my lovelies and littles

This week has been just like "July in Minnesota is supposed to be".  Or so the radio announcers said today. Supposed to be or not- I agree with this lovely less humid, yet hot weather. It promotes fun days with my dearest friends, at local parks, nestled by lakes, grassy hills, sun-kissed cheeks, laughter, hugs, and bonding.  -Did I mention I LOVE SUMMER!!!?!

Anne, Jaime, Andrea & Erica w/the littles

 See that tiny Little Hat-Covered Dot head'n for the hills? (or rather, truck'n down the hill and toward bath house...).  That would be my child. No second look back, no 'mom, is this ok?' look, only one small break to look about and make sure he was on HIS track...Yup....dooo-ti-deety-ti-doo-doo. He was on his own little adventure, until I retrieved him. Which apparently wasn't entirely disagreeable either; -judging from his high-in-the-air tossed giggles and kissed up, smiling cheeks.

My Lovelies.  

This happened to be Erica's last picnic with us before they enter the next chapter of the lives in a different state. I (we) will miss this woman of god and her humble depth, inner joy and peace, and real transparency.  HUGS TO YOU ERICA! Fare better than well!

caven cousins and auntie visit

Auntie Liz visited for a quick overnight and morning visit this weekend. The love, fun, excitement, and entertainment she brought with her (that is: Elliot, Emma, Isa and Henry) are always fun for us (and Asher LOVED playing with and watching them). We had late night showers, a pancake picnic, did a little catch in the yard, mini walks, movies, and stair climbing (by Asher and Henry). Fun, fun, fun.

Happy we get to see you guys again soon!

perspective-my week in review

My last week in review. (5.30-6.6.11)
(the positive spin version)

Monday: Truly a wonderful day, where Charlie, Asher and I spent some amazing quality time at the park playing bocci ball and hanging out. Asher sat on a blanket and watched, we were at our favorite park on Lake Minnetonka.

Tuesday: The drive to Des Moines went safely, Asher didn't cry the WHOLE time! I got to pick up my little Sister Anna, and have lunch with my other sister Cally before she left for Guatemala on a missions trip. Our nephew didn't have a virus that caused him to throw up, and have a fever higher than 100 degrees! Charlie and I discovered (again) that we are truly and happily dependent on each other; we find it hard to function without the other by our side. We think it's a good thing that the Lord knit our hearts together so closely.

Asher has started making this face when we pull out the camera

Lando and Aunty Nan

Wednesday: I got to sleep a FEW hours. I woke to hear Asher start saying Dadada... (too bad Chaz wasn't there, after his many months of practice!). Nobody got hurt, lost, barfed, or went hungry while Anna and I continued to stay in Des Moines watching our nephew. We got to take Lando and Asher on several walks, and neither of their 'sunburns' were TOO bad.  Everyone went to bed without a qualm. Jesus met my every need emotionally.

Lando playing outside

Thursday: Again I'm thankful for the couple of hours of sleep I DID get- and a 35 minute nap! WE got to enjoy slightly better spirited boys after a fever broke (Landon) and two front teeth popped (Asher). We got to spend time playing outside. We got to see my sister in law, Liz and my adorable and busy nieces and nephews and we all had a pizza party. Both boys were very happy during bath time and easily went to bed.  I got to take a shower! And I even though I fell asleep right before I was to leave to go pick up my sister Bridget and Zach from the airport late that night....I got up in time to make it there and not keep them waiting for me. And upon arriving home hear my Little Asher man giggle and squeal in his sleep and say daddada... like he was dreaming Dada was tickling him. SO CUTE. And precious to witness how happy Landon was to see HIS daddy and mommy arrive home (even at 12:30 at night!)

Landon was positively STUCK to Anna, he adores her

Friday: I got to spend time with my sisters Bridget and Anna and the two little boys. We drove to Waterloo and Asher took a morning nap. And upon arriving there we got to SEE and BE WITH our Chaz (Dada)!!! YAY! We thought it may have been longer, but the way God ended working out this week was different than what we planned.  In any case we were very thankful to be together again. After naps we enjoyed a late afternoon swim at The Falls in Cedar Falls IA. IT was Asher's first time swimming... he really liked it.  IT was around 95 degrees that day and very windy-so we were thankful to be at the pool. Great Grandma Bohlen met us there and Grammy swam with us. We came home and enjoyed pizza with Papa Reed and the fam.  I actually slept REALLY well that night.  :o)

Excited to try swimming for the first time!

