I love this photo of Kinzie and her gap toothed smile! (Although it's really not a gap toothed smile because the adult teeth are already grown in and you can kind of see them in this shot)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The brave little girl...
got her 2 front teeth pulled! She was so brave and did so awesome! Her adult teeth were growing in behind the baby teeth, just like Malichi's did, so they weren't pushing the baby teeth out like they should be.
I love this photo of Kinzie and her gap toothed smile! (Although it's really not a gap toothed smile because the adult teeth are already grown in and you can kind of see them in this shot)
I love this photo of Kinzie and her gap toothed smile! (Although it's really not a gap toothed smile because the adult teeth are already grown in and you can kind of see them in this shot)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
In loving memory of Kelly...
.
It's been just over a week since my Aunt Kelly passed away very unexpectedly.
I have been having dreams almost nightly of her. Some of the dreams are about what actually happened and about the day she passed away. Some of the dreams are of us at a family event and I am talking to her. When I wake up from those, it takes me a minute to come to the realization that she is really not here anymore. It's almost like I feel the shock again for a moment, just as I felt when my mom called me sobbing, saying "She didn't make it". I can still hear the shock and pain in her voice. Those words keep replaying in my head.
Last Wednesday was the visitation, and the funeral was on Thursday. The visitation was amazing. There were so many people, and so many flowers sent. It was very apparent that Kelly was loved by many. The funeral was a beautiful service celebrating Kelly's life.
I had decided I wanted to make a memorial scrapbook album for Todd and Jaden like I did for my Grandpa's funeral. I printed a copy for Kelly's parents and her sister as well. And all of my family will be getting a copy too.
When I gave the book to Mary Ann, Kelly's mom, she cried and said "How did you know? How did you know I wanted to ask you to make this? I saw the one you did for your Grandpa, and I wanted to ask you to make one for Kelly". What an honor that she wanted to ask me to make a memorial album about her daughter. I hope they can find some sort of comfort in it.
One of the first memories I have of Kelly was when she and Todd were dating. I am only 7 years younger than Todd and Kelly, so growing up, Todd felt more like a cousin than an Uncle to me. I was always the annoying little cousin that "should be out playing in traffic" to Todd (don't worry...now that I am grown up we get along great). I remember him bringing Kelly to Grandma's house and they would be up in his bedroom and I would just "pop in" to say "hi! wanna hang out". Needless to say, they didn't think I was so funny, but I apparently did!
I will always remember going out to the farm in the summer with the kids. Kelly would bring Jaden out and the kids would all play while we sat outside or in the gazebo and talked. Grammy would make her famous grilled cheese and tomato soup because it was Kelly's favorite.
I will always remember the trip to the Clay county fair in Spencer Iowa. Grammy, me, Kinzie, Malichi, Todd, Kelly and Jaden went down for the day during one of our stays out on the farm. We took the kids on rides and spent the day walking around the fair. At some point, Kelly and I found a spot to sit and have a snack and had a really great conversation, just the 2 of us. A conversation I will remember forever.
Our family vacation up at the cabin won't be the same this year without Kelly. I remember last year making jokes about how Kelly would be reading a book and Todd would be glued to his US Weekly magazine...usually the roles are reversed! We would tease them about how Kelly didn't like to shop and Todd did, Kelly didn't care if there were curtains on the windows, but Todd wanted something frilly or lacy for window treatments. They truly were so cute together.
Todd and Jaden loved Kelly so much, and I can't imagine what they are going through right now. The days ahead are going to be hard as they grieve and as they try to find a new "normal".
Kelly, we loved you and miss you so much. Tell Grandpa I said "hi".
It's been just over a week since my Aunt Kelly passed away very unexpectedly.
I have been having dreams almost nightly of her. Some of the dreams are about what actually happened and about the day she passed away. Some of the dreams are of us at a family event and I am talking to her. When I wake up from those, it takes me a minute to come to the realization that she is really not here anymore. It's almost like I feel the shock again for a moment, just as I felt when my mom called me sobbing, saying "She didn't make it". I can still hear the shock and pain in her voice. Those words keep replaying in my head.
Last Wednesday was the visitation, and the funeral was on Thursday. The visitation was amazing. There were so many people, and so many flowers sent. It was very apparent that Kelly was loved by many. The funeral was a beautiful service celebrating Kelly's life.
