Hello Everyone!
I wanted to share a few pictures with all of you of my parent's house and a few pictures of Montana.
My parents live in Camas Prairie, MT...
They raised all ten of us kids here...
This isn't the house I grew up in though.
My Dad had built the house I grew up in.
That house unfortunately burned down in 2002.
I remember the day it happened....
It was a very sad day for all of us.
My cousin, Jeff, built this house for my parents.
He is such a talented architect.
I was fortunate enough to spend a day with Jeff and Kelly (Wintersteen Farms)
on our way to Montana.
It was raining when I was at their house, and unfortunately I wasn't able to get too many pictures of their beautiful home.
I am hoping I can make another trip back up there this year.
It snowed a lot while we were home.
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My dad raises English Mastiffs...
This is Bazzle.
He is a big teddy Bear.
They had a litter of dantiffs while we were home..
Dantiffs are a cross between an English Mastiff and a Great Dane.
This is a picture of my dad and my two daughters.
A picture of my mom and dad with my family, and my nephew Jarod, who is directly in front
of my Dad.
A picture of my two sons (in the brown coats) getting ready to go outside and play with their cousins at my parents' house.
My parents house is at the base of the trees.
A couple of shots of Camas Prairie....
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I went to a one room schoolhouse on the Prairie until I was in fourth grade.
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I took this picture on our way to Kalispell to visit my brother.
This is a picture of Flathead Lake.
I wish it had been a clearer day, because I would have been able to get a better shot of the mountains.
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You can kind of see the two Bald Eagles in the trees...
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I really love the Kalispell area....
The mountains are beautiful!
My brother lives near this barn.
The mountains are beautiful!
My brother lives near this barn.
I have to apologize for not being able to get back to some of you.
I am a little behind on my emails, and I am trying to get back to each and everyone of you
as quickly as I can.
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays!
Take Care,
Maria
139 comments:
What a beautiful area your parents live in. All that snow! Thanks for sharing!
Amazing Maria!
Girl! Let me know next time youre in my neck of the woods! :) Such beautiful picures...I'm ready for summer though ;)
LOVELY just
L
O
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Looks a little bit "Swedish"
Hugs from the Roseman :)
Håkan
Oh these pictures are soooo beautiful.The atmosphere is fantastic, you must be proud of that beautiful family....and ilove that dog!
Happy New year!
XX
love the photos..
especially the puppy!! your kids are gorgeous!!
thanks for sharing!!
warmest sandy hugs..
Loui♥
These images bring back such wonderful memories!
We lived in Billings, and I can recall so vividly the austere, white landscape. You captured it beautifully. :-)
Hugs,
Anne
Hi Maria,
ohh, how beautifull, amazing!
Normaly we have a lot of snow too, but this winter the snow won't really come, a pitty.
thanks for sharing.
nice regards from Austria
Betty
Gorgeous pictures Maria!
Looks like a magical place to live!
Happy New Year my friend!
Federica
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your pictures. I peruse your blog often because you are living my dream life - married to a cowboy, on a ranch, five kids, from Montana etc. This is the first time I've left a comment and I just added you to my favorites. Keep the good stuff comin!
Maria, I am so happy you shared these GORGEOUS photos! ...SO VERY PRETTY! I've never heard of a Dantiff, he's ADORABLE! I grew up with an English Mastiff and I love the breed. I love to pet and squish their wrinkles! ;-)
Beautiful pictures Maria. Seeing the English Mastiff reminded me of the Bull Mastiff that we had. The boys named him fat boy because he was huge even as a pup. I'm told they are very loyal dogs and extremely smart but ours was very protective, so not too many people could be around him. He only liked a certain few. He was a big bear too. Unfortunately, he died one summer when I was away and my husband had to call to give me the news. Hope you are having a great start to the New Year.
pretty as always :) Love that photo of your dads dog, it made me smile!
xo
Jenny
amazing pictures! That gorgeous snow reminded me of where I grew up, in Wyoming. Deep wonderful snow!
The sweet photos of your kids with their cousins were cute too...love it when family can get together and the off-spring get a chance to play and get to know each other...
