please pray that she has a safe trip, and that she doesn't run into any bad weather! I'm soooo excited to get to spend sometime with Mom! She was such a huge help when Emilie was born, but I don't feel like I was able to just sit and visit and have a good time with her. Any way, she is bringing Emma and her famous meatballs, so it should be pretty fun!
Well, you all should know that Remington is now an outside dog. It was weird, but ever since we got home the whole idea of him in the house was kind of bugging me. This winter Emilie will be learning to crawl and I don't want to pick her up and find dog hair on her face. So Remmy now lives in the back yard and garage. He was pretty confuse at first, but I think he's doing okay now. I cleaned the carpets on Sun, just for added motivation to not let myself get weak and bring him back in.
Okay, I know this is short (so it probably won't count to some of those "picky" bloggers who only blog twice a month and publish a book trying to make up for it), but I have to leave for the chiropractor in 5 mins! Sorry for any type-o's, I don't have time for the amazingly thorough spellchecking job I do. :) (humor me)

Mandie

Latest of Emilie...

2006-09-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures I took on Wed! Isn't she cute! Now that she is over the worst of her cold, she is being such a good girl! We are really starting to getting back into a routine and that helps both of us! I thank God He's helped Emilie starting sleeping through the night again, and I'm starting to feel human again! God has blessed us with many answered prayers this week.

Here is Kari Beth in all her glory! :) Her Dad is the culprit of this hair do!!

Pictures!

2006-09-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here are some of our Assembly pictures. It's really hard to decide what pictures to put on, because I don't think it can handle all of them. :)
Here is Emilie with her Great Uncle Paul and her Great Aunt Cathy! Wish we lived closed to them!!

And here's the princess with her Aunt Tammy! Thank you Tammy for hold Em for me that night. You're a peach!

The Wantulok family! Aren't they cute! It was very nice to meet Daniel and Conner. Conner is sooo cute!!! Good job Cate!!!

Jennifer and I with our girls! Cathy and I with our babies!!

Philip and Jacob with Emilie! Jacob looks a little on the strange side, but hey what's new? :)

Well, I'm afraid of trying to put any more on this post, so I'd better quit while I'm ahead!

I'm afraid of Emilee...

2006-09-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Emilee Smith that is. :) I talked to Emilee today on the phone and she pointed out it's high time for a new post! I have until tomorrow, so I'd better get on it!
Well, let see, first things first. We had such a good time in Whitefish! I'm so thankful we got to go! We were there for 3 weeks! Mel and Dave were so gracious and let us stay with them the entire time! Thanks Mel and Dave!!!! I learned a lot from Melissa! Mostly things like how to do laundry and hold a crying baby. Or answer the phone, make lunch, and balance a check book. Yep, she's pretty stellar! I loved being with the kids! They crack me up. Dan and Kari-Beth don't get a long with each other at all! They really, really don't like being around the other right now. Well, one morning it had gone to far, and Melissa had had enough. So she handcuffed them together. Boy was that bad. They hated it, but by the end of the afternoon, they were cooperating with eachother and were set free. Tim and I would just hide our face and giggle through out the day. It was very sad and very funny at the same time. I had a good time with Dave too. Hate to admit it, but hey, he's a pretty fun guy, when he shares his chips and nacho cheese that is. :)
Well, after Dave and Mel's we were home for 2 days, and then flew to the assembly. Emilie did so good on the plane. I'm so thankful. It was very interesting flying with a baby. One word...STUFF!! Calebs nickname for her rang so true... Little Miss Stuff. But together we made it through. I'm SO THANKFUL that Caleb decided we should go. It was such a huge blessing. For those who may not know "the Assembly" is our church's annual meeting. Members and ministers from all over the world come and we do business and hear preaching and worship together! It's awesome! Anyway, I feel like this was the best year yet for me. Caleb and I enjoyed some great prayer times together. I've truly missed praying with my husband in the altar. I'm thank that I was able to be there and discern the spirit in the selection of the new General Overseer. The first time Bro. Smith's name was brought forward as the possible new overseer, I admit I didn't feel the confirmation in my spirit, but I'm so thankful, that after much prayer (fasting being prohibited by my husband since I am nursing) God gave me a total peace and I was able to rejoice with everyone else when we all found the will of God! Again, I'm so thankful we were able to attend. It was a much needed boost from the Lord!
Well, now we are home. It's good to be home. Although, Caleb and Emilie came home with colds and I got the stomach flu, it's still good to be home. I'm doing much better today. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me! Emilie is hanging in there. Her congestion gets worse at night, but I think in a few days, she'll be in the clear. Poor Caleb. After getting over the cold, he got the stomach flu. He rarely gets sick so when he does I feel so bad for him. He's a trooper though. He doesn't complain. I've heard most guys do that when they are sick.
Okay, I'm going to head for bed. Emilie is asleep and I should be too. She hasn't really wanted to take naps the last few days. She'll sleep for an hour or so 2-3 times a day. I don't know how she does it, but she does. For being 10 weeks old I think she crazy. Anyway, talk at ya later!

Mandie
P.S. I'll try to get new pictures up this weekend.

Banana bread instead,

2006-08-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Caleb got home at 3:30 this morning. Poor guy. And we found out late last night that as of now, we aren't going to Whitefish. :( God knows, and I have faith something will work out instead. So, I'm making banana bread instead. Hope everyone has a great day!!

Mandie

Whitefish bound!

