For Uncle Jeff!

With the bedtime routine complete and Brianna quietly in bed, I took to the couch to try and unwind for the day/week. After just a few minutes of silence, Brianna started talking. I usually ignore it the best I can because it's her way of winding down as welI. This night however, I realized she was going through her list of prayer requests. It usually goes something like, "ah about daddy and Cayer (Carl), and Eko, and daddy, and mommy, and..." I didn't think much of it at first, but she kept going and going and going - seriously it ended up being about 5 minutes. After procrastinating, I finally hopped up to get the camera and only caught the tail end, because once she stopped, there wasn't another peep.

This goes out to Uncle Jeff. 

She loves you very much and talks about and prays for you frequently!

(video from April 13 @ 7:05 pm)

My Punky

I realize I'm missing the iconic pigtails, the fabulous vest, and rolled up jeans with a hanky on the knee (...so the whole outfit then!), but every time I put this outfit on Brianna, she reminds me of Punky Brewster. It must just be the bright and colorful aspect of the ensemble.

It was so nice outside last week, I called her to the lawn and asked her to look at me for a picture. This is what she gave me - she is so cute!! On top of the first 5 shots I got (before running out of internal memory because I forgot the memory card) I tried asking her back to the lawn to get a couple more. She gladly trotted back to the grass and gave me a couple more looks.

As a side note for Auntie Mick Mick - Ever since Easter when you put the ribbon in her hair, she wants to wear it again and again. It doesn't take long though once it's in for it to come back out again. I think maybe I need to look into some headbands for her!

How Do You Stop and Smell the Silence?

Synchronized napping has been non-existant in our house as of late. In fact, it's never been consistant - only something I look forward to (crossing my fingers)! Carl can't decide if he wants one nap or two. And Brianna has a hard time relaxing in order to take a nap herself. Then there is the saga of, just as I get one down, the other decides to start crying, and when that one calms down, the other is up again... arg!

Anyway, when silence does come, are you like me thinking, "ok, what do I need to get done so I don't drive myself crazy later?" or are you the disciplined type and just make yourself take a load off and maybe even get a nap in. I wish I were the latter, but even now as there is a hint of silence, here I am blogging the whole while thinking I should be sitting down and resting. But wait, I still have to do the dishes from last night and this morning...

In Search for Desserts!

Carl is doing amazing. He is crawling around like a crazy boy, standing up and walking along furniture, and (for the most part) gobbling down his baby foods. So far it seems he likes fruits over vegetables, but he'll still try it. He is over 20 lbs. already and growing so fast. Where has the last nine months gone? 

We had his nine month check-up a week ago, last Monday. Everything is going good, except this lingering ear infection issue. We were in three weeks ago, Monday, and he was given another antibiotic to help fight the most recent onset. It's gotten to a point where I'm just not sure what to do anymore. Thank you to everyone whose made suggestions so far, it just takes time to try each one, in order to rule it out. Right now I am on a gluten-free (no problem, we've been doing that already) AND dairy-free diet. It seems to be helping a little bit, as far as I can tell. He has less congestion and fluid build-up, but I still need to push that magic button for him to sleep through the night so I can finally feel rested. 

It's amazing the options that are out there for individuals with certain types of allergies, that one (myself included) normally passes by because it doesn't affect them. Well now, I am so thankful for every family member, blogger, and merchant for their help during this process. It makes a huge difference. Only a week had passed and I was in desperate need of some sweetness, and found this very simple macaroon recipe. It was just what I needed to keep my sanity. One problem, they were so good, I wanted to eat them all in one sitting! I didn't do that, but it didn't take long for them to disappear. Oh well, I'll just have to make more. 

Anyone else have good GF, DF recipes they'd like to share?

Capturing Moments

This past Saturday, my sister wanted a few subjects that she could test out some camera settings. I tagged along on the adventure - trying to photograph and wrangle 5 kids. I was glad it worked out to go with because she captured some wonderful photos of everyone. It also helps that the backdrop of the Mill City Museum adds so much character. Thanks Margaret - these are wonderful! I hope the craziness paid off, it sure looks like it!

My Hero Lives On

My grandfather, William Carlson, went to be with Jesus last Saturday. He had a long and fulfilling life of 97 years...but that didn't make it any easier for his family to say goodbye. I had the great privilege to speak at his funeral two days ago and below is the text.

My worldview has been shaped and molded by many people and experiences, but the greatest influence in my life, by far, has come from my grandfather...my hero. Here are some captivating influences my grandpa had on my life:

1) Civic Pride

He had a great sense of ownership and pride of Mankato. All things Mankato were a twinkle in his eye - The Train Depot, Commercial College, Minneopa State Park, Happy Chef, Carlson Craft and on and on...

