Sunday, December 21, 2008

Almost Christmas

I am sitting on the couch, with Kens Laptop on my lap, and are watching a program on the TV about Christmas in Yellowstone park. It is beautiful! It is about a wildlife photographer that is spending the days alone, living with just a backpack and his camera. He built little tarp shelters for the night, and used skis to get around.
But the best part was the amazing pictures. Huge waterfalls with icicles, icy water, wolves, bison stuck in the snow, and foxes. It showed snow blowing over the mountains, and geysers blowing up steam in the sunset on December 21 (same as today). The colours, the snow, the peace, the natural beauty, and so much more.
Every time I see beautiful pictures of nature, I am amazed at the wonderful world that was created. The huge mountains, the small creatures, the big beasts, the rivers. All of it created, made, planned, by a loving God.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Nicole is Learning to Sew

Nicole wanted to learn to use the sewing machine, so she made a small pillow for her doll. Then Mommy cut some squares of fabric, and Nicole sewed them together. She understood the pattern, and knew how to place each piece together to make this design. Mommy helped with the backing and the petal on the floor, but Nicole did most of the work. She pieced and guided all the material. She isn't even afraid of the machine now! Good job girl!
Posted by Picasa

I want to be a Peanut Butter Maker







Kenny proudly announced what he wanted to be when he grew up. A Peanut Butter Maker. He then drew a picture, and Mommy labeled everything!

After drawing his picture, we all decided to eat peanut butter sandwiches for lunch.

Great job Buddy!

Saturday, December 06, 2008

After the Grass Fire in December

The First Picture - This is where the fire started. A Hydro pole is burnt at the top where it was shorted, then the gound is black under the pole, where the fire contacted our very dry grass.






The second Picture - This is where that starting fire jumped the dirt road, and started its journey towards Magrath, and the windmills.

The third Picture - You can see how far away the windmills are in the distance. There is a farm just up the road that never was touched. Just past this farm is where the wind grabbed the flames, and raced up the ridge faster then the firetrucks could drive.

The Fourth Picture - This is the other side of the windmills. The fire tore over the ridge and down the other side. There is snow here that came after the fire was put out. The Fire burned over 300 acres of land. Each fence post is burnt at the bottom, and many are only held up by the barb wire. Many Hydro poles just behind us have been replaced.

The fifth picture - This is the remains of two houses and a barn. The only thing remaining is twisted metal, and truck body shells. The horses made it to safety, as well as the home owners, and renters that lived here. Neither had insurance, and only escaped with the clothes on their back. The tall pine is burnt at the bottom, but the top is not touched.

The fire continued past this point, and just missed another house, and then was stopped. The smell of ash is still in the air.

Grass Fire in December


This may not look like much to you, but this was a enormous fire that was JUST SOUTH of Magrath. It was such a windy day that the fire was traveling up the ridge faster then the firetrucks.

Everyone was worried that if the wind shifted slightly to the north, that the entire town would be in the line of fire.

We stopped to take a quick look, but didn't stick around. We didn't want to get in the way of the water trucks, and the farm tractors that were headed out of town to help fight the fire.

Two Huderitte colonies, and four volunteer fire departments were used to get the fire under control.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Garnishing


Mommy got some books out of the libruary to learn about garnishing and food placement for her recipe blog. But Mommy wasn't the only ones to read the books.

Sarah and Courtney looked them over so often, mommy hardly got a chance to look at them!

When the chance came to use the skills, the kids were quick to try it out.

They made lady bugs, toadstools, flowers, and even mice! Everyone helped, and they all looked great!

(Sarah made the mouse)
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Homeschooling

Kenny decided that he felt like homeschooling today. He pulled out some cookie cutter letters, and got right to work. He made a several words, and then asked for the camera to take his own pictures.

Good writing, and good shots!


Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Kennys Food Photos

Kenny is always watching mommy take pictures of food. This time it was his turn. Here are some of his shots, of dinner.
Posted by Picasa

Monday, October 06, 2008

Girls are hot too!


Adrian isn't the only one stripping off the clothes. The girls also changed into swimsuits, and started the hose.

This wasn't time for a sprinkler. This was time for digging a hole, and adding water to make a wonderfully deep mudpuddle. Deep enought to sit in.

Kenny isn't much for getting wet himself, but he would gladly help make anyone wet who wanted it. Kenny actuually was the only kid to come in the house after with dry clothes.

Posted by Picasa

Are you sure it is October?

It may be October, but it is still warm enough for Adrian to grab any pair of shoes he can find, and head out the door.

He played, and played in the front yard, then decided to come inside for a shirt.

After heading out to the backyard, he decided, maybe he only needed the shirt. In the privacy of our own yard he removed his diaper, and still continued to play.

Just wait till your older! You will never believe the pictures you will find on the Internet!


Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 05, 2008

I think I'm tired.


Maybe I will close my eyes for a sec. Its amazing how comfortable an overturned milk carton, and a end table can be. Good enough to rest my eyes. Only for a minute.... ok ... maybe thirty minutes. Make that forty five minutes. I will stop resting when dinner is ready!

Posted by Picasa

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Forget little Cookie!

Cookie, the little horse that first took nicoles heart is nothing like big CHIP!


Nicole was able to ride a Chip around the arena. Someone was always beside her, but for nicole she was too excited to notice! She is riding bareback, and actually learned to turn sidesaddle, and backwards. If she can do this, she can do anything.

p.s. She has asked for a horse for christmas! We have promised that when she is older, and has a job or a way of earning money, she can buy, and care for her own horse. It will be interesting if she still loves horses as much then!
Posted by Picasa

Friday, October 03, 2008

Horse Kisses Too!

Kenny is watching his sisters riding lesson, when a horse came over and licked the top of his head!
Posted by Picasa

Meeting the Animals





At the place that Nicole has her horse lessons, are also a number of other animals. Llamas, rabbits, dogs, and cats.

The kids wanted to say hi to the horses, but the lama's wanted to say hello too. Actually the Llama's wouldn't let you touch them, but would follow you everywhere.

Llama kisses anyone??
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Horse Riding Video

Creative Dinosaurs

Nicole has been getting more and more interested in dinosaurs, along with Kenny.

One morning she took some plasticine and made her own. They were so cute, Mommy said she should take some pictures.

These are Nicole's pictures.

First there is a nest,


Then a baby T-Rex


Another nest,


Then a baby Stegosaurus.