2006-08-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, this is going to be a little short. I'm working really hard to get us ready to leave. PRAISE GOD FOR ANSWERING PRAYER! Caleb called me this afternoon and told me we are going to Whitefish. I'm so thankful that inspite of my doubt God has blessed us with this opportunity! It will be SO nice to be in church regularly again! And the fact that we'll get to be with Dave and Mel and the kids is so exciting! I'm so glad Melissa will have a chance to spend some time with her new niece! Anyway, I've got SO much to do (we are leaving in the morning and Caleb won't be home from work tonight until late), but I wanted to thank everyone who prayed for us and let you know my bloging will continue to be sporadic now that we'll be away from home. Well praise be to God, he works miracles! Talk to you later.

Mandie

More pictures...Finally

2006-07-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, here are some new pics!
Here is Emilie after a bath. Her hair gets really curly on the top. It's a little hard to see, but you get the idea!

On Sat, Emilie met her Great Grandma & Grandpa Fiedler for the first time! It was definitely love at first site!!

And here she is with her Great Grandma Emilie! They were quite the pair!

I love the face she is making! :)

Well, How is everyone? Sorry about my lack of blogging. What can I say, I have every excuse in the world right now, and all of them valid, okay, except the one about my dog eating my homework, but that one doesn't even apply.
I'm sitting here eating my dinner (Spaghetti and meatballs, thanks to my Mom who froze a bunch of meals for us! Thanks Mom!), listening to the creaking of a baby swing. I love that swing!! It's my friend.
My Grandparents left today for Melissa house. I was going to go with them, but it just didn't work out. We are hoping Caleb will be working in Whitefish (20 minutes from Melissa) for the month of Aug. It would be so great to get to spend some time with their family and the church people down there! Please pray that we are able to go. We'll find out on Tues if Caleb got the temp position over there. His work is really confusing and I won't try to explain everything since I barely understand it all.
Um...What to say, what to say, We are all doing well. Caleb is a asleep on the couch right now. He's been having to drive to Great Falls (2 hrs away) everyday to work. That's why it would be so nice to be in Whitefish where we can all stay. Anyway, He's a little extra tired because of the driving. Other than that I think he's doing really well. He crash on Pauls scooter and cut up his knee. Nothing a little gauze and tape can't cover up for a while. Emilie is growing! She will be 4 weeks tomorrow! She's working really hard at holding her head up! It's pretty cute! This morning while I was burping her, she held her head up for about 10-15 seconds and then gave a big sigh and flopped down on my shoulder as if to say "Oh, that's hard work!". It was really cute! She is smiling more and more, I don't think she knows just yet what she's doing, but it's cute none the less. She still LOVES Sis. Brocks quilt! It's one of her favorite things. Okay, me... I'm doing good. I feel like we are starting to get into the swing of things. I have moments of insanity, mostly when the post man rings the door bell so the dog starts to bark something fierce, and while holding a baby in my arms I try to keep the dog in while opening the door and taking the large box from the postman. But were working things out. I'm really starting to feel a lot better. I wasn't eating enough in the first few weeks and so my energy level was really low. I was finding it hard to make time for myself to eat during the day, so I would eat what I could, usually 1 bowl of cereal and some crackers or something until Caleb got home and them I would eat dinner. It really wasn't good at all. When she was 2 weeks old I was already a tiny bit under my pre-pregnancy weight. But things are going much better, and I fell much better. I've been buy boxes of the powdered breakfast shakes and making those for during the night when I nurse! Those are the greatest things ever! It doesn't require chewing (which makes a big difference at 3am when you can barley hold your baby), they are quite filling for a drink, and they are really good! Who doesn't want chocolate milk @ 3am?
Well, as interesting as my blabbing maybe, I've got to wake my daughter up. I would much rather she sleep after 9:00pm and not right now. Talk to you all later!

Mandie

Time...What time?

2006-07-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long. It's taking us a little time to adjust to our new lifestyle. I feel like every minute is taken up each day. But it's a good feeling. I don't know how long this will be, but I'll try and squeeze everything in. (too bad I can't type faster)
Well, our baby girl is wonderful!! She is so good! She basically sleeps through the night. She goes to bed at 10:00 and then I get up to feed her at 2:00, 6:00 and 9:00, and then we start our day! I've got it made, I know. She is usually a very good girl. Yesterday she had an upset tummy, so that was a little hard, but we all made it through. She is content to sit by herself for 20-30 minutes at a time. She will sit and look at her mobile thingy or she stare at the quilt Sis. Brock made her. It's so beautiful! She loves looking at the bright colors. As of last week she was back up to her birth weight and doing really well! I want to give a shout out to my husband! Not that he ever reads our blog, but hey. He has been so wonderful! He's been so patient and helpful! And a huge support to me through all the pain and emotions! He is sooooo good with Emilie and she already adores her Dad! Caleb, you're awesome!!
CAUTION: Gross details- not for the faint at heart! :{
Ok, for all those who want to know about my labor and delivery, here's the story. We went in at 6:AM on Thur the 29th. On Wed we talked to my DR. (who was going out of town on Fri) and decided to induce on Thur. So, they started the petocin around 6:30ish, they had me on the smallest amount since I was already dilated to 3. It gave me some small contractions, but nothing major. So a little before 8:00 the Dr. broke my water, Oh boy that did the trick!! With in 30 minutes I was having 1 minute contractions about 1-2 minutes apart! I labored like that until 2:30, I still had only dilated to 4. Then Caleb and I decided I should go ahead with the epidural. They gave me that at about 3:00. I was able to sleep for a little bit (and talk again and stop throwing up, and see straight...). Then at 4:00 I was dilated to 10, so they said I could start pushing. I pushed for almost 1 hour. She crowned after only 3-4 pushes, but then she wouldn't come any further. Finally after 1 hour of pushing the Dr. decided to give me a small epeziatemy (no clue how to spell it properly). Caleb said the first push after that and Emilie shot out like a bullet! :) Just needed a little more room I guess~ Anyway, the Dr.'s estimated weight was 7.5, Emilie came out at 9.7!! Her head was 14"! No wonder she wouldn't come any further. :0 Oh did I mention the epidural wore off around 4:15! Yep, I felt it all when she was born. Ouch! It was definitely one of the most painful experiences of my life. All though, nursing runs a close 2nd! Wow! That hurts. It's getting much better now, but I was so not prepared for the pain. I knew it would hurt, but I didn't imagine it could hurt that bad. I thank God that Emilie came out knowing what she's doing. She latched on right away, and rarely has trouble with it. She's my angel girl!! Well, I think those are all the ugly details. Hope no boys read this!! Paul doesn't count since he was there and head the whole story 20 times.
So, how is everyone? Sorry it's been so long. I haven't really been able to read the blogs lately, so I'm a little out of the loop. Becki, I still can't read your blog. It's maddening. Call me, or I'll call you, or something. Ok, I'm putting my girl down for a nap and I'm going to take one too. See ya!

