He's a toddler now

so every day is spent cleaning up his numerous messes, consoling him when he gets a bonk, and rescuing him from hairy situations.

Nothing is out of reach for him anymore, it seems. It can make the days long and frustrating, but also rewarding as I see him grow and change. 

Professional pics

We had Barrett's one year pictures taken by a very talented photographer here in town (Sarah Selle). He was very cranky, and it was a cold day, but they turned out well!

 We had to bribe him with food a few times.

Here's one of both my men in their red and black plaid. Quite handsome, don't you think? :)

Birthday Boy

It's already been almost two weeks since Barrett's first birthday, but I've been waiting to see how he takes to being one before I post this.  ;)

On his actual birthday (October 4), it snowed! Big, fat flakes that stuck to the ground. It brought me right back to last year when I was in labor with him, and the same weather pattern was brewing. As much as I am not ready for snow, it made the day special to me.

The next day we had his party- just a few family/friends attended for a quick supper before night church. When planning his party, I had decided not to go all out. After all, he is ONE and will never remember the party. But as I got into it, I realized I really enjoyed the planning. If it was too stressful, I wouldn't have done it. I rarely get a chance to be creative, and this was a chance, so I took it and ran with it.

Our little family. Barrett looks so old to me in this picture. 

We had practiced blowing the week before the party, but he got a bit shy and wouldn't do it with his cupcake.

Some of the guests singing to our big boy.

When I gave him the cupcake, he gently smashed it in his hands, and then ate it. Fairly cleanly, I might add.

It was a fun way to celebrate our first child's passing into years of age, instead of just months. I know the following years will fly by, just like this last one did. 

Shortly after his birthday, Barrett got a bad chest cold that required a nebulizer. That was no fun! And then he started standing alone and taking steps. It's funny how the good and bad in life can come right with each other.

Fall pics

Our almost one-year-old. I can hardly believe we will be celebrating his birthday this weekend. 

We are saying good-bye to some new friends from the lower Michigan area. I wish them all the best as they head back to their previous home!

What a bunch of ND cuties, huh?

ND Girls Weekend

The last time the ladies had one of these was two years ago, and I was just shy enough not to go on the trip. I've been regretting it ever since, and we finally planned another. What a blast!!

We decided on Billings, MT because it is fairly close (4 hours), there is more shopping there than Bismarck, and there was a Color Me Rad 5K happening there this past weekend. We did the run on Saturday morning (after staying up WAY too late the night before). The run was so much fun; clouds of color everywhere. Hop on over to Clare's blog for more pictures of the actual run.

Shopping, food, and lots and lots of visiting completed the weekend.

Lorina, Clare, Margaret, Alanna (Williston), Jessica, Kath (W), and Lori

At Red Robin for a late dinner

And more food- Panda Express before heading home on Sunday

Each and every person commented on how truly fun the weekend was. I agree. We really solidified our friendships, and they feel even more like the "family" they are- we are all on this ND adventure together. I cannot wait until next time!

P.S. Maybe you noticed, maybe not, but Mark and I are having another baby in February. He or she really enjoyed the weekend too, kicking and rolling anytime I was still. :)

The excitement of the boom

There is something about living in western North Dakota. It's an optimistic, opportunistic feeling in the air. I think everyone can feel it, and almost see it sometimes.

When driving north from Dickinson through Watford City to Williston, the growth and development is amazing. In the (almost) two years that I've lived here, the landscape has changed so much. I can't help but comment on it every time.

It is exciting to be a part of this new thing. All of us new North Dakotans are experiencing it together, and I'm really enjoying it. I can't imagine living anywhere else right now. Sometimes it is hard to be away from family and an established church, but we've made our own family and church.

Many years from now, we will look back on these times and remember the oil boom. We are lucky to be a part of it.

*pics from S family camping at Lewis and Clark State Park near Williston. Barrett sure enjoyed himself, and Mark and I did too.

Title-less today, I guess

Beach day! We haven't gotten to the lake very often, but it sure is fun when we do!

