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  • blog
    • adventure
    • mother
    • garden
    • ritual
    • cook
    • podcasts
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  • shop
  • CONTACT
Cup of Gold
March 27, 2012

Two girlfriends and I hopped on a last-minute opportunity to stay in a friend of a friend’s condo a few hours north, in Whitefish. I am always amazed at how much stuff it takes to hit the road with kids (seven of them!) and I am always heartened by how enthusiastic kids are when faced with anything new.

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It really is a wonderful gift to witness life with children, when everything is an exquisite opportunity for excitement and adventure. It’s very true.

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It was fast — we peeled out Sunday morning and rose at 4:30 this morning to get back for work and school. The three mamas like a well trained assembly line, packing snacks, dressing and undressing, bathing, swimming, skiing, refereeing, drying suits and towels, reading books, making food, toasting to life. It was a good time and I am so psyched I went; I wasn’t sure I should go at first. I wrote about a bit about that in this week’s mama digs: owning psyched.

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And now we are home with an explosion of clothes and gear littered about our house. And two baby chicks who missed Margot and Ruby.

Yep, we got two new Buff Orpington chicks.

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Me: So, we should probably come up with some names for our new chicks, eh?
Margot: Yes!
Me: It’s funny but two names immediately came to me. What do you guys think about Buttercup and Tofu?
Ruby: Butt-cup! Butt-cup!
Margot: No thanks. Mine’s name is Flower.
Me: But, Ruby, you like Buttercup?
Ruby: Baby chicky! Baby chicky! No no Butt-cup. My chicky Cup.
Margot: Oh, Ruby! That’s a wonderful name! Cute little Cup.
Ruby: Hi Honey. Hi little Cup.
Margot: Actually, my chick’s name is Gold. And I think yours should be Silver Ruby. Don’t you love Silver?
Ruby: NO. CUP.

Meet Gold and Cup.

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Margot is particularly in love. She sings lullabies to and snuggles those little chicks every few hours. She likes to press her closed eyelid against their downy fluff as she tells them she loves them and to have a good day.

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And, watching Ruby with these chicks is to watch total joy.

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Lastly, I forgot my blog anniversary! As of a few weeks ago, it’s been five years I’ve been sharing bits of myself here and interacting with this whole beautifully inspiring world. And, I am excited to announce that, in this sixth year, dig is taking some leaps and looking forward to some changes. I’ll share details soon! I am very appreciative of this space and for you all. Sincerely, your generosity, smarts, kindness, humor and creativity have exceeded any expectation I had.Β Thank you.

So I want to give you something! Leave a comment for a chance to win $50 gift certificate to my shop (free shipping). Thanks for reading.

xo,
dig and fam
(Nici, Andy, Margot, Ruby, Alice, Sam, Olive, Maude, Violet, 16 Months, Cooper, Captain, Maria, Cup and Gold)

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221 Comments


Abby Taylor
March 27, 2012 at 6:19 PM

We’re getting chickens this year. Yahoo!!



Kristi C.
March 27, 2012 at 6:21 PM

Oh my, five fabulous years!

Looks like a wonderful getaway, but what a sight to come home to. Love the chicks. πŸ™‚



Jessis
March 27, 2012 at 6:21 PM

Congrats on 5 years! Looking forward to many more!



Katie Swanberg
March 27, 2012 at 6:21 PM

Whitefish is such a cool town. Loving the new chicks.



Jaim
March 27, 2012 at 6:27 PM

I’m so jealous of your trip! We had planned on a trip to Whitefish this winter and it just never worked out…so glad you guys got to go. It looks like the skiing was AWESOME!

Five years is awesome too! Glad all these things have worked out so well for you. And those chicks, the new ones and yours as well, are so cute!

Here’s to making it work just how you want it to. Cheers!

Jaim



Rosie
March 27, 2012 at 6:28 PM

Happy blog anniversary! Your blog is by far one of my favorites. Thanks for your wonderful words and pictures πŸ™‚



christa
March 27, 2012 at 6:30 PM

Your blog is one of my favorites too!

We have 2 old hens and we are getting several new little chicks in the next week or two!



Kathi
March 27, 2012 at 6:31 PM

…and here’s to five more! I found your blog about two years ago and am constantly in awe of all you and your family accomplish in a day. Thank you for sharing so many of your trials and triumphs with us.



Rachael
March 27, 2012 at 6:31 PM

Happy blogaversary! Adore that photo of Ruby in such a cozy fluffy sweater with the tiny fluffy chick. πŸ™‚



Cait
March 27, 2012 at 6:32 PM

Wow, five years, congratulations!

Also, love the chick’s names and the dialogue that helped the names come about!



C
March 27, 2012 at 6:35 PM

Congrats on 5 years!!

I’m hoping to get chickens sometime soon- when I can talk the boyfriend into it πŸ™‚



erin
March 27, 2012 at 6:37 PM

Can’t wait to see what is in store :)Our chicks names are Millie, Pat Peckerson, Ophelia, Raven and Big Girl



Sarah
March 27, 2012 at 6:38 PM

The process that kids go through naming their pets is hilarious!!

I so enjoy your blog, and your way that you live in the positive of life….you’re such a great example of how I want to live and parent my kids!

Happy Anniversary!



rebecca...
March 27, 2012 at 6:38 PM

,,,happy aniversary! thanks for letting us “peek” in,,,



jaimestathis
March 27, 2012 at 6:39 PM

Happy Anniversary! I have to say, when I look at photos of your girls I sometimes think, “when they get to high school how will they pick their baby/kid picture for the yearbook.” There are just SO MANY incredible ones; they’re lucky girls to have such documentation of their lives.



