.

Another Summer, Same Story

2011-08-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Without fail every summer blogging takes a back seat to romps in the park, rides on the horses, fellowship with friends and many more wonderful activities. So, here's a quick recap of what the Boutcher clan has been up to.

Jumping Josiah

Perfecting his roping skills on Grandpa Bruce

Reno Rodeo Parade

Sitting with J at the rodeo

Archery Practice

Many birthday parties

Swimming Lessons

Sleeping in Mom and Daddy's bed. Why do the kids always migrate to the parents bed and the parents just get up to get away from the madness?

Vacation Bible School

Play dates

"Let me out!"

Donner lake

Visiting the Trokey's in Tulare

Noah's first roller coaster ride. Not a fan!

And finally, a rare photo of me. Seems like I'm always the one behind the camera

In a word

2011-04-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

BLESSED!

Ever had a day where everything in your universe just seems to be just right? A day which you realize how much God has truly blessed your life. Today is one of those days for me. As I sit here at the computer I can't even capture the magnitude of how thankful I am for my life, my family, my friends and my God. I am a blessed woman and for that I am truly grateful.

Mother of Two

2011-03-30T17:24:00.001-07:00

Wow, mothering two is A LOT of work! I've been wanting to post but just have never found the time. We are having a blast being a family of four and are eating up every minute we have with our wonderful boys. Noah is a fantastic big brother and Josiah just thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread. Josiah is a sweet happy baby, as long as Mommy is holding him. I'm just eating up every minute of my time with him. Enjoy some pictures of the happenings around the Boutcher house this last month. We are so blessed!

Sacred Selections dinner in Folsom

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation outing with Daddy

Snow Baby

Making burp clothes for Josiah and all the friends who have had babies recently

A Mother's Love

2011-02-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

In Exodus we read of the afflictions of the Israelites while in slavery in Egypt. Pharaoh feared the growth and population of the Israelites and said to the midwives

"When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birth stool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.' But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, 'Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?' The midwives said to Pharaoh, 'Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them.' So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, 'Every son who is born you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive." Exodus 1:16-22

In the next chapter we read of Moses

"Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, 'This is one of the Hebrews' children.' Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, 'Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?' Pharaoh's daughter said to her, 'Go ahead.' So the girl went and called the child's mother. Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, 'Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages.' So the woman took the child and nursed him. The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, 'Because I drew him out of the water." Exodus 2:1-10

Moses' mother, Jochebed, loved him and cared for him as long as she could. She knew that if she kept him in her care he faced possibly death. Even if she did keep him, what type of life would he have? Would he be able to live life to it's fullest while being hidden away in fear of being killed by Pharaoh? She dreamed of a better life for her son and made the sacrifice and leap of faith to place him in a basket and send him down the river to a better and safer life than she could provide. I never looked and this passage in much depth until this last month.

On December 16th, a precious baby boy was born at a local hospital here in Reno. Much like Jochebed, his mother cared for him the best way she knew how for as long as she could but the dangers and trials of this world became overwhelming. The last 7 weeks were a challenge for her while deciding what the right thing to do is. Today, February 9th, this very courageous woman let go of her basket and chose a better life for him.

We are pleased, honored and humbled to announce that we picked up the basket and are now the proud adoptive parents of Josiah David Boutcher. Words can't express how grateful we are to all of you for your prayers and encouragement during this last year and we searched for our "Moses." We thank Josiah's birth mother, who we have come to love, that decided to place him with us. Most importantly, we thank our awesome God, who has prepared us for this time and blessed us with the greatest gift, a son.

With age comes...

2011-02-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

WISDOM!

Let me explain

Last year Noah attended a birthday party and kid's club activity at our local rocking climbing gym, Rock Sport. We were amazed at his lack of fear as he scaled the walls without any hesitation and showed up the older kids. Fast forward about 6 months when we asked him where he wanted to have his 4th birthday party and he exuberantly yelled "ROCK SPORT!"

So after some scheduling conflicts (don't get me started) we all arrived at the climbing gym ready to behold the bravery, skill and agility of all that is Noah. WRONG! Sometime in the last few months it occurred to him, "Hey, I could fall, I could get hurt, I COULD FALL TO MY DEATH DOING THIS THING! It doesn't matter how much Mom, Dad, Kyle, party goers or God himself tries to bribe, trick or talk me into doing this thing that I'm going to climb up that rope. I'm four after all and this is my party...and I'll climb if I want to! And I don't wanna." Well maybe he didn't say it exactly like that, but you get the drift.

We still has a fabulous party! Noah had a blast playing with his friends, eating, climbing a bit for photo opts and most importantly presents! Thank you to all who were there to sharing in our celebration of our little man. The last 4 years have truly been a blessing!

Happy Hoildays

2010-12-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of family and friends a very happy holiday

3rd time's a charm....kinda

2010-12-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Didn't make it to Santa last year so pardon the missing picture. Although we had to bribe him (candy always works) he sat on Santa's lap, but scooted as far away from him as he could. Maybe a picture perfect next year, although I'm not holding my breath.

