Women's Retreat Away

My first weekend away in a while... Our church was having a women's retreat and, this year, no excuses, I decided to go. I had thought about attending last year, but Carl was only 7 months and having ear infection issues and it just didn't feel right. But like I said though, this year, no excuses and even a wonderful husband encouraging me to go.

Myself and three other women carpooled to the retreat center in Rochester. It was so fun to chat and anticipate the weekend. Only one of us had been before so it was reassuring to know I wasn't alone in the first-timer category. The women organizing and leading the weekend, I thought, did a wonderful job. I'm not usually game for these type of situations, but God was preparing my heart to have a positive weekend. It was such a blessing to get to know the women of our church better AND get to know two of the women I drove with who were my roommates for the weekend better. You've got to love the late night discussions. The ones where you have to verbally announce, ok I think it's late enough, maybe we should go to bed, then end up spending another 30 mins (or so) talking than eventually dozing off to sleep. Just perfect and so much fun!

Thank you to my small group girl friends who decided to try out the retreat this year. It was amazing getting to know you better and see how God can move in and through us!

Mr. Aaron

We had a visit mid-February from Aaron, Mary, and baby Joey. Brianna loves it when we can get together, specifically, she loves Aaron! She loves baby Joey too, but Aaron can read. She asked him a few times to read her books and he graciously obliged. We've been incredibly busy lately, and them traveling and busy schedules, that it had been a while since getting together.  I'm so glad it worked out to connect! Thanks for coming over and sharing the evening together!

Mom - Look What I Did

Couch is Sometimes Better Than Bed

One afternoon, after he woke up early from nap, I placed Carl on the couch. I was sitting next to him, but I was in the middle of baking something, knew the timer was going to go off and needed to get up. I placed a pillow under his head to keep him comfortable. When I left he was still awake. Not sure how long it took him to fall back asleep, but I do know that I was making a bunch of noise between my mixer on high speed and me clanking measuring cups. Speaks volumes to how tired he was. He sure was cute.

A Fabulous 14th

After a wonderful workout, the kids and I decided to meet up with Daddy for a yummy Qdoba lunch. If you happened upon Qdoba on Valentines day, all you had to do was give a little smooch and you got  a BOGO on lunch. Fantastic!

While we waited a couple minutes before Jon arrived and I saw two men walk in, apparently they did not get the message about a free lunch. I thought perhaps they would take the ad seriously about finding some unsuspecting female (which would have been me, being the only one there) but thankfully they paid for their meals and found a seat. Whew!

Finally, daddy arrived and we got two meals for free being that there were 4 of us and it didn't matter who you kissed! So grateful for a wonderful afternoon and family.

Upon returning home we found a small package that my dad had dropped off for us in the garage. Inside were some spectacular items. One of them was a little Cinderella doll. Brianna was so excited for her new gift that she decided against a nap. You win some, you lose some. Did I mention she was pretty excited!

Cool!

Building Together

I am so blessed to have two kids that like being together. This particular morning we were building with blocks that I played with when I was little. It's not always the case, but today they were being very polite about not destructing what the other was building. Plus they were sharing. What sweethearts!

Undetermined

With our recent trip on the horizon, warm weather clothes were out on a bed waiting to be packed in a suitcase. Brianna found this fabulous dress that cousin Danya had passed along and put it on. But, her brother was busy putting on our outdoor wear so she thought she would join him. Frequently, Carl finds our hats and mittens, puts them on and runs around the house... just for fun. It's quite cute. This time, B joined him and I could help but take a picture.

Beautiful Endings

Sunday was our last day with three kids. We all were up and out the door for church on time; which this Sunday was even earlier because I was helping in the nursery so I had to be there early. The kids got dressed and patiently waited for the grown ups to finish getting ready too. I was so on top of it I even got a picture of them waiting!

Normally I help out in the nursery, but the tots room, where Brianna and Casen go, needed help so I filled in there. What fun to be with them and go through their small lesson, learning about how much God loves us!

On our way home, we had a short dance party! Before you judge me and what my children listen to in the car, please note that this is not a normal occurrence. We usually listen to children's music or KTIS, but sometimes, Brianna asks for the "clapping Adele" song and this is what transpired...

After lunch Uncle Hung came to pick up Casen and we said goodbye for now. We were so happy to have him and excited to love on baby Max even more!

Mill City Adventure

I'm so glad we have a museum pass to use to explore the town. Saturday morning, we opted to use the pass one more time before it expired to let the three crazies out of the house and on an adventure. We took the flour tower tour so we could go up and see the mighty Mississippi, then we played in the water area for a while. We basically had the place all to ourselves, it was fantastic!

Upon returning home, the kids went down for nap and arrangements were made so that Casen could take another trip to the hospital with my mom and dad. He came back just before bedtime. We gave him a bath and we were all ready for church the next morning!

Cousin Number 5 and 8

I was on call for my sister, Michelle, as they awaited the arrival of their new baby boy. I was so excited to be able to support Mick & Hung in this way, and especially to spend the time with Casen while his mommy and daddy were in the hospital. I never strayed far from my phone that week leading up to his scheduled arrival, but the new baby waited patiently and arrived when it was time. 

We ate dinner with Mick, Hung and Casen that Thursday night before they were to go into the hospital; kind of the last supper, if you will. Then it was bye-bye to mommy and daddy and hello bedtime!