Hillary
March 27, 2012 at 6:40 PM

my favourite kind of places are those where you can swim and ski all in one day πŸ™‚ Looks like you had an amazing time.

Thanks for sharing nuggets of your life and letting me join on your wild life adventures. Happy anniversary!



Jeanne
March 27, 2012 at 6:41 PM

Man, Nici, you are a total inspiration to me and as a result my kids benefit from you and your blog. Without you sharing your life I would never have planted a garden, tended to some very overgrown fruit trees, made a ton of apple, pear and peach butter, helped my kids find their own artistic path without falling into the draw me a person trap and showing me that hard work does pay off (just to name a few) I love your blog and I really find it so pure and very motivating. so thank YOU. Anyway, happy anniversery!



Angela
March 27, 2012 at 6:41 PM

Hi! I have been reading your blog for a couple of months (I found you through Kelle Hampton’s blog) and really enjoy it! As a fellow MT girl, I totally “dig” it. Congrats on the anniversary!! After reading a couple blogs and getting totally inspired, I finally started my own just this last week…so thanks for the inspiration!! (I also love the clothes you make….I always check them out when I’m at Tart here in Bozeman!)



Abs
March 27, 2012 at 6:43 PM

When I was pregnant with my son, my then 3yo daughter was in love with the name Milky Cup and insisted that was a great name for our new addition. She said, “That’s just a great name!” Reminded me of Margot’s initial reaction to Ruby’s Cup.

Maybe Cup will evolve to Cupcake:)

Congratulations on 5 years!! Would love to win that gift card. I’d use it to make another birthday outfit for my firecracker girl, Ceci:)



Megan
March 27, 2012 at 6:45 PM

Happy blog Anniversary!! I love the naming process of the chicks. I so dug your names.. Tofu rocks!! But Gold and Cup are good too. lol



Maggie
March 27, 2012 at 6:46 PM

Congratulations on five years of inspiring and wonderful writing! Always love reading your blog and hope to be reading and watching your darling children grow for another five! Happy Blogiversary to you!



Jo @ Jo in the Kitchen
March 27, 2012 at 6:46 PM

Congrats on the anniversary! Can’t wait to see what’s in store.



Tara Michaels
March 27, 2012 at 6:46 PM

Can’t wait to read more about Dig’s new adventures! If only everyone would relish in the small moments like little eyes shutting and pressing against a new little life saying “have a good day”. Moments like that are reminders that children study those they are around and mimic nearly everything, so we should continue to set good examples for them! It is also moments like that when I pat myself on the back and say “good job mama”- it is okay to praise ourselves sometimes!



mary @ figwittage
March 27, 2012 at 6:47 PM

Happy Five, Dig! A wee getaway sounds so lovely! Those chicks are sweet, love the names! I love when kids name things πŸ™‚



Whitney
March 27, 2012 at 6:48 PM

Happy anniversary. We are celebrating 5 years in July. We have been laughing lately as we said on out honeymoon (in Cabo) that we would go back for our 5 year anniversary. Two kids later, that is not happening. Oh, how our lives have changed but wouldn’t change it for the world. That anniversary trip to Cabo can wait!!



Ozzy
March 27, 2012 at 6:49 PM

Full and rich post! Happy Anniversary!! Thanks for sharing your story and all the pearls you gather along the way.



Mark, Wendy, Dale and Rose
March 27, 2012 at 6:51 PM

Beautiful pic of Ruby with the chick.



Beth B.
March 27, 2012 at 6:53 PM

Thank you for sharing this space with me. I’ve loved your perspective since I started following 3 years ago. Cheers to your success and growth!



kendra
March 27, 2012 at 6:55 PM

congrats on five years and a spontaneous getaway!



Staci
March 27, 2012 at 6:57 PM

thank you for 5 great years (though i think i’ve only been around for just over three)! i look forward to the next five:)



Sara
March 27, 2012 at 6:59 PM

yay for five years – thank you for being you, and for sharing you with the rest of us!



Tatiana
March 27, 2012 at 7:02 PM

I want chickens sooo badly. I think my kids would just love them to pieces. ::sigh:: one day.

Happy anniversary.



Rachel Daly (Punksy)
March 27, 2012 at 7:03 PM

Happy anniversary!! Those chicks are adorable, my two year old would swoon. XOXO



The Swanson Family
March 27, 2012 at 7:03 PM

My whole family benefits from reading your blog. I try so much harder after an inspiring post from you – I am learning to trust myself a little more and pay more attention to the joy my children bring to everything! Happy Anniversary.



irishmaji
March 27, 2012 at 7:09 PM

Thank you for sharing your lives with us for the past five years, I thoroughly enjoy your blog!! We love our buff orpingtons πŸ™‚



Rhett
March 27, 2012 at 7:10 PM

Sounds & looks like a great getaway. Love the pics of Margot with Gold.



sfarrell
March 27, 2012 at 7:11 PM

I love your blog. Its a moment of fresh air when I need a break from the workday. Thank you!



Shaylen Maxwell
March 27, 2012 at 7:12 PM

I thought you were nearing your 5yr blogversary! YAY! Congrats! The getaway sounds awesome. And the chicks are so precious. I always wanted chicks as a kiddo (never even held one…) & their names are the best. Cup is PERFECT. & Love the family pic at the end.



gillian
March 27, 2012 at 7:13 PM

Happy Blogiversary! You inspire me to live life more simply. Thank you!