I had decided I wanted to make a memorial scrapbook album for Todd and Jaden like I did for my Grandpa's funeral. I printed a copy for Kelly's parents and her sister as well. And all of my family will be getting a copy too.
When I gave the book to Mary Ann, Kelly's mom, she cried and said "How did you know? How did you know I wanted to ask you to make this? I saw the one you did for your Grandpa, and I wanted to ask you to make one for Kelly". What an honor that she wanted to ask me to make a memorial album about her daughter. I hope they can find some sort of comfort in it.
One of the first memories I have of Kelly was when she and Todd were dating. I am only 7 years younger than Todd and Kelly, so growing up, Todd felt more like a cousin than an Uncle to me. I was always the annoying little cousin that "should be out playing in traffic" to Todd (don't worry...now that I am grown up we get along great). I remember him bringing Kelly to Grandma's house and they would be up in his bedroom and I would just "pop in" to say "hi! wanna hang out". Needless to say, they didn't think I was so funny, but I apparently did!
I will always remember going out to the farm in the summer with the kids. Kelly would bring Jaden out and the kids would all play while we sat outside or in the gazebo and talked. Grammy would make her famous grilled cheese and tomato soup because it was Kelly's favorite.
I will always remember the trip to the Clay county fair in Spencer Iowa. Grammy, me, Kinzie, Malichi, Todd, Kelly and Jaden went down for the day during one of our stays out on the farm. We took the kids on rides and spent the day walking around the fair. At some point, Kelly and I found a spot to sit and have a snack and had a really great conversation, just the 2 of us. A conversation I will remember forever.
Our family vacation up at the cabin won't be the same this year without Kelly. I remember last year making jokes about how Kelly would be reading a book and Todd would be glued to his US Weekly magazine...usually the roles are reversed! We would tease them about how Kelly didn't like to shop and Todd did, Kelly didn't care if there were curtains on the windows, but Todd wanted something frilly or lacy for window treatments. They truly were so cute together.
Todd and Jaden loved Kelly so much, and I can't imagine what they are going through right now. The days ahead are going to be hard as they grieve and as they try to find a new "normal".
Kelly, we loved you and miss you so much. Tell Grandpa I said "hi".
Friday, April 09, 2010
Happy Easter!
Then we headed to Owatonna saturday night. I was supposed to meet up with a dear friend of mine at Perkins for dinner, but she was not feeling well, so we had to cancel. Such a bummer!
We stayed the night at Mom and Randy's so we'd be there for Sunrise Service on Sunday at the church Aaron and I grew up in. I got up at 4:15 on Sunday to start getting ready for church. I got everyone else up around 5:10. Church was at 6:00am and we made it on time!! All six of us! The kids were absolute angels during church too! I am not sure if it was the fact that they were not fully awake yet or what, but it went great! I love going back to our home church. It brings back wonderful memories, and I feel at home there.
After church, we had breakfast at Perkins and then went back to Mom and Randy's to see what the Easter Bunny brought for the kids, and Grandma Tammy and Randy gave the kids their souvenirs from the Mexico trip they just got back from!
Little Miss Scout has such personality! The Easter bunny brought a bubble machine for her and Mr. Finley and she thought it was GREAT! The second photo, is her lovin' on cousin Thor. She was so into him. She'd go up and hug him, or go right up to him and smile and say "hi" as she gently patted his arm. It was darling. Although I am not so sure he thought it was cute...?
In the afternoon we went to Aaron's parents where we flew kites, played at the park, and grilled burgers for dinner. It was a perfect day to be outside!
I hope you all had a Great Easter too!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spring Break: Day 5
Friday.
Today Malichi went to his friend Jack's house in the morning, while we (me, Kinzie and the twins) stayed home for a morning of playtime. Kinzie building a block tower, and then the babies knocking it over kept us entertained for probably a good hour! Amazing how such a simple toy can bring so much excitement!
Then after naps we went to play at Safari Island, our local community center. It was quiet there and we had the Lion's Den all to ourselves! All of the kids loved playing in the big ball pit. (which really kind of grosses me out...who knows what is in there). But they have such fun, I can't refuse.
After playtime at Safari, I took the kids to Ray Azteca for dinner, where Daddy met us after work.
Then, we went home to get a much needed GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP.