Asher and his Grammy and Great Grandma

Starting off small with daddy

Asher loved swishing around in the big pool

Aunty Nan and Aunty Bird and Cousin Lando, Grammy and Ash.

THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!

I could get used to this swimming stuff!

Saturday:  No fevers- (for either Boy!). Asher got to enjoy swining with Grandpa Johnson on the front porch. We enjoyed home-made pull-apart's my mom made (just like my Grandma Reed used to make). And Bird and I got to sip coffee and chat all morning! OUr little family got to go see Great Grandpa Mulligan at Friendship Village Nursing Home, and chat with him there a while. We got to go to Golden China with Great Grandma Mulligan and Grandpa and Grandma Johnson. We got to see Ashley and Ryan and hang out for a bit; while there, I was encouraged and reminded that we get to see our two precious babies in heaven again one day! I'm thankful for family that trusts and loves God! We enjoyed a good old hot summer cookout with the Johnson's; and chatted around the dinner table just like old times. Charlie and I got to play with and giggle with Asher while he took a bath before bed. And then treat of all treats---- we got to go to Four Queens! :-) (my favorite orange and vanilla swirl cone ANYWHERE!)!

Swing'n with Grandpa on the front porch

Grandpa, Grandma, Great Grandpa M, Charlie and Asher

Sunday: We got to see an old friend at church. We got to have a cookout with Aunty Glenda and Grammy and Aunty Anna. Charlie and I got to (sneak) in another trip to Four Queens (this time the Waterloo one-shhhhhh). And bought a cover for my babes 240sx and we chilled and watched ESPN while Shmuvs (Asher) slept. Ahhhhhh- relaxing.  Had a nice evening with my family. So thankful for family and especially for my Little Anna and all her amazing love and extra help. Asher got to "swim" and take a "bath" outside.

2nd time in less than 24 hours

Monday: Got up early enough (because I didn't actually have to wake... a-hemmm.  :-P  ) to get Anna to Clear Lake for Water Work Week at her camp. Asher and I got to enjoy sitting by Clear Lake for a bit before heading further north. Called my Babe and decided to meet for a quick lunch near his work. I'm thankful for my husband, and that even if keys get locked in the car on a 95 degree, muggy day, and he has to walk back to his office, with poop on his sleeve (from a baby whose diaper bag is locked in the car), and drives all the way back to Plymouth to get the other set of keys, over his lunch break (which was to be our date time) and saves the (my) day---never said an angry condemning word to me, just smiles and hands me the key and made sure I was going to be OK. I'm thankful for the oddly placed Somali daycare place, and even though they didn't have air were still so understanding and kind gave me a diaper and wipes to fix my baby's bottom problem.  I'm thankful for a shaded chair at Panchero's where Ash and I could wait. I'm thankful that when we got home- Asher was sooooo relieved, happy and content to be there- and is now napping peacefully while I sip on a glass of wine before I delve into the unpacking.  So thankful to be back in my home.

Clear Lake's State Park Beach front where I sat with Asher.

We (I) survived. Thank you Jesus!
Such a good and blessed week!

random fun

Aunty Anna and Uncle Paul were in town in April and we grabbed supper with them.
They were completely in love with you baby boy!
You were really good while we ate too. 

Mesmerized Baby Blues
(He was feeling grumpy)

It was one of those days. 

He had to be plugged in. Mommy needed a break.

You understand.

We have really been enjoying spending time outside since the weather finally turned nice!
And in the bottom right is my shout out to our house (not done yet).  We're on an improvement rampage.
Recoating the driveway, arrogation, seeding, flower planting, weeding, trimming, and we're getting our house PAINTED at the end of June! YAY! NO MORE PEACHY PINK!
Owning a house is a lot of work and MOOOOLA.   :-P
I'll be sure to post pictures in about a month with all the updates.

Aunty Anna comes to play

When Aunty Anna (AKA: Asher's Baby Fairy) comes to play, scarcely a sad face can be found. For this Aunty wonder swoops in to the rescue of her sad nephew or stressed out sister. Her visit came at just the right time. I was feeling like I was at the end of my rope-Asher had just cut two teeth and the weather was crappy, and I was just emotionally and physically exhausted and in need of Dr.'s apt's hair cuts/colors, in and out errands, etc. Ahhhhhh. Relief came that whole week, and together we accomplished everything on my long to do list and then some. PHEW!