Looks like you had a wonderful trip to Montana...love it!
It looks a bit like here in Sweden with lots and lots of snow. What a lovely family you have! Thanks for sharing us!
Eija
God's country, beautiful shots Maria!
Kat :)
wow their house is just picture perfect!! so in love! ♥
Simply stunning - Montana and your family.
Fondly,
Glenda
I love seeing pictures from your trip back home. So beautiful, your parents home, the scenery, and your sweet children.
Dear Maria,
When I think of all the moaning that goes on in the UK when we get some snow and then I see the amount that your mum and dad get , I feel ashamed !!!! haha. What beautiful photographs of the wonderful area where your parents live. You have a beautiful family, a lovely husband and a complete family to be proud of.
This is what I love about blogging.....to see the different ways that people live and work and the different environments in which they live.
A wonderful 2011 to you and yours and i hope that it is filled with love, joy, happiness and many, many special moments. Thank you too for your lovely comments and support in 2010. With love. XXXX
c'est tres beau!!!!quel chance !! profiter bien de votre famille ;;cordialement katr(franceà libourne) le-calepin-de-kateblogspot.com.a tres vite pour des nouvelles.
I loved your pics. What a gorgeous place to live. Your family pics were so nice to see and I have to say your dad looks somewhat like Robert deNiro!! take care, Maryann
Your photos make me want to move to Montana! GORGEOUS Country! Beautiful photos!! SIGH... :)
You have a Beautiful family! Love all your pictures :)
so fabulous, Maria! What a dreamy white vacation ;)
xoxo
hello maria. gorgeous photos. montana looks amazing. have never been there. glad you had a great trip. did a little shopping with tracey this morning. her new mantle is gorgeous.
So stunning and peaceful! You have a beautiful family! Happy New Year!!
My husband;s family grew up in Havre Montana and I am always hearing how beautiful Montana is....
Your pictures prove it!!
If you have time, please come visit me on my blog!
Maria, you have such a gorgeous family. This looks like such an awsome trip! I can't wait to see the rest of your NYC pics. I to, just got back from there. :)
Maria, Can't thank you enough for sharing your beautiful family and photos with us. It all seems rather dreamy to me. Your family is lovely and that dog!!! I love to read your blog and drool over the pics of your home. Your taste is lovely and makes me feel serene. Thanks so very much!
Carrie
Just amazing pictures!
Absolutely beautiful pictures...I adore your blog! I have one little boy and my husband and I have been trying for quite a while for our second...so, I just love reading stories about your fabulously BIG family! I can only wish!!!
I was curious as to what camera you use? Your pictures are stunning! Thanks again and hope you had a great holiday!
Tara
Maria,
Your daughters are so beautiful! I hadn't realized your oldest daughter was so old! She looks like a young lady. And you look too young to have children that old!
Thanks for sharing pictures of your travels. The countryside is very picturesque with all that snow.
Hi Maria, absolutely gorgeous photos. Breathtaking actually!
Love seeing your family and Montana! It is beautiful there!
These pictures are so beautiful! I now must have a Dantiff after seeing that adorable pup with your daughter! Too cute!!
Gorgeous photos! I love Bazzle! He's a cutie!
Gorgeous photos! I love Bazzle! He's a cutie!
Montana is spectacular. My mom is from Ashley Lake and my dad from the eastern Montana prairies...but the summers are so short for us gardeners!
Your pictures and family are beautiful!
Happy New Year,
Candylei
The photos are wonderful, they don't look real, so pretty!
What a wonderful place to spend time with your beautiful family... We're still hoping for snow around here, kids are very anxious! Happy new year!
Isabel
MARIA I have always wanted a Mastiff!! How wonderful!
We always had Great Danes going up!
The house, the snow, the pics of the kids! I love your photos!!! You need to visit in the summer! I love Montana.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing. It's so beautiful. Those pictures are amazing and all of that white powdered snow.
Happy New Year!
Claudia
Ahhh...! Breathtaking! I wish you and your lovely family a wonderful 2011! Thank you for all your inspiration!