I was sad that this was our last day of "Spring Break". I really do love it when the kids have breaks from school. Don't get me wrong...I do love sending them to school... and I am so not the homeschooling type....
But I am so much more relaxed when they are with me. I don't have to worry about all that school "drama", and it always feels like something is missing when we go do something fun and Malichi can't be there with us, because he is at school. Plus of course, there is the fact that I don't have to wake up to an alarm at 6:20 on no school days. I do love that!
As much as we tried to get back on schedule with spring break and the time change, I have a feeling Monday is still going to be a rude awakening! Wish us luck.
Today Malichi went to his friend Jack's house in the morning, while we (me, Kinzie and the twins) stayed home for a morning of playtime. Kinzie building a block tower, and then the babies knocking it over kept us entertained for probably a good hour! Amazing how such a simple toy can bring so much excitement!
Then after naps we went to play at Safari Island, our local community center. It was quiet there and we had the Lion's Den all to ourselves! All of the kids loved playing in the big ball pit. (which really kind of grosses me out...who knows what is in there). But they have such fun, I can't refuse.
After playtime at Safari, I took the kids to Ray Azteca for dinner, where Daddy met us after work.
Then, we went home to get a much needed GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP.
I was sad that this was our last day of "Spring Break". I really do love it when the kids have breaks from school. Don't get me wrong...I do love sending them to school... and I am so not the homeschooling type....
But I am so much more relaxed when they are with me. I don't have to worry about all that school "drama", and it always feels like something is missing when we go do something fun and Malichi can't be there with us, because he is at school. Plus of course, there is the fact that I don't have to wake up to an alarm at 6:20 on no school days. I do love that!
As much as we tried to get back on schedule with spring break and the time change, I have a feeling Monday is still going to be a rude awakening! Wish us luck.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Spring Break: Day 4
Thursday.
Good Morning! :)
After our fun sleepover and LATE night, the kids got donuts for breakfast which they loved, and the twins enjoyed the rare treat.
In the afternoon we went park hopping, stopping for a picnic at the first park we hit. It was a GORGEOUS day out! 60 degrees and SUNNY!
My kids were EXHAUSTED after an afternoon outside. We headed home for dinner and baths!
I tried a new recipe, that turned out so yummy. It will definitely go into our "Carlson family favorites" recipe binder! Baked chicken topped with alfredo sauce fresh mozzarella slices, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and basil, all served over linguine noodles in alfredo sauce. Super delicious!
Good Morning! :)
After our fun sleepover and LATE night, the kids got donuts for breakfast which they loved, and the twins enjoyed the rare treat.
In the afternoon we went park hopping, stopping for a picnic at the first park we hit. It was a GORGEOUS day out! 60 degrees and SUNNY!
My kids were EXHAUSTED after an afternoon outside. We headed home for dinner and baths!
I tried a new recipe, that turned out so yummy. It will definitely go into our "Carlson family favorites" recipe binder! Baked chicken topped with alfredo sauce fresh mozzarella slices, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and basil, all served over linguine noodles in alfredo sauce. Super delicious!
Spring Break: Day 3
Wednesday.
We hung out at home in the morning. Just me and the kids. We slept in late. Stayed in our jammies till' almost noon. It was nice. I could handle days like this more often!
We had our normal gymnastics class in the afternoon. Both Malichi and Kinzie are in it. And while they are in class, Finley and Scout run around like crazy people, and I run around chasing them.
Then the Dustin's (minus Eric) came over for a sleepover. The big kids all got to create their own mini pizzas.
The kids spent the rest of the evening playing outside, watching movies, playing video games. We let the big kids stay up WAY past their bedtimes talking and giggling up in Malichi's room.
Scout and Chasey shared a sweet goodnight kiss before I put the twins to bed.
We hung out at home in the morning. Just me and the kids. We slept in late. Stayed in our jammies till' almost noon. It was nice. I could handle days like this more often!
We had our normal gymnastics class in the afternoon. Both Malichi and Kinzie are in it. And while they are in class, Finley and Scout run around like crazy people, and I run around chasing them.
Then the Dustin's (minus Eric) came over for a sleepover. The big kids all got to create their own mini pizzas.
The kids spent the rest of the evening playing outside, watching movies, playing video games. We let the big kids stay up WAY past their bedtimes talking and giggling up in Malichi's room.
