Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

We went up into the woods last weekend to cut down our Christmas tree. It was minus 16 degrees outside! We stayed warm with our traditional fire and hot chocolate! By the way, my parents came to visit from California and this was their second day here. The cold hasn't scared them away yet!!!

Proof that it was -16: The creek is steaming because it was that much warmer than the air temperature.


Ryan trying to get the fire started to keep us all warm.

Victory, after several minutes of chopping!

Don't laugh! Our tree's got character.

Finally a raging fire! I can feel my fingers again!

The Family

Charlie Brown in all it's beauty!

Mr. Big!

Junior is growing at a rapid rate now and it shows. I can tell he's running out of room for his acrobatics routines. The 10 week countdown begins!

Here are some pics of Mr. Big at 30 weeks and 4 days

Dinner for 11!

Our Thanksgiving dinner turned out great! The turkey was done to perfection, the pie was delicious, the yams were excellent, and I had great help. Everything went off without a hitch....we'll, almost!!!

There was one little accident that scarred my brand new oven forever. One of my strong and trusty kitchen helpers was transferring the finished turkey from the oven to the counter top for carving. The turkey bag ended up popping open and turkey juices spilled all over the inside of my brand new oven and floor. The incident created a roomful of smoke that didn’t clear out for about an hour. The scalding, greasy juices seeped into the sealed glass that creates the oven window. After several hours of total oven clean up over a period of two days, we resorted to completely dismantling the oven door. This was no easy task, that led us to discover that the glass was sealed. So, in conclusion my oven door will have burnt, ugly, greasy drip marks for it's lifetime. Please don't look too closely when you visit.

Thanksgiving Day Family Picture (with lingering smoke)

Despite the accident, I had a beautiful day and am thankful for all the great help and wonderful food. Here are some photos from the big day… I was exhausted after eating and ended up sitting on the couch playing with baby Elle, while clean-up was taking place. Thanks Ryan for doing ALL of the dishes!!! You are the MAN!

Talented cooks. Aunt Sharon's pecan pie was one of my favorite items on the menu.

This is a bad pic, with my eyes shut, but I just had to show off Elle. She looks like a little doll.

His eyes are bigger than his stomach!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ryan elk hunting last weekend. Fortunately, they didn't see any bears.


The in-laws sitting on our couch with a toliet seat. Yes, there is a reason for this.



Me and the boy at 28.5 weeks

Life IS precious!

I’m thankful for…

My family

My husband

My friends (even though it seems hard at times to keep in touch)

The little miracle inside of me and the many other blessings the Lord has given us

….BUT this year I’m especially thankful to still have my brother in my life. As some of you know, last weekend was quite dramatic, as my brother ended up spending a night in the ER. Everett was hit by a car from behind, on his motorcycle. He was flipped 10 feet in the air and came out with no major injuries. It’s unbelievable that he survived with no broken bones or other serious conditions. He ended up with some major bruises and can’t walk on his own yet, but nothing that time won’t heal (hopefully). After the crash the police discovered the motorcycle had traveled some 150 yards from the point of impact, hit another oncoming car and was completely totaled. I’m convinced that there were angels present, who lifted him out of harms way and gently set him down. Things like this remind me of how precious life is and how easily it can be lost. I’m thankful for my brother; I couldn’t imagine life without him. I love you Chev!

*Chev, know that we are praying for your quick recovery and compensation for your losses.

My First Thanksgiving!

With our new house and a new baby on the way, the Bolin clan thought it might be fun for Ryan and I to host Thanksgiving this year! We were excited to accept. This will be my first time, hosting and organizing a holiday gathering for the family. It was just yesterday that I was sitting at the kiddie table making a mess and now they’re trusting me to cook a 20 pound turkey (which involves putting it in the oven at 6 am!). The last time I was involved in cooking a turkey, it was with five of my best girlfriends and we went down to the liquor store, bought a bottle of vodka, poured it over the turkey and called it good. We didn’t end up eating until around 8 o’clock, but the turkey turned out great; moist and tasty. I don’t have much experience with cooking large birds, but I know that there will be plenty of moms and grandmas willing to help out. I’m not too worried.
So far, I think I’m pretty well prepared. Since, we are doing it potluck style, I’m really only responsible for the turkey, gravy, my family’s traditional homemade noodles, mashed potatoes and a lemon meringue pie (my favorite!). It is now Tuesday night and everything seems to be under control and ready to go for the big day. The noodles and pie crust are made and simply waiting to be cooked. I’ve recruited Ryan to make the mashed potatoes on Thursday and take care of the dishes afterwards. What a sweetheart! I’m excited to be able to cook for the whole family this year. We have so much to be thankful for!