2) Philanthropic Activities

Charitable giving and volunteering was deeply weaved into the fabric of his very being. He chose charities that he identified with such as his church, First Christian, Courage Center and Mankato Area United Way.

3) Travel

Trains, planes, automobiles, ferries, ships, gondolas, stagecoach, whatever available means possible to get him and his travel companions to where they needed to go. From Europe to Africa, The Black Hills and The North Shore he loved to explore! The journey was just as important as the destination. But, of course, after every adventure the post trip slideshow was the main event!

4) Trains

From model trains to real trains he was a lover of all things railroad. During our trip in Alaska I remember him standing on the platform of the rear most car (to his chagrin there was no caboose) holding a tape recorder capturing the racket of wind and a loud train. But to him it was a methodic tick-a-tack-a-tick-a-tack that swept him away and brought immense joy to his life. Many times he would simply book a trip within a trip to get in that coveted train ride headed towards a not so important destination.

5) Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

He had a profound, yet simple, relationship with Jesus Christ. Attending church, praying before meals, devotional time and The Lord's Prayer before bedtime on trips where all Christ honoring attributes. And he told me many times he wished to serve in the ministry but didn't possess the gifts to be a pastor. So he equipped others who had that vocational calling. Grandpa was a huge supporter of my dad and his calling to full time ministry.

6) Business

Successful entrepreneurs are driven, intuitive, devoted, compelled, opportunistic, visionary, passionate and team oriented. These qualities, along with the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22, Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control, were all possessed by my grandfather.

He told me many times the story of how he wanted to become a baker...but quickly realized getting up at 3am every morning to start the bread was not such a good idea! However, he always had the caveat..."I respect those who do it though. That's hard work!" He had numerous other professions that he "tried on" to see if they fit his gift set and talents.

None, however, quite fit like the letter business. He started selling greeting cards during the War when he was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. That, coupled with his stellar typing skills, planted the seed for Carlson Craft. In the basement of his home in 1948 he, at age 33, and my grandma, at age 27, embarked on a worldwide letter and wedding invitation business, which is now part of the uber successful Taylor Corporation still based here in Mankato. He would tell me from time to time that: "He always enjoyed his job and looked forward to going into the office every day." Work was important to him...but enjoying it was even more important!

His steadfast entrepreneurial spirit was contagious! During our summer trips, Andy and I would conceive master plans for our future business ventures together. Our grandest idea was to create a store that could be a one-stop-shop with clothes, games, groceries, camping gear, etc. It was the perfect business opportunity! It was, until Fleet Farm, Wal-Mart and Super Target reigned on our capitalistic spirit!

In more recent years, I asked my grandpa many times, including last Tuesday, whether I should follow in his footsteps and start my own business. His response to my quest for autonomy was always a measured one. "Stay at Mortenson Construction" he would say, "because it is a good family owned company that has taken good care of you and your family."

7) Pie

French silk, banana cream and sour cream raisin were his favorite pies. But he didn't discriminate and was inclusive of desserts from all walks of life. Cookies, torts, bars, ice cream. All were created equal in his mind. I think he would agree and may have even said "There's not a dessert I've met that I haven't liked!"

8) Games

Croquet, Rummiqub, Kings in the Corner, and Uno were some favorites, but Zioncheck was his signature game when gathering with family or friends. After a long day of travel and sightseeing we would always gather in the hotel room and play a game or two before bed.

9) Planning & List making

Whether it was a detailed list of Christmas presents for his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids or an itinerary for one of his trips...he was a planner! These itineraries wouldn't be a simple; 1. Travel to Colorado. 2. See Rocky Mountains. 3. Travel Home. No no...he would include a daily schedule with time slots for sightseeing, lunch, driving, coffee breaks and even naps. And he would list the hotel he was staying at each night with the phone number and reservation information. Detailed? Of course!

10) Family

I strongly believe that family was my grandfather's #1 reason for loving life. The family can all remember growing up... gathering for Easter, Christmas and everything in between; Grandpa traveling...an extra 100 miles in the opposite direction of our destination just to visit Beatrice, Clyde, Bob, or Alice who were all related to grandpa, hanging on to some outgrown limb on his family tree. And then there was his, what some would consider strange, decision to retire early and sell his business. Not strange in his eyes as he wanted to spend as much time with his wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids as he possibly could. He was able to spend 38 years in retirement traveling and spending time with his family. He used to tell me many times that "People have figured out how to manufacture goods, services and even money. But the one thing no one has ever figured out how to manufacture is time." He said this was the reason he retired early to spend time with his wife and family. Family was his lifeblood.