 Barrett fell in a mud hole. I went to pick him up and saw his face, and I couldn't help but laugh!

 Ah, baby skin. Love it.

 Quick sisters and Mom visit. So much fun!

I got to be back in MN for the town carnival. The little photography studio where I was photographed many times was open, and we tried to get some pictures of Barrett there.

 It really didn't go well. I guess he has a very large fear of bearded men in black coats and hats. I don't blame him...

The temps this week are high, but I'm still trying to get outside a lot before winter arrives. I'm not even anxious about it coming. I'm starting to realize that I like all the seasons, and fall is a favorite!

Mom stuff

I know some people that have multiple children and make it look so easy (Joce!). How do they do it? I think one can be hard, although it's a whole heck of a lot easier now than when he was tiny.

I read this blog today, and I could totally identify with how hard it is to get out of the house some days, and the never-ending to-do list. There are always a million things I COULD be doing, but usually just one thing I want to be doing: sitting on the couch with a good book while Barrett plays contentedly on the floor nearby. Or going for a walk while the dirty dishes get stickier and the clothes get moldier.

How do you balance your kid(s) and your motherly/wifely duties and time for yourself and ... ?

Little boy, getting bigger

Life with Barrett is so much fun, and it keeps getting better, and busier!

He is crawling everywhere, and pulling up on everything. 

Mark's manly way of carrying him.

Barrett is also getting into everything, and of course, it's usually not toys that he pulls down.

What a sweet, sweet baby we have!

My mother and sister came out on a short road trip this week. It was so calming, soothing to have them (and Jocelyn) here. I didn't realize how much I've missed them.

Glacier National Park

Over the 4th, we headed over to Montana and into GNP. Since we live in ND, we are closer to many neat places in the west, and we are now taking advantage of that.

These are all iphone pictures, because apparently when you have a smart phone, you forget to charge your regular camera.

The first day we spent in Whitefish, Kalispell and Hungry Horse.
This is going up the chairlift at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

At the top, with my husband showing off his red-neck helmet cam (his phone clipped to his hat).

We did the alpine slide there too, which was fun. Whitefish is such a neat little town, and I would have loved to have some more time there. One thing I need to say- Piggyback BBQ. Eat there.

Ahh, a sleeping baby.

The second day we went on a helicopter tour of Glacier. I was excited that it was something we could do with Barrett along.

Amazing views. Simply awesome.

On top of this hill is a fire tower. We learned that someone (a volunteer) lives up there for the summer and their food and supplies are brought in by pack mule.

This ridge is the Continental Divide.

Awesome glacial lakes.

Next on the agenda was a drive through the park on the Going-To-The-Sun Road. We stopped to hike along the way.

Mark wouldn't be Mark if he didn't do something along these lines.

A beautiful view. This is on the west side of the park, where it seems the views are more stunning than the east side.

On the east side, we got to visit with some ND friends, and Mark taught Barrett how to use a hatchet.

Our third and last day, we did some more hiking.

It was, of course, gorgeous.

B hanging out.

If you like camping, hiking, and awesome mountain views, then I think that Glacier National Park is a must-see. I would love to go back and hike some more (especially without kids).

Summer is flying by, as usual

Barrett at 8 months, photo taken by Sarah Selle

Barrett and I traveled to MN with Jocelyn and her kids. We enjoyed a wonderful two weeks at my mom and dad's, just hanging out, swimming, visiting, meeting a sweet new niece, getting eaten by all those Minnesota bugs... It really was heaven (minus being away from Mark). Barrett was so stimulated that he started crawling and pulling himself up while we were there. He is suddenly a very energetic baby. 

His torticollis is halfway better. If I keep up the stretches, his physical therapist thinks he will be straight in a month or so- good news!

Medora Musical

It's kind of a big deal in Medora. It's a "Broadway-quality" musical that runs every night over the summer. I've been meaning to go ever since we moved here, and finally I made it there.

The Burning Hills Amphitheater is nestled down in the Badlands, which makes for a very pretty backdrop.

The music was wonderful, and fun! I would definitely recommend the musical for people of all ages.