Christmas Cheer

Well, it wasn't hard to get into the Christmas spirit this weekend. We had our traditional weekend before Christmas celebration at our house this past weekend. New home. New baby. New traditions.

I will say this has felt like a very different holiday season this year. My family decided on no gifts. This was a HUGE step for us. I know lots of families that have been doing this for awhile. Or drawing names for gifts. We decided, no gifts, except for the kids. I have to say, it has been really nice not to have to stress over the perfect, most meaningful and thoughtful gift. The one that would have the recipient wondering, 'how did she know I've always wanted that?' It's been different though. I kept thinking I was forgetting something. And when I'd go to the stores, I really didn't have anyone to buy for. No stress, no worry. I think I can get used to that. It also caused me to pause and think about the true meaning of Christmas. I have found I'll give a little more at the Red Kettles. Donate at the register to St. Jude's or whatever the charity of the day is. Perhaps I'll even splurge and treat my office mates to a healthy breakfast this week. But it was also a really nice weekend with family, just enjoying one another's company. Enjoying the kids and their Christmas cheer.

Jaxon and Zoe made an amazing Gingerbread House. Note to self. $8 is nothing when it keeps two kids busy for two hours. Loved this investment.

Zoe and Jaxon tried to do a little snowtubing in the backyard. Didn't work out so great. Jaxon wiped out after about three minutes and the snow facewash sent him indoors pretty darn quick. But, indoors is where it's at. There were cookies to be made. And eaten along the way...

 Kiley got some love and attention from Grandpa and Grandma. She was having fun grabbing her feet this weekend, tried some new foods, and giggled and laughed when Grandpa gave her the 'chin'.  

 We also had a few photo shoots. Of course. I'm not sure which of my kids is going to be the more dramatic of the queens, but they're both doing a good job so far.

 After a very delicious dinner on Saturday night (which did not include eating the gingerbread house),

We had the kids open their gifts.

 Jaxon's box started talking to him before he opened it (the true powers of Buzz Lightyear), and so he got beyond excited when he realized there might really be a Buzz in the box. I've never seen him like that. It was pretty hilarious. Buzz is now his new best friend and goes 'bababeyond' with him everywhere (to infinity and beyond, for those unfamiliar).  

Another favorite was the art easel with chalkboard and letters. Zoe and Jaxon played 'classtime' and taught us all our letters. But you better pay attention, says Jaxon.

Miss Kiley, sorry you had to go to bed and miss out on all the fun. She did love her gifts that Jaxon so kindly helped her open. That fish mirror and glowworm are her new favorite friends.

And so, if I wasn't in the holiday spirit before, I am now. It's not about the gifts or shopping for the perfect present. It's about the time spent with family. The energy and creativity one gets from watching thier kids act out a show on demand or dancing like a princess. It's about making cookies, eating them, sharing them with neighbors. It's about watching the snow fall on a sunny December afternoon when it isn't even winter yet and you clearly have enough snow to last you the rest of the year. It's about making snow angels with your son on the hardwood floor. It's about snuggling on the couch, watching movies, enjoying each other. It's about all these things, and so much more.

As we go into the holiday week and weekend, we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy time spent with your family and friends. Make snow angels. Catch a snowflake. Share some merriment. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Vuong Household!

important lessons from the 'epic storm'

Things we learned while trapped in our house for too many hours together during the epic storm of 2010.

1. The difference between wax paper and parchment paper. We'll have to save that oatmeal cookie recipe for another day.

2. To always keep an eye on chocolate cooking on the stove, or melt it in the microwave next time.

3. Toddlers aren't always as 'helpful' while baking as they might claim to be. But they are good at eating...

4. Kiley really likes pears, peas, and squash.

5. Learned how to clear the snow from our hot water heater exhaust so that we could have hot water again.

6. The mailman delivers in rain, sleet, or snow. But the newspaper man does not. ;-(

7. Naps are not 'wasting the day away' as I've often believed to be true. They sometimes are a welcome gift.

8. Always stop at Target on your way home from work, just in case you might need something. Good think I picked up that formula on Friday or Kiley would be p*ssed!!

9. It's important to have a house with a clear 'runway' for Jaxon to run back and forth and use up all that energy. Or have padded walls for when he starts bouncing off of them.