Love Elin
In an emotional mist she breathes in fog and breathes it out as garden flowers......
Happy New Year to you Maria and your family......beautiful pictures as always......may all your dreams for 2011 come true....
Thanks for the trip. The Countryside is absolutely breath taking and the puppies ~ well :-)
Your family is lovely as well.
thanks again for the beautiful pictures.
Marianne
so beautiful! love the family photos... reminds me of the times we spent in colorado with our kids and a trip my partner and i had to wyoming. i d love to go to montana one day! such a contrast to sydney australia right now...
Beautiful!!!! Jan
I am not sure what is more beautiful...your family, the house or the landscape shots. I think i need some wisdom from your mother. I think I have my hands full with 7 kids.
I love that area of Montana too! I raised in eastern Montana but moved to the Kalispell area later as an adult. Your pictures make me miss home! Must have been so nice to be in the valley during the winter. It's so beautiful there. We hope to make a trip next Christmas=)
Maria,
I'm speachless...literally! These images are perfect. I did not know you were a professional photographer.
My hubby is in Montana right now visiting his sister and I didn't want to go just because of those white things you also see in your photos.
breathtaking photos... you are so talented! i HEART the west! it's just so open and beautiful!
oh, and i am so in love with Bazzle... what a cutie!
p.s. thanks for stopping by my blog:)
xo
Beautiful photos, Maria. Your daughters are lovely young ladies and what handsome sons! How special to spend time with family at holdiay time. It sounds like you all had a wonderful white Christmas.
simply beautiful!!
All I can say is WOW! Your photos are stunning. I have to ask about the first one of your parent's home...did you photoshop it or use a special lens or setting. Love, love, love this photo!
Thanks so much for sharing the beautiful photos of your trip and family. Lots of memories made, I'm sure.
Lucky, lucky girl. Gorgeous photos, thanks for sharing!
Amazing place to call home...lovely photos. Dawn Suitcase Vignettes
those photos are just gorgeous! i wish it would snow a little more here!
wonderful pictures Maria!;)Thanks for sharing with us~ Hugs,Rachel
French Farmhouse 425
wonderful pictures Maria!;)Thanks for sharing with us~ Hugs,Rachel
French Farmhouse 425
All I have to say is take me with you next time you are going to Montana. Just say the word I'll be packed and ready. I'll sleep with Bazzle, he'll keep me warm.
Have a great 2011, I look forward to following your blog Maria.
Lisa @ Lesapea.
Thank you for sharing the pictures they are so beautiful!!! Isn't snow pretty?
I am originally from Michigan and I remember snow wasn't that much fun in April :(
Hope your New Year is wonderful!!
Suzann
those pups are so darn cute and your photographs are gorgeous- beautiful family too!
Love the red barn photo, I have taken that same photo in the spring, fall, and summer. My daughter lives in Kallispell, so we go there often. Florence
Breathtaking photos. Thank you so much for sharing. xx
Oh Maria,
The photos are beautiful but you know me, I love the dogs. My daughter has a friend that has two Mastiffs, they are grand, beautiful animals. I think our Zeke would get along great with them.
Happiness to you, sweet Maria!
xo~Tracie
Just looked at your family photos again. You definitely need to add some photos of you too!
Chat soon! xoxo
I was right it was Kalispell!! Ohhhh I miss it right now! Beautiful pictures thank you for taking me there!
What a handsome family. Beautiful blog. awesome photograpy.
No thank you for sharing... that looked like one good family time. Especially when I read that their house burned down in 2002 because mine burned down in 2003. Such beautiful country out there. Lucky you to be a part of it. Happy New Year
It's beautiful!! I just love snowy winters and would love to live someplace where there was snow on the ground all winter! ;-) I say that because I mostly experience rain all winter, hee!!
It was wonderful to see pictures of your darling family....thanks for sharing. We often see pictures of your beautiful home....but you should share some of beautiful you, too! ;-)
~xo/michelle~
Hi Maria, your images are so beautiful...thanks for sharing. you have a beautiful family :))
Gorgeous photos, thank you so much for sharing.
