So these three things have pretty much summed up our July in the Ahlbