Under the Big Sky

HAPPY 9TH CARTER!!

2012-01-27T21:35:00.001-08:00

Carter is an amazing blessing in our lives. He fills our life with loads of energy, sports, funny noises, and tender hugs. He was born with a head full of dark hair and a sweet smile. Where does the time go??

He loved the Mario Kart game and we all had a fun night of championship racing! The boys loved to laugh at how "bad" I was at the game and how much I screamed. Zach said.. "Mom, remember this when you are getting mad at us for screaming when we are having fun". Good point Zach.. Screaming IS part of the game :)

Chico Hot Springs Birthday

2012-01-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

We took Zach and Carter out of school a little early and headed down to Chico Hot Springs for some fun swimming in winter! There was no snow falling on us but the temperature outside was 30 degrees and dropped as the night went on. The pool was perfect!! It was so fun to swim in the warm springs with no chlorine to hurt the eyes! And part of it was a large hot tub too. We had so much fun playing marco.. polo.. doing hand stands, and the boys love flipping into the water as Aaron launches them in the air. It was a blast! So family.. There is something fun to do in the winter just down the road in Paradise Valley. People from all over come to stay here, its been around for ages and it is a great spot to soak and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Come visit! We hope to have snow falling next time!

SUNDAY EVENING FIRE

2012-01-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

I can't begin to explain how very scary this fire was. We were all sitting in the family room when Carter came running in yelling.. FIRE! Aaron jumped off the couch and ran to look and all he could see was a wall of flames on the other side of our fence towering about 7 feet tall. He yelled to me to call 911 and I quickly rushed the kids outside to the garage away from the house to keep them safe and out of the wind and smoke. The wind was possibly 40-50 mph. In moments like this you quickly think, what should I grab from the house? I only managed to take outside some photo albums and scriptures and I knew I needed to get out there and fight the fire. At this time Aaron was working on the keeping the fire from the barn which was full of hay and outside the barn were piles of old hay, grass clippings, and branches that were all aflame. I grabbed buckets of water to put the fire out which was now in our yard and to wet the fence down to try to keep the fire on the other side of the fence. A policeman showed up quickly and we grabbed my fire extinguishers and continued to work on the fire to keep it from the house. It was such a whirlwind of activity its hard to describe it all. I had one moment to check on Carter, Gavin and Maggie in the garage where we said a heartfelt and pleading prayer to our Father in Heaven. Zach was such a hero, he was working with me continually bringing buckets of water to defend the house. All in all, five fire trucks came, an ambulance and many big SUV's of emergency workers and it was finally put out around 6:30. It had started at 4:50. The policeman awarded Zach a badge for his bravery. When it was all over we were exhausted with smoke filled lungs, tired bodies and a sense of deep gratitude for the miracle and pray which was heard and answered. We all broke down as we offered a prayer of thanks for protecting our home and each other. When things like this happen we have the opportunity to realize what is most important in our lives. I am so grateful for this gospel and for my family.

Fire

2012-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

A few pictures looking towards our house from the couple acres of land our house is surrounded by. We estimate that it burned about 3 acres total of the land around the house and just a small portion in our yard.

GORGEOUS NEW YEARS EVE DAY

2011-12-31T20:39:00.001-08:00

The moisture finally arrived to Montana! We woke up on New Years Eve day with an inch at our house and glorious sunshine so we knew we needed to seek out the snow. We loaded up the car and headed to Bozeman to check out a canyon we hadn't been too. If you know Salt Lake then I would compare it to Millcreek Canyon. It was a wonderful suprise to discover and to see that there was a nice good dumping of fresh snow to play in. We had a great couple hours of snowshoeing and sledding and then off to warm up with some good food at applebees. Fun day. We are hoping the snow will stay around but we hear it will be 50 degrees next week! Well, winter is 6 months here so more time to play in it will come. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

SNOWSHOEING HYALITE CANYON

2011-12-31T20:22:00.001-08:00

Checking out the Bridger Bowl

2011-12-26T17:30:00.001-08:00

The day after christmas we took a beautiful drive up the canyon to the ski resort bridger bowl.
The drive was dry and hardly any sign of snow but once we made it to the top it opened up to a beautiful scene of trees, snow and sunshine! We wanted to give Zach a glimpse of what it will be like as he takes some ski lessons this year for the first time. Carter also hopes to do some snowboarding. It is a nice small mountain that is perfect for kids. Love these handsome boys. We hope everyone had a very merry christmas and Happy NEW YEAR!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

2011-12-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning

2011-12-26T17:20:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning started early at 6 am at the Roberts household. It was a great morning despite Gavin's many sad faces as the others opened their gifts. Once the Wii was revealed, all woes came to a hault. :)

An angel among us

2011-12-26T17:13:00.001-08:00

Here is our "Little Angel" :) When I asked him what he was going to be in his play he said "an angel, I don't want to be an angel". I had to laugh, he would have preferred a shepherd or a wise men. He did a great job singing in his school play and I was so proud of him for making it through with a stomach ache, hence the sad looking face. What an angel!

TREE HUNTING

2011-12-26T17:07:00.001-08:00

We set out to find the perfect christmas tree on a cool 20 degree morning. With snowshoes on and a saw in hand they were off in search of the best tree. I watched as a few other dad's came up the mountain with their sons and quickly cut down a tree and left but not my guys. . They spent an hour in the cold temps to find a most perfect tree. Even maggie joined us but quickly learned that the snow is cold on the paws and wanted to head back to the car but not untill she ran freely through the snow path. Good job boys.

Ducks at the Park

2011-12-26T16:59:00.001-08:00

One day when the snow finally fell in the morning I decided to take a drive past the park after picking up the boys from school and this is what we saw as we drove by the creek. It was completely full of ducks and geese. It was a beautiful sight to see all of those green heads and a flash of white here and there. I would have thought they would migrate but they have remained here in montana.

WE HAVE EGGS!

2011-12-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

Every afternoon we head out to the coop and find a few eggs waiting for us. Beautiful brown and green eggs! Organic eggs sure make for wonderful scrambled eggs for a quick dinner.

wolf badge award!

2011-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of Carter for working hard to earn his wolf badge. Here he is with his good friend Tyler after Dad put the ceremonial face paint on him. Good job Carter!!!

Playing by the Yellowstone

2011-11-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

The boys love to be able to drive right up to the river and throw rocks and sticks in and watch them disapear down the mighty Yellowstone. I feel blessed to see this scenery just a short drive from our home. And I am especially grateful that I can see it without having to hike as my knee will not allow that at this time. What a beautiful world our Savior has created for all to enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving dinner and Maggie stood and begged for her share. I am grateful for my family and all the blessings the Lord has given to all of us and all of those in our lives who we love.

My Guys

2011-11-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

They took a walk on Thanksgiving day and enjoyed the 50 degree weather outside.

Happy Haunting

2011-10-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-16T21:20:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Saturday afternoon at the pumpkin patch and hay maze. I have to admit, the maze was a lot harder then I thought it would be and Carter finished first by running through. I think we spent at least an hour in there trying to find all the checkpoints. I was very impressed as I learned they change it often. Thank you to those who do these things that our children may enjoy.. and us parents too. We found 3 nice pumpkins, Gavin had a train ride and the two boys enjoyed the bungee trampoline. We ended the day with Carter's last football game. The skies have gone cold here and we feel winter is in the air!

The Fearless

2011-10-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Carter has always been the adventureous type, stares down fear and turns it into an opportunity to try. When he was 3 yrs old he took his bike down the very steep driveway to see how fast he could go and ended up in the ER with stitches. He does not fear things that others may take caution in, he wants to try them. He was the first one to say that he wanted to try the bungee trampoline and boy did he ever! He flipped untill he couldn't find the energy anymore. It was fun to see the two boys side by side in a high flying act! GO BOYS!

