A Great Start to the Christmas Season

This afternoon Alaina treated us (Tricia, Brandi, Debbie, Bona and I) to The Nutcracker Ballet. It was the first time I had ever seen it or even been to a ballet. I enjoyed it so much!!! The costumes were gorgeous and the little kids were so cute. I have a whole new prospective on tights now that I have seen the guys on stage...LOL

Alaina and I are already talking about going to Annie in March and The Lion King In September.

Orion Update

Orion is 8 1/2 months old now. He weighs 22 lbs. 12 oz. and is 29 1/4 in. long. He is becoming quite the accomplished little boy. He says mama and dada. He is holding his bottle and feeding himself now. And on Wednesday he stood up all by himself with out the aid of anything! One minute he was on the floor playing with his toys and the next minute he was standing amongst his toys! He is eating just about everything Peter and I have for meals (even brussel sprouts). He learned that he can push doors open and closed. Also thanks to my wonderful SIL he has learned to shake his head no. He is is just Mr. Independent!

1st Halloween

I think I had decided what Orion was going to be for his first Halloween even before he was born. I know your probably thinking "what a crazy mom"! I don't blame you. For weeks we had worked on his roar and he would mimick you most of the time. Grandma Debbie made his costume. It is so adorable!!!

I even had the perfect plan of dressing up as Dorothy and Peter as the Scarecrow, but that didn't happen. Oh well, there is always next year!

Arizona Trip Highlights Part 2

My lil Scottie!

Love at first sight? Miss Gloria and Orion were so cute together. They we cooing and chating with each other.

Grandpa helping Orion pet Smookem

Just a little scared of the horse.

Orion was not to fond of riding.

Helping Auntie Melissa carve her pumpkin.

The fruits of our labor. Like the Lion on the end? I did it myself!

With Auntie Melissa. Such a ham for the camera

And a ladies man!!! (Melissa's roommate Brianna)

Arizona Trip Highlights Part 1

I know I am behind on posting these up. It has been non-stop since I have got home. I have sooo many more pictures to post!

Grandpa playing the Banjo

"Is it safe grandma?"

Grandpa taking Orion for a spin around the field

Orion had his first steak at Pinnacle Peak for Grandma's Birthday. The best steak house ever!

Nice tan grandpa

In jail....HELP!

I just couldn't resist a picture of this! LOL

The Carruthers Girls

The Beginning Of Our Arizona Trip

I know that I am a few days late to posting this but, better late then never! Orion did so well on the plane. He didn't cry at all! He just sat back and took everything in. We had a window seat and he was very content with being able to look out it. He didn't sleep very well from Anchorage to Seattle but from Seattle to Tucson he was out the entire flight!

I stepped off the plane and BAM! Heat Wave!!! I instantly started sweating. I was peeling off clothes and chucking my tennis shoes for flip flops. I know that my mom got a good chuckle. Orion has not wore a single pair of socks since we've gotten here!!!

Straight from the airport we went to eat at Olive Garden. YUMMY! I had Grilled Chicken and Gnocchi with Grilled Veggies. It was so good! I can't wait until we get an Olive Garden in AK.

I I don't think that I will posting until I return home. I'll be returning the end of next week. See ya then!

This just made my night!

This last week I have been asking Peter if he will miss Orion & I while we are in Arizona. And every time he has ignored the question. Well, tonight I had just settled on the couch after putting Orion down for the night and Peter settles down next to me and says "I will miss you guys." Talk about tear jerker! That just made the stress of this last week drift away!!!

Honey, I just want to say thank you for this weekend! Thank you for taking care of things around the house and especially taking care of Orion so I may work. I am so glad that you witnessed one of his firsts (pulling himself up on the couch and coffee table).

Oh and honey, we will miss you too!

Picture BOMB!

Here's some pictures from the last 2 weeks.

When you don't have a ball, give 'em an onion!

This look is too cute. Trying to slurp his noodles but not having any luck.

Success!

Great-Grandpa Howie visits from Pittsburgh

First Snow Fall

He loves his tubby time

I think he loves the camera even more!

My two favorite guys

So cute how he throws his head back and laughs! (Can you his 4 top teeth coming in? Trust me they are there!)