Mandie

Drum roll please...

2006-07-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here she is! Emilie May Alexander was born June 29, 2006 @ 5:02 pm. She weighed 9lbs 7oz, 21.5 '' long!! She is healthy and beautiful! I'm doing really well all things considered. I'll post more about the labor and delivery later. Love you everyone! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!! They were much need and appreciated!

Mandie

"I'm waiting..."

2006-06-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! How's it going? We're doing good. Slow and steady. I went to the Dr. Today and I'm 3 cm dilated! Yeah! Compared to last Wednesdays 1 cm. She seemed to think it would be 24-48 for full labor to start. I've been having some contractions. They come in my back, it's really not to comfy, but hey, I'm glad to be having some signs!! Please pray things will progress a little faster!! I want it all over and done! :) Thanks for the responses on the call list. And thanks in advance for the prayers!!

I'm really getting excited to see all our family! My parents are planning on heading this way Wed. And Calebs parents will come as soon as we give them the signal (who's on first?). Mel and Dave and the kids are heading up Fri. evening, so we should all be together for the 4th of July weekend! This will be the first time our families have had any real time together since we've been married (the wedding doesn't really count. Too much going on)!! I'm so excited! I hope I'm feeling well enough to really enjoy the time!

Yesterday Caleb, Paul and I played bocci ball at the park. Caleb remains the champion, but, Paul and I gave him a run for his money a few times! It was fun! I'm going to see if we can go again today! It's super nice out and I want to be out doing something. Oh and yesterday Caleb made us k-bob's for dinner! It was soooo good! Well, to us it was! We used deer steak and I'm sure there are several of you who are completely grossed out now. Too bad for you, it just makes more for me!! Anyway, we had k-bob's and corn on the cob! It was so yummy! I could eat corn on the cob every night! I think tonight will be deer steaks, baked potatoes and corn on the cob. I love corn on the cob. Can you tell? Lets see if I can set the record for saying corn on the cob so many times in a blog post. Corn on the cob, corn on the cob...Never mind.

Well, I'm going to tidy up the house and see if I can talk Caleb into another round of bocci ball! Talk at ya'll later!!!

Mandie

Phone list...

2006-06-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, for all of those who know me well...
If you want to be called when I go into labor, let me know (this could be during the night as well).
If you want to know when the baby is born (called during the day), let me know.
I don't want anyone to feel left out or let down, and I really don't want someone to get a call at 2 AM and think "why are they calling me now!!". But for anyone who wants called in the middle of the night you have pray for me after you get the call! I'll be needing it!! :)
Please no one feel pressured, this is just the easiest way to find out who we need to call. Melissa will be doing most of the calling for me and I want to give her a list asap! :) Again, no pressure!!!!! Really truly. Oh and we'll be posting as soon as we can after she's born, so you can always find out the whole story then. :) Okay, talk at ya later.

Mandie

No Baby Yet...

2006-06-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

I think we need to put a voice recording on our phone before we answer saying... "Hi you've reached Caleb and Mandie, and no, we haven't had the baby yet. Sorry to disappoint you, but if you would still like to talk to us, please hold and we'll be with you shortly. Thanks!" Okay, there is a little sarcasm in that, but what else do you expect from a pregnant lady who's tired of waiting? Seriously, things are going fine. I'm having some serious back pain, but other than that, Emilie seem pretty content to stay right where she is. Looks like we at least see our due date on Sat.
Um, what else to post??? Hmmm... We got our nursery set up! I can't remember if I said that in my last post. Caleb is so funny, when we finished he told me we need to video tape it and send to our family and say "This nursery is made possibly by Grandparents like you!". It's pretty true! We've been so blessed by the Lord through our families!
My house is dirty. AAAHHHH!!!! I was doing so great keeping it spotless, so that when I come home from the hospital it will be just the way I want it, but now... It's another story. Since Sun I've been having serious back pain. Well really it runs from my tail bone to the back of my knee, and basically freezes me for about a minute or two. Since my mobility is limited now, so is my cleaning. I hate it. It's the worse thing that has happened to me yet. I'm doing what I can, but still it's a very helpless feeling. I'm not the type of person who says "just leave those dirt socks there until I get to the laundry, it's no big deal". No way Jose!!
Um...What else, maybe should say something no related to the baby... I'm glad to hear the good things that happened at the South West convention! Praise the Lord! I wish I could have been there! Please pray that we are able to make it to the Assembly. It's looking pretty bleak right now. But I know God can provide. I want Paul to help me put a song on my blog. There is a song that really seems to fit what the church is going through right now and I want to put that one on, but I don't know how. So it will have to wait. But, when I do have a song on my blog you will all know why I chose that one. I think it's very fitting for right now.
Let's see...Remington is doing well! :) 'Sure everyone is glad to hear that! :) He was acting really weird for a few days, but he's back to his spunky little self again. Wanting to play all the time and giving me that curious little look as if to say "You baffle me really". He seems to have found his "spot" in the nursery. He has one certain spot in each room that he likes to nap or watch us work from. In the kitchen he has multiple spots depending on what we are doing and how he wants to beg. Over all he's great! I love my little dog. He makes me so happy!! :) I wish everyone could be "a dog person".
Um...Okay, I give up, I really have nothing to say, so I won't hold you hostage any longer. Love and prayers to everyone!!