Jumping Joy

2011-10-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

I was such a proud mom to watch Zach brave the high flying bungee trampoline. Afterwards he commented how he would never do it again. I think it was exhausting to him to use his upper body strength to get so high. It required pulling down on the cords as you jumped up to reach great heights. Overall, I see a smile on his face and he did an awesome job! I love to see the boys try new things out of their comfort zones. I think it was 5th grade when I finally tried new things but I was always cautious. Great Job Zach!

Buzz Light Year.. to the RESCUE!

2011-10-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

A fun photo op at the Pumpkin Patch. Of course I am very fond of the character "Jessie" in the Toy Story movies and Gavin has always loved the beloved Woody.

Jackson Hole

2011-10-12T07:57:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend trip down to Jackson Hole and Pinedale Wyoming for the blessing of baby Samuel Brian Roberts. We arrived on Friday night and spent Saturday shopping in Jackson and having a picnic off the side of the road by the Tetons. It was a cloudy weekend so we were not able to see their grand peaks but the scenery is breathtaking no matter what the weather. We also saw Sharon and Steve's home and it was a great place. I enjoyed spending time with Isabelle and her toys and watching her learn on the computer. :) We then drove to Pinedale that evening where we enjoyed some chinese food with Aaron's family and swimming at the hotel for the kids. Sunday morning was the blessing. Brian gave a most beautiful blessing for this sweet little boy who has come into the family and also shared his testimony with us. It was very touching to see Brian as a new father again and to see Aaron stand with him as he blessed Sam. What a wonderful blessing the Priesthood is! It was such a quick day that I completely forgot to pull out my camera! We really enjoyed seeing Brian and Jen's new home they are building also. It was hard to leave all the family we miss so much.. Julie and Emily, Brian and Jen and kids, Steve and Sharon and kids, Jeannine and Sueann. It was great to see all of you!

Heaven on Earth

2011-10-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to be able to see some colors in Grand Teton National Park. I am so glad we took the time to go the long way home to see this little slice of Heaven on Earth. And to our amazement as we were making our way through Yellowstone.. A grizzly. I was in Heaven! I have never seen one close up in the wild before and it was a great experience for the boys! I am so grateful to have these experiences and to enjoy the beauty that has been created for us to enjoy.

A Drive along the Boulder

2011-09-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Every weekend feels like an adventure as we pack a lunch and find a new road to discover. It is one of the greatest things about moving to a new area where everything is fresh and new and there are discoveries around every corner. We knew we needed to take advantage of the last nice weekends we have left so we took a drive along the Boulder river. We saw antelope running along the road, men fishing the boulder, a wildfire burning in the distance and a breathtaking waterfall. To our suprise it was almost 90 degrees out so Gavin had to take off his long sleeve shirt and enjoy the playground of the Mcleod Montana School with Dad. We ended the day at a fish hatchery and then it was off to Carter's football game. What a weekend! Zach spent the day in Yellowstone with his scout troop observing the geysers and the boys all had a camp out with Dad at Pine Creek the night before. Needless to say.. Sunday WAS a day of rest. Happy First days of fall everyone!

Happy Fall

2011-09-22T12:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Fall Everyone. I love this time of the year when the morning awakes with crisp air and the kitchen smells of pumpkin cookies and chicken noodle soup with hot rolls. I would love if you would share your favorite fall recipes with me! Send to robertsjessie@yahoo.com.

oops..

2011-09-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Sorry to SARA for putting an H at the end of her name! All the Sarah's I know have one so I am sorry about that. You are wonderful, unique, and an amazing mother! Hope all is well.

Dinner with the Elders

2011-09-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed having the missionaries over to our house on monday night for some last of the summer bbq. The boys really enjoyed playing candy land with them and laughing at how funny Brother Maloney was. By the way.. He is the same missionary that would eat frequently with Eric and Sarah in Missoula! How fun is it that we get to feed him now?! I heard that he loved Eric's pancakes for dinner so I think I will give it a try next time. I am craving Pumpkin Pancakes! I am ready to bake. I love fall!