2007

2008

2010

Back on the Bandwagon

2010-12-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Ever feel so behind on a task that it seems close to impossible to catch up? And knowing you're so behind makes it an ever more daunting task to catch up and then you just procrastinate even more because the task that lays ahead feels impossible to accomplish. Well, welcome to my world of blogging. It's been 10, yes count them, 10 months since my last post. Sure, I could have made the time to catch up, but I am much busier as a full time Mommy and Wife than I ever was in my single years. So, hold on tight, here's a quick review in few words and a lot of photos to catch up on the blogging parade.

Yippeeee, Noah turned 3!!!

Training our future Olympian

Doing Noah's favorite thing in the whole world, riding his horse Max.

Had an Eggsellent Easter

Quality time with his best pals Zeke and Vada.

Daddy shaved off the stash. First time since the military.

Daddy's Boy

First solo Reno Rodeo Parade. He was so proud.

Reno Rodeo 2010

Self portraits with Mommy

Visit with Grandpa Phil in Sunnyvale

Sacramento train museum. P.S. I want a new camera please!

Swimming lessons

Becoming a man, one bad habit at a time. :-)

Beautiful

2010-01-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

From the time Noah was born I've taken him several times at different studios for photo sessions. Although the pictures that were a result of those sessions weren't bad I never really loved them. So, this Christmas I was determined to get some extraordinary photos of our family and especially Noah. We hired our friend Brandon Price to take some pictures and they came out awesome. Hope you enjoy them. Thanks Brandon!

Many Merry Christmas Pictures

2010-01-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Not much time to write but thought I'd share some favorite pictures from our Christmas. We had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends. Noah made a killing in the present department. Scott taught him to say that his Christmas presents are "ill-gotten-booty". It's so adorable to hear him try to pronounce it correctly. Enjoy the photos.

Christmas Tree Cutting

(I was still battling pink-eye. Ugh!)

Chacon Family Christmas

Christmas morning with all his "ill-gotten-booty."

Christmas night with family.

27 Belated Thanksgivings

2009-12-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

I started this post the week of Thanksgiving but with pink eye and the flu and just never having the determination or creativity to finish it I'm finally posting. So, in the effort of always finishing what I start here are 27 Thanksgivings for the 27 years of my life.

Deodorant. Can't even imagine the stench without it.
Noah's independent spirit.
My incredible husband. He is truly the most tenderhearted, loving, compassionate, patience and Godly man that I have ever know. It's so easy to love him all the time.
Scott's job with Devine Automotive. Along with his hard work Devine makes it possible for me to be a full time Mommy and Wife.
Forgiveness.
The change of the seasons.
Kids Tylenol and Motrin.
Mac computers.
Blogging. Love sharing our blessed life.
The gym. Can't believe I listed that.
Sushi. Yum-O!!!
My Mommy. She is the personification of the woman in 1 Pet. 3:4 letting her adornment "be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
My Daddy. Without his understanding, guidance and ability to train my heart to please God in everything I do I would be a disaster.
Snow!!!!
A church family which I've been able to experience the highs and lows with. Can't wait till we make it to Heaven together.
God's inspired word which guides and directs my life.
Monthly young ladies Bible class and all our participants. Couldn't do it without those girls. Love them!
My incredible Mother-in-Law Becki. I can't even express my gratefulness and awe in her ability to raise my husband into the man he is today.
Times of trial. The Book of James (especially chapter 1) is one of my favorite passages.
Sesame Street because sometimes Mommy just needs her son to sit still for an hour while she decompresses.
Grandma AKA GG. She helps me to cherish the little moments and realize that my time with Noah passes quickly.
Friends whom I can be myself around even when I'm a raving lunatic.
My dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer and hot shower. Love these modern conveniences.
The ability to cry and laugh.
Finger and temper paint. I love seeing all Noah's new creations.
Bath and story time. Scott takes on this duty every evening so I have a few minutes to myself.
My sovereign and all powerful God. He guides my steps, blesses my life and makes me realize that this world is not my home.

What a clown!

2009-11-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

Happy belated Halloween blog readers! On the morning of Halloween Scott took Noah to the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City while I prepared for Scott's birthday party. Noah wanted to wear his costume to the parade and apparently charmed everyone. Side note: Putting makeup on an excited, squirming, jabbering 2 year old is close to impossible!

Later that afternoon we celebrated Scott's 43rd birthday with family. I made my first successful batch of BBQ ribs, YUMMY! After cake Mom, Becki, Christopher, Scott, Grandma and myself took Noah trick-or-treating. Yes, count them, that's 6 adults with one child.

A Porky Pumpkin

2009-10-29T17:03:00.001-07:00

Finally got around to carving our pumpkin today. We had two, but one of them rotted before I made the time to carve it.

We decided to be a bit more creative this year than the typical Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin. I saw a couple ideas on the much too overpriced magazines in the check out line at the supermarket. So, I sped read before my groceries were rung up and headed home with a bit more creativity than I have naturally.