Mandie

2006-06-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'm back! I'm so happy to be online again! I haven't been able to catch up on everyones blogs yet. Caleb's been on a lot so I haven't had much computer time. How rude!! Anyway, I'll get caught up, just give me a week or so. Well, then I'll have had our baby and I will be out for several days, and I'll be behind all over again. So... just "pay no attention to the man behind the curatain..."
Well, let see...what to tell...Oh, on Sun evening I was waiting for Caleb to get home and I looked out the window. It was around 5:00 ish. I saw a stray dog in our yard. Just as I was about to get up and get him out of the yard I notice a litte boy about 2 yrs old looking through my front window at me. Weird. We have lots of little kids in our neighborhood that don't get much supervision, but I had never seen this little boy before. He just had a T-shirt and diaper on, and the diaper was so full of ~content~ it was about to fall off. So I watch for a few minute to see who would come and claim him. He was just playing away with the stray dog when I decided to call the cops. I went for the phone book and called, but by the time I got back to the window he was gone. So the cop came to my door, and asked me a few questions, and while we were outside talking one of the neighborhood girl came running up asking if we were looking for a kid. Not wanting to incriminate myself just incase it was her brother or cousin or something, I played it cooled and asked her is she had an extra one. She looked at me strange like for a minute, and them said "yeah". "My Mom has him and we don't know what to do for him". So the cop took him and left. It was really weird. For one seing the little 2 yrs sitting in the back of a cop cruiser, and 2 the though that no one seem to be looking for him except the cop and I. I went to the station later that night and they said his mother had picked him up. Part of me wanted to say "after you guys changed his diaper of course.". I was so upset. It really weirded me out that someone would pay that little attention to their child!! I was really upset about it. So anyway... that happened, and let see what else...
We got our crib and changing table. We kind of had to resort....AAAAHHHHH I had a huge post and went to use the spell check, I lost everything after this!!!!! I hate the blogging world!!!!!!!! Grrrr. Anyway, what I said was that we had to resort to plan B on the nursery. Long story short Calebs Grandparents bought us a new set! I'm so excited to have something of our very own that we can used for our other children to come. It's really great! We have the changing table put together, and we'll do the crib tomorrow.
I can't beleive it ate my post. That is so super sad. I can't continue. What if it does it again. Sorry blogging world, you'll never know what elses what in my way long back from the dead post. I'm going to try and post this one and see what happens. If it works better this time I might just write some more tomorrow. See ya~

Mandie
AHHH STUPID THING!!!!!! It won't spell check. Sorry Mom, please don't be mad at my type-os.

Finally...A new post!

2006-05-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!!! I miss you all so much!!! I can't believe how hooked I was on blogging until now. Maybe God knew something I didn't :) Hope everyone is doing well. Since I rarely get online now, it's hard to keep up with whats going on in the world. So if something wonderful or exciting happens... CALL ME!!! :)
Okay, what's new here??? Well not much. As of Friday I start my ninth month of pregnancy. Wow, wow, wow. It's interesting to say the least. :) But things are going really well. I'm so thankful for the health God has provided for the baby and I. We're doing good. I'm really hoping she comes a little early, I really don't think I have much more room to share! :) My belly feels pretty stretched!! :) Poor little baby, she's all cramped and squished inside of me. Sometimes she finds relief by streching her legs up into my ribs. Great for her...pain unexplainable for me. It works...
Friday is also Calebs last day of training!! Friday is a big day for us! :) He will offically be a conductor!!! YEAH CALEB!!! I'm so proud of you!!! He's done great! I'm thankful for my husband. He's hard working and I am amazed at all the stuff he's had to learn. All the rules and laws and airbrake hose things... I could never do it, that's for sure!
Sunday is our 2nd Anniversary! It's a big weekend at our house! :) I've been told to enjoy this last anniversary with out children, since life will never be the same... :) Since I'm so far along we won't be able to leave town or anything fun like that, but I'm sure we'll soing something fun that day! Maybe fishing or something! I really like fishing now that I catch them!! :)
Um... I really don't have a whole lot to say... God's really been providing for us and I'm amazed at how he's working in my heart right now. Maybe having a baby on the way does that to people, I don't know. But I'm thankful the Lord is blessing me and helping me to grow in Him in the mist of everything else going on. :)
Nothing interesting to report in Havre. No crashes or shooting of vehicles. Just heat, some bugs, and beautiful green lawns and trees! :) It's really a pretty summer so far. Our lilacs are already gone. I'm so sad. They only lasted for about a week. And the apple blossoms on our trees are about gone as well, but that okay, because that means tha apples are on their way!! We have apple pie alot in the fall. Has anyone ever had apple pie with chesse?? It looks sick, but it's in all the fancy cook books? I need some feed back.
Oh, we just finished watching American Idol. All I can say is ...whatever. After Chris left, I really didn't care anymore, but we wanted to see the end. Katherine really needs some clothes tonight! Wow! Yucky!!! Oh and "PRINCE"!!!!!! Gag me. Who wanted to see him, or his little 'friends'. Yucky again. Overall I was pretty disappointed in the "family" show. Anyway, as Bethany and I have decided "we can now move on with our lives". :)
Well, I know this was short and said aboslutely nothing, but it's the very best this extremely hot and hungry pregnant girl can do for now. Love and miss you all!

Mandie
Sorry for ay type-o's, I can't get the spell check to work.