Tracie O
March 27, 2012 at 7:15 PM

Happy Blog Anniversary!! and seriously…could your kiddos & and their chicks be any cuter? From my snowy mountain (Mt Shasta CA) to yours – Tracie



Donna
March 27, 2012 at 7:18 PM

Its been great reading you for the last year and a half! I’ve definitely been inspired to try new things in the garden and in the kitchen. Oh, and most importantly, you turned us on to Positive Discipline which is exactly how we want to raise our children. Thanks for writing!
PS We love your clothes and would love to be considered for the gift certificate!



Jennie
March 27, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Gasp! Those photos of Margot and Ruby with the little chickies! SO PRECIOUS.

Congrats on five years of being blog-tastic – yours is still my absolute favorite blog that I read. Oh, and congrats on being an awesome Mom! πŸ˜€



If These Walls Spoke...
March 27, 2012 at 7:28 PM

The girls with the chicks-precious!



jody
March 27, 2012 at 7:29 PM

congrats on five years! there are no chicks around here (our ladies are all full grown) but we do have five sweet, darling, cuddly goat kids, and they’re about all the cuteness i can take at once.



Ani
March 27, 2012 at 7:32 PM

Oh my gosh – your girls with those chicks… TOO sweet. Have a wonderful week!



Bennett Abel
March 27, 2012 at 7:36 PM

Congrats! I love your stories AND photos!



Krystal
March 27, 2012 at 7:44 PM

Happy blog anniversary! I’ve been reading your stories and admiring your photographs for a few years now…you really inspire me to be a better mama..thank you!



Aimee B
March 27, 2012 at 7:49 PM

I am so happy to help you celebrate your “blog-iversary”. You have brightened so many of my days with your stories and pictures and wonderful links to fabulous sponsors! Thanks for everything!



T. Nelson
March 27, 2012 at 7:49 PM

If I had a chicken, I think I would name it Butt-Cup. πŸ™‚



Christine
March 27, 2012 at 7:49 PM

We just got back from scoping out chicks and ducks. I really want to take the leap and do it, but I am so nervous! It feels like a big committment, but I know my little kiddos will adore life with them. Happy Blog Anniversary Nici! I just adore reading about your family and your adventures. Simply inspiring!



Maggie
March 27, 2012 at 7:50 PM

We are getting chicks this year! I’m so excited to get my babies involved. Such a great way to teach compassion and responsibility. Beautiful photos of Whitefish. Loved that place when we visited.



ctb
March 27, 2012 at 7:51 PM

happy blogversary friend! this is my fav blog! cant wait to see where you take us in year six πŸ™‚

you are taking us with you, yes?



Sam
March 27, 2012 at 7:55 PM

New reader, about to be a new chick owner… so excited about exploring into both… Yay!



J Scheppl
March 27, 2012 at 7:56 PM

Looks like such a fun trip! Your girls are adorable with those chicks! Happy blog anniversary!!!



Sarah
March 27, 2012 at 7:58 PM

Thanks for being an inspirational momma to all of us (or at least me).



The Stormo Family
March 27, 2012 at 7:59 PM

I truly love reading your blog! Thanks for sharing bits of your life with the rest of us!



shaina
March 27, 2012 at 8:02 PM

I love your blog! So inspiring.



Jess B
March 27, 2012 at 8:02 PM

The vision I get from “butt-cup” are making me smile. You guys are a HOOT!



Sarah Beth
March 27, 2012 at 8:05 PM

I’ve loved reading stories from someone who loves soaking in every Montana moment as much as I do. I especially love recognizing different places in Missoula that I’ve explored over the years with my family.



Marti
March 27, 2012 at 8:09 PM

Congrats on five years! Ivy wants to name everything Elton John lately πŸ™‚ It cracks me up!



Natalie T.
March 27, 2012 at 8:10 PM

I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog a year ago, happy 5 years! Welcome to the world Cup and Gold. Our Kutamala, Pita, Bobbi and Meelo, just started laying. Awesomeness.



Jennifer
March 27, 2012 at 8:20 PM

Happy 5 years! I’ve only been reading for about two, but want to thank YOU for all of the inspiration. It’s always a treat to read your posts – lovely words, beautiful photos.



Kate
March 27, 2012 at 8:23 PM

I love this post so much! I planted a garden this year thanks to a winter of reading your blog, and chickens are next on my list! Just have to convince the husband….



mrsmthdst
March 27, 2012 at 8:30 PM

Butt-cup is HILARIOUS! Happy Blog-versary. I don’t know how long I’ve been reading- since Kelle visited you, I think.



Erica
March 27, 2012 at 8:37 PM

Love the skiing pictures! Local slope is officially closed in Northern Maine, no snow after summer weather last week. Happy Blogversary!! πŸ™‚ Have been reading a following for two years now!!



Kelly Cach
March 27, 2012 at 8:43 PM

I LOVE your sensitive heart & wit ….. you make me tear up & laugh heartily at the same time.

And I’ve been to Whitefish twice…and hiked up underneath that chair lift in the summer time. I’m not experienced in the hiking department, so I’m dang proud of myself for getting my “butt-cup” up that mountain–haha!