Noah wasn't too thrilled about getting his hands "icky" so I did most of the gutting while he helped with the quills. He loves his "porky-pine pumpkin."

Happy Birthday!

2009-10-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Scott and Daddy...happy birthday to you.

And I said YES!

2009-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today Scott Boutcher asked me to marry him and I said YES! At the time I knew that he was a wonderful and Godly man who would make a great husband. But now, being married to him for close to 4 years, I know that he is much more than that. He is a man who loves the Lord with such a passion and conviction that he would do anything for his God. He is a man who waited to make sure he was ready to be the husband God would have him to be. He is a man who adores his wife even when she acts unadorable. He is a man who is devoted to raising his son to be even a better man than he is (if that's even possible). He is the man who I would say YES to again and again. He is the man that I am proud to call my husband, lover, protector, and best friend. Looking forward to spending MANY more wonderful years together.

A Right of Passage

2009-10-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Growing up, like most of you I'm sure, I thought my Mom just hung the moon. She seemed to do everything perfectly. She kept the family on schedule, cooked incredible meals, helped people in need, made our house a home and loved God with a passion I have rarely seen in others. I have such fond memories of sitting on a stool at her kitchen counter and watching her cook up some of the most scrumptous creations I've had to date. Well, one of my favorite things to watch her do was can things. It just astounding seeing the time and precision it took to can some of her most delicious creations.

Now that I've become a wife and mother I decided to try my hand at it. In my attempt to make this Christmas more economical I'm making gift baskets for some of our closest friends and family. My Dad's cousins in Yerington gave me this HUGE box of apples and I decided to make apple butter and can it, with the help of Mom of course.

After a morning of pampering (pedicures and lunch with Mom and Grandma) I headed out to the folks house to attempt this right of passage. The cooking seemed to go well but the apple butter just never seemed to get thick enough. "Don't worry," my mom assured me "it will set up more after the canning." So, I proudly hauled my box of apple butter creations home assured that the syrup like texture would set. It's been a couple weeks now.....and I have proudly made...apple syrup! Guess even the most seasoned and experienced mothers can't do EVERYTHING right. Maybe next time!

Being His Clay

2009-10-13T11:12:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be asked to teach part of our yearly Ladies Seminar at our church. The theme this year was "The Seasons of our Lives: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter." Patty Neely graciously shared her class time with me and I spoke about the Bible character Lydia and how she had prepared herself for the fall of her life. The key question I posed to the ladies in our sessions was how are we planting goodness in our lives and what are we able to harvest due to our careful planting.

Since then, as with most teachers, I continue to think about how this applies to my life. Am I planting the things which God would want me to during this time in my life so that my harvest will be what God wants from me? Am I developing and using the talents that I have been blessed with to the glory of our heavenly Father?

I suppose the conclusion I've come to is that I am trying. Aren't we all? Some days I do better than others but I pray that I will continue to allow God to mold me into a better person today than I was yesterday. Molding isn't easy and it isn't always comfortable, but I have faith in my God. He is ever present, awesomely powerful, wiser that I will ever be, and all knowing enough to point me to my most productive and challenging path. I pray He will do the same for you.

Squeezing in Summer

2009-09-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

So, I was informed again today that I've been neglecting our blog. I assure you that it was for good cause...we're squeezing in summer these last few weeks of pleasant and travel friendly weather. With moving and all that it entails our summer just seemed to slip away faster than one would have thought. So, blogging has taken a back seat to spending time with family and friends in the wonderful creation that God has so richly blessed us with. I found this poem online a couple weeks ago and thought it would be fitting to explain my blogging absence.

I Took His Hand and Followed

By: Mrs. Roy L. Peifer

My dishes went unwashed today,

I didn't make the bed,

I took his hand and followed

Where his eager footsteps led.

Oh yes, we went adventuring,

My little son and I...

Exploring all the great outdoors

Beneath the summer sky.

We waded in a crystal stream,

We wandered through a wood...

My kitchen wasn't swept today

But life was gay and good.

We found a cool, sun-dappled glade

And now my small son knows

How Mother Bunny hides her nest,

Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.

We watched a robin feed her young,

We climbed a sunlit hill...

Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky,

We plucked a daffodil.

That my house (and blogging) was neglected,

That I didn't brush the stairs,

In twenty years, no one on earth

Will know, or even care.

But that I've helped my little boy

To noble (and Godly) manhood grow,

In twenty years, the whole wide world

May look and see and know.

Please enjoy some of the pictures of spending time with my blessing from God this summer.

Riding with Papa at their house

Notice the look of joy (terror?)

Sitting on the fence while watching Mommy work cattle at Winnemucca Ranch

Hot August Night's with Daddy

Hosting his first sleepover with his favorite person in the world, Vada McClelland.

Dinner at our new home with LaLa and Papa.