Goodbye blogging world...

2006-05-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, just thought I'd let you know I completely crashed our computer. Yep, I'm capable of mass destruction. Anyway, I don't know long it will be before we are back online. Just wanted everyone to know why I'm not posting and commenting. Don't have hurt feelings any one and don't yell at me Becki. Anyway, I'll post when I can get over the Alexanders house. Talk at ya later.

Mandie

I have no response to that...Becki

2006-05-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Becki thank you so much for the clog... I mean blog comments. I apologize for leaving you in the lurch for 6 whole days! What was I thinking!!! I didn't realize it had been that long.
Okay, what happen this week... Well Caleb is in Great Falls for the week. Very sad. I miss him bad. Right now I'm riding this really fun roller coaster... It's called the 33rd week of pregnancy! "I've never heard of that Roller coaster" you say...well let me tell you all about it. You sit down in the seat and they set a 20 lb bar over your lap, that is unless you are the one that is pregnant. In that case they figure your huge enough to stay in all by yourself. Then it starts...up up up you go into the beautiful blue sky, happy excited, looking forward to the future. Then you hit the top and WHAM!!!! you are flying down, saying to yourself "I'll never be a good parent, I don't want to start getting up at 6:00 every morning including weekends and holidays. What if I can't burp her good enough." Just when you think your life is ending right here right now your carried upward again. This is usually when you find the box of ice cream and a spoon and your favorite sunny spot in the house. Back up we go. You're feeling good, talk on the phone for a little, listen to some music, everything is great. Then you look ahead and see the spiral of death coming...you husband is home. And just as you would on a real spiraling roller coaster in a matter of second you go from loving him with every fiber of your being to loathing the ground he walks on. It's sick and twisted. Then you come to a screeching halt. And the ride is over. Anyway, this twisted ride of death makes me all the more pitiful with out Caleb here to level me out. Grace said that inspite of my current emotional outbursts, she not afraid of me and wants to come see me. (I'm sure she wants to document my current "freak out over everything" phase and use it against me later.) Be afraid Grace!!!! Be very afraid! I was talking to Tammy and told her I was surprised Caleb wasn't excited to get away to Great Falls. Last night when I talked to him on the phone he said he misses his girls and wishes he was home. AHHHH!!!!! And there the emotions started again. The wave of love came crashing over me and left me soggy on the beach saying "That was the nicest thing you could have ever said". Okay, I'd better move on...
Um what else has happened...I had a Dr. appointment yesterday. The baby's head is still down! That's good new for sure. I have 8 weeks until my due date, but I hoping I go a week or so early. I just don't want to wait. Is that bad?? Don't tell me if it is.
Lets see...What else. Oh Last night I went to the Havre HighSchool "Taste of Jazz" musical thingy with my family. (Nancy, Paul and Noelle) I think I like the pie I ate the best. :) Just kidding. They did a girls group and then a guys and girls group and then the Jazz band did some songs. I liked the Jazz band best. They sounded pretty good for Highschoolers in a gym! It was pretty fun. Especially the brownie turtle pie stuff I had!! :)
Um... I really have nothing good to say...it's been a little cooler here. On Sat. it was 80 and perfect, but since Sun. it's been in the low 60's and just kind of blah. That was really interesting now wasn't it. I need a life.
Um...I really have nothing else to say...I'm sitting thinking really hard, looking up at our Napoleon Dynamite poster for inspiration, but alas...Nothing. Okay I'm leaving now.

P.S. Grace and Jessa, it takes all kinds. It's strange to me that you can look at guts and all sorts of nasties, but giving a shot makes you squirm. You could become undertakers!!! There you go!!!

Squeak, squeak, squeak....

2006-04-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

That is what I'm listening to right now. My dog has a rubber ball that he likes to chew on and it makes that horribly annoying squeaky noise when he does. However it's really good for his teeth, so I don't like to yell at him or take it away. I just sit with those weird "chilly willies" going up and down my spine all for my dogs dental hygiene. What a retard...That dumb dog :)
How is everyone? I'm doing alright. I had a little of a rough night sleep, but I slept in until 10:00, so I can't complain. Okay throwing a pregnancy question out into blog world... I have -5 energy until about 4:00pm. Than I could run a marathon. I get to bed and just lay there. What do I do? Is there any hope of sleeping at night and waking up feeling good and ready to go for the day? If there is no hope, just tell me, but if there is I would gladly take any suggestions. Thanks ladies!
So, I think I'm going to call my "Ant" Jane today. I think I need her. :) Anyone who know my "Ant" Jane would understand that. I need a good light hearted laugh! :) I've been thinking about her a whole bunch, so I think I'll give her a ring.
Hopefully this coming weekend we will start construction on the wall that will enclose the baby's room! I've very excited! Once the wall is done I can start setting everything up. Cutting it close I know, but hopefully everything will be done in time. Calebs parents helped us out with the cost and because of that we are able to start now and not on her 3rd birthday. :) The only bad thing is it looks like Caleb will have to do it alone. He is perfectly capable, but I would imagine it's easier and more fun with someone else around to help. So I need to prepare myself for a very messy and loud house for a few weeks! Caleb will have to work on it before or after work, so it may take a little while. I'm so not good with long term messes. When he painted my cupboards I though I would die on day 3. Good things come to those that wait! That will be my new theme song! ...Wait that isn't a song.
Our lilac bushes are starting to bud. Just the foliage, not the flowers yet. I'm so excited! I want to plant tulips for next year, but I think at this point I need to wait until fall. I'll have to ask my Dad. He's the green thumb in the family. Melissa takes after him in that respect more than I do. Sometimes I think my Dad is the all know guru of life. You can ask him just about any question and he knows that answer. Gardening, cooking, fishing, politics, animals... You name it. But what's nice is he not the type of guy who will just make something up if he doesn't know. But 9 time out of 10 he will look it up or ask someone, to find the answer. Anyway...So I'm kind of rambling here. I just love my Dad. :)
This is probably the most boring post ever. Sorry everyone. There's just not a lot going on here. No car shootings or D.Q. disasters. Just plain ol' life. Oh I have one thing left to talk about...American Idol! Who's going home tomorrow? Tell me what you think!! I have a feeling it will be Kelley. I really like her and the show won't be the same without her, but vocally, I think the others are better. Even though I don't like Paris's talking voice (drives me nuts!!!!), and Taylors freaky dances weirds me right out, I think Kelley has hit the bottom.
Alright, until the next time I have nothing of consequence to say...

