I love adventure

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Anniversary to my Mother and Father in law!!

And a Happy little Birthday to Buckwheat!

We have our new assignment: Grand Forks, North Dakota!!!!

Marrying my Mark, I knew I would have to be up and ready for any adventure the Air Force sends our way, no matter how expected or unexpected it may be. So far, all the adventure has been extremely fun! I think this will be the same. Yes, it was a shock. Yes, it is going to be even COLDER than Alaska in the winters. But the winters and shorter and the summers are MUCH warmer. So warm, and sunny, that I will be growing all sorts of stuff in a garden with my little helper Mont (who may just dig them all up with his little furry pal).

Moving is coming a lot faster for us, unfortunately. We are in the process of putting our house up for sale all over the place. In fact, I've made a blog with millions of pictures... I'll post that maybe tomorrow.

We will spend the summer and probably early fall in California, just north of Sacramento. I plan on getting a nice tan to make up for all my Alaska wintery-whiteness. Then it's off to the mid-US!

We're excited!!

1.2.3 red yellow and blue

Markers seem to be the best solution for playing with colors; until he discovers that the lids can come off!  Crayons end up in the chompers, and colored pencils make me nervous when he stands up holding on to them with glee.... don't run!

So while we play with markers, he hands me bouquets, and I wonder... are these his favorite colors today? Because his mother, certainly, can never choose just one favorite color from day to day. 

just try it, honey

After his nap, this was Mont's 2nd day of 

trying peanut butter and honey sandwiches 

(little mini squares cut by yours truly):

a little sticky: 

a little sweet:

*notice his battle wounds inflicted by the Indian furniture screen? Not so bad looking in these photos.. He just wanted to turn on some light switches, and he stepped on a toy, then cheese-grated down the screen with his chin, lip, and nose... that happened Friday night (while Mark was out, in a yurt)

28/29 weeks

Before Mark ran off to work one morning this week, I asked him to take a belly shot or two... this girl wasn't going to have any of her in there if I didn't start soon! So here we go with a late start:

The true side shot:

Trying to look 'less tired' for an am shoot:

Mont started to pull on my leg and dance around:

So we got goofy:

On to week 29! If she comes when Mont did, I only have 9 1/2 more weeks! holy shmokies!

a night out, in a yurt

Our Bishop posted this on his FB about the experience they all (Mark included) had last night. Can't Relief Society do something like this?? I mean.. come on, what a fun trip!

"Spent a wonderful time this weekend with the Priest Quorum. We cross-country ski'd up Eagle River Valley about 3 miles on Friday night, spent the night in a Yurt, eating great food, telling jokes, and having a very spiritual discussion about Book of Mormon Heroes, recognizing the Spirit, and missions. The setting was beautiful next to some rapids on the river, fresh blanket of snow and wolves howling in the distant."

The food they had was rib-eye steaks, potatoes, green beans, with apple pie and ice cream for dessert. The jokes they told were about a club-foot and a wood-eye, the Book of Mormon heroes were several, including Nephi, Moroni, Captain Moroni, Ammon, and Mark's heros (or heroines) were Ishmael's daughters "cause they were all hot" (no wonder he's in young mens! haa).

What a fun night - wish I had either a) gone with, or b) been able to see some pictures! Mark's hands were pretty full with bags, skis, and pulling sleds with food. I don't blame him...  Mark says we'll hike up there "with our little munchkins" this summer. I'm excited!

*I only knew what a "yurt" was because I watch Sarah Richardson on HGTV - isn't cable the best?!

little sweetie

Last night was a baby shower for a very good friend of mine. She has been trying to adopt for years, and it has now happened.. oh we are all just thrilled for her and her husband. For 5 week old Madeline Ray Thomas, I painted a little green apple for her. It was a canvas I had on hand from before when they nearly adopted before (my friends have been through the ringer a few times). But it found it's rightful home, and it turned out just how I'd hoped. Now I just need to start signing J.J. Reeder... not Jayci Jr. ha!

acrylic on canvas
9 x 12"
1/5/2011

brown paper packages

some of my favorite things...

chocolate chip cookies for some feel goods.

vacation

When I think about the trip we took, I think of three things: flying, family and flying! In all, we took 11 flights to get to two places. That meant... I got sick quite a few times. I love being pregnant! 


We went to the beautiful state of Hawaii for our first destination, to visit with my family. it was great seeing them again, and also really great to be in some warm rain and warm sunshine. 

The rain I'm talking about was incredible! I've only seen rain like that once before and it was in Brazil - very tropical and heavier than you'd believe. The mud was insane (and everywhere from the flash flooding), and turned the marina that lovely rusty brown color. 


Recognize that ship? It's the BLACK PEARL from Pirates of the Caribbean! I had no idea they had been filming a fourth movie, but now I'm really, really excited. Mark says it looks less complex than the third and more down to the basics of pirates. The ship was really intricate looking (from as far as we were), and really spectacular. Made me want to wear some rags, tie on a bandana, maybe even sport an eyepatch to climb aboard! I would have done it!!

After Hawaii, we jet setted for Utah.. landing back where hot cocoa and fireplaces are needed. It was a nice balance to have a little sun, then a little snow. 