Special Day

2011-09-12T12:38:00.001-07:00

We had the priviledge of attending Stake Conference last sunday in Bozeman and it was a wonderful meeting! We have an amazing Stake President here and his words are always very powerful and uplifting. I want to share just a few thoughts:

Do you have any part of the world in your home? How do we dress? What language do we use? What TV do we watch or movies? How can we remove ourselves from the things of the world and focus on family? I have been trying to do this. It seems to be a constant battle with all that we are exposed to each and everyday.

We also were very excited to hear from Elder D. Todd Christofferson. It was a big event for an apostle to come to Montana, in fact they mentioned that they only come every 16 years or so.

He spoke about how our covenants give us strength in a difficult world. And the Prophets messages of young men to serve missions, strengthening our marriages, rescue those who are drifting, and minister to the rising generation (our children).

After the meeting was over, Elder Christofferson invited all the children to come up and shake his hand. He commented to Zach how much he liked his suit and tie, and thanked Carter and Gavin for coming. It was so touching that I couldn't help but cry as I watched my boys. They seem to be getting older each day.

We love all of you! We think of you daily and pray for you. I hope everyone is feeling joy and comfort in our Saviors love.

Preschool started

2011-09-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

We decided to keep Gavin in preschool another year so that he can be better prepared for kindergarten next year. Here he is on his first day. He was very excited and even picked out the flashy shoes at the store for his big day. He is enrolled in St. Mary's and I am grateful for what a private education can do for him but it is a little different being a catholic school. His teacher was trying to teach him how to pray. Aaron and I had to laugh a little at that. :) But overall it seems to be an excellent school. He goes all day on mondays and tuesdays! It allows me a little time to run to Bozeman for things. Happy School Bubba!

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Aaron did a much better job at capturing this picture. I gave it a try but the boys were so tired and Gavin was crying by the end of the day and they didn't want to take anymore. :)

LABOR DAY DRIVE THROUGH THE GALLATIN

2011-09-05T19:50:00.001-07:00

We started off the day heading down the Gallatin Canyon and stopping at a campground to look for our first treasure. This was my first experience of geocaching. I found a peaceful spot to sit on this rock while my boys hiked up the hill to find whatever treasure was awaiting them. (I would have joined but still nursing this knee from surgery). As I watched them come back down they were full of smiles as they found the treasure and inside were some plastic kids toys and Gavin had a plastic puppet monster on his finger and a handful of snail shells. That is gold to a five year old! We found another treasure using our GPS in Bozeman under a bridge on a bike path. This was a fun find because it contained a "travel bug". This is a cache that has been travelling in many places and we can find out where by going online. The boys are excited to plant this in a new place! We will keep you posted.

A Little Town called ENNIS

2011-09-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Thoughts of Grandpa Web

2011-09-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today as we pulled into the beautiful landscape of Hebgen Lake and the Madison River valley my thoughts were turned to Grandpa who loved this place more then anywhere else. There were many stories told about this place and his love for the river and for the many birds that live in this part of the country. We just lost Grandpa and he will be dearly missed by all of us. I can only imagine the great adventure he is on now, as he liked to call it, and all that he is seeing. You will always be with us and each time I pass this part of Montana I will think of you.

So grown up

2011-09-05T19:25:00.001-07:00

Zach has hit that age where its not cool to have pictures taken and since mom is never far from her camera, he had tried to figure out ways to stop it from happening. I love these pictures because they capture Zach in his true form. I love this kid.

FEARLESS AND FREE

2011-09-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Gavin did not care for one minute how cold the water was. He was determined to get his suit on and go for a swim. He was the first one to launch off the log and cannon ball into the water. His proud mom cheered him on with camera in hand. You can see how cold the water was.. look at that face! It didn't stop him from going again and again and when we got back home he asked when we can go again. GO GAVIN!