The newest employee at Alaska Wild Berry Products - Candy Kitchen

Orion's New Crib

We have finally upgraded Orion to a 3-in-1 crib (courtesy of Grandma Debbie). We had been using a mini crib that we purchased at a yard sale for $25. What a deal! (It is going into storage for the next baby.) We purchased the new crib from the newly remodeled Toys R Us. They just added their Babies R Us section. (I wish they had the new section in 9 months ago when I had my baby shower. They have too much cute stuff!)



We had to wait a month cause they don't keep cribs in stock (blah blah blah). Which the salesman should have told us when we were looking at them!

Our second bedroom has being used as the craft room. One night we put Orion in there to see how he would sleep and he has been in there ever since. So, slowly and I stress slowly, I have been trying to organize the room better so it will make due as his bedroom but yet give me a space to scrap and get crafty. I haven't had much success yet. I have kinda taken over the kitchen table...lol

I have before photos of the room that I will post once I have after photos but please don't hold your breath!

7 Month Update

Orion turned 7 months old yesterday and he is as busy as ever! He crawls all over the place! He really keeps me on my toes. On carpeting he crawls on his hands and knees but on hard flooring he bear crawls. It is too cute!

He now weighs 22 lbs and is 28 3/4 in. long! He sits up all by himself and has even started pulling himself up. We are pretty sure that he is going to start walking really, really soon :s

He has to eat or drink whatever mom and dad have. He is already a Pepsiholic! (I know I am so terrible.) He is cutting his 3rd tooth and is learning how to feed himself which is quite comical to watch.

He claps his hands. We are even teaching him how to "give 5". When you say "jump, jump, jump" he actually tries to jump. He has started making kissing sound and most of the time will copy you when you do it. He will even imitate a cough!

This kid just amazes me!!!

Sorry for not posting recent pictures. I will post some as soon as I can.

Say it ain't so!

I can't believe it! Straight from the National Weather Service:

Tonight... Snow showers. Snow accumulation 2 to 4 inches. Lows in the mid to upper 20s. North wind 10 mph becoming light. (So true! Peter and I were out and about tonight and it started snowing on us! It also snowed a little bit on Sunday. The snowflakes were HUGE!)

Tuesday... Snow showers. Additional snow accumulation 1 to 2 inches. Highs in the 30s. Light winds.

Tuesday Night... Numerous snow showers. Additional snow accumulation 1 to 2 inches. Lows in the lower to mid 20s. Northwest wind 10 mph.

Wednesday... Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Highs in the lower to mid 30s. Northwest wind 10 mph.


Wednesday Night... Partly cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows 15 to 25. Light winds.


Thursday... Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain and snow! Highs in the 30s.


Thursday Night through Sunday... Cloudy with a chance of rain and snow!! Lows 25 to 35. Highs 35 to 45.


Sunday Night and Columbus Day... Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow!!! Lows 25 to 35. Highs 35 to 45.

A view from my Living Room today

I looked out the window and what do I see???

A Big Hairy Moose Staring at Me!

Orion's New Chair

It's this just darling! Orion's Great-Grandpa Pete or "Papa" made this for him. He doesn't understand "rock" yet but he surely does like to sit in it. I think it makes him feel more like a big boy cause he is sitting up higher.

Orion's Blanket

I am so proud of myself! I made Orion a rag blanket. I figured it would be the easiest since I am still learning. You know what the best thing is? You really won't be able to see all it's flaws! I LOVE IT!I have learned from making his blanket that I really do like to sew! I am almost finished with the other blanket I am working on although this person won't be able to enjoy it until x-mas. It's a gift.....shhhh! I can't tell you who it's for. Sorry but I will post pics as soon as I can.

I'm comming clean to everyone EXCEPT my husband!

Okay! I finally admit it. I have always been for McCain but I am SOOO for Palin too! I just didn't want to admit it. If Peter finds out he probably won't be too happy...hehehe Can you imagine the look on his face when I tell him that I wanna get a shirt saying "Future Hockey Mom for Palin" and a shirt for Orion saying "Future Hockey Player for Palin". He is going to freak!!!

We've got a crawler!