The entire family was there - it had been a couple of years since we last saw Mark's older brother Mo and his wife Tory. They just found out they're expecting a baby BOY. I will have a nephew! And Mont and ___?___ will have a cousin! Here's the family picture we took for Stacey's V-day card send out: 

We had lots we wanted to do, lots we did do, and some we didn't do. One of the things we almost did was visit the lights at Temple Square. We had gone to visit my grandparents and got to pass them with a cranky Mont wanting cookies. They were beautiful! Maybe next time, Mont.. I'll be sure to bring the cookies.

I got my peppermint bark from Williams Sonoma, Mont had his first candy cane, and we had plenty of chocolate between the three of us, and lots of boxes to open and presents to play with. It was a great trip... but next time I'll hope for more direct flights!

Mont loved the boxes... Merry Christmas and happy giving!

things done, things to do

I'm in Utah now and just arrived yesterday after a great few days in the sun of Oahu. What a great trip! I'm glad we went. Mark talked me into going anywhere (are you thinking 'had to?') ... I really was done flying after October. I'm glad he did, even though the flying has been hard. Mont does well, but flying is just hard. For me, Mark loves it. Those baggies are my besties.

The fun in the sun only was for 1 of the 3 beach days (rainy!), but I got a touch of color to make me feel less like a character in Twilight... always good to be less sparkly, right? Being with my family was so relaxing and nice, fun, eating and sleeping, resting and then Mont getting bruises all over the place.

We had our small little Christmas before we left, and had our annual (or bi-annual if I have anything to say about it! I could eat it every single day) monkey bread... pulls apart with almondy syrup? deeelicious.

Mont had too many presents to play with at once, including things for Mark to 'help' him with: a remote control Deere tractor, and a remote control helicopter (Mont loves those things).

Watching A Christmas Story while cleaning up and cooking our small celebratory dinner (turkey breast in a crock pot! Dad's herbed recipe is scrumptious + mashed potatoes - easy!).

Still to do, pizza party tomorrow, Christmas Eve fireside in the Reeder's basement + shows (Mark and Michael are going to do something ridiculous, I just know it). Opening presents (or watching Molly open her presents! lucky duck), more monkey bread! (yes yes please please!), Christmas dinner, carols (I've already been heating up those Steinway ivories!), and pictures in front of the tree.

The heat was grand, and so is the warm and toasty cocoa.. Christmas is the best and greatest!

It is after midnight now, making it Christmas Eve! My eyes are heavy and my brain is fuzzy.. this entire post just might make absolutely no sense. And with that.. sweet dreams.

a pre'ception

One week ago was a pre-wedding reception at a friends home from the ward. Walking in to the sounds of piano and laughing was a great first impression. After taking off my snowy boots, I walked through the line in my thankfully new socks (pre-Christmas gift to myself) and talked about the nice warmth of St. George with the new in-laws.

Then ... I saw the cakes! So wintery and perect!

.. let it snow let it snow!

Tonight: we came home from a White Elephant with my own Judo 2nd Place trophy from '97... a plumbing soldering kit...$15 Coldstone card... and ... did I mention my trophy? Mark wanted it back way more than me. I was ready to sing my partings to those embarrassing memories.

Dear Santa..

I think he was trying to tell me,

"Please let me have a scarf... without a flower."

Don't let this face fool you - right after I took this picture he gave me one big cheeeeeesy grin. Sorry I ruined the moment with my flowery warmer! It was the closest thing to the door that could keep his face from freezing! We had to get him out there after his nap and before the night took over! We were in a time crunch... yes?

hooks and rocks

My facebook events and messages didn't let me forget (thank goodness.. remember this?) that I had a "Hooks and Rocks" open house today, featuring a few of my friends and their designs. I have been anxious to remember this one since I missed their last one.

I bead. Yes. But when I saw Rachel's beautiful designs, I stopped. Lame, I know. There was no competing! .. I've started up again just recently.. thanks to a certain friend and her fun fun request!

Can you blame me for being awestruck?

 So lovely. There are so many choices of stone, pearls, metal, or all three together! Here's a pic of her info if you have inquiries:

Also there were keychains, buttons, bows, flowers, and bibs done by my friend Lindsay who has started LP Designs. Her email is LP.Designs@yahoo.com if you're interested in these fun things. I snatched up a keychain.

(It can fit on my wrist while I juggle bags and my funny little Montster who broke my favorite keychain when he didn't want to let go at the same time I didn't want to let go. Oops.)

And just so I could spend a little more, dang it, they had to have Scentsy there. Talk about holiday spirit in the form of yummy smelling wisps! So easy to burn and far better than candles.. they smell like the real thing!

hat model

Yesterday I got to sit for a friend who had just finished knitting a certain hat for a certain someone.

Unfortunately, she doesn't sell her things - though, I think if she did, there would be no end to orders and requests!

Anyway.. I get to add this to my new portfolio of modeling.. my daughter will be so proud. ha!

See more, here.

Thanks, Julie! 

she she she

Saying "she" out loud this morning after my appointment really felt strange on my lips. It reminded me of how weird it was to hear myself using the word "husband" right after Mark and I got married.