Your girls, as always, bring a huge smile to my face πŸ™‚



Julie (Middle Maintenance)
March 27, 2012 at 8:48 PM

Happy anniversary! I’ve been following along for about half of your journey and I love your outlook, perspective and your writing!

http://middlemaintenance.blogspot.com/



B. Holmes
March 27, 2012 at 8:49 PM

Love the blog, happy b-day to it… You guys are so much closer to Spring than we are here in Alaska, I’m envious. I bet you can’t wait to move into “the rest” of your house,Exciting! You have an adorable little Montana fam.



Caroline
March 27, 2012 at 8:53 PM

Wow! 5 years….I’ve been following for just a year and have loved it! Thanks for sharing your world with us!



Zoe
March 27, 2012 at 9:00 PM

Happy Anniversary!

I think your blog is one of the hidden gems out there. How you are not a huge “mommy blogger”, I do not know! I am so thankful Kelle didn’t keep you all to herself. You are an inspiration as a mom, artist and woman. I thnk of you as my Montana friend. I hope that’s not too creepy.



dc
March 27, 2012 at 9:01 PM

Congratulations on your blogiversary! My niece loves her Dig skirt and can always make room for one more.



Jenn
March 27, 2012 at 9:07 PM

This comment has been removed by the author.



Jenn
March 27, 2012 at 9:08 PM

Happy Blog Anniversary Nici. I always enjoy reading your blog and Mama Digs. Can’t wait to hear about the changes.

I will also say that your trip looked like a blast, and reminded me, I need to do some planning of my own!



irelassred
March 27, 2012 at 9:12 PM

wow, a place where your girls can swim & ski- amazing! Looks like a great time.
I really love reading your blog. It’s helping me mentally prepare (on some small level) for having a baby of my own this fall.
thanks for sharing a part of your life with us.



Dee
March 27, 2012 at 9:17 PM

Happy Blog-versary !
Love the names Gold and Cup. Too precious !
Also loving getting snippets from you on Instagram.



Dee
March 27, 2012 at 9:17 PM

Happy Blog-versary !
Love the names Gold and Cup. Too precious !
Also loving getting snippets from you on Instagram.



Louise
March 27, 2012 at 9:17 PM

I love them skiing downhill together, beautiful picture. And I love their faces with their new chicks. I rather like the name butt-cup the best! Congrats on 5 years blogging!



Jenny
March 27, 2012 at 9:19 PM

Congrats on five years! Love your blog =)



christmasbaby
March 27, 2012 at 9:19 PM

I’m so glad I found your blog! You inspire me to inspire my 2-year-old son to create, grow plants, cook, and love nature. We’ve been working down Margot and Ruby’s favorite book list, and so far, one of our favorite’s is “Mama, is it summer yet?” Keep it up! I check for updates every day!



growingupinthegarden
March 27, 2012 at 9:20 PM

Hi! I just discovered your blog a few days ago and bookmarked it. Just started blogging myself. I love the name “Cup.” It is perfect.



mumofsix
March 27, 2012 at 9:23 PM

So glad you went too and that it was such a success.

Adored your pics of Cup and Gold. What a sweet interaction between the girls. Just for the record, I think Buttercup and Tofu are great names!

Lastly, Happy Blog birthday. I am relatively new but am so glad I’ve joined your journey. X Sarah in the UK x x



Catherine
March 27, 2012 at 9:24 PM

It is such a treat to read your words, Nici! I really enjoy it! I LOVE the discussions you post here between the girls and you!



Hilary
March 27, 2012 at 9:27 PM

You should be very proud of all you have accomplished in 5 years! I find such inspiration from your writing and draw strength from your pearls of wisdom on raising your girls. Thank you!



Katie
March 27, 2012 at 9:35 PM

Congrats on 5 years…and your new baby chicks πŸ™‚



Liliana
March 27, 2012 at 9:42 PM

Oh thank you for this blog. It’s seriously an inspiration and I look forward to reading them. πŸ™‚ happy anniversary!



Katie
March 27, 2012 at 9:47 PM

Happy Anniversary! Love the new baby chicks.



karlee
March 27, 2012 at 10:08 PM

I have ALWAYS wanted baby chicks. Your girls are so lucky!
[email protected]



TRB Holt
March 27, 2012 at 10:17 PM

Nici, Andy, Margot, Ruby, Alice, Sam, Olive, Maude, Violet, 16 Months, Cooper, Captain, Maria, Cup and Gold….whew! What a fabulous FAMILY!

The photos of Margot & Ruby with the chicks are so darling!

xoxo!



MT Goddess
March 27, 2012 at 10:24 PM

well I haven’t been reading for all of 5 yrs, but probably a good plus year! I think your blog is a draw for me because it parallels a lot of what I go through as a mama with two girls married to what sounds like a similar world!! I think your positive vibe is a good time out for me to look to when I need to regroup. your words help change my mood! Always. Thanks for that and hey we really should get Lilli and Maple and Margot and Ruby together!
PS. Do you need any more chickens? We are looking for good homes for our 3 yr old dosile hens? they are good layers



jan marie
March 27, 2012 at 10:56 PM

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your everyday with us and for inspiring me to be a better mom to my two loves.



Aly
March 27, 2012 at 10:58 PM

Love the chicken names! Happy birthday to your blog! It’s one of my faves.



Hazel
March 27, 2012 at 11:01 PM

I did wonder how cup came about, but I actually quite like butt-cup!

Congratulations on 5 years. It will be 3 years this November for my little blog, it’s an amazing way to record and watch your own life develop and also then the sense of community I have found is the best part.



