TTT: Season 3, Episode 6

1. Last week I promised details on our fun little weekend, so here goes. We have lots of milestone birthdays in our family this year on the Asmussen side. Mark's brother Brian and I both turn thirty and both of Mark's parents turn sixty. Miss Lora (Mark's mom) was the first to reach her milestone and celebrated the big 6-0 last Friday. We didn't want the birthday to go by un-noticed, but it's hard to throw much of a celebration from afar. So instead, thanks to help from my dad and his awesome job, we shipped the celebration there in the form of a surprise visit from Mark and Kolbe. It would have been great if the whole family could have gone, but really unrealistic...especially airplane ticket wise. So Reagan, Grant, and I stayed behind and had our own little fun weekend together. Although I only got to be a part of the surprise weekend through phone calls and texts, it was still so wonderful to know that G-ma (and Papa Jeep, too!) got to spend the weekend with two people she holds so dear. From what I hear, they had a great time with lots of food, shopping, and relaxation!

2. As mentioned, while Mark and Kolbe were in Lubbock, Reagan, Grant and I stayed home in The Woodlands. I must say that both Mark and I made a keen observation while apart: Kolbe and Reagan are completely different when they aren't together. Night and day difference. Mark commented several times on how laid back and "grown up" Kolbe acted without Rudy around. And I was amazed how calm and peaceful Rudy was without Kolbe. He thought about what he wanted to say, made his own observations, and did much less "attention getting." Granted, I know these two are the best of friends, and can hardly imagine a life without each other, but I have to admit that it was kind of nice to spend time with Rudy and hear what he has to say instead of just a repetition of whatever Kolbe just said. It was nice to not see him have to compete or conform and just be himself. He's such a neat little kiddo. Who happens to turn three tomorrow! I know Mark had a very special time with just Kolbe as well. We're quite blessed to have such wonderful boys. They do make us pull our hair out from time to time...especially when they're together!...but really, they are fun, unique, amazing little boys. And seeing that they will have to spend the majority of their childhoods side by side, I think this little experiment has shown us just how important a little time apart from each other can be as well.

3. Since we're nearly half way through February, I thought it might be fun to check in on my 2012 Bucket List and see how I'm doing on keeping up with things.

Successes:

- #3- follow my two daily devotionals

I'm pumped about this one. I've gotten several daily/365 devotionals in the past and never made it much beyond the first few weeks. I'm proud to report that I'm still going strong with my little books. Partially because their both very easy to read. One is Small Steps for Catholic Moms and the other is the widely popular Jesus Calling. Both are very enjoyable for me at this phase in life, and it's been nice to read and discuss the Jesus Calling one with Mark, as his mother gave us each a copy for Christmas. Somehow, it manages to speak to us in some way each day.

- #5- make something for our home each month

You'd think this would be easy since I own a business in which I make things, but since it takes up the majority of my very spare time, it's actually hard to squeeze in projects for our home. But I did manage to make a few pillow covers for our couch pillows, our Valentine's wreath, and a felt heart garland for Valentine's Day. And I made the garland as a sequencing activity with Kolbe. Educational, to boot!

-#7- blog more often

While you haven't seen anything on here beyond my weekly Thursday post, I have managed to catch up on our family/photo blog! And by caught up, I mean Christmas. Because, while I've done well to get all the posts done, I've since started failing at taking pictures of everything else. Anyway, if you want to see pictures of the major happenings in the fam over the past three or four months, hop on over to the family blog.

Marginal:

-#1- drink more water

Eh. I'm trying. Usually I feel guilty that I haven't had much at the end of the day and chug a few glasses. Does that count?

-#3- work on the budget

Hey, I got our taxes done! Toot, toot! And I'm proud to report no whammies. But with Mark's job transfer on the horizon...and the fact that Mark's going to need a new car as well...it's kind of pointless to fine tune something that will change within the next two months.