Well! Let me introduce you to her. Here she is:

As we waited in line to be checked in at Radiology this morning, I asked Mark what he thought, "I'm going to say... girl." Then he asked me. After nearly a full minute, I said, "Girl."

I guess I might have some maternal instinct after all! Every minute we're more and more excited over this sweet little thing. Wonder how different she'll be than Mont? ... AH!

anticipation

I can hardly stand it!

In less than 12 hours, Mark and I will know what (boy or girl) we are going to be having in a another few short months. At least, if all goes as planned, we should know.

The excitement is so overwhelming this time. I was excited to find out what I was having when I was pregnant with Mont, but I guess I've forgotten how exciting it can be. It's similar to the feeling of right before walking in to see Christmas morning all laid out, glistening and glowing before your very eyes... the anticipation is what woke me up every Christmas morning at 3:00 am! I can't stand it!!

For Mont, I keep thinking how fun it would be to have a little brother around for him to teach how to crawl like Mowgli and the elephants: legs straight and speed set to fast. I think of buying two little baseball gloves and digging out my old baseballs (actually, they're already out on Mont's shelves) and letting them go out in the yard to play catch, or dig in the dirt for worms to go fishing with at "Grandpa's Fishing Pond."

... but if I have a girl... oh so fun too! When my thoughts settle on a daughter, I think about when she's a little older and I see us in the kitchen, me showing her my tricks, how to sew like my mother patiently did, coming up with more traditions for our family, because I'm just sure she'd be creative, and also someone to wrestle for the girl team!  - rest assured, she'd be getting a baseball glove too.

10.33 hours and counting!

the boy who is thankful

... For his dad who lets him 'drive' when we're in front of our house. He thinks the blinker and buttons on the steering wheel are pure magic.

And along the lines of thankfulness, I truly feel it - that feeling of happiness and pure gratitude that makes you well up with tears and your nose tingle.

Happy Thanksgiving

lazy busy

 While some things have been keeping me busy, lots of projects around here.. sewing, painting and making growth chart boards for auctions, etc., other things have been seeing my lazy side..

photography - I haven't taken pictures (except this morning) in a very long, long time. I miss it!
blogging - I miss this too.
and my poor journal.. look! it even had dust on it this morning:

Mont has been doing some pretty funny things that I have been storing in my memory now for weeks, and I am determined to write them down today. All apart of being full of thanks. Tomorrow I'm excited to be full on turkey, stuffings, potatoes, and pies.

For today, I write.

bippity boppity boo - quilt

It's finished!! Well... except for the tag, and I need to tack down the skirts and shirts, but that's it. So I'm counting it as done. I "finished" it a while ago, but for the life of me, I haven't wanted to sew for weeks and weeks, about 14 to be exact. But now that I'm feeling a bit more energetic at 17 weeks (not at 100% yet), I've sewed up the tag, and now it just needs to be hand sewn on. 

Here are some more details I like: 

 And here's the last of the 'wordage': 

Flanked by sparkly pumpkins: 

OH! Can't forget the witches' eyes:

And here is the one my mom did when she came back in June, the nose throws off the look a bit: 

And finally, the tag that has yet to be written on and sewn down. I had huge plans for the tag, including an entire pumpkin patch of mix-and-matched sizes and colors, candy littering the ground with a toppled over treat bag, and so forth. But with how I've been feeling, this will do. So I love it: 

Happy Halloween! 

getting my granny on

Every 4th Sunday of the month, a few friends of ours get together to swap treats! It's the best idea in the world and I highly recommend it.

October is our month, and we're getting ready to make some deeeelicious caramel-covered apples. I'm really getting excited for them, since I haven't made them since the Halloween 2 years ago! It's been far too long.

So let me give a big hello to lovely, tart and green, Granny Smith!

way up high

Mont's back side (again) in the Reeder's high chair on our trip to Utah. This was how we held him in the chair so he wouldn't squirm out. Nice! While traveling, this kid was full of some fun surprises.

He slept in my arms (never-ever happens) on the plane rides.
He said "cheese" and someone other than myself heard him! ... though he still doesn't do it on command.
He was a professional waver to all friendly ladies.

a little lonely

He won't be lonely for much longer!

There's another little Reeder coming in April- can I hope for March? ha

I didn't know quite how to introduce this news to my blog. We are so excited, and we were so shocked it happened so quickly this time around. I figure Mont just must have pulled some strings before he made his debut, and had this little one lined up for a quick arrival after his own.

Any guesses on girl or boy? Things have been pretty similar to being pregnant with Mont, though this time around chocolate still tastes good, and I'm not craving candy. More salt this time, please! Oh, there goes my blood pressure..

the glow

This was just two weeks ago! ... with snow falling yesterday before church, I thought I better put these up before ALL the leaves are gone and the snow finally decides to stick around.

Do you have 'the glow' yet? My favorite parts of the day are taking Mont outside and just breathing deep; the yummy scent of fall is so strong here. OH, I just love it!

little sassafras

best pals

Mont has a best buddy in this house just his size. 

Actually, half his size, but Buckwheat's pretty fluffy..