Anne xx
What a divine house, family, setting and all your photos. Thank for sharing something so personal. CArla
Don't ever apologize Maria...to me, you are living your life, and enjoying your family...I absolutely LOVE seeing picture of Montana and your family...your girls are gorgeous (just like you)
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
Gorgeous photos Maria and your family is so precious! I love that area and spent a week with friends on Flathead lake years and years ago and loved it!
Cheers~
T
Your dad is Robert DeNiro?
oh my god!your pictures look not real...just taken from something magic!!!
I love that area too - we have driven down there several times over the years. Thank you for sharing these - you have a way with the camera, that's for sure!
Dear Maria,
Thank you very much for the nice greeting you left with me, I think much of you since last time! Time went so fast, so Christmas was gone within a flash. I Wish you all the best in the new year that lays ahead of us, I know you are going to achieve even more amazing adventures. It was so fun to follow up on everything that happened last year, and I am looking forward to see much more of what comes in your path. Thanks also for all the generous Give aways, all good tips and wonderful inspiration you shared, not least the beautiful images that are a treat for both eyes and soul. You are valuable to many!
Sending you a big hug,
Aina
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing! This Arizona girl loves looking at Montana snow!
Wow...that part of the country looks so peaceful ~ your photos are beautiful!
Maria,
Thank you for sharing these pictures of your trip. These just fed into my dreams of Montana that come from the first time I watched Legends of the Fall. Is it really as fantastic as it seems? Anyways, love your blog and your beautiful home!
-Ashley
You have a beautiful life. I think this is one of my favorite posts of yours. I loved seeing your family and where you were raised...that you are from a family of 10 children! What a true true blessing. You have really captured the beauty of family and homelife in these photos...so wholesome. They touch my heart. Happiness to you in the New Year. ox`kerrie
WOW, what an amazing place to live. Your pictures turned out so gorgeous, it looks like a magical place. We don't have those kind of vistas here (VA). Thanks for sharing, hoping you and family had a blessed Christmas!
Thank you for wanting to share those wonderful photos. I loved seeing all that snow on the mountains!
It was a Dreamy White post for sure!
Happy New Year to you,
Beth
Oh my gosh. These photos are amazing! I adore the hay stacked one!
Home looks to be like a wonderful place. :) Glad you got there and back safely.
Donna
I have recently discovered your blog and have really enjoyed reading your post. You have a precious family. Really enjoyed the snow pictures.
Shirley of Blue Gate Farm, Texas
Incredible photos, beautiful family!
I've never seen that dog breed before, they are wonderful!
These images are magical! Your parents have such a beautiful home & live in such a beautiful area.
~ Clare x
Maria,
This post made me long to be home in Connecticut with my family. I miss the snow so bad (only at Christmas) and living in LA doesn't feel much like the holidays. What a beautiful place. I've had a penpal for 33 years and we have never met. She lives in Montana. I've always wanted to go and I've traveled the world - she's never seen the ocean and due to her having such a large family it's hard for her to travel. I'm hoping this year we will be able to meet. I'm dying to see the beauty that you portrayed in your pictures and meet the funny girl who has become a great friend first through letters, then the phone and now email and facebook. I recently found your blog and enjoy it because my favorite decor color of all time is white :)
Hello Maria,
your photos are stunning! And the landscape are a dream!
Hugs,
Yvonne
Beautiful blog and photos!!!
Big regards from Croatia, Zondra Art
Beautiful blog and photos!!!
Big regards from Croatia, Zondra Art
I definitely know this comment is going to get lost amongst so many others but i couldnt but appreciate the beautiful place and your pictures. It is beyond words. I wish I was born there..
I've been following dreamy whites for almost over half an year now and im really inspired by your blog.
I have shared your blogs button in my blog. Stumble upon.
www.trumatter.wordpress.com
Happy New Year, Maria! Your winter post gives new meaning to Dreamy Whites. I adore your blog to say the least.
P.s. Where are you finding those French canning jars?? I found one on etsy from a sweet seller.