Failure:

-#8- Develop and maintain a house cleaning schedule

I mean, really. Do I have to? It's the ever present monkey on my back. I love a clean space, I just don't like doing it. It always gets pushed to the bottom of the list. No, we don't live in total squalor, and yes, it is fairly organized, but man, it sure could be cleaner!

-#19- Write a meaningful letter each month

Oops. January slipped by and I definitely didn't do this. And this was one of my goals I was really excited about! I vow it will be in the successes at the next check up!

Most of the others would file under "marginal or "work-in-progress." I'd say overall it's going pretty well! And I'm actually enjoying having this list in the back of my mind. Gives me something to strive for...other than just making it through the day. :o)

Other than the gift of Mark and Kolbe surprising her, we made a fun little sign for G-ma for her birthday. We were running short on time so even the hubs had to get in on the crafting action and help me out. See those flowers in the corner? They are made with the little boys' finger prints. So needless to say, I was busy trying to control that effort while Mark worked on tracing the letters and then filling in the imprinted area with paint. A little trick I saw on pinterest. It ended up being a fun little family crafting night!

Kolbe sipping broth at 50 Yard Line in Lubbock- a fancy-shmancy restaurant that most little boys don't get to go to!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
This guy can stay occupied for hours with a chair, some dishes, and running water.


Ready for a dose of baby goodness? 

Grant has taken to this little blanket that my sister-in-law's mother, Mary Bergman, made for him. So now he has his blankie and his thumb. Just like every baby ever illustrated.

Such a flirt!

He's already gone from crawling to pulling up. We're at seven months right now...pretty sure he'll be walking before one just like the other two. And asking for the keys to the car shortly after that! It's going too fast!

Thought I'd throw this in for a little fun. I've taken many, many, many custom orders through my little etsy shop but never for something this hardcore! Yes, that's a Star Wars crib sheet. And there were changing pad covers to match. Hey, people deck out their kids' rooms in various sports team themes all the time! Why not go for your favorite movie!?!

Christmas 2011: The Asmussens

The rest of our time in Lubbock was spent with the Asmussens. Ahhhh...there's nothing like kicking back and relaxing at G-ma's! Always good food and of course, good company! We had a fantastic visit and were able to spend a lot of quality time with everyone without feeling rushed. Brian and Cristi came up from Dallas as well so we had the whole family all together and even got to spend time with some of our friends and extended family. We always look forward to going to Lubbock...but especially at the holidays! We drove home after at four day visit, and the drive home was much smoother than our nightmarish journey back in September. Driving in the evening/night is definitely the best bet for us at this stage. Especially when you've got nine hours to go! Can't wait to see everyone again at Easter!

Uncle Brian cuddling with Ellie, his new pup

Kolbe showing off the Leapster G-ma got for him

Opening presents with G-ma

Getting some snuggle time with my Rudy. This rarely happens any more and it was wonderful.

And Kolbe got some cuddle time with his favorite little baby!

My ever cheesy husband showing off the baked goods.

This little guy loved taking in all the attention!

Miss Lora insisted on getting us all matching jammies to ring in the New Year together. This was way late at night. I know...we're looking rough. Please, no comments!

Family pic after mass on New Years Day

"RooRoo" with G-ma

These boys love their grandma! Though is it just me or are the grandparents always somehow evading the camera!?! I had very few pictures with G-ma and none with Papa Jeep! Next time my goal is to stop focusing on getting pictures of the boys and get some more of the grandparents in action!

One night was spent with several of Mark's cousins and their kiddos. The boys had a blast running around with Adan and Ava.

One night our good friends Ben and Erin stopped by with our godson, Jacob. He's so adorable!

When they arrived the boys were already in the tub with G-ma so we figured we'd just throw Jacob in there too! Talk about a hot mess!

And afterward he and his future best friend, Grant got in tug of war match over a little lovey blanket. The sumo wrestler to the right prevailed. Hey, once the thumb hits his mouth, he's not letting go of that blankie!