10. And the best thing I learned while being couped up all weekend-- if you just stay in your pajamas all weekend, from Friday night through Sunday, there is very little laundry to do.

three, part two

Hard to beleive our little boy is three. What a fun weekend we had celebrating. Jaxon's birthday party was on Sunday. The cupcakes were frosted, the party hats were on,
the friends and party guests had arrived. There was the obligatory cute baby sister, scrutinizing... watching... taking notes for future birthday parties.
Pretty sure the birthday boy had a good time. How could you not when everyone you ask for a cupcake thinks it's your first one? Dear Jaxon,

You are the most amazing little boy with the biggest heart.

On your third birthday, I want you to know how much your parents love you. How we think about you throughout our day. Even though we can't always be with you, we wish we could.

Tonight as I was hanging out downstairs watching GLEE and updating your blog, listening to you sing Jingle Bells in your crib when you should be sleeping put the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of myself as a kid. Hearing you tell me that you can't use the cucumber melon soap because it has pickles on it, has me cracking up. The fact that you told me you weren't going to hurt anyone today at daycare made me a a little nervous, but at least you didn't say the opposite.

And the sweet boy in you that is so thankful for his mommy and daddy, makes me just want to squeeze you tighter, hold you longer, stay up later, and be with you more.

I know why my parent's (your grandma and grandpa) always said, 'just you wait till you have kids'. They said that about a lot of things, but it's so true, that you never quite know what it will be like until you dive in. I am beyond grateful for you and could probably gush for another paragraph or two, but I won't.

I'll just hug you a little tighter tomorrow, hold you a little longer, stay up a little later with you.

We love you, Mom and Dad

three

Jaxon turned three this weekend. He got a camera.

Enough said?

thankful

I love this time of year. Time for family get togethers. Time spent with friends. Shopping with Christmas music in the background and snow in the air. It's so beautiful out. People seem downright jolly (so far). And I am constantly reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. A new thing I've been doing with Jaxon, when I remember, is to reflect on the day before putting him to bed. We read our books and then I ask him, 'What was your favorite part of today?'. Tonight, I thought the answer to that would have been, the cookie you gave me for dessert, or that daddy took us to the zoo. But it was 'playing with you mommy.' Now, maybe he was just trying to butter me up and get a few extra minutes out of me before bedtime. But it felt pretty nice. He asked what my favorite part was, and I said 'hearing you say that'. Well, that got him laughing because he didn't quite get it. So, then I asked what his least favorite part of the day was. His answer, without thinking: 'vegetables'. Ah, we have some work to do my child. And all the 'books' say to have your children help you prepare food and then they will eat it. Especially things like vegetables. But. Clearly that isn't the case with young Jaxon. He helped make mashed potatoes and green bean casserole and wouldn't touch either of them. He's going to make a great Norwegian someday though. I even bought Jaxon and Kiley some special Thanksgiving shirts to commemorate the day. Jaxon's was dirty by 10 am. And we had barely had breakfast. Glad it wasn't white!

We had Scott's family over for Turkey dinner. Here's Grandma Wa getting an early appetizer from Jaxon.

And Kiley getting a few laughs in after dinner.

Her new favorite friend is the dinasaur puppet. Well, if eating horns means you're friends.

On Friday night, we decided Kiley had been smacking her lips at us all day Thursday and we felt bad she wasn't able to partake in the food festivities. So, we gave her a first taste of rice cereal. Honestly, I thought the whole kid thing would get easier after having one. But either my memory is shot, or I was so studious with Jaxon and read everything there was to know about babies (and then immediately blocked it out when he became a toddler). It's like cramming for a test.

Let's feed her some rice cereal. Well, how much do we give her? I don't know, look at the box. Is she suppsed to get it after or before her bottle? No clue. How much should we give her? No clue. Let's just see if she knows what to do when the spoon hits her mouth.

Does that look right? I dunno. Seems like she likes it. Sure. Let's give her some more. I'll read the book tonight and figure out what the he** we're doing. Her doctors' appointment isn't for another week so I have time to figure it out and make it sound like we know what we're doing. Maybe download a babycenter app or something.