Mandie

I've been asleep...for 3 days

2006-04-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

I'm here Becki, just for you! Shouting out to the whole blogging community "..." (what should I say?). I know! "I've been really tired...But I'm back...With nothing to say." No actually, I have a whole bunch to say. Let just hope that it come out entertaining and not like that rambling mess it feels like in my head.
Well, tonight Caleb is out on the train. I have the house to myself for at least another...(have to look at the clock) 10 hours! What can a girl accomplish in merely 10 hours you ask. All I can say is it compares to what a procrastinating man can do in six months! My list for the night...
#1 Vacuum
#2 Tidy the house (it's really not bad, but I much prefer cleaning when Caleb is gone)
#3 Organize baby clothes and stuff! (That's the fun one). I have a closet bursting full of baby stuff and I'm just about to go nuts. I've cleaned it like 20 times and still it falls apart when I'm not looking. So my Mom in law (I hate having to add "in law", like I'm bound to her legally and that's the only reason I claim her. I really love her very, very much) took me to K-Mart and bought hangers and all sorts of stuff to get the room a little better organized! Thanks Mom!
And last but not least #4 I will probably watch Singin' in the Rain for the second time today (I rented it from the library)
Caleb just called. I miss him, even when it's just for a night. I love him so much! Sorry, sappiness again. It's hard to not let it spill over when your heart is so full of love for someone.
Okay the big news of the weekend... I caught a fish!!!!! My first since I was like 12! And (drum roll please...) it was the biggest catch of the day!! Dad and Caleb and I went fish a few times! It was so much fun! Especially once I started catching fish! I caught a second one, but he got off the hook while I was waiting for the net. Oh well, I'm happy with one big fish! We had such a great time with my Dad. The fishing was great, but we also had a great time just visiting and laughing together. By Sun night we were all so tired everything was funny at 1AM. :) We were all laughing so hard I was crying and Dad fell to his knees!! :) It was soooo great!! Now I'm REALLY looking forward to June when Mom and Dad will both be here! Then of course there is Mel and her crew!!! What can I say?!?! I LOVE it every time they come!! :) I LOVE spending time with my sis! She's the best! We cook and clean and laugh and sing together! Nothing beats it! And the kids...every time they crack me up! Dan is learning how to make jokes and be sarcastic! It's so great! And Tim... His facial expressions just kill me. He is such a good big brother. Always looking for ways to help. Kari Beth...Well she's still my baby girl! We did lots of things together. My favorite times with Kari is doing her hair in the morning. It's just her and I in the bathroom and she just talks and talks telling me all about life as a 3 yr old. It makes me want to cry, I love that "little miss pretty, pretty" as we call her. I love her hugs! Baby Andy is too much! He loves everyone! It's so nice to have him handed to you and have him just snuggle up and be content! He followed Remmy all around the house saying "Dah Dah" (translates into Dog in Andy talk). And as for my brother Dave, I love having him around. I love that joking "love-hate" relationship we have. He'll never know how much it means to me!
The other news of the weekend is best told in story form, so here goes...
On Fri. Night Dad and I waited up for Caleb to get home from work (11:pm). Caleb got home and we all talked for a little bit and made our fishing plans. The plan was to get up at 5:30AM and hit the road. Well, Dad went to bed and Caleb got in the shower, so I set to filling plastic Easter Eggs for the kids. While sitting in my darkened living room thinking how well everything was going I hear BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG...Okay, that was a little weird. I called out to Dad in the next room "Dad...What was that?" Caleb comes running out of the bathroom (shock and slightly embarrassed at the sight of Larry, I mean Caleb in a towel) and yells, "That was gun shots!". Just before he goes running out the door he remembers to change, whew!! So Dad and Caleb ran out to the back out to see what happened. Our neighbors car was shot 6 times with a really powerful gun (I don't remember that name or numbers of the gun). It was crazy, some drunk highschooler mistook our neighbor kid for someone else and shot up his truck. Wild huh!!
No one was hurt, so I'm thankful for that. Watch out for drunken highschoolers or you may have to use your On-Star button! :)
Well I now only have 9 hours to complete my tasks and sleep. So I'm going to get a going! Love and blessings to everyone!!