Over the past couple weeks I had the incredible opportunity and privilege to spend intimate alone time with my grandpa. We talked about many things. As it was difficult for him to speak I did most of the talking but one of the questions he asked me was what my hobbies were. I would tell him that my job and raising Brianna and Carl take a lot of time, but I enjoy being outside hiking, biking and gardening. I would come back the next time and he would, again, ask what my hobbies are...what I do for recreation. I would tell him what my hobbies are, but also that he has shaped my life in a way that no other has; That I hope to accomplish half of what he did and to be a man of integrity; That he is my hero.

As the conversations weaved back towards hobbies, it was important for him to impress upon me how meaningful hobbies and recreation are in one's life. Even up to his last days here on earth he was teaching me lessons and providing profound insight to my worldview. I assure you, his wisdom and legacy live on, not only in my life, but in yours as well. Today my hero lives on.

A Christmas Skipped, but Made UP

Later that afternoon, since Brianna was napping through the Bonkoski family Christmas gift exhange, we caught up on Christmas gifts after her birthday party get together. Again, she just had a blast unwrapping each gift. Ahh, to be two again...

B turns 2 - continued...

Instead of a party at our house this year (due to lingering illnesses), we decided to invite whoever could come to Pizza Luce and feast on deliciousness! It has amazing pizza, and just as delicious gluten free pizza. Before leaving for Pizza Luce, Gammie stopped by to give Brianna her birthday gift one on one. She had so much practice over Christmas that as soon as she saw the gifts, she wanted to open them. Jon was finishing getting ready, and I kept having to tell her to wait for daddy. It was a challenge but she was able to wait! 

 Once we settled into our seats and ordered our pizza's, Brianna got another chance to open gifts. It was an arts and crafts type birthday, with paint, paper, markers, and the like. We thank everyone for your gifts, she enjoys them all immensely!

I wanted to have something special for Brianna to top off her birthday - what better than a yummy gluten free red velvet cupcake with freshly topped cream cheese frosting. Does it make your mouth water?

It was a perfect end to a fabulous lunch and wonderful celebration of our little girl. We love Brianna so much. She is particular about everything and helps with anything. She cares deeply for family and simply just loves to play. Who knew someone so little could have so much passion!

 Thank you to everyone who was able to make it, and all those who were there in spirit, to help make Brianna's birthday so special. I know she enjoyed the company!

B turns 2

After running across my mom's krumkaka makers, I thought it would be fun to make some this year. It was my first ever attempt ever and we even made them gluten free! Little did I know that the first batch,  made with my mom, I completely forgot to add the eggs. I checked and rechecked the recipe as we mixed it but... I still forgot. Turns out, they still tasted good anyway! 

So, after one semi-failed/mostly-successful first attempt, I thought I'd make a little more for Brianna's Birthday (krum)cake. While she napped, I whipped up another batch. It's not a quick process, but I was in the krumkaka creating mood. (Note: krumkaka makers don't work well on electric stove-tops.) It was a pretty peaceful process until I realized oil was burning under the maker on the electric coils and the entire upstairs was very smoky. It was time to turn on the fan... not so peaceful anymore.  

Anyway, so after krumkaka making and Brianna's nap it was time to open gifts! She was well versed in the ripping paper aspect and was so excited to see the gifts. I asked her to sit down, and she sat right down- no hesitation. When something so great is at hand, she has wonderful listening ears.

One of the gifts Brianna received for her birthday was a little farm animal bowling set. She thought is was pretty cool and started knocking them down instantly. Please don't ask what Carl is wearing. Have I mentioned we were all sick. This outfit, must have looked good at the time, otherwise it was the only thing clean...

THEN... it was Krumkaka time! We even lit a candle and she knew how to blow it out. Check out the enjoyment!

Aye Me

Resting up the day after Christmas from all the excitement and sickness, Carl struck a pose during his nap on the couch. It's funny how certain poses our kids take seem to be carried down from us. You just have to wonder... Is he really mimicking us or is it really just that comfortable? No matter what the answer, he is super cute doing it!

On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day

Christmas morning we packed up as soon as we could and headed over to Gammie and Gampie's house. Like I mentioned previously, we were having some rough nights, so we seemed a little sluggish getting out of the house. Thankfully, all the gifts were already at my parents house from the evening before (Christmas Eve with my extended family), leaving us one less thing to remember, or I'm pretty sure we would have forgotten them. 

Yes, this is our dog. I caught him just as he was readjusting, but his front half of his body was on top of Carl's carseat. It was a, "they caught me" moment for him I think.

The joys of opening gifts and then sharing in their wonderfulness. Thanks to everyone for the amazing gifts. We're having so much fun with our new toys.