Christmas 2011: The Hefferlys

On December 30th we finally got to leave on our trip to Lubbock! For a crazy concoction of reasons, my parents took our van up several days prior for my niece Kennedy's baptism so we flew up early (really early) in the morning. After arriving safely, stopping in to see G-ma at the hospital, and taking good naps, we went over to Abby and Andy's house to celebrate Christmas with the rest of my family. It was the only night Mike and Casey would still be in town so we had to jump at the chance to see everyone and of course to meet our one and only niece! It's rare that all five siblings are together. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the moment, though it was much shorter than I think we all would have liked. Next year, my good sirs. Next year!

Waiting for the shuttle at the airport....travelling with three isn't so bad. At least not at 5:30am before the airport is crazy.

Grant and Uncle Dave

All six of the cousins (Baby Will was still inside Abby's belly!)

Partying with my big guy

Mass Chaos would be an accurate description. But fun! Reminded me a lot of going to Popo's when I was little.

It was so good to see my big brother, Mike- my first time to see him since his return from Afghanistan. Definitely didn't get enough time to talk to him.

Mike and Casey

Sitting back and enjoying everything with the hubs

I love my brothers!

Setting off the vibe. I wonder how many of these pictures we have from over the years....?

At one point, just about everyone was holding a child of some sort. Dave was feeling left out so he went for poor Wayne Dog.

Christmas 2011: The Woodlands

Still catching up on blog posts, but getting oh, so close! Time to begin the Christmas 2011 posts. Though it was a little over a month ago, we had fantastic Advent and Christmas seasons this year. But then, when are they not wonderful!?! Something about the time of year makes it so joyful, especially when seen through the eyes of children. And these little guys are just starting to get to that age where absolutely everything about Christmas is magical. And I suppose Mark and I have re-entered the phase of it being magical, just in a completely different way! And as a mother, celebrating the birth of a baby is always special...considering we get to ponder, reflect upon, and celebrate the birth of Christ is a true blessing of our faith.

Though it was supposed to be an Asmussen Christmas this year, we were tied to The Woodlands for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because Mark was on-call. Luckily, my parents were still in town and my two youngest brothers came to see them so we certainly weren't alone. We had a fun Christmas Eve attending mass, eating yummy prime rib and opening gifts. The following morning (Christmas morning), we did our own little family Christmas at our house. So much fun! Shortly there after, my mom and brothers brought over breakfast (Dad had to leave on a trip). It was a very enjoyable, laid back, fun filled day with family.

Reagan helping Uncle Dave open his new pots and pans

Grant's first Christmas! (and like Mama, his half-birthday!) Best gift we received all year. And yes, he's hanging out in a bath tub chair! At this point his sitting unassisted wasn't quite up to par. ;)

Pinkie and Pa surprised the boys with their own kitchen! They love pretending to make food, do dishes, etc so this was a super gift for them.

Two chefs hard at work

They loved pretending like the phone was ringing and talking to whoever was on the other line.

Mark and Pat hanging out on the stairs and playing with the boys' remote controlled car.

Handsome Boy!

We went to an 8pm mass...this was afterwards...can you tell we're getting tired!?!

Christmas morning! Rudy trying out his new fishing pole from Dada.

Really, the fishing poles were a definite win. They came with little practice fish attached instead of hooks and they spent hours casting and reeling. (Kolbe is also modeling the chef hat and apron they got from Mama.)

More presents! A new bat to play t-ball!

When I was growing up, my little brothers got play shaving kits one year for Christmas. As I was racing through Target one day with just Grant, I reached down to tie my shoe and spotted play shaving kits on the bottom rack on clearance for $3 each. I couldn't resist. The boys love them and are too cute...already looking way too grown up!

Of course Dada had to help them lather up for their first "little boy shave." I'm pretty sure I'll have the camera going and a tear in my eye when it's the real deal some day! (which for Kolbe might be a year from now, the way he's going. Ha!)