We traveled to Crater Lake, Oregon with my Dad, Mom and Grandmother. My uncle and aunt from Portland met us there. Unfortunately, Scott had to stay home and work, so we ruffed it and had fun without him. :-)

First trip to the ocean while visiting the Trokey's in California. Noah wasn't scared a bit of the ocean, don't know why that surprises me though!

Scott and Noah practicing their elk calls in preparation for hunting season. The testosterone was DRIPPING off the walls.

Hunting last weekend at my Dad's cousin's ranch in Yerington. They run a cattle feed lot, grow seed garlic and consumption onions. Noah had a blast with all the cows. Also, our cousin gave us a complete tour of the onion processing portion of the business. Noah was able to see the whole process in person from the time a onion was picked in the field all the way to boxing for shipment. It was a wonderful and educational experience. On Monday he was so excited that the onions made it to the supermarket when we went grocery shopping. :-)

Picking and consuming apples in Yerington.

2009-08-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

Now that we're settled in our new home I finally took the time to drag out and unpack my scrapbooking stuff. I only started scrapbooking about 6 months ago and enjoy it more that I thought I would. It's been wonderful going back over Noah's life and recording all the little things I don't want to forget. I still haven't completed his first year album but am getting closer and closer with each crop.

Here are some of my favorite and most recent pages...

Tahoe Family Encampment

2009-08-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

IT'S ABOUT TIME! We took our first week long family vacation since our Honeymoon (3-1/2 years ago) last week. We camped and attended Tahoe Family Encampment, a week long Christian seminar at Lake Tahoe. We feel so blessed to have been able to spend quality family time together and also be filled up spiritually. Noah loved playing with all the kids at camp and attending Bible class in the morning. Scott and I participated in some incredible Bible classes on marriage and family that we will never forget.

Here are a few of our favorite pictures from the trip.

Noah and his buddy Ezekiel at the beach.

Noah's "Lober"

Waiting in line for ice cream.

Enjoying some "i-cream"

The bunk bed in the camper worked great except the first night he sat up in his sleep a few times and bonked his head on the ceiling. Life lesson I suppose.

We had a couple bouts of hail in the afternoon. Noah was trying to show the camera the hail.

Ride em' cowboy!

Enjoying his "Tot-Spot" chair during our evening campfire.

"Here Mommy...a flower." What a sweet boy!

What makes a home?

2009-07-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

If home is where the heart is,

What distinguishes it from a house?

While one can spin a thousand tales,

The other merely serves as shelter.

A home is filled with life and vitality,

While a house is but a structure.

The latter, built with boards and nails,

Repels all of nature’s trauma.

A home, much different indeed, is full of kin.

Love, pulsing through a home,

Is but the essence of its being.

Cement, holding steadfast a house,

Is but a common hardened mixture.

Absorbed with the tradition of a lifetime,

A home is where you thrive.

Pounded with nails of steel,

A house is where you reside.

What makes a home a home?

What makes a house a house?

The simple matters in life,

Delved from our inner soul,

Can answer these pressing question.

Home is where the heart is,

The heart makes a home a home.

Praise the LORD! Our house on Lenwood finally closed and we've moved. I can't even express the relief and sense of peace we feel now that we are somewhere more affordable. I struggled with leaving the memories of Lenwood but thanks to my dear friend Theresa and her words of wisdom I now realize that our house doesn't make our family, we do.

Sensory overload!

2009-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

I never imagined that experiencing things such as Sesame Street Live with my son would bring tears to my eye. We feel blessed to be able to take Noah to something he enjoys so much. We talked about it for a few days and Noah knew he was going to see Elmo but he had no idea what was in store. The first 15 minutes of the show he just sat there, with his mouth open, not smiling, not clapping, saying nothing, just attempting to take it all in. Eventually he adjusted and had a blast! Thanks Grandma Becki for the tickets!

What happened to April?

2009-05-01T08:09:00.001-07:00

Upon signing in this morning to catch up on everyones news I realized I didn't post the ENTIRE month of April. Not for the lack of interesting and adorable things happening...but for a lack of time and planning. One of these days I'll adjust to "Mommyhood" and get on top of things.

So, a quick catchup on all the happenings in the Boutcher household....

Janelle Cooke (Winburn) visited with her adorable new son Caleb. Janelle and I have been friends my ENTIRE life and her friendship has meant the world to me. We've shared childhood, young adulthood (living in DC), marriage to our fantastic husbands, and now motherhood together. Looking forward to many more years of memories and experiences.

We drove to Sacramento 2 weeks ago and visited the Sacramento Zoo. Unfortunately, my camera battery died so we have few pictures but many memories. I took Noah to the Portland Zoo when he was a year old but he didn't really get it. This time he had a blast. You would think his favorite part would have been the animals...but no...it was the train. He's still talking about it.

We had an Egg-cellent Easter! After church we went to my Grandmother's home with family and our friends, the Claysons. The kids had a blast hunting Easter eggs and eating A LOT of candy.