Scout and Chasey shared a sweet goodnight kiss before I put the twins to bed.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spring Break: Day 2
Tuesday we had a low key playdate at our house with a couple of Kinzie's friends. They played ponies and littlest petshop, while Malichi read his Spiderwick book, and the twins and the moms hung out upstairs. Then we headed to McDonalds for lunch and more playtime, and Kristie and her kids joined us there. Kinzie, Hannah, Tori and Kennedie hadn't had a play date all together in quite a while, and they had a blast.
And the big boys and the toddlers had fun too :)
And the big boys and the toddlers had fun too :)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Spring Break: Day 1
The kids are off school this week for spring break, and we've got a week full of fun! I don't get to spend as much time with Malichi as I would like to, ya know with school getting in the way and all! :) So I am taking advantage this week and planning a little something fun everyday.
Monday was ice skating, the library and the park with our best friends, Kristie, and her kids!
Malichi hasn't been skating in 3 years, and Kinzie has never been. They were so pumped about it! They both did really well. I haven't been skating in 3 years either, and while I was far from graceful on the ice, I didn't fall once! :)
After skating and hitting the library, we stopped at the park. It was such a gorgeous day! It has finally been warm enough to play outside. We ALL needed this. Big time!
Monday was ice skating, the library and the park with our best friends, Kristie, and her kids!
Malichi hasn't been skating in 3 years, and Kinzie has never been. They were so pumped about it! They both did really well. I haven't been skating in 3 years either, and while I was far from graceful on the ice, I didn't fall once! :)
After skating and hitting the library, we stopped at the park. It was such a gorgeous day! It has finally been warm enough to play outside. We ALL needed this. Big time!
Monday, March 01, 2010
15 months.
15 month stats:
Finley:
29 3/4 inches tall putting him at 15%
22 lbs. putting him at 25%
He's catching up in weight a little bit, but not so much on height. I guess they both take after me.
Scout:
30 inches tall putting her at 40%
24 lb. 4 oz. putting her at 75%
I was very surprised to see that she is taller than him.
Well... let's see. 15 months. Alot has changed since I quit doing the monthly posts at 12 months!!
I have weaned the twins off nursing and off the bottle. They have been without for probably 2-3 weeks now. Sometimes they still try to rip my shirt down to nurse, (like right in the middle of ECFE group time for example) but for the most part, they are doing well with it. I however, have had my sad moments knowing they are through that stage of their life. I miss that time with each of them. I could have nursed longer but with my heart issues I need to try a new medication that I cannot use while nursing. I am proud to say though, that I nursed twins for 14+ months!
They are both very mobile toddlers these days. Finley walks, and Scout runs! They have begun to climb on everything. I caught Finley in the craft room like this the other day:
Don't worry, I didn't leave him up there so I could rush to get the camera and take his picture. I walked in with it in my hand.
Their vocabulary has grown by....maybe like 2 words. Scout now says "buh bye" and Fin says "no" (as of today apparently). "uh oh" is still the most frequently used word from them though, well besides mama. mama. mama. MAMA. MAAAAMAAAAA. repeatedly of course.
And the biggest and best change of all...... drum roll please...
....
....
They sleep THROUGH the night! Consistently. Every. Night.
I had forgotten what it was like to get a full nights' sleep! But damn, is it lovely!
(Although these past few days that have not slept well, because they are sick. High fevers, double ear infection for Scout, and one ear for Finley. Along with coughing, congestion and yucky noses.)
But hopefully they will be back to their happy selves once these antibiotics start working. :)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
just sharing.
I have been missing out on a big part of my own life lately. Scrapbooking has always been a priority for me, (well since I became a mother anyway) but since the twins were born, I have found it incredibly hard to find any time. Or when I have had the time, the creative juices were not flowing! I am sure it's due to lack of sleep, stress, and being overwhelmed with how far behind I have gotten on my books!
At the start of the new year I decided I was going to make time to scrap, and I actually HAVE!!! I have done 21 new pages since the beginning of January. It feels so good to be doing something creative again. I have missed it so much.
Here are some of the new layouts I've done:
At the start of the new year I decided I was going to make time to scrap, and I actually HAVE!!! I have done 21 new pages since the beginning of January. It feels so good to be doing something creative again. I have missed it so much.
Here are some of the new layouts I've done:
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