Teresa
March 27, 2012 at 11:01 PM

Ha Ha all those names at the end of the post of your family really had me cracking up!



FinnyKnits
March 27, 2012 at 11:04 PM

Happy five years, mama!

Love those cute chick names.

Bubba says that if we ever get chickens, we’ll have to name them after women we hate so that we won’t feel so bad when they hit the chopping block.

Sounds sorta sad to me.

I’d rather name them all Butt-Cup.



The Korporaal Family
March 27, 2012 at 11:13 PM

How in the world do you get skiing and what looks like summer all in one little quick holiday πŸ™‚ Looks like it was lovely!!



Meaghan
March 28, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Congrats on 5 years! I would love the gift cert…my nephew LOVES his dino shirt that you made! πŸ™‚



talkfeeleez
March 28, 2012 at 12:19 AM

Cup? I love it. We had a cat growing up that was named Bathing Suit. xo



Coffee Mama A-J :)
March 28, 2012 at 12:22 AM

Congratulations! I love your blog and I talk about you to friends and family as if you are a friend they should know very well…sometimes I feel silly about but then I just embrace it! πŸ™‚



Kristin B
March 28, 2012 at 12:44 AM

Oh how I adore new chicks! And such cute names. Congratulations on five thriving years!



Sarah Fox
March 28, 2012 at 12:51 AM

Oh, those baby chicks are so sweet. And how is it warm enough to be poolside in March? Happy 5th anniversary, I’ve been reading for 1 year now and I can’t wait to see what you have in store!



Happiness is...
March 28, 2012 at 12:56 AM

Love to hear about how the girls named Cup and Gold. And to see Margot pour love on them. Moments to treasure. “Squish,” goes my heart looking at her rub the fur against her closed eyes. Naturally so maternal.

Congratulations on the 5 year mark. Here’s wishing you continued success and personal growth. I love the creativity shared in this one little niche of the WonderfulWideWorld. Thanks for inspiring me and reminding me why life and the details within the life are so important. πŸ™‚

-Jennifer



Lola
March 28, 2012 at 12:56 AM

Beautiful! 5 years, excited fir the changes πŸ™‚
Love the chick names!!!



Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock
March 28, 2012 at 12:56 AM

Oh, I love the baby chicks. I had an incubator in my classroom a few years back & with my class we watched the miracle of life as the eggs hatched. So cool.
And I love getaways with Mummas & kids…even if they do take A LOT of work πŸ™‚
Congrats on 5 wonderful bloggy years!
x
http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/



Kristen
March 28, 2012 at 12:59 AM

Yay! Happy Anniversary πŸ™‚ I’m so happy to have came across your wonderfully inspiring blog!



Ariel @ Dreams To Do
March 28, 2012 at 1:01 AM

Happy blogiversary! I feel so blessed to have stumbled across your blog over a year ago. I look forward to each and every one of your posts! Thank you!



Lauren T.
March 28, 2012 at 1:04 AM

Congrats on such a milestone!! Your weekend looked perfect! So jealous πŸ˜‰



Kathleen
March 28, 2012 at 1:13 AM

Congratulations on five years of sharing your heart, your family and your beautifully simple, yet rich way of living. You’re an inspiration to all us mommas out here.



Green Zebra Market Garden
March 28, 2012 at 1:14 AM

I’ve really been enjoying your blog. Your photography is great!



Stacy Monaghan
March 28, 2012 at 1:21 AM

Thank you for sharing – love your blog! Happy Anniversary!!



Kat
March 28, 2012 at 1:25 AM

Happy Blogiversary! You’ve inspired some of ladies over here in VT with your bad-ass western ways. Keep up the love, and thanks for sharing!



Mainly Molly
March 28, 2012 at 1:38 AM

I live in Maine now but my first place apt in Whitefish was at crest wood village. Is that where you were staying? Love that place. My ma introduced me to your blog about a year ago and I’ve been addicted since! Cheers!



SBA
March 28, 2012 at 1:45 AM

Thank you for the 5 years of writing (although I’ve only been reading for the past 2). Getting a glimpse into yours and your family’s lives has been truly inspiring to me as a mother. Thank you for all that you share!



Lola and Diesel
March 28, 2012 at 1:47 AM

Happy blogaversary! love reading it and would love a gc to your shop!



elizabeth
March 28, 2012 at 2:01 AM

Cute chicks.



Jen
March 28, 2012 at 2:03 AM

Just found your blog recently and love it. My husband and I raised 2 chickens from chicks and while at first I thought he was crazy, I ended up loving it. Congrats! -Jen at http://www.themamayears.com



Tina
March 28, 2012 at 2:11 AM

Wow, 5 years eh!? Crazy! Congrats, that is quite an achievement. I can’t remember quite when I started following, but I’m fairly certain Ruby was quite young when I did.

Keep doing what you’re doing, ’cause I dig it! πŸ˜‰



Amanda Anderson Photography
March 28, 2012 at 2:25 AM

Your life inspires me to go with the flow! I love your writing!



jenniwaka
March 28, 2012 at 2:32 AM

Love the pics of the girls with the chicks! Congrats on 5 years and hope there are many more to come.



Morgan
March 28, 2012 at 2:43 AM

Congrats on your 5-year anniversary. Can’t wait to follow the next 5!



KWQR
March 28, 2012 at 2:53 AM

Loving the chick names, spontaneous adventures & celebrating 5 years of Dig! Yay you!
xo
Kate



Ellie
March 28, 2012 at 2:53 AM

Love the chicks’-name exchange. Not too much unlike some conversation in our home. Can’t wait to hear about the changes on your blog.