We're still in escrow on the house. My dear friend Tracy once told me while I was in another unrelated life transition, "Sarah, you're in God's waiting room...get a magazine." Well, I think about that a lot right now. We're at a time in our life that is trying, unsure and scary but I know that someday looking back I will see the positive in this trial and "count it all joy" (see James chapter 1).

Oh No, Not "One More Thing"

2009-03-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when a Mother (or anyone for that matter) can't handle "one more thing" on their plate or they'll just scream "one more thing" ALWAYS hits?

Well, "one more thing" hit last week with a vengeance. Not only do we have 20 days and counting until we have to be completely packed and moved, but Scott came down with a HORRIBLE cold last Monday, followed by Noah on Thursday. They've been miserable! Noah has never been the kind of child who runs fevers even with ear infections. Therefore, when he started running 103.6 degree fever these last few days I was FREAKING out. Thank the Lord for Motrin! I kept on thinking about those poor children and mothers in the olden' days that didn't have our modern conveniences and medicine. What a horrible feeling that must have been to have a screaming hot child with nothing to give them to ease their pain. Boy, and I thankful it's 2009. Scott turned the corner Friday and is feeling much better. Noah's on the way to recovery now.

Please pray for me that I don't get it. I just can't handle "one more thing." Whoops, I jinxed myself. Hello cold, here I come!

Boutcher Big News x Three

2009-03-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

Big News #1

So, I've been a BIG blog slacker. I never imagined that blogging would be such a daunting task but as life have become extremely busy recently I didn't know how to catch up. So, here's a factual and brief update on the latest in our household.

Big News #2

Big Celebrations! We celebrated Noah's 2nd birthday on January 20th. A day never goes by when I don't thank God for this wonderful little man! He is such a joy to be around and even during our most challenging times I count it a blessing to be able to spend everyday with him. We had a small but great party for him with our family and closest friends. He had a blast will all his favorite people( Grandma, Uncle Chris, Papa, Lala, GG, Uncle J, Kyle, Alex, Vada, Robert, & Miranda) , favorite food (spaghetti & cake), and presents (Elmo). He was so excited to blow out his candles we had to move it away so we could sing to him.

The next day Scott and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday that we were married, and then other times I can't remember what it was like to be without him. God sure did know what he was doing when he brought the two of us together!

Big News #3

When our dear friends, the Rushings, came and visited us in January they introduced us to the book The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. After they left we both poured ourselves into the book because finances have been extremely tight in our household since we cut down to one income when Noah was born. After reading it we knew that we had to make some big sacrifices in order to contine to raise our child the way we know God intended for us to. After much prayer, discussion, and the occasional tear we decided the best way for us to do this is to sell our home. It's just too expensive for us and we needed to make a big change. We listed it with a really talented local realtor on Tuesday, March 3rd thinking that in today's market it would take months to sell. Well, someone is looking out for us upstairs because we received an offer just four days later on the 7th. The buyers want to do a 30 day escrow so as long as everything works out well we will be moving out of our home on April 13th.

We've been scrambling to find a new place to live since we weren't planning on the house selling so quickly. My family still has my Grandfathers house so we'll be moving in there after the current tenants move out the end of May. In the meantime, we'll be living with Mom and Dad during the transition time.

Well, that's all I have time for now as it's 11:30pm and I should have been asleep hours ago. Please keep our family in all of your prayers and we face this new and exciting chapter in our life.

It begins!

2009-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

One would think that knowing my family Jeremiah and I would have been on skis before the age of two but that is not correct. Neither of us skied until after two, therefore my child beat us. We took Noah skiing 1 week before his second birthday for the first time. I'm not sure who was more excited, Noah, me, or my Dad. Dad was just giddy and took the day off of work to come up and help us. Noah did terrific and had amazing balance. One of the instructors from Mt. Rose asked how old he was and upon hearing let us know that most of the 4-6 year old kids don't have the balance that Noah did. I'm so proud...he's a natural.

After a few runs he was nodding off on the lift. I had to carry him down the last run because we couldn't wake him up. Good job little man!

God is so good!

2009-01-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me how good God is! Almost three years ago He gave me the greatest blessing in my life, a godly and kind husband whom I am madly in love with. God is so good! Sometimes it feels as if we've been together forever but then I remember the feeling of not having a person to share my life with before we were together. God is so good! Not long after our marriage, what joy filled my heart to find out that God was blessing us with a child. God is so good! Our precious sweet child has added so much to my life I can't even begin to put it into words. He teaches me lessons daily and has helped me to trust in God and praise Him as I have never before.

God is so good!

This Christmas as many in the world reflect on the blessing of Jesus Christ I am joining them. What a blessed life I have been given because God loved me enough to send His precious son to come to this earth, live as a man, and die so that I might live. God is so good!

Christmas Morning

2009-01-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

I believe Scott and I were more excited about this Christmas than any others before. It's such a blessing to have a little one around at Christmas that is starting to "get it". Last year he didn't really understand what the whole Christmas thing was about but this year he was much more interested. We spent Christmas morning just the three of us. Here's a few cute pictures from our family time together. What blessings we have!