Hugs from N.California
Xo angle
Simply stunning pictures! Your blog never ceases to amaze me!
Lovely lovely blog and lovely lovely pictures!
Best wishes from a snowy Sweden and T
wow, maria, that is really beautiful. great family photos, too. so glad you shared. i don't think i have ever been any place quite like that. breathtaking!
i am always behind on my follow-up comments. no worries from me, sweetie.
xo
elyse
How hilarious! I read your blog and just came across this post - I live in Kalispell! It is super beautiful and my husband and I absolutely LOVE it here - as we are both from Minnesota. Fun to see your pictures, and it is always surprising to read that someone out in "blogland" was where you live! Anyway, very fun to see your pics! Happy 2011!
These photos are gorgeous. Cold but gorgeous-:) Looks like everyone had a good time for the holidays.
Loved the photos! I live in Kalispell and I'm sure I recognize your dad. He looks so familiar...maybe I have seen him at auctions. :) I love the Camas area and we even looked at property down there. I know that red barn well, as well as the other large dilapidated barn. Awesome shots...thanks! Sheri :)
beautiful Maria! happy new year! susan
Lovely, blog, lovley photos, lovely family and dogs:) so cute and your christmas table setting was NOT A Simple Christmas Table Setting, so beautiful!!!!!!
Happy New Year! Mari.
Your photos left me speechless, Maria! What a beautiful state! I've never been there, but would really like to travel out there someday on vacation now. Boy, your parents sure live out in the middle of nowhere, don't they? :) But the beauty! The peace and quiet! Just incredible..... Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I so enjoy seeing the USA via my blog friends. It opens up a whole new world for sure. Oh, and btw - your family is just adorable - as well as the pooches!
xoxo laurie
Maria!!! your photos are amazing. what a special trip. i've been immersed in your blog for the past I-don't-know-how-many-minutes (i'm very behind on my reading) but just have to tell you what a beautiful, happy feeling I get being here.
you've got it goin on.
HUGE hug and congtautulations on romantic homes!!! happy 2011
xoxo,
lauren
Hi Maria: I found you through Lauren's blog - Pure Style Home. I LOVE your home and aesthetic, I am a big fan of Rachel Ashwell's...and I love that you are a Montanan, I went to UM and lived in Missoula and worked on a ranch near Missoula for 4 summers back in the early '80's. I have great friends from the Hamilton area and my first visit to Montana was on the Empire Builder train from Chicago to Kalispell. So, my first whiff of air in Kalispell in June 1982 was pine, pine, pine. I love Montana and can't wait to visit again!! Love your blog! xx
I agree with Laurie of Heaven's walk that blogginf certainly opens up the country and the world!! I want to visit Montana one day. it looks beautiful
Blessings
Gmama Jane
wow that's stunning!
http://australiennechic.blogspot.com/
What beautiful photos!!!
In Italy we can see this landscape only in some films! Thank you for sharing...
lisforlovelythings.blogspot.com
It´s beautiful ♥
Have a nice Day
Sylke
Maria- These photographs are stunning. Your parent's home seems to be a wonderful and magical place!
Thank you for taking me on a little vacation!
Loretta
hi maria..
i love this post and your blog... i have passed the stylish blogger award to you! come see how to pass it along...
wishing you peace, happiness and love this new year...
xx pam
Wow, this looks like an unbelievably beautiful and magical place. Thanks for sharing your pics!
Following my comment from last night, I actually got off the train in Whitefish, not Kalispell -my memory is going! Anyway, I love that whole area - just gorgeous! loving your blog - its beautiful! :))
So beautiful... Makes me wish we lived somewhere snowy!
What great photos! I come from a family of ten kids, too! Not very many people can say that. What number are you? And I have five, too, but another on the way...
i need to get to montana stat! your photos are absolutely lovely and your family looks so happy :) you should definitely print out some of these photos and frame them.. they are gorgeous! my favorite is of the little red barn :)
Just had to leave another comment about how nostaligic those pictures made me feel...WOW talk about the power in pictures. My moms parents had a small farm and from the very little I remember, it just gave me a certain feeling looking at your pictures. Thanks so much for sharing them..you have a beautiful family.