Ah yes, we have a lot to be thankful for. Not for vegetables. But definately a lot.

a good day

Do you ever have those days, that just have so many happy moments, you think. If I died today, it would be okay. Just one of those really good days, when nothing too exciting happens, except that you feel surrounded by love and all the good things in life? Today was one of those days. It began last night, around 2 am. Kiley started crying. She kept crying and crying, until 10 minutes later, she miraculously stopped. Of course, every two minutes, I said to Scott- 'are you sure she doesn't need a bottle. Hasn't she been crying for like a half an hour already?'. It's called sleep training. And it's about time. Girl needs to start sleeping through the night so mom and dad can feel rested already. I mean, she's almost five months old. Come on, stop being such a baby! We'll see how tonight goes... hopefully we won't have to ignore the crying for too much longer... Kiley, after sleeping through the night, woke up around 6ish. Had a bottle and we played for awhile, watching the snow fall outside. So peaceful and serene that time of day. I love it. Then she went back to sleep and I got to go for a quick run on the treadmill. Caught up on my parenting magazines because the satellite was out due to the crazy snowstorm (that everyone says took them by surprise even though we knew about it for two days, and it's November in Minnesota people! Come on!). I was not slightly surprised. Well, I take that back. I thought the weather people would be wrong, as is typical, but they were right. So, i was a little surprised. Jaxon woke up and looked out the window. His first words were, 'mom, we need to get our boots on and go shovel!'. So excited, he makes me feel like a kid again on days like this. So, him and Scott got the full gear on, went outside and made the first snowman of the season. Not bad, though after it was actually built, Jaxon was scared and would not go near it. It's snowing!! Got to get our boots on, and our hat, and mittens, and our coat... and go outside and play in the snow! Or... watch daddy build me a snowman while I tell him what to do. Lookin' a little scary at this point... Dude. Nice hat.

I am not going near that thing. No way dad.

Yes, you are. We built it. Now we are taking a picture next to it.

After the snowman was built, we trekked over to the MOA for a movie (Jaxon and Scott) and shopping (Kiley and me). Came home and everyone took naps. I got to work on finishing one of my projects from my recent jewelry vacation (pics coming soon), and snuck in a little snooze myself.

I know it sounds like a typical day, but I feel like I laughed a little more today... Jaxon is almost three, and seems like he is going on five or six. He's so darn smart. He has these goofy looks he does, asks questions all the time, and has the greatest curiousity and love of life in him. It's refreshing in many ways, hard in others, and downright annoying at times (mom, what's that noise? two minutes later. mom what's that noise? two minutes later, mom what's that...- you get the picture). He always wants to help with everything and has the craziest imagination ever. He is always telling stories. And, he knows almost all of his numbers and I swear he knows a little bit of addition and subtraction. Well, maybe not, but the kid is smart. He also knows when to ask daddy for something vs. mommy. Sometimes, too smart.

And Kiley. She just melts my heart every time I look at her. She is so smiley these days. I'm glad I listened to all those people who told me it would get better. She's gone from a colicky mess to a smiling, lauging, giggling princess. I'm pretty sure she is teething now, which is crazy because I don't remember dealing with that from Jaxon until he was almost a year old. She drools all the time, soaks her clothes or bibs. Don't get your finger near her mouth, you may not get it back. She's also workin' on getting stronger, doing tummy time a lot and she rolled over tonight, back to front. We were just sitting around watching Jaxon run around like a wild man, dancing and pretending he was a dinasaur, and she just went and rolled over! She's done front to back, though it was somewhat of a fluke, so I thought this was exciting and much harder to do at her age. Of course, I ran and got my video camera, not to be the guilt-laden mom, and then she wouldn't do it again. But, I did capture Scott playing helicopter with Jaxon and Kiley doing her best to get over.

Well, I better head off to bed. I mean, it is 9:35 on a Saturday night. Need to rest up for the rest of the weekend. May you have a bright and cheery Sunday!

family blessings

Ahhh Guilt.

I often say that Kiley misses out on so much as a second child because we just forget. It's not new to us anymore, so we tend to take for granted all the new things going on in her life. Pictures, first babbles and coos, rolling over, halloween costumes.... okay, now I really am starting to make myself feel guilty...

But, if there's one thing that guilt does well, it's that it helps me learn from past mistakes. When I saw the pictures from Jaxon's Baptism, I was slightly disappointed. So, I made sure to take extra pictures of Kiley's. Well, I had my mom take them because I was a little busy.

Here's a photo montage of her special day a few weeks ago. Take that Guilt!

We also thought it would be fun to get some family photos wiht both sides of our families. Well, my mom thought this would be a good idea, not so sure everyone else did. It was quite comical and I have to say I love my family. With all their quirks and differences, they are the best. And we felt so, so blessed this weekend. We had Scott's family who was able to drive from Bloomington to be there for the day. (Last time we tried this for Jaxon's Baptism, a snowstorm stopped them from coming.) And my family was able to be there of course as well so it was great to have everyone together.