Asher started rolling in giggles and has begun to enjoy playing a little rougher (meaning- rolling more, being tickled, etc).

Thanks Anna for coming to visit! We love you!

Asher's first Easter

Before Easter we celebrated cousin Landon's FIRST birthday!

We were in Des Moines for both special days.

Here's a few pictures of the fun festivities:























Lando had his first bite of cake and decided to share with mommy and daddy- by the end they both had cake all over their faces. We had a fun time at their cook-out, lots of family and friends came to join the fun.

On Easter we went to the Caven's house and Grandma and Grandpa Johnson drove down and brought lunch with them. Yummy!  The little Caven's enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. Asher had fun watching all the activity.

We did discover, however, that Asher is slightly on the sensitive side. He wasn't used to all the activity and hub-bub and noise. He needed some breaks here and there to be quiet and be alone. If it was too loud sometimes he'd let out a scared little cry.  Pretty cute.  -I don't think second, etc. born children ever have this problem.  :-)

Big Boy/Little Boy -you don't grow out of it.

Landon taught Asher how to use the jumper.

zoo-riffic

Asher and I went on a little date this morning, and some sweet friends met us there. It's absolutely perfect weather for a slow stroll down the paths (although I'm positive that Asher had no clue where we were... and would have been equally as happy at a local park). But it was fun for me to get out and see friends and the cool and unusual animals. It's about 70 degree's out and a very slight breeze. Amazing.

I wish for many more days like today. And I wish for many more moments like this with my precious Little Mr. :

Asher and I with the camels.

 Meg and her to sweetie's and Anne and her little sir enjoyed the sunshiny stroll with us. 

Asher did notice the goats, and spent time checking them out.

He also noticed the big cows.

And I just thought that this was a cool "puff-head" chicken.

 The end.

I heart my men

I'm so very thankful for these two. My amazing, loving, forgiving, hunky husband. And my chunky, happy, precious Littlest Man.

Happy Valentine's Day!

christmas 2010

What a wonderful Christmas weekend we had. Charlie, Asher and I packed up the murano and headed to Iowa in the middle of a huge snow storm Christmas Eve.  We were glad to have the 4 wheel drive, getting to our loved ones proved to be no problem at all. 

Upon arriving Great Grandma and pa Bohlen snatched up little Asher-man and he was very pleased to have their attention; he cooed and smiled in response to their kisses, talking. Asher, you are simply adored. 

We had a delicious lunch/supper with the Reed side and the girls opened a few presents, and we just had fun chatting for a while.

We stayed at the Johnson's house and Uncle Andrew and Liz and kiddo's were there too. Together we enjoyed Beverley's traditional and yummy lefse, meatballs and chowder.  And having all the cousins under one roof always promises an interesting/exciting time for all who are present. Asher continued to sleep through the night while we were away. -But we always have trouble sleeping when he's in our room; he did this little breath-coo/humm thing (really cute, but annoying at 3am) the whole time he slept that weekend. So we moved him out to the hall.

Grandma Johnson gave cousin's Asher and baby Henry their "Baby's First Christmas" onsie's. They (of course) looked very cute, so we took some pictures.

This was Asher's first Christmas, and he was awe struck. He sat on daddy's lap and just took it all in- the lights, the squeals, the paper and bows.  But in reality- he was our favorite present this year, so we put a bow on him.

Later we went to Auntie Glenda's and Uncle Jim's for the "Reed Christmas" with extended family. It was here where we first hear Asher's first giggle.  He's only done it a few times since.  But he was super happy to be talking and laughing at/with Grandma, Auntie's and Mommy that afternoon.

Aunt Glenda hosted the festivities.  It was nice to see my cousins and other family I rarely get to see, even if it was just for a few hours.

The day after Christmas we took Asher to meet Derek and Jamee. Ashley and Ryan were at Doug and Lynn's too. Asher was quite happy to get to meet them spend time with them. We played a great game of Blokus together. 

It was a wonderful weekend, but as always, it's good to be home too.

It was such a special season as a new little family of three.

Asher got this "baby's first christmas 2010" ornament.

We enjoyed getting Christmas cards from family and friends.
We posted them on the side of our fridge for the year.

And a few days after Christmas Andrew and Charlie hit the slopes at Afton Apls