Our 4 Year Anniversary

Today is our 4 year anniversary and I completely forgot about it! I was getting ready for work this morning and Peter came in to give me a goodbye kiss and said "Happy Anniversary". My jaw dropped!!! I never forget things like this! What the heck is wrong with me? All day long I have felt horrible.

We had lunch with Peter's mom today at the Sourdough Mining Company. Their service and food quality has gone downhill big time! I will not go back there anytime soon, if I even go back at all!

The Grandparents watched Orion tonight while we snuck out for Dinner at Los Arcos, our favorite Mexican Restaurant, and then browsing at Wal-mart. I found the perfect shoes for my Halloween costume for only $9.00! I don't want to give it away, but we are going to look so cute as a family!!! I can't wait to see Orion's costume all made. He is going to look so adorable!

Rain Rain Go Away!

OK, I was going to blog this last night but I was so tired.

"I am so sick and tired of all this rain. This summer has been the wettest and gloomiest in all the 7 years I have been up here. I just can't take it anymore! Just give me one day of sun and blue skies and I will be content...for awhile"

AND when I got up this morning what do I see...sunlight and blue skies! I was soooo excited!!! I wore flip flops and capri's even pulled out the sunglasses it was so bright.

I just hope that tomorrow is just as nice as today.

Booked my AZ trip!!!!

I bought my ticket to go to Arizona today, October 21st-29th. I am so excited! I am a little anxious to travel with Orion especially all by myself, but I know we'll be okay. I have a month to get used to the idea :)

It's been one busy week!

It's been about a week since I have blogged and it's been pretty busy!

In a nutshell:

• I worked every day this week in office! Normally I work 2-3 days in office.
• Orion has been fussier then usual this week, making everyday tasks more challenging. Especially having him at work.
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I had my uncle's boys' after school for a few hours.
• Wednesday- met up with Tammie to give her a list of games for Brooke's baby shower. Then met up with my mother-in-law to discuss the scrapbook pages we were making for Brooke's baby shower.
• Thursday afternoon-scored a great deal on baby formula! I found 6 cans that had 25% more for the same price as the regular cans.
  
• Thursday night-started working on scrapbook pages, 1 for each month for a year. We got half way through and had to call it a night.
• Friday-Cha Ching $$$! Received Alaska State Permanent Dividend. A whopping $3269.00 per person! To bad most of it is going to bills :(
• Friday afternoon-Orion's 6 month check-up. He received 2 shots and is now 21 lbs. 2 oz and 28 inches long!
  
• Friday night I braved the mall and Wal-mart with my Mother-in-law and sis-in-law. I only spent $75!
  
• Saturday morning-was the first person in the door at Toy's R Us to buy Brooke's shower present. Then headed start over to my mother-in-laws to finish scraping.
• Saturday afternoon-helped my sis-in-law with making all the food for the baby shower.
• Saturday night-Brooke's baby shower, then to Carrs to pick up groceries.
• Sunday morning-cleaned the house. Put Orion's infant seat and his car seat in storage. He is now in a front facing car seat!
  
• Sunday afternoon-BBQ with the family.

I am completely pooped! It's gonna be nice to stay home tomorrow. I have Rex!

Well, it's not his thumb

On a whim I decided to give Orion a pacifier and believe it or not he took to it pretty well. He's never been interested in one until now.

I'll let him make the choice as to if he wants it or not. It's not like he freaks out if he can't have it. He plays with it mostly...LOL

He's actually really content with just his thumb or fingers but it is just to dang cute to see him with a pacifier!

Another Tooth!

I can't believe almost 6 months and two teeth already!!! Orion's bottom right tooth has finally broken threw! This boy has been drooling like crazy (I need to invest in more bibs)! The way he has been gnawing on his fist you would think it would have fallen off already!

Mom's Visit

Mom came up for a quick visit, too short! Of course she had to spoil Orion while she was here! Orion got new cell phone (from Fisher Price), 2 new outfits, 3 undershirts and a shirt that says "Don't make me call Grandma", a Build-A-Lion, all sorts of baby food and a Booster Chair for the table. O.K. she spoiled me too! Mom cleaned my oven, did laundry the entire time she was here (she can never sit still), bought me a new shirt and picked up some groceries.