Jen
March 28, 2012 at 3:19 AM

Congrats!
Your kids crack me up- I’m excited for my daughter to start talking!
Would love to know more about your chickens and how they handle cup and gold



Lauren
March 28, 2012 at 3:27 AM

Happy five years!



Kelsie
March 28, 2012 at 3:28 AM

By far my favorite blog out there! Thanks for all the fun stories of your family that you have shared with us.

I love the idea of going for a spontaneous girls trip. Sounds wonderful.



Carrie Grant
March 28, 2012 at 3:30 AM

Thank you so much for sharing your family and experiences with us! Looking forward to many more!



Lacy
March 28, 2012 at 3:32 AM

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!! We get our chicken babies in a few weeks!!



Emily
March 28, 2012 at 4:08 AM

Cup – adorable name. SO adorable. Congrats on five years!



DeRae
March 28, 2012 at 4:13 AM

I adore you, and look forward to your blog every week.
Thank you for the opportunity!



Laura @ SpottyOwlDesign
March 28, 2012 at 4:52 AM

Our eldest got fish for her 3rd birthday and some have had to be… ummm… replaced. So my daughter has gone through a few fish names…

Walter, Fishy, Goldy, Steve and Shirley. Walter and Shirley are still kicking on today over two years later. Yes, you heard me right, Walter and Shirley. She picked those names 100% herself and we don’t know anyone in real life with those names. LOL!



Ciara
March 28, 2012 at 6:07 AM

Thank you Nici for your inspiration. I’m a newbie reader but I’ve caught up a little. Congrats on 5 years – although I’ve only been around for 1.5 – and here’s to many more!



Jane MacDonald
March 28, 2012 at 11:11 AM

This comment has been removed by the author.



Jane MacDonald
March 28, 2012 at 11:14 AM

When I was small we had Rhode Island Reds and raised them from chicks. The pictures of Margot and Ruby remind me of my brother and I when we got our brood of chicks. We would do the exact same thing as your girls, hold them, talk to them, snuggle them and rub them against our faces. Now as an adult, with four children, my girls favorite bedtime story is for me to tell them about raising the chicks, how soft they were against our faces, their nice cozy brooder box, and then when they grew, how we would get to collect their eggs in the morning. Great memories for me, and my girls think it’s the best story in the world πŸ™‚

I can’t wait to show my my girls your pictures of Margot and Ruby with Cup and Gold!



BRH
March 28, 2012 at 11:18 AM

That last family photos is terrific. And the little chicks are precious! Oh, and Happy Anniversary. πŸ™‚



Tina
March 28, 2012 at 11:23 AM

You guys are so awesome!! πŸ™‚



Betsy
March 28, 2012 at 11:45 AM

Congrats on five years!



melody
March 28, 2012 at 12:07 PM

baby chicks are soul medicine. and Gold and Cup are def the best names ever. loving these sweet pics of your girls loving on them! happy 5 years to your creative space on the web! i am so thankful to feel a part of all the fun adventures your precious family has. you rock Nici!



Kelly
March 28, 2012 at 12:24 PM

Wow! Five years! So glad to have been part of some of it. πŸ™‚



Karen
March 28, 2012 at 1:08 PM

Never in my life have I wanted chickens more than seeing your beautiful kids cuddling them. How precious!!! I love reading your posts, eventhough we have never met, I look forward tothem πŸ™‚ Happy Hump Day



Limpieza submarina
March 28, 2012 at 1:24 PM

Congratulations! Keep inspiring us for many more years to come!



Jaymi
March 28, 2012 at 1:37 PM

Happy Anniversary Nici!! Thanks for all of your honesty and inspiration throughout the years. Keep up the awesome work πŸ™‚



JTilby
March 28, 2012 at 1:53 PM

I love the way you write, take pictures and just overall love life! It makes me happy πŸ™‚



Enchanted Momma
March 28, 2012 at 1:54 PM

Imagine what your 5-years-younger self would think about your blog today.



GoMe1987
March 28, 2012 at 1:57 PM

I have LOVE your blog. Originally I started reading it because I saw that you were from MN, and that is where I live. I envy how you can do things on a whim, that is something I need to work on ( I am such a planner)!



MoonstruckinMontana
March 28, 2012 at 2:39 PM

I started reading your blog before we hit the road and we’ve now been traveling 3 1/2 years! Your blog has been my lifeline to Missoula and has pulled me out of an untold number of road weary, missing home funks. This Friday, I’m officially hanging up my gypsy shoes (well, until the bug bites again) and heading back to Zoo town to settle back in to house life. I look forward to continuing to see Missoula through your eyes and wish you many more happy years of blogging, Nici! Thanks for sharing all these years with us!



Marty
March 28, 2012 at 3:06 PM

Our timeshare company has a resort in Whitefish. We really need to go there. Sounds like you had a great time!



Amy
March 28, 2012 at 3:11 PM

I love love love the picture of your friend driving. Montana reminds me so much of Alberta, so that picture feels like happy and home. I love that I found your blog and your little corner of the internet.
Can’t wait to see whats in store for Dig – good things – I just know it!
xoxo



Annie
March 28, 2012 at 3:44 PM

Happy Blog-iversary!
I always enjoy reading your posts. You inspire, provoke thoughts, remind me of what is important. Your honesty and sharing bring smiles and remind me of our home some days. Like Ruby’s statement “No. Cup.” Could be my 2 yr old : )
And…now Montana is on my MUST visit list.
THANK YOU!



mistene
March 28, 2012 at 3:52 PM

Happy Anniversary!!!!!