An Improvement

2009-01-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

So, we finally made the time Chrismas Eve to go and visit Santa. We've been trying to talk with Noah about Santa and look at pictures to try and improve on our experience. He was close to having a meltdown but at least we have improvement. Smile next year?

Noah's New Buddy

2008-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

We're FINALLY getting some snow. Noah and I had a blast playing outside this morning.

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

2008-12-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

Last year we wanted to start the tradition of cutting our own Christmas tree. Unfortunately, I was too late buying the permit and they sold out before I purchased one. So, we made it this year. We drove out past Carson City on Saturday morning and created some wonderful memories. Noah had a blast running around in the woods (ok desert) and finding the perfect tree.

I'm sure we'll get the "Parent's of the Year" award allowing our child to drive the truck

and use a saw. Woops!

A Father's Example

2008-12-15T12:52:00.001-08:00

What a blessed moment in time I captured that takes place at breakfast in our home every morning.

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction..."

Proverbs 1:8

What a wonderful husband and Daddy God has blessed us with. We love you Daddy!

Family Milestones

2008-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month since I've posted anything on the family blog. I wish I had some good excuses as to why...but I just don't. I've been a slacker.

First off we celebrated Halloween...BOO! After many hours and failed attempts I finally finished Noah's costume the morning of Halloween. If you've spent any time with him at all you'd know that he is OBSESSED with phones. We thought one of the best ways to remember this stage in his develpment was to make him into one of his favorite items.

We went Trick-O-Treating with our dear friends the Claysons. Chloe walked and the boys hung out in the wagon. The only way we kept them sitting was giving them Smarties every few minutes. It was a blast!

As for the family milestones...Scott and I are now official adults! We hosted out first Thanksgiving at our home. It was wonderful to have the entire family together for this blessed holiday. I was thrilled that I didn't mess anything up and that the stuffing I made at least resembled my mom's.

Concerning Noah's newest milestone the pictures speak for themselves.

So much for getting a few more minutes at the end of his nap while he talks and sings in his crib.

One other funny photo. Noah's grown bored of riding Mater

himself so he's sharing with Daddy. What a sweet boy!

Feeling the Guilt!

2008-10-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

So, I never do these and everyone knows it. Thanks to my fantastic friend Theresa she listed me as one of the most likely to respond. As many of you know, I just hate letting people down so "T" this is for you.

1. Where is your cell phone? who cares (I know, I know, it's two words)

2. Where is your significant other? work

3. Your hair color? red

4. Your mother? fantastic

5. Your father? reliable

6. Your favorite thing? salvation

7. Your dream last night? forgotten

8. Your dream/goal? Heaven

9. The room your in? cluttered

10. Your hobby? scrap booking

11. Your fear? damnation

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home

13. Where were you last night? home

14. What you're not? empathetic

15. One of your wish list items? I-Pod

16. Where you grew up? Reno

17. The last thing you did? Scrapbook

18. What you are wearing? skirt

19. Your TV? obnoxious

20. Your pet? dogs

21. Your computer? frustrating

22. Your mood? good

23. Missing someone? no

24. Your car? Mommy Van

25. Something you're not wearing? watch

26. Favorite store? Target

27. Your summer? quick

28. Love someone? Hubby

29. Your favorite color? red

30. Last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

The seven people that I am nominating for this "award" are below. Complete the questionnaire in one word answers and forward on to seven more (or however many) people. It is quite fun and more difficult than you think. Have fun!

Not laying on the guilty, participate...or not. :-)

An Apple a Day

2008-10-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

We went on our annual Apple Hill trip last weekend. I just loved looking at these two pictures and seeing how much Noah changed this last year. My, how the times flies!

One of the orchards we visit is called "High Hill" and they have a pond that people can fish out of. We've never participated but Vada McClelland and Bethany Snyder decided to fish this year. It was hilarious watching all the "city slickers" allowing their children to fish, and then the shock of horror on the parents faces when they realized that they would actually have to touch the fish, take the hook out, and all that goes along with fishing. It was GREAT!

This pumpkin weighed in at 1153 pounds!

Noah and his girls (Vada McClelland and Bethany Snyder)

listening to Blue Grass music at Kids Inc.

Came Summer..,Come Winter

2008-10-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Our talented friend and fellow Christian Brandon Price (www.frombrandon.com) shot this fantastic picture of Noah up at Lake Tahoe this summer during Tahoe Family Encampment. He sent it to me this morning and I just had to share it. He puts my feeble attempts at photography to shame. Make sure to check out his website.

So, yesterday we got our first snow! Whoooopeeeee! It was so exciting to watch it come down and it sure did dump for a October storm. The snow didn't last but we took advantage while we could and played a bit outside. Noah wasn't thrilled with the cold snow it his hands but he'll get over it.

Outside our house.

At my Grandmother's house. I realized that I have very few photos of myself on the blog because I'm usually behind the camera. Thanks GG for the help.