TTT: Season 3, Episode 5

1. Things are changing again at the Asmussen Household. Again, you ask? Yes, again. No, I'm not pregnant. No, we're not moving. But a too-good-to-pass-up opportunity has presented itself to Mark. Another group of doctors have made him an offer that he can't refuse and so he's made the decision to jump ship and hop aboard a different vessel. While you've read my laments on here many times concerning his call schedule or noted my sarcasm over his job from time to time, the truth is I haven't been brutally honest about everything on here simply because I know it's not exactly good form, if you know what I mean. While this is my journal of motherhood, there are just some things that I do have to keep away from the world wide web! Anyhow, while we've known for a while that this gig in neurosurgery wasn't going to be his "forever job," we were surprised for something like this to fall in to his lap. Of course, we aren't foolish to think that the new job is going to be perfect; it just certainly seems to offer solutions to many of the major issues we're having. The biggest being that he won't be carrying a pager any more. Oh, and they're going to pay for our entire family's medical premiums. For those of you who know what we're dealing with now, you know that's huge! I'll keep you updated with the details as they progress, but for now, please just pray for the transitions we will be going through in the months to come. I'm so proud of my husband. I've always known he was awesome. Apparently the working world is starting to figure it out too. ;)

2. Do any of you have a love-hate relationship with the internet? I do. Bad. It's something that's been eating away at me a lot lately. I feel like I'm being convicted of it for some reason and with Lent right around the corner, I have a feeling I might just have to do something about it. What keeps coming to mind is just the attraction/addiction to it that I...heck, our whole generation has. Like I said, love-hate. Love it because it gives me so many opportunities that someone like my mother who stayed at home with her children, too, did not have. Love it because it gives me a chance to stay in touch with so many people. Love it because I can connect with other people in the same place in life as me. But hate it because I'm drawn to it constantly. Hate it because at times I'd rather peruse the most recent facebook updates than read a book with my boys. Hate it because it constantly has me aware of what others are doing and getting instead of focusing on my own world and all the wonderful blessings I have. Does this make sense? I'm not a big computer person. It's not like I sit here with the laptop out all day long. But I'd be lying if I said that my smart phone's battery wasn't near dead every single night. And it's a brand new phone. I catch myself using it constantly. And not to call someone! Anyway, just spilling a little bit of what's been eating at me lately. Like I said, I know it's a good thing and helps me quite a bit as a stay-at-home mother who is often confined to my tiny little world, but at the same time, I'm thinking there might be room for some adjustments.

3. Time for some randomness:
- Something super cool is going on this weekend here at our house. Can't tell now, but I'll have all the details next week.
- We've finally gotten some fairly regular rain around here lately. Everything is as green as April. Which, in the case of our yard, means the weed factory is at full speed production.
- Grant is officially a crawling machine. He's all over the place.
- Reagan was never much for the terrible twos. He's always been my sweet little guy. But something about turning three next week has "inspired" him. Yikes.
- I'm tired of doing laundry. It never ends. Just sayin'.
- Oh, and, don't even get me started on our new refrigerator. We're having issues. I dare not write just yet for fear that the slight mention might make it worse. But I have a feeling I'll have a good story for you next week.

We've had some beautiful weather here lately so we decided that it was time to take this guy to the park for his first official swing ride. He loved it! (though he did kick his legs the majority of the time, trying to jump. He's destined for the trampoline act in the circus!)

I'm a sucker for those blue eyes!

Fearless Kolbe! (as long as it's on the enclosed baby swing and not the big boy swing!)

Rudy "hanging" out with Pa! He's the hanging champ in the family.

My poor little Grant knows no other life than this. And doesn't seem to care. What?... Your games of Memory don't turn in to full blown wrestle mania at the end!?!

Remember that little fella I told you about last week? Here he is! Our newest nephew, William Mark. He's still in the NICU right now, though he's off the ventilator...heck, off of oxygen all together! (this is an older picture from earlier in the week) Thanks so much for your prayers!

The boys and I made a St. Valentine's Day wreath a few days ago with a pipe insulation tube, a bunch of old ribbon I had from way back when I was teaching, and some felt.  I think they're now officially obsessed with my glue gun.