Mom, Uncle Troy, Orion & I went to the Alaska State Fair and saw this HUGE cabbage!

We may have the shortest summers but with the amount of daylight each day we grow some huge veggies!!!

Grandma feed Orion his first potato. He loved it!!! Now when ever I have Potato wedges or French Fries he has to have some!

Mom, thanks for watching Orion so I was able to put in some extra hours at work. I really appreciated it!

Mom's Visit

Mom got in last night to visit for a week. I am so excited to have her here. I will post more later.

Bath Time

This was when we went camping in Seward. It was so cute I just had to post it.

This sink was the perfect fit! When I went to get him out he was suctioned to the drain and had a little ring on his booty!

Taken a stitch out and 4 hours later

I had the urge to sew today believe it or not! Which is so not me, but I had been wanting to make a cover for my body pillow. (I usually leave the sewing up to Melissa.)

I purchased this material from Joann's way back in January. (I've been procrastinating for the fear of messing up!) I am usually all thumbs when it comes to sewing, but I have to give myself a HUGE pat on the back!!!

I have material from the same theme to make 2 pillowcases, but I think I am going to wait on those. I am pooped!

Silver Salmon Derby here we come!

Peter has all next week off so we are taking off to Seward with the family to catch us some fish. Here's my to-do list while we are gone:

• Nap
• Work on crafts
• Read Twilight
• Nap
• Work on Wild Berry Stuff
• Nap

Wish us luck! I hope we catch a winner!!!

Clank...Clank!

Today Peter was giving Orion a drink of water from my glass and heard a "clank". We looked at each other and said what was that. I pried Orion's mouth open and sure enough, there is his first tooth just barely breaking through on the bottom left. I am so excited!!! That explains the fussiness today and yesterday :)

Thunder...YAHOO!!!

Earlier this evening we had a little rain storm with THUNDER! I was soooo excited!!! Poor Orion, little guy was scared half to death, but I was lovin' it! I dropped everything I was doing and just sat on the couch with him watching it rain and listening to the thunder. It felt just like being back home. I have been up here for 7 years and have only heard it thunder like 3 times. Shortly after Peter and I started dating there was a really good thunder storm with lightening and he was out on the back deck video taping it! It was pretty funny, but we don't get them that often up here.

What a day!

Here's what I accomplished to day:

• 1 load of laundry...I was able to get 3 loads done but only 2 folded!!!
  
• dishes
• pull out the sewing machine and finish Orion's 2 blankets (I pulled the sewing machine out. Does that count for something?)
  
• download pictures from the camera
• make cover for our Home Management Notebook (will talk about this later)
• put together Home Management Notebook (started)
  
• sort Orion's clothes, what he has out grown
• update Orion's monthly scrapbook, behind 2 months (finished June and started on July)
  
• clean scrap room...LOL (just for giggles)
  
• make shopping list for Carrs
• make shopping list for Walmart
• update blog
• Rex: learn about the letter "B"
• work on Wild Berry projects for 2 hours

Not to mention I kept Rex & Orion busy all afternoon (we went for a walk and played), went out to dinner with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, talked to my boss over the phone, ran over to Peter's boss' house to pick up a sign and of course I had to take an hour break to watch Ghost Hunters.

I am pooped and ready for bed but Orion is refusing to go to sleep! What a poot!!!

How does one find the time to get everything on their to-do list done?

I have no idea how all these stay at home mom's can get so much accomplished in a day especially with a baby in tow and still look good! I am lucky if I even get a shower in before noon!!!

I know that some of these are far fetched but I feel that if I write them down then they actually might get done! With that being said here is my to-do list for the day:

• 1 load of laundry
• dishes
• pull out the sewing machine and finish Orion's 2 blankets
• download pictures from the camera
• make cover for our Home Management Notebook (will talk about this later)
• put together Home Management Notebook
• sort Orion's clothes, what he has out grown
• update Orion's monthly scrapbook, behind 2 months
  
• clean scrap room...LOL (just for giggles)
  
• make shopping list for Carrs
• make shopping list for Walmart
• update blog
• Rex: learn about the letter "B"
• work on Wild Berry projects for 2 hours

I will let you know how I did later this evening.

Wish me luck!!