Mandie
P.S. This is a picture of Caleb and I the night we met! I came to MT to see Kari-Beth for the first time. Calebs parents invited Mel & Dave and the fam (including me) over for dinner and games. I'd have to say it was pretty close to love at first sight, okay, so maybe it took a few hours, but still :) Just thought I'd post it for grins! :) I'm grinning!! :)
March 14th 2003

"I've Fallen...and I Can't Get Up"

2006-04-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

If only I would have fallen into bed and not gotten up. Whew! I'm wiped out tonight! I thought I ought to post before my company gets here. I'm so excited!! My Dad will be here tomorrow and Mliss (as Grace calls her) and her crew will be here Sat. Afternoon. I can't wait! Caleb and I bought Easter candy and plastic eggs for the kid to have a egg hunt on Sun. And it's going to be SOOOO nice to have a real crowd of people to have Church with. Since my in-laws have been gone it's just been Caleb and I on Sun. Mornings.
Well, you may be asking yourself, "why is she so wiped out?". You weren't? Well too bad you're going to hear about it anyway. :) Today I washed all my outside windows, cleaned out our flower bed, volunteered with our pregnancy center for about 2 hours, grocery shopped, went to the P.O. and the insurance company, watched AI, cleaned the kitchen (burner pans and all!), vacuumed the entire house and finished a bowl of chocolate ice cream. Yep. All in a days work. :) So now that it's 9:30 I'm just about done for. However, in order to accomplish all of this I had to take Caleb to work, therefore I have to pick him up @ 11:00. No fun.
Guess what I found online? You can order all 3 seasons of The Tick on DVD!!! I found it for only $21.99! So excited. So the next time we have an extra $21.99, which will probably be when out last child has left home, I want to buy it! I love the Tick. He's my favoritest! :) Thanks for reminding me of that Becki!!
Our grass is turning green! That makes me so happy. I love walking barefoot in the grass. My feet always look so bad in the summer. Oh that reminds me! God provided a lawn mower for us! Our friend Shane owns a lawn business and he gave us one of his old ones. It need a $20 part and Caleb can fix it no problem. Yeah! So we got our lawn mower for $20! Beat that Sears!! :)
Well, this is probably getting really boring, so I should stop while I'm ahead! Is it too late for that?

Mandie

Here Fishy, Fishy...

2006-04-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well, today has been another ground breaking day for me. Today I talked on the phone with Grace (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and then Caleb and I decided to go fishing. So we went and got our fishing licenses. We gave the guy all our info and he printed up our tags, then we went to the counter to pay and when he said "That'll be $62." I just about died. I looked at him and said "Right..." Well he wasn't joking. The price from last year doubled. I was sick. But it was to late. So we took our extremely expense fishing licenses to Fresno Lake. I kept up my amazing fishing streak! Still nothing! Can't beat that now can ya? At least I'm consistent. :) But today I only lost 1 lure, tangled mine line once, and only snagged Calebs line once! I'm doing better. No really it wasn't that bad. We were scoping things out for when my Dad comes and so we only cast out a few time in each place and then moved on. I thought Caleb was going to put me into pre-term labor though. The road to the back of the lake isn't exactly smooth. Pretty soon I couldn't tell weather I was shaken by the bumps or the baby kicking and whacking, yelling out to us "What in the world are we doing? I'm going to puke!". Well, we all made it safe and sound. At one point Remington bailed out of the truck, I think he was getting a little sick of the bumps too. :) Poor little dog. We had to give him a bath when we got home, but the sun was already down. So there was my poor little beagle being sprayed with a garden hose in the dark shivering to beat the band. I think he'll survive though.
Well, that was one big paragraph. But since it's all ramblings that run together I have no idea how to try and separate it. Oh well. Anyway, I'm wiped out. Fishing and hiking and 4 wheeling have done this pregnant lady in. Call me a wimp, call me a sissy, call me a complainer, but just call me...I'm feeling lonely. :) God bless! Happy Sunday everyone!! :)

P.S. yesterday was a bust too. We went to buy our lawn "motor" and I read the add wrong. It was the tractor mower on this particular sale. I'm so thankful Caleb is as patient and easy going as he is I was really disappointed about a stupid lawn "motor". What can ya do?

Do I have to have a title every time?

2006-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. There is not much to report for today. The highlight of our little life here is that today we are buying a "lawn motor" (as Danny calls them). Yep, the joys of home ownership. The nice thing is my husbands loves me so much, I won't be using it very often. :) At least for 3-4 months. Everyday when he gets home and asks me what's I've done today, he gives me the look. The look that says, you're not allowed to do that anymore. I love him so much! Caleb has taken such good care of me. Today I had a WIC appointment @ 10:00 and Caleb had class this morning. He was hoping to be out in time for me to have the truck, but alas class ran late. So I walked. No big deal at all. It's less than 1/2 mile and the weather is nice. Well, he came to WIC office and waited for me so I wouldn't have to walk home and he felt so bad that he didn't get home in time. Once again...I love that man. These last 2 years have been so wonderful. Caleb is soooo good for me. He makes me laugh all the time, and keeps me from being the eternal pessimist. He keeps me young and silly, and still dreaming about the wonderful things to come. Hmmm maybe I should have titled this My Ode To Caleb! :) It just all started coming out. Sorry to all those readers who aren't sappy. You have no idea what you are missing. ;)
Well, my Dad will be here in less than a week and then Mel and Dave will come! I'm soooooo excited! I love having my family here! Caleb and I want to go fishing with my Dad every chance we can! The weather is perfect and it's a "low stress" activity, so I'm allowed to (allowed by Caleb that is). We are going to have an Easter Egg hunt for the kids! I can hardly wait!! :)
I don't think there is anything else to say...Albertsons has chicken breasts on sale for $1.99lb, but I don't think anyone really cares about that. Okay, I'll bore you later...

Mandie

Pictures...

2006-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here I am, looking as dashing as ever.

Long awaited...

2006-04-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well... Here are the long awaited baby-belly pictures of me. I'm sure that even the President will stop to take a few moments to look. Hope they're everything you all expected (hint, hint to Tammy who's really good at nagging until you do something). These were taken by Sis. Rebekah on their trip here this last weekend. We were at a little lake out in the Bear Paw Mountains. Although I must confess, I have gain about 10lbs since these pictures... Last night we went to our friends Titus and Jackie and I drank a pop and had a D.Q. blizzard. I'm so bad. But the baby sure liked it! She was pretty active last night. :)
I'm going to spare you all the typical ending where I ramble on and on aimlessly about nothing (You can send your thank you notes by post of email).