Happy T-Day preparations and safe travels to all!

Baby Bump at 25 Weeks

Liquid Soul Gifts Announces Exciting New Products in Time for Holiday Shopping!

Jewelry, Jewelry & Accessories…

We picked up some new jewelry during our trip to Las Vegas this summer. We’ve got several styles of necklaces, earrings and bracelets from a fashion forward company based in New York. Every time I wear something from their line I get compliments. Surprisingly enough, Ryan actually helped pick them out. Kudos to Ry! He has better taste than I thought. You should definitely check out these pieces, from Joann She & Co. Not to mention, the prices are great!

PurseHooks save your purse from being kicked around the floor like a hockey puck at restaurants and bars. Theses cool little hooks attach to table tops and counter-tops and keep your purse from collecting thousand of bacteria. They also provide quick and easy access to your purse (get the baby his cheerios before he throws a fit- no more digging through your diaper bag on the floor). Besides their many practical uses they are a hip fashion accessory.

On a more profound note, our wholesaler has recommended some unique new jewelry to celebrate friendships and honor lost loved ones (including pets). Take a look at the several different styles of friendship heart pendants or remember a loved by putting a verse or memory in one of our cylinder pendants.

Think Pink! And last, but not least, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month we are honoring those in our lives who have been affected by this terrible ordeal. We now have Pink Ribbon Tear Bottles. These bottles are glass blown, by a talented artist here in Bozeman. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation!

http://www.liquidsoulgifts.com/

*Enter coupon code frnds-fmly to receive a 10% discount at checkout or if you are in town just let us know if you want to place an order and we won’t charge you shipping! Happy Shopping!

Baby Makes Brief Appearance: Gives a Wave to the Outside World at 24 weeks and 1 day.

I was sitting in bed last night reading, when a barrage of rapid kicks, punches, twists and turns caught my attention. I’m not sure if baby was training for Bobcat’s Football or trying to imitate the Tazmanian Devil, but his movements were the strongest and most constant I’ve felt so far. I decided to investigate and lifted my shirt over my belly. At the next movement, I looked down and saw my belly make a wave like motion; rising and falling. It wasn’t my breathing; it was baby making himself know to the outside world. I just sat there in amazement, watching the little somersaults and flailing feet as he explored his cozy environment. It was bizarre watching my belly move involuntarily, yet exciting to ponder the fact that a new soul is thriving inside of me and experimenting with his own new developments and growth.
I called Ryan in to catch a glimpse of the activity, but to no avail. Maybe baby was soothed by dad’s voice or was just being a shy little bugger. I’m not worried though, Ryan’s got a few more months to catch him in the act!

Last Day of Golf for 2008

24 weeks

Opening Day

Here we are in the middle of north eastern Montana, aka the Hi-Line. I’m dressed like it’s Halloween! I’m a giant green and orange pumpkin. It’s not the most attractive of outfits, but at least I was able to stay warm and comfortable. Ryan and I spent three days in Hinsdale, MT for the opening weekend of Pheasant season. This was the 15th year for the boy’s annual hunting trip to the Jensen’s place and Hinsdale. I still haven’t figured out if they make the 6 hour trip every year for Francine Jensen’s home cooked meals and delectable desserts or for the phenomenal hunting access. Either way, both are worth the trip!

Opening Day was a success! Ryan, Randy, Dr. Dave and I, were joined by several Jensen family members. We had a group of 7 hunters, plus Charlie the dog. It was a gorgeous fall day and I was glad to be walking the wheat and alfalfa fields. There’s nothing like getting away from house work and the busy streets of Bozeman and finding peace in the middle of the countryside. We saw a lot more birds compared to the previous years I had gone.