You make me want chicks. They are too cute with your girls!



Jenn
March 28, 2012 at 3:59 PM

Dying for baby chicks now! Building raised garden beds this year is our first task though.. Love the names and of course, the darling pictures of your girls!



Unknown
March 28, 2012 at 4:08 PM

Five Years! Your posts encourage friends and strangers alike to live more deliberate lives. Thank you for that!



mattie smith
March 28, 2012 at 4:15 PM

Love love love this. Thanks, as always, for your inspiring words. Congrats on 5 years!



Catherine
March 28, 2012 at 4:32 PM

Happy anniversary! I love the conversations you have with your kids!



Keely D
March 28, 2012 at 5:10 PM

I always look forward to reading about your family and your adventures!!



Shannon
March 28, 2012 at 6:00 PM

Oh I love baby chicks! They are my favorite Easter memory, my parents always got us chicky eggs to hatch!!



the mom~
March 28, 2012 at 6:02 PM

Thanks for sharing your life with us! The chicks(all 4 of them) are adorable!



Monique
March 28, 2012 at 6:13 PM

I am jealous of your getaway. I have always wanted to go to Whitefish. My in laws have baby chicks. My kids are going to visit her next week and cannot wait. They get to name them too. Hope you have a wonderful Easter.



Appleseed's Adventure
March 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

You should turn your blog into a book. I do it every year for my kids. It is amazing to look back on five years and re-live these sweet memories!!

Jen



Appleseed's Adventure
March 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

You should turn your blog into a book. I do it every year for my kids. It is amazing to look back on five years and re-live these sweet memories!!

Jen



Appleseed's Adventure
March 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

You should turn your blog into a book. I do it every year for my kids. It is amazing to look back on five years and re-live these sweet memories!!

Jen



Appleseed's Adventure
March 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

You should turn your blog into a book. I do it every year for my kids. It is amazing to look back on five years and re-live these sweet memories!!

Jen



Appleseed's Adventure
March 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

You should turn your blog into a book. I do it every year for my kids. It is amazing to look back on five years and re-live these sweet memories!!

Jen



Lee
March 28, 2012 at 7:10 PM

I’ve been reading for 2 years I think! Keep it coming!!!!



Charlie's Mommy
March 28, 2012 at 7:49 PM

Congrats on 5 years. I have been reading for almost 2 years.



nibsey
March 28, 2012 at 8:07 PM

congrats on the 5 years, thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us. It is enjoyed.



erinasmommy
March 28, 2012 at 8:25 PM

Happy blog-aversary! Thank you for sharing your life and inspiring me!



Bikini By 30
March 28, 2012 at 8:56 PM

Baby chick envy!! So sweet!

The chance at an awesome Dig skirt?!Yes please!



Annastacia
March 28, 2012 at 9:15 PM

Those pictures make me want to go get some chicks! I didn’t know little ones would know to be so soft.



Beth
March 28, 2012 at 9:26 PM

Thanks for inspiring a more natural and joyful world! Love reading. πŸ™‚



Amanda
March 28, 2012 at 10:35 PM

Happy Happy 5 Years to your awesome blog Nici! Kind of a quiet reader over here, but you never cease to inspire me πŸ™‚



Jasmine
March 28, 2012 at 10:37 PM

Love your blog! Thanks for the laughs and words of wisdom.



Kristin
March 28, 2012 at 11:21 PM

You are such a great blogger, I always enjoy reading. Happy blogoversary!



aprilallard
March 29, 2012 at 12:10 AM

laaaa…singing it. as our kids always name things after exactly what they are, those new babies would be chicky1 and chicky2. would my cat chase after chickens? would my dogs? so many questions.



melissa
March 29, 2012 at 12:17 AM

love those surprise spur a the moment getaways!! looks like ya all had a blast!
Happy Anniversary!



Crystal Pence
March 29, 2012 at 1:43 AM

How fun! We spent the weekend with cousins at Chico Hot Springs, it was perfect.



Jill
March 29, 2012 at 2:12 AM

Congrats on five fab years to one of my favorite writers!

Your last minute getaway looks heavenly!

Jill B (Overland Park, KS)



K&A
March 29, 2012 at 3:53 AM

Congrats on FIVE years!!!



K&A
March 29, 2012 at 3:53 AM

Congrats on FIVE years!!!



K&A
March 29, 2012 at 3:53 AM

Congrats on FIVE years!!!



K&A
March 29, 2012 at 3:53 AM

Congrats on FIVE years!!!



K&A
March 29, 2012 at 3:53 AM

Congrats on FIVE years!!!



Daniele
March 29, 2012 at 3:03 PM

so glad your share your beautiful family with us all…happy 5 years and I hope there will be many more



Tammi
March 29, 2012 at 3:28 PM

Happy Blog Anniversary! I can’t believe I missed you on your last trip to Northern California, but saw that you are coming back to see HAH. Yay! I read your blog religiously and you’ve helped me practice my writing and recording of weekly happenings with your nuggets-inspired posts. Thank you, thank you.

http://sonomacoastweekly.blogspot.com/2012/03/nuggets-from-france-with-love.html



Minnesotagal
March 29, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Oh my god! “Butt-cup!” I almost snorted coffee out of my nose just now. Love it!!