Everyone woke up pretty rested and ready to play together. There were a few disagreements, but for the most part it was all smiles and laughter!

How special it was to share with Casen the news that his new baby brother had been born! Maxwyn "Max" Gia Huy Vuong was born at 9:45 am. 9.1 oz and 20 inches. All are doing great - was the message we received while sitting down to lunch. I told Casen he his brother was born and his name. Casen proceeded to say, "Ah, I know little baby Max!" We settled into naps so afterward we could make a trip to the hospital. 

Since the flu was terrible this year, the hospital had restrictions on visitors, which meant Brianna and Carl weren't able to make the visit to the hospital. Brianna was certainly bummed about this, but she was her usual understanding self and stayed behind. I had alternate plans for Grandma Nancy to watch the kids at the hospital (thanks for being flexible), but since the kids couldn't come in anyway and since my mom had already seen baby Max a little earlier, she just came straight to our house to watch my kids. We made it to the hospital in no time! Casen was eager to meet his new brother... as was I!

We spent some time together and even captured their first family photo of four! So exciting, adding a new member to the family. It was getting close to dinner time, so Casen and I headed back my house for dinner and bedtime. I didn't have much planned, but thought I would make a pizza for the kids and grab Papa Murphy's for the adults. I always like to call ahead, because you zip in a zip out... this time, not so much. I called ahead, arrived, went to pick up my pizza (paid for it), was told it was next on the line, then waited 20 MORE minutes to get my pizza. I saw all these people come in, order their pizza and get it before mine was even on the line. ARG! The place was empty by the time I left. I was extremely disappointed that I asked for a manager. He first wanted to give me a discount, but then I told him I already paid and he then put my name down for a free one. I'm grateful for them making it up to me, but it put me behind schedule and that was what made me the most upset. But I'm over it!

My super Mom started the kids pizza for me since it was getting late. My kids didn't mind about the difference in meal time because Gammie was there as a perfect distraction. We all ate our pizza then it was story time and bedtime. Beautiful day!

No More Football

For Superbowl Sunday, Jon's parents came down to have dinner together and watch the game. We had a great evening together. Brianna and Carl loved helping prepare the food. B & C didn't stay up to watch the game but before bed, per our usual routine, we read devotions together. Only this time, Grandpa got the privilege of reading to her! Thanks for coming and spending the evening with us!

12 Days of Christmas - MN Style!

One of the gifts we gave to Brianna and Carl this Christmas was a book called The Twelve Days of Christmas in Minnesota by Constance Van Hoven. She was beginning to pick MN out anywhere she saw the state outline, so I thought this would be perfect!

It soon became a favorite to read/sing all the way through. It has fun MN history and references that Brianna just loved hearing about. So, for your listening enjoyment...

"On the Twelfth day of Christmas, our cousin gave to us... 12 sculptures sparkling, 11 silly sailors, 10 dogs a-dashing, 9 bears a-snoring, 8 happy holsteins, 7 swans a-swimming, 6 walleyes wriggling, 5 golden hotdishes, 4 lumberjacks, 3 red stones, 2 hockey sticks, and a loon in a Norway pine tree."

Scheduled Has Run Out

Thank you to all the faithful followers out there. If you've been checking in on our blog lately, you've seen a new post practically every day for the past couple of months. I knew I could do it before, but for some reason never fully utilized the "Schedule" option for posting. When I get spare moments, pre-loading the blog with what we've been up to is so handy. It takes a little work for you readers to keep up, but we hope you have enjoyed it.

We just got back from a fun-filled trip in California. It started with a work conference for Jon and ended with visiting the Standlee family. I haven't had many opportunities to post to the blog while away so my backlog has dwindled... DON'T WORRY though! More fun times will be shared soon. It just might take a few days before I get my pictures sorted through and ready to post our adventures.

You Brush, I Brush... 1,2,3

We enjoy brushing our teeth at this house! Anytime anyone picks up a tooth brush, either Brianna or Carl (or both) are not far behind requesting theirs. I'm glad there is a healthy love of brushing, but it gets tough when we're "all done." Yes, at some point the tooth brush needs to be put away and Carl is not a huge fan of that part of the process. Right now I can't blame him because he is cutting two bottom molars, which has been rough, and the tooth brush seems to help. I guess I'd rather it this way than a struggle to even brush. Hoorah for awesome kids!

Longing for Spring Adventures

Last May, we took a lengthy bike ride into downtown. It was such a fun morning/afternoon! We left our house and headed down onto the U of M campus to have lunch at Qdoba - Yum! After that, we went around and came across the Stone Arch Bridge. It was a busy place, but usually is on beautiful days. Of course we needed to get off our bikes (or out of our burley's) and take in the mighty Mississippi. 

The kids were doing so well and we knew they wouldn't last much longer, so we decided to head for home. It wasn't long before I noticed both B & C were fast asleep in their trailer. Yes, she was holding her brother's hand. What a sweetheart she is!

There were some paved trail on our journey but we biked the majority of our trip on the streets. Once we got closer to downtown, the road we turned on was also a dedicated biking road. Even the traffic signals reflected that. We thought that was pretty cool, so we made sure to get a picture.

Can't wait to get the bikes out again and see what other new things we can find around our fabulous city!