She also (as did the rest of us) had a great time being with cousins, Aunts and Uncles. She climbed on to Uncle Jerimy's lap and made herself cozy, even managed to get him to read her a book. There are many wonderful things about the holidays, but one that I love most is being able to gather with as much family as possible and share stories, laughter, and memories, whether it's for hours or a few brief moments.

Our Christmas morning picture... What Brianna really needed here was a nap, but unfortunately she wasn't going to take one all day. Carl's happy though, and completely ready for pictures. He seems to always be camera ready!

~Here's a few pictures of us while we opened gifts~

What says Christmas more than Dance?

I'd say it's quite fitting to dance during Christmas - I mean the joy of the season is just too great to keep inside!! My niece and I were burning up the dance floor. I don't claim to be a professional, but I do just want to have fun. 

On Christmas eve we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house to break bread and spend time together. To start the festivities we got a VERY cute picture with them. We found out later, the picture would be used for a special new book for Carl.

We had a little time before the rest of the party arrived, so we helped grandma lay down some snow (since we were lacking some outside) because the Christmas bear needed something to stand on.  Then we read part of Grandma's Christmas book from when she was little.

 THEN... Uncle Jeff arrives! She loves her uncle!

AND Aunt Shelley came too! Carl loves Aunt Shelley!

If it seemed Brianna disappeared during the gift opening, it's because she was taking a much needed nap. The night before (Christmas Eve eve) we went to urgent care to get Brianna checked out (for the second time that week) and turned out she had an ear infection and she was not doing well. She was having problems all week - just not able to sleep - which made it a challenging week for all of us. So we let her sleep. But Carl enjoyed the added attention, working through each gift with purpose.

It was his first Christmas Eve celebration, what memories!

 Oh... and his new blanket!

A little of this... a little of that!

Do you see what I see?

While outside picking up after Eko (usually unprecedented mid-Dec because of all the snow), a HUGE hawk swooped down over the creek, disturbed the ducks, and landed on a tree limb in our neighbors yard - just a few feet away from me. I thought it was cool, so I quickly and silently ran into the house to get the camera. Thankfully he was still there when I got back. The only thing was, try keeping a 2 year old quiet so she doesn't scare him off, or worse yet, him get agitated and fly by her.
He nicely perched while I took his picture, then flew back the way he came, again disturbing the ducks. I love our backyard!

Then there is Carl, who opted to borrow his Sister's pink warm marshmallow jumpsuit to go outside with us. He'd rather not go through the embarrassment, so he slept through this outing!

Once back inside, we made some yummy Christmas wreath cookies. Brianna did a great job decorating with red hots and sprinkles. We had to wash her hands a few times during the process though because the sprinkles kept melting in her hand and she would get upset. She's a little funny about dirty hands.

On a different note, who says you need to a phone to talk to your (Imaginary) friends. I never knew a remote could had a dual function! Enjoy!

More Lights!

Throughout the holiday season, Brianna realized quickly that Christmas lights were pretty cool, and all she wanted was "more lights". No matter how many I pointed out, it never seemed good enough. Perhaps, silly me, I thought we would go see a lights display that would be so much more than what we see driving around our neighborhood. Again, it wasn't good enough! I'm sure it was wonderful to her, which is why she kept asking for more lights... but the way her little voice sounded, it was no where near her anticipation level. Just ask Uncle Jerimy and Aunt Meg - they'll tell you!

Check out Aunt Meg's blog for more pictures and a wonderful video. Unfortunately, we weren't able to capture the "more lights." Maybe next year!

Thanks for the invite and piling in to one car to enjoy the light spectacular. I'd say, new tradition?

Carlson Family Christmas

It's always a joy to be together and catch up with Jon's Aunt (his mom's sister) and her family.  Every year we get together to spend time with on another, open gifts, and celebrate Christmas with Grandpa Bill. This was our second chance to Celebrate Christmas and open gifts, with Thanksgiving with Betsy, Dave and Justin, being the first. I'm pretty sure Brianna was loving the extra opportunities to dig into wrapping paper. 

 

 It's SO fun because there are a ton of kids... so laughter and noise permeate the room! With Brianna able to walk around and interact more this year, she was off with one or the other of the older kids. They were so responsible and if I came looking, they politely said where she was and who she was with (as if to say, no need to worry, we got her!). THANKS to everyone who helped her feel apart of the big kid group and played with her. She loves you all!

Grandpa Bill and Vi were delighted to have everyone around and be able to share in the Christmas spirit. We sang carols, had yummy snacks, and the kids exchanged gifts. What a blessing it is to have these memories!

 

This year, the gathering also landed on Jon's mom's birthday. So we were able to extend the festivities with a delicious flourless chocolate cake and birthday song.

And let's not forget Uncle Jeff - he's very popular with Brianna. For days after this weekend, she kept asking, "where'd Uncle Jeff go?" You are very loved.