Oh my word. Just heaven!
Hi Maria~ What a beautiful post.. I moved to Montana just out of high school andI met my husband there and our oldest son was born in Whitefish. I love the Flathead Valley and lived there for several years before moving. Such a beautiful area... I am just not a big fan of the snow! :( I remember my husband taking me on a day trip up 'going to the sun road' in Glacier Park. Wow... absolutely beautiful! Love your blog and always enjoy your posts. :)
Wow how beautiful is that!!!! Looks really cold... And really off the beaten path!! I love it!
Thank you! I love your pictures and the Montana I would love to discover one day! I follow your blog since the beginning and love it! Marine
such a lovely pictures. Such a great place to live on its like a paradise and indeed a great family photo.
I just found your blog and LOVE it! I'm currently living in Kalispell (originally from Southern California). Keep up the great work!!
Just found your blog and I am LOVING it. Your photos are amazingly beautiful Maria. I think I can see how your use of gorgeous whites must have been inspired by the clean fresh whites of the landscape which surrounded you growing up. The joy comes through!
I am a new follower of your blog, and a Montana girl too! (Helena) I just whitewashed my entire bedroom with one gallon of white paint:) Thanks for the inspiration for dreamy white living, and for showcasing the wild white beauty of Montana!
Its simply great. From above pic awesome, feels likes a Heaven on Earth :)
These are BEAUTIFUL pictures!
How exciting! I just happened across your blog and Love it! I'm in Bigfork Montana, Bigfork's so cute I'm sure you've been through before;) I'm a newbie blogger and I really think yours is so clean and easy and pretty! Love it!Melissa redhenandhoneybee.blogspot.com
hi, i was searching for a 'marshmallow' on the internet that i found your blog.
what a wonderful place your parents live in...wonderful family.
Absolutely stunning - my cousin lives in Bozeman and has wanted us to come out for years. Sadly he'll be moving back east before we could make it.
HI Maria I've just found your blog today thru a link. When I see anything about MT my ears perk up. I would go back there to live in a hearbeat. We lived south of Helena on Canyon Ferry Lake, east of Townsend. The lake was one reason we picked that area.
We partly found out about MT thru a brochure that was in a grocery store east of where we lived in San Diego area. It was Christmas time and we had just seen a special with John Denver in MT. It had to have been fate since we found the brochures at the store that same night, Rocky Mtn. Properties in Bozeman. I sent away for info right away and got back data about several properties. Ours was 20 acres with all the utilities on the plot with a pole barn.
We went up to MT in February to see the properties and by May we were on our way to MT. wow what a culture shock. I loved it so much there. It was hard to drive into Helena in the Winter but I made it ok without any mishaps and alot of white knuckle driving. We've lived in alot of places but MT is still my very favorite of my life.
We moved away in 99 to KY where oldest son lived but KY just didn't do it for me. The climate was very hard on me with arthritis, asthma and allergies. Lived in KY 5 years then moved here, west of Grand Junction, CO which is ok but it's just not MT. That was dumbest move we ever made, moving away from MT.
Can you tell me where Camas Prairie is close to? Looked in map book but couldn't find it even listed. My husband was a trucker so we saw alot of MT.
You have a beautiful family, it's nice for kids to know their cousins. How great to spend the holidays with your family in MT.
Beautiful blog, Maria. I was captivated by the photo of the barn overlooking Flathead Lake because that barn is my favorite treasure on the way to Kalispell (where I grew up). I have traveled to many places around the world, but I still live in Montana (Missoula) and absolutely love the glimpses of a former, simpler life that surround me every day. Best of luck with everything. Your friend in Montana
I want to take Bazzle for a walk.
awesome... :D
Dear Maria,
at first, you got 5 children!!?? wow! you look so great! The pictures of montana are so great, your family, the dog, the house and the mountains, its a different world for me, like a movie. Thank you for this i love it!. Sorry for my bad english, i hope you understand everything. so many greetings Anja
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