Nice Day for a Swim

2011-09-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

My brave little boys were so thrilled to be able to go swimming in the Lake even though it was freezing. We had to laugh when we made Maggie swim around because we knew she didn't want to just jump in the frigid water but we had to see that she could swim. Needless to say, she swam great and as fast as she could to the shore. Aaron pulled a big log out into the lake for a makeshift boat and it suited them just fine, when they could stay on it of course!

Hebgen Lake

2011-09-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

The Billings Montana Temple

2011-09-03T17:31:00.001-07:00

We started the day early and I was anticipating seeing my new temple for the first time. It is perched below rock cliffs on the outskirts of the city and is surrounded by beautiful flowers. What a wonderful sight to see a temple again. Only a couple more years and I will be taking Zach to do baptisms for the dead. I cannot wait! And neither can he.

A place of Peace and Rest

2011-09-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is the view of the back of the temple and the stained glass windows are where the celestial room is located. What a beautiful and peaceful room. As you enter you are immediately drawn to the window seats and can see reflections on the carpet floor of colors reflecting off of the enormous glass chandelier which hangs high above the room. This was my first experience of a new and smaller temple and I realize that no matter which of the Lord's houses you are in, the spirit is with you. What a blessing to do the Lord's work.

FIRST DAY of SCHOOL

2011-08-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of the school year and the boys were woken up early and managed to get themselves dressed and to the table to try to eat doughnuts which Zach picked out for their first day breakfast. It was a whirlwhind in the morning but there was excitement and nervousness wrapped into one. After the day was through, Zach said it was the best first day he had ever had. He had fun playing soccer at recess. And Carter was a bit more quiet, trying to get over a stomach sickness but he had a pretty good smile too. I think its going to be a year of success and new friendships!

Happy Happy 5th Birthday Bubba!

2011-08-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

He was excited to receive a race car track that was lightening Mcqueen.

The wood cabin in front of him is a piggy bank from Yellowstone National Park. What a happy birthday boy.

Grandma Roberts, this was his face when he opened your card! What a suprise to receive a whole ten dollar bill from Grandma! He was so excited and it only lasted a few days in his piggy bank. It went with him on a trip to Bozeman with dad to buy a leggo set.

BIRTHDAY BOY!

2011-08-29T16:02:00.001-07:00

Gavin requested this fun diner just on the outskirts of town. One of the reasons he wanted to go to this place is the room full of quarter video games with hunting games among other things. The food is delicious and how can you go wrong with burgers and fries!

I asked Gavin if I could take a picture of him sampling his little burger that was just his size. This is what he did when I held up the camera! I love this boy. He has quite the personality.

The day of his birthday Gavin and I made his birthday cake. He requested a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and candy on top. His favorite candy is candy corn and good thing it is not a seasonal candy. The sunday after his birthday his primary teacher brought in some candy for Gavin and what was it.. Candy corn! He was thrilled!

A weekend in YELLOWSTONE

2011-08-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Yellowstone National Park. We are about an hour away from the mammoth hot springs entrance. We spent the night camping at Grant Village and the next day we explored the beautiful geysers and the firehole river! I thought of you dad as I saw others with their fly rods on this river. It was a beauty! We love all of you and miss you too.

Animals among us

2011-08-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

This guy the boys named "grumpy snort".

The Roberts Crew

2011-08-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

The sun was setting just as we watched old faithful erupt. It was perfect timing for pictures and an amazing sight. The boys loved every minute of it.

2011-08-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful's majesty

3 Happy Boys

2011-08-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

They loved Yellowstone. Zach kept commenting that he can't believe that people from all over the world come to see this place and we live so close. We are blessed to have these opportunities. I love to see things through the eyes of children!

The Orange Hole

2011-08-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

This was our favorite. We must have spent a half hour taking pictures and trying to capture its beauty. Its as if someone had taken watercolors to this landscape.