Summer Wrap Up

2008-09-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Now that it's officially fall we've been kicking our outdoor enjoyment into full gear. Scott and I had been trying to get away all summer and go camping...just the two of us. We finally made the time last weekend. We went down to the Carson River for two days. We fished, cooked yummy food, and played A LOT of Scrabble. I'm sure Scott will want a rematch soon because I kicked his butt! We had a blast!

Noah staying with PaPa and NawNaw (my parents) for the weekend. On Friday Mom made an entire dinner out on the campfire at their house. If you've never had some of her dutch oven cookin' you need to invite yourself over.

First piano lessons with Naw Naw.

We went to a GREAT park next to our friends house yesterday. He's getting so grown up!

"Sus Men"

2008-09-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've sat down and blogged about this blessed Boutcher life. Life has been full with spending time outside in the dwindling summer days. It's a bit sad to see our nice weather coming to an end but the crispness in the morning air reminds us that skiing isn't far around the corner.

We've been leading a marriage class at our home the last few months called "Homes of Honor" on Friday nights. It's been a great learning experience for us to study more of how God wants us to lead and guide our family and marriage. This Friday will be our last class. Although we're sad to see it come to an end it will be nice to have our Friday evenings free again. Lord willing we will start another class after the New Year.

Noah's starting to talk a bunch! Everyday he picks up more and more words. It's a blast to tell him to say the hardest words we can think of...and he tries them. Our favs are aluminum and rhinoceros. The other day he was sitting on our bed while I was putting away clothes. He bowed his head, closed his eyes and said "Sus Men" translated "Jesus Amen". It was adorable!

Just a few cute pictures to share from the last couple weeks.

He's learned about the pleasure of drinking his cereal milk in the morning.

He gets more of a milk beard than a milk mustache.

Dipping french fries (including face) into ketchup.

A long day.

WWF Boutcher Style.

Helping Daddy drive and fix Uncle Jeremiah's truck.

Future Olympian...Watch out Lance!

2008-08-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother (GG) bought Noah an amazing tricycle a couple weeks back. We finally fitted it for Noah (i.e. adding 2x4 blocks with duck tape to the petals). We took him out last night for his first official ride on his big boy bike.

For those of you who haven't been to our house...no we're not letting our 1-1/2 year old ride his bike in the middle of the street. We have a dead end street on the side of the house.

Blog Worthy Photos

2008-08-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

No facinating stories or big accomplishments to report...just some very cute photos.

Hope you enjoy.

Noah with Uncle Chris and Grandma Boutcher (Grammy)

Bethany Snyder, Vada McClelland (Noah's favorite person), and Noah in our front yard.

Helping Grandma Terry (Naw-Naw) in her garden.

Fun and Fellowship!

2008-08-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Again the last couple of weeks we've been enjoying the wonderful outdoors that God has so richly blessed us with. Noah and I went up to the lake with my parents and our friends the Dalke's and went boating for the first time since Noah was born. Last summer we were just trying to get into the swing of being parents and didn't go waterskiing all summer. Noah loved the boat, especially driving.

Last week we attended Tahoe Family Encampment, an old fashion revival/church camp. It was such an encouragement to spend an entire week with brothers and sisters in Christ. The speakers were wonderful, Bible classes educational, and fellowship encouraging. It's wonderful to think we'll spend all of eternity in Heaven with so many of these faithful Christians. God is so good! Unfortunately, we forgot our camera at home so pictures weren't taken. We do have one friend who took some pictures so as soon as I get those I'll make sure and post them.

1-1/2 Years Old!

2008-07-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Noah tuned 1-1/2 years old on Sunday. It never ceases to amaze us how much this beautiful child has enhanced our life in the past 18 months. We pray that his life will continue to be filled with love, laughter, and a never ending devotion to the Lord.

We love you Punkerdunk!

We drove up to Lake Tahoe on Saturday and went for a beautiful bike ride with my parents and the Snyders. Noah was a trooper in his bike trailer...but his Daddy got quite the workout. We spent some time along the beach before lunch, swimming and skipping rocks.

I think little boys are born knowing how to throw.

Noah had his 18 month checkup yesterday. During this appointment they take all his measurements, plot his growth, check his development, and give the last shots he'll have until he's 4! Hallelujah! The nurse came in the room first and took all his measurements for the doctor to review before she began the exam. When Noah was born his height and weight weren't even on the charts because he was so tiny...but his head circumference was in the 50th percentile. Well today, after the doctor reviewed the measurements she came in and said she wanted to make sure the head measurement was correct...and it was...and he's in the 110th percentile now for his gigantic head circumference. Very unproportional in comparison to being in the 15% for weight and 50% for height. We have a boblehead...but he's cute anyway. Everything else went fine although she's a bit concerned about his language development because he still isn't talking much. If we don't see significant progress in the next month she'd like us to see a speech pathologist to get him caught up. I'm not too worried because just in the last week he's been trying to say many new words.

Introducing....

2008-07-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

the newest member of the Blue Man Group!