The next day we woke up to several inches of snow on the ground and an ominous snow cloud that dumped about 10 more inches of snow until sunset. It was our only other full day to hunt, so we decided to bundle up and go out anyways. I ended up making it for several hours and decided I was wet and cold enough to quit and wanted the comforts of Francine’s cooking and a warm house. We didn’t get anything that day, but were excited to see a few birds at the least. The rest of our trip was spent visiting and catching up with the Jensens, watching movies and eating. Now I’m on the prowl for a good pheasant recipe.

22 & 1/2 Weeks

I’ve suddenly popped and I kidd you not it was an overnight change.

Today, for the first time, a stranger noticed I was pregnant. I was browsing in Payless, because all my winter shoes are high heeled and too dangerous for pregnancy during our season of snow and ice. The sales girl asked what I was looking for and was eager to help. She showed me some boots and said they were cute, but probably a bit tall. She then proceeded to say that I'd have to be pretty brave to wear them while pregnant in the winter. It brought me to the realization that the baby bump is becoming more obvious to strangers around me and I can’t keep them guessing anymore.

We Peeked

20 Weeks

We couldn't help ourselves; we just had to know!

We are pretty much completely moved into our new house and now know whether Baby Bolin’s room should be Blue or Pink! Are you ready for it? Are you sitting down?....... The 20 week ultrasound appointment revealed that Baby is 100% BOY! It was an amazing experience to see 'him' in reality. He was yawning and squirming around. It was just incredible for us both and the feeling of joy was just indescribable! He consistently measured in at 21 weeks and not 20 weeks, although my due date will still remain as February 10th. It’s nice to know that he’s ahead of where we thought he was, especially since everyone thinks I’m carrying small and can’t believe I’m already 5 months. I just have a lot of torso space. It was so cool to have a little surprise revealed half way through and such a blessing to confirm that all parts are in working order and everything is healthy. We wouldn’t have been able to not find out. It was such a cool experience and now we can prepare for the specifics. Names anyone…?

Home Sweet Home

The Parade is over and we're in!!!

The Count Down Begins

We have only 3 days left until our official move in date. We are getting excited, especially the little one who is moving and kicking more and more everyday. Ryan will be painting the unfinished bonus room tonight, so it will be relatively ready to accommodate our office furniture. Our blinds will also be installed and our builder plans to complete the last of the finish work. The unpacking and organizing frenzy will soon begin. Wish us luck!

In other news, the Bolin/Dalbey clan just keeps growing.
Ryan’s cousin and his wife celebrated the arrival of their baby boy last week. Aaron Micah Dalbey was born on 9/11, weighing 8 lbs. and was 21 inches long. We are so happy for Micah and Larisa and can’t wait to meet the little bundle!

Three Years Together!

Three years ago today we had a fairy tale wedding! Reality has had some time to set in since then, but the man I married is still the same man from my fairy tale and our love seems to only grow deeper. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! I look forward to many more years and adventures to come. Happy Anniversary sweetie! I love you so much!

Bolin bloggers have arrived!

Hello All,

We've created this blogspot for the obvious reasons, to keep long-distance friends and family in touch with the chronicles of our life. We'll soon be packing up our small family (Ryan, Kitty & I) and moving into our brand new home. The house has been many months in the works and we are absolutely thrilled to finally settle down into our own place. No shared walls, no more house-sitting jobs and we'll finally get to leave the In-Laws in peace and to their own devices. I can't believe it is finally finished and am so proud that Ryan and I were able to work together as a team to create it ourselves, literally from the ground up. Granted we had the best support and advice we could get, not to mention the best plumber in the valley! We would'nt have been able to do it without Ryan's parent's and my parent's hard work and ideas. Thanks Mom & Dad! We'll share pictures once we get moved in.
The other exciting part of our life has yet to make it's entry. We are expecting a little addition to our family in February of next year! This blog will soon shift focus to that new arrival and I'm sure we won't be able to resist sharing tons of pictures and experiences.