This was the best shot we had (above).

And this is, I'm guessing, is what we have to look forward to for future family photos. Pure chaos. Hmmm... why does it seem everyone is looking at Jaxon? Even Kiley knows. He is trouble.

And this picture I just thought was funny. Clearly I got the joke. And so...

Welcome, precious little child,

So fresh from God above,

Baptised today in Jesus’ name,

Held in His arms of love.

May angels guide your tiny feet

And bring you smiles to wear,

And may our Heavenly Father

Always keep you in His care.

my best friend

5 years ago today.... I married my best friend. My soul mate. My rock to lean on and my knight in shining armor. For all that we've been through, and all that you've done to make me a better person... for your Kennedy IM Championship t-shirt and your love of beef jerky and bacon... for your genuine heart and your teaching our son Italian slang... for your generosity, your kindness, and your undying empathy for people on Hoarders, Swampeople, and the Colony... and for bringing sunshine and light to my life everyday... I love you. Happy Anniversary!

happy halloween

Did you have a boo-tiful day yesterday? Was it spooktacular? Did you eat boo-berries? Okay, that last one was a bit much. I can't say that I've ever been much of a Halloween fan. Or perhaps I was when I was a kid and somehow I got jaded over the years by the rapid increase in cost for a piece of material with a costume name slapped on it and the attempts by kids who are well into their teens pretending to be Buzz Lightyear and having a contest to see how full they can get thier pillowcase. I'm sure I liked it at one point. I have fond memories of trick or treating with my brother, and afterwards comparing who got what, sorting candies into categories, getting ready for the big trades! There were the obligatory popcorn balls and nasty orange and black gummy things. Those went straight to the trash. I mean, popcorn balls? Really? Today's kids wouldn't imagine getting something homemade. Now it's full-size candy bars, juice boxes, and granola bars or fruit snacks. I wish I was a dentist. I'd hand out toothbrushes. Something Jaxon is going to need after all these sweets. If anyone is knows of a good home for lots of candy, please do share. I was out of town last Friday,but the kids had a party at daycare. No costumes but they were supposed to wear black and/or orange. Target came through for me last minute with these cute shirts. Hmmm.. can you tell daddy dressed them? Pink socks? Really hon?

I did make it home in time on Sunday to enjoy the evening festivities though. It seems that even though I don't much care for Halloween, and certainly not as much as Claire from Modern Family, I care about it more now that I have kids. It's all about the kids right?

Jaxon is preparing himself for a big night, by relaxing in the laundry basket, talking to his pumpkin and toilet paper. Not sure what that was all about but I thought it was funny enough to snap a picture.

Then my cheeseburger got ready to go 'catsup' with the goblins (wahahaha).

No joking. I'm a cheeseburger.

And finally, the take. We all enjoyed a treat from Jaxon's bucket. He hasn't quite gotten into the sorting yet, but I'm guessing next year, when Kiley is on the trail with him, things will be a little different. Just a hunch.

**Oh, and Kiley was a pea in the pod, but due to cold weather and her innapropriate crying, we decided she would be best to leave at home. We did not get a picture of her. Just proving my point yet again, that second children always get the short end of the stick... sorry K.

apples and pumpkins

It's been such an amazing fall. Last weekend was perfect to go to the apple orchard.

The sun was shining and we had a great day. Even better, our friends Carol and Jeri were able to join us. We had fun meandering the orchard, checking out the pumpkins and sneaking an apple or two off the trees.

At one point when we were walking, Carol mentioned that she had a flashback to when Scott was a young boy. She said she saw Jaxon running and it reminded her of the way Scott would run, with one arm straight to his side and the other one pumping back and forth. I often see a lot of Scott in Jaxon too. Like in this picture... always has something to say. And, still talking here. But also being very protective of his baby sister, holding her so she doesn't fall into those pumpkins. Such a big heart- Jaxon gets that from his daddy too.

I pretty much think she is like the cutest baby ever.

Which means our family is also very cute. Sorry to brag, but we are. We also went on a wagon ride. This made Kiley very sleepy... just couldn't take all the action.

And yes, we even snuck a picture of Jeri holding Kiley! Sorry Jeri ;-)