A truly magnificent sight

2011-08-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Geysers

2011-08-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

I took so many pictures! I wish I could post them all for you to see. I hope everyone has had the opportunity to see Yellowstone at least once in their lifetime because it is a place that cannot be missed. The wonder, the beauty, it is breathtaking!

2011-08-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

My Guys. A beautiful overlook of the green trees. Everything was so green and beautiful this year.

2011-08-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

The boys admiring the horns that were found in the park. We love the park rangers!!

Yellowstone Beauty

2011-08-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Mammoth Hot Springs. What an amazing landscape we have been given to enjoy. My boys were wide eyed as they marveled at the fact that hot steam and water could be on the surface of the earth. What an amazing day!

3 Little Hens

2011-08-13T13:32:00.001-07:00

We have Chickens!

2011-08-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

So far there have been two names selected.. Gavin's chicken is Sally, and Carter's is Adele.

We will keep you posted on Zach's name. In just a short while we will have some nice brown

eggs and some colored ones! Omelets here we come!

Rico the Rooster

2011-08-10T19:29:00.001-07:00

Gavin is in love with our new roosters. One day Aaron looked at the window and watched as Gavin made his way across the yard to pick one up and with a look in his eye he proceeded to walk towards the sprinkler. With one quick throw the rooster was scrambling to get out of there. We told him that they do not like to get wet and he said.. I have never seen a chicken wet before. Gotta love that boy!

138 Miller Drive

2011-08-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here is our rental home. It is 3 bedroom and two baths and some really interesting touches inside including dog wallpaper in the kitchen, wolves in the master bathroom and mixed drinks in the room which use to be a garage. But.. We are happy here and so grateful for a roof over our heads! What a blessing it is to have.

The front entrance. It has a huge cottonwood tree in front which I love and next spring I hope to try my hands at a garden.. With Aaron's help.

2011-08-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Looking down the road from our home going towards town. Zach is busy hunting for birds with his BB gun.

Looking down the road the opposite direction heading South to Paradise Valley and on your way to Yellowstone National Park.

2011-08-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sunset looking out from our backyard. Beautiful.

Aaron taking care of the grass in the backyard that is fenced for Maggie, our little dog, and is home to a chicken coop we are using for our two roosters at the moment and chickens to come.

2011-08-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

The view from the pasture just left of the house. We are blessed to be on 4 acres but will never have horses Aaron says.. Too much work.

Looking down to the Barn from the pasture.

2011-08-10T18:58:00.001-07:00

The Barn that is in the back with two rope swings, made by Aaron so they can launch off the hay bales and swing till thier hearts content!

Aarons dream shop which can hold our two subaru's including the old beast.. the bronco with room to spare.

2011-08-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

The cabin trip could not be complete without cousins and horses. Gavin had his favorite which he named "Lightening" and every horse he comes across has the same name and is special. Even the wooden horse on the carousel at lagoon.

2011-08-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Smores 101.. We all had a great last night cooking up some burgers and smores. These memories will last a lifetime.

2011-08-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

My brothers looked amazing out on the water! I am so happy to see them connect with the water and enjoy the quiet of the moment. Love you guys!

2011-08-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Carter loves wearing his fishing vest and listening to Grandpa explain how to fish. Best fishing trip ever for the boys. Thanks Dad.

2011-08-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Zach was so very proud of all the fish he was able to catch on this beautiful river. He is showing us the size of the one he just threw back. Thanks Dad for sharing your passion for the art of fishing.

Pines Cabin

2011-08-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to find solace and enjoy the beauty of nature is at the Pines Ranch. I am so grateful for my Great Grandfather Ken who made it possible for our family to go and enjoy the beauty of this place year after year with our family.

Coming home to Montana

2011-07-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

We are soon coming home to Montana. I always imagined a simplistic life with open spaces and nature at your doorstep. So begins a new and beginning chapter in our lives.. we love our family and will keep in touch with our blog..