The blue from the popscile stained his hands and mouth for a few hours. It was a riot!

Playing with the big boys!

2008-07-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends, the Trokey's, were in town the last couple of weeks and we had the opportunity to spend the whole day with them on Tuesday. Their boys, Trevor, Johnny, and Channing, used to come to our house many evening when they lived here and played X-box with Scott. They had a rematch and Johnny FINALLY beat Scott...such an accomplishment. Noah is learning how to play with the big boys now.

Happy Birthday USA!

2008-07-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! We celebrated this blessed country this year working around our house, BBQing at the local park with church friends and family, and watching fireworks with our friends, the Claysons.

Noah was a trooper on a VERY long and eventful day.

(Chloe, Cavan, and Noah)

Growing veggies and a love of reading

2008-07-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

Last night Scott and I harvested our first produce from our new garden! We went out to check on the garden at about 10:00pm and then proceeded to pick our first produce...in the dark...with a flashlight. Noah helped pick some more this morning for his GG and our friends the Clayson's. The garden is really taking off!

Toddler Story Time is still a big hit in Noah's world. I've been taking him since he was about 4 months old and his love of books is awesome. He'd rather read a book than just about anything. Toddler Time is always a blast watching him interacting with all the other kids.

Rodeo Fun = Exhaustion

2008-06-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

We all had a blast at the Reno Rodeo this week. The whole family went on Thursday and Friday. Becki (Scott's mom) and Christopher (Scott's brother) came down from Susanville and spent a couple days with us. We took some family pictures but I'm still learning to use my new camera and they didn't turn out.

My boys are sure adorable though.

The rodeo has lasted to about 10:30pm the last couple nights and Noah is feeling quite exhausted. He started his afternoon nap a little early today...I just had to share.

Our beginning to present

2008-06-26T15:28:00.001-07:00

Rodeo and Racing...a Bell and Boutcher Tradition!

2008-06-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, have we been busy! This beautiful Nevada weather has gotten us all out of the house and enjoying the great outdoors. We've been fishing, walking at the marina, and building garden boxes for Noah's first garden.

It's been a joy watching Noah truly playing outside this summer and getting into EVERYTHING. My theory on mothering "If my kid is dirty and tired at the end of the day I've done a good job." It's wonderful watching him experience the blessing that God has so richly given us in this life.

We've been spending quite a bit of time at my parents house with the horses, dogs, and our most recent discovery....the backhoe. Dad taught him how to move the bucket up and down although he still doesn't quite have enough strength to do it himself. As soon as we drive up to their house now he makes a b-line straight for his new play toy.

We bought a season pass to Wild Waters this summer and have been going about 2 days a week. I met an amazing stay-at-home Mom friend, Crystal, and her wonderful children a couple months back and they've been going with us. Her youngest, Cavan, is only 4 days younger than Noah so they've become great playmates. Also, Samantha Brunson, a girl from church stayed with Noah and I during the day the last couple weeks. Noah's becoming quite the water baby!

Not only has the water park been a big hit, but he's been working on his racing...much to his father's approval.

Scott and I went to Sonoma last weekend for my first NASCAR Cup race! It was a blast! We went to practice and a California series on Saturday and then the Cup series on Sunday.

Unfortunately, Tony Steward didn't have the time to come and visit me personally....but that didn't stop me from giving his cutout a little love.

Meanwhile, back in Nevada Noah enjoyed a weekend full of Rodeo. The Reno Rodeo is this week and and he dressed the part. Mom took him to the parade on Saturday morning and he rode around like a big boy with Grandpa Randy. They took him to the rodeo on Sunday night and he's now a big fan of the Wildest, Richest, Rodeo in the West! We're going again on Thursday and Friday and I'm make sure to take some pictures. He's just the cutest cowboy I've ever seen!

Sharing our Blessing

2008-05-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

I've finally found time to jump on the blogging bandwagon. I've been good about sending out e-mails occasionally the last 1-1/2 years to update all our loved ones on Noah's milestones but this will be much easier. I have so many pictures I'd like to share but due to time I must begin with what's current. Just too many funny stories and pictures.

Noah's personality just seems to get sillier and sillier every day. If you've spent much time around him the last 6 months his favorite universal word for everything has been "Ah Da". Who knows what it means but he speaks it with such enthusiasm. Finally he's starting to talk saying words like DaDa, Dog, Boo, Hi, and FINALLY Mama! As much as I treasured "Ah Da" one can only hear it so many times in a day before it becomes monotonous.

Mom and I took him up to the lake a couple weeks ago and put his feet in the creek. The water this time of the year up in the mountains is extremely cold because it's just melted snow. He just loved putting his feet in it (at least for a couple minutes) before his little feet froze and he had to warm up. As soon as he warmed up he was right back in thinking he could walk into the middle himself. That's our dare devil.

Jeremiah and Noah are becoming the best of pals. They read a hunting magazine together the other day. This kid is doomed to be an animal killer just like his Grandpa, Uncle, Daddy, and oh yes....Mommy too!