Mandie

Okay, my computer is having issues. I'll try again later to get the other picture on. Sorry about that.

Spring Cleaning~

2006-04-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the spring cleaning bug has hit me in full swing! I love it! Today Caleb and I washed our truck and our house (washed down the vinyl siding). He vacuumed the inside of the truck and I 'armoraled' (sp?) it. It looks new again! Caleb washed the truck (floor mats and all!) and I washed the house. He was worried I would over due myself. Ha! It was so much fun to get soaking wet on a warm spring day! I did three sides of the house, but didn't think the hose would reach the fourth, but that's okay, because nobody see that side of the house anyway! :) There's a method to the madness!! :) We washed down the Hot Tub, which could probably use a scrub on the inside too, and the porch. Next on my list is window, inside and out! Another excuse to be outside! :)
Today is Grace's birthday. I hope she has a really wonderful day. Don't you wish birthdays were the same your whole life. When your 6 or 7 your birthday is the biggest most special day ever, and then your 13ish and it's just alright. Still fun and you get great stuff, but not quite the same as when you were little. Then you hit your 20's and think "okay, it's my birthday. I won't have to cook dinner tonight." Why is it our thrill for just one day a year get lost so easily? Ponder those deep thoughs for a while. Okay, okay now wake up and wipe off you keyboard. No, no this isn't a bad dream, just another boring post from Mandie :)

Nothing much...

2006-04-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. How are ya? We're good! Caleb and I just got back from walking the dog. I love walking at night. It's just now warm enough and it's not a day too soon. The air is so fresh and the warm day and cool nights are so wonderful. We played on the tire swing and chased the dog all over the park. It was fun to just be a kid for 10 minutes! I was spinning Caleb on the tire swing and then his cell started to ring, he got off the swing, but was so dizzy he could hardly get the phone out of his pocket with out falling over! It was so funny.
Well the count down has officially begun. I had 11 weeks until my due date. We can tell that my body is definitely changing. All I want to do is sleep and eat ice cream. Not good. Calebs had been so good to help me out lately. Changing sheets and bathing the dog. All the things that used to be easy until now, but Caleb has taken over some of those tougher tasks for me. We're really getting anxious to meet our baby girl face to face. :)
Um... Caleb's conductor training is going really well. He's doing great (of course) in his classes and the on the job training! I'm so proud of him! He'll be finished with school the end of May, so it will be just in time for the baby.
We had a great time with the Dorans this weekend. We played games and ate and went to our little lake. :) Sis. Rebekah took several pictures of me (really its my big tummy, but I think I'm in the shot somewhere). When she emails them to me I will post them.
Well, I best get going. There are 3 men cooking in my kitchen and I'm feeling the need to supervise. :0 God bless!

Mandie

Saturday night fever

2006-03-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well, It's 9:15 on Sat. night. And you all wouldn't believe what a rocking good time I'm having. Caleb went to work at 3 this afternoon, so I have...Taken a nap, exercised, watched a chick flick, cleaned the kitchen and ate dinner. Wow. Talk about stellar. Okay maybe not, but that's life for a married woman home alone in Havre MT on a Sat night. :) Pretty simple. Oh, I did play catch with Remington for a while. Not as long as he would have liked, but it gets boring when he doesn't talk back to me.
I'm really excited, my Dad is coming for a visit! He'll be here for Easter, so Melissa and Dave and the kids are coming as well! I can't wait! I love having my family over! I'm going to have to hold my excitement for 3 weeks! AAHHHH!!!!
Interesting pregnancy fact #1 My stomach now falls asleep. Yep, that's right. If I'm not sitting up perfectly straight my stomach starts to fall asleep. It starts at the top and slowly goes numb all the way down. Creeped me right out when it first started happening. I'm sure most of you are reading this and saying to yourselves "we wanted to know that because..."
Well, I've got nothing else to ramble about. What a pity. Oh, I'll try and get a picture on soon! God bless!!!

Back Home!

2006-03-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

AHH! I'll never get this blog stuff! I just finished a nice long post about my trip and the baby and blah, blah, blah and then something happened and I lost it! It's all gone! So, so frustrating!! Well, to sum it up I had a great time in Colorado! I was able to see lots of friends and family at my baby shower! It's was fun! My Mom made some "to die for" cakes, and I think everyone had a good time! It was especially nice to sit around my parents house and talk and laugh together! They crack me up! We had a great time eating, and playing games, and eating some more! :) Flying pregnant was an interesting and not so fun experience! I lived to tell, but there were moment I really wondered if I would. During the take off and landing the baby went everywhere at once. This takes nausea to a whole new level. It was definitely worth it to be back with my family, but probably not something I will attempt alone again.
Well, now that I'm back home I'm trying to get my house back in order again. My energy levels are doing weird things and unfortunately I'm still a little behind. I'll get there slowly but surely. We are getting boxes just about every other day of gifts for the baby! It's just like Christmas! I'm so, so thankful for all the Lord has provides for us already! I'm sorting through everything and try to get things stored and organized. Along with cleaning house, cooking, chasing my completely insane dog, and spending time with Caleb.
Well, I'd best get going, I need to keep cleaning and try and exercise before Calebs wakes up. (He's been on the graveyard shift this week) C-Ya

Mandie

Our Very First Blog!

2006-02-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's completely boring right now, but soon I will get some pictures and things going. I'm leaving Sunday for Colorado and will be gone for 1 week. So it will have to be when I get home! Anyway, I'll do my very best to keep up with all you hip and seasoned "bloggers", but no promises. The main reason I wanted to start this blog is for when the baby is born. I figured it would be easier to post pictures and comments in one place rather than trying to send them out to individuals. So, it might be kind of dull for a while. We'll see. Well, catch ya later!

Mandie