Cris
March 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Love your blog… found it through Kelle! Thanks for letting us into your life and adventures!



ulli
March 29, 2012 at 5:13 PM

Oh I love your blog, I love it so!! It’s so amazing how you write and to “watch your children”.

Keep it rockin’!

Cheers



Wesley
March 29, 2012 at 5:40 PM

Way to live life and be spontaneous! Those opportunities only present themselves every once in a while and so it is always best to take advantage of them!

Also : I loved the suggestion of naming the chick tofu. Maybe it can be your next chicken!



Nikki Nalbach
March 29, 2012 at 6:14 PM

Oh that Margot, what a doll!



Ivy Lane
March 29, 2012 at 8:50 PM

Love your blog, you are a very inspiring gal! Your girls are adorable! Congrats on 5 years!



Valerie
March 29, 2012 at 11:56 PM

Congrats on your blog anniversary!



Kerri
March 30, 2012 at 12:44 AM

Love your blog so much – congrats on the Anniversary! It’s so fun to stop in, get inspired, adore your sweet, amazing girls, and keep connected with the place that will always feel like home to me – Missoula. Keep rockin it!



HAS
March 30, 2012 at 2:20 AM

Happy anniversary! 5 years, wow! You’ve done so well. I love your blog, you, and your family! I enjoy ‘checking in’on your life, trying your recipes, and admiring your creative spirit!
You inspire me.
Heather
xo



Erin @ NurtureNature
March 30, 2012 at 2:43 AM

Happy Anniversary! I’m thrilled to be one of your devoted readers. I truly look forward to your ideas, words and pictures. thank you for doing what you do.

erin



Beth
March 30, 2012 at 4:35 AM

Dig, I so appreciate your blog. I’ve started a very large garden because of you! Can’t wait to see what grows πŸ™‚



Laura
March 30, 2012 at 5:39 AM

Happy five years! I only recently found your blog, but I’m loving every minute of it.



Hope
March 30, 2012 at 7:49 AM

Cup & Gold are perfect names for the little chicks! Your girls are so sweet, and I’m now wanting some little chicks to snuggle! πŸ˜‰



The Blitz
March 30, 2012 at 4:34 PM

LOVE your blog but it’s super dangerous to have a kid in a car set in the front seat of a car…you should know better Nici…



sarah
March 30, 2012 at 5:46 PM

nice work ruby. animals named after inanimate objects make me happy.



Angie Kroeker
March 30, 2012 at 8:09 PM

oooo a gift. I like gifts.
Congrats to you and five years. Enjoy the spring as it comes rushing in.



PammyK
March 31, 2012 at 2:56 AM

The ‘kids with chicks’ thing is adorable…



Nic
March 31, 2012 at 3:33 AM

I love the photo of Margot rubbing the chick against her eyelid… And the total joy on Ruby’s face! Gorgeous!!



Sam
March 31, 2012 at 4:31 AM

Your blog continues to inspire me. Thank you.



Jami
April 1, 2012 at 12:50 AM

Great names for the chicks!
Happy anniversary. What I’ve enjoyed about reading it has been how fresh it always feel. You are always up to something crafty and fun.



Little for a Little While
April 1, 2012 at 3:53 AM

Those are the most awesome chick names ever. Happy blogiversary to you! Now I need to go check mine and see when it is…pretty sure I missed it :/



Keri
April 1, 2012 at 1:50 PM

Happy Blog-iversary! Here’s to 5 more amazing years! Btw, gotta love kids’ names for animals…my son named one of our hens Jack. Ahem. So we settled on Jackie. πŸ˜‰



Sara Jakobs
April 1, 2012 at 1:55 PM

I just found your blog and just wanted to say thanks for sharing! Here is for 5 more years.
Our words are inspirational..i dream of chickens and a backyard. Soon..very soon..



Sara Jakobs
April 1, 2012 at 1:56 PM

Your word that is..



megan
April 1, 2012 at 8:19 PM

five years, that’s awesome! congrats. your girls are precious.



cathy
April 2, 2012 at 12:35 AM

happy anniversary
xoxo
cathy



Sherry
April 2, 2012 at 1:48 AM

Congrats and Cheers to your Blogiversary! BTW, I still laugh anytime you have a picture including or anytime you mention cocksucker. The original post about that thing was so damn funny!



Claire
April 2, 2012 at 6:38 PM

Your outlook on life is so wonderful and inspiring! So happy to have discovered this blot!



Danielle
April 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM

As always, I love the pictures. You photography inspires me to keep practicing with my camera and capturing my little ones.



Kate Giovinco Photography
April 2, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Looks like a splendid quick trip. The little chicks are too sweet. I can’t wait to have some someday.



You+Me=Family
April 2, 2012 at 9:11 PM

Gold and Cup are fabulous names. I can’t wait till my Miss is old enough to start naming things. Congrats on 5 years!



Theresa
April 3, 2012 at 12:17 AM

Happy Blogaversary!



Lisa
April 3, 2012 at 12:32 PM

Happy Anniversary! I’m new to your blog, but I’ve been enjoying reading! πŸ™‚ I’m working to get psyched about a little trip of my own coming this weekend. It’ll be an adventure! Also, not to start an argument, but The car seat comment bothered me. To my knowledge it’s fine as long as they aren’t rear facing and there isn’t an air bag. Looks like it was a fun trip.



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  • hello and welcome

    I’m Nici (pronounced like Nikki) and I live in western Montana where I raise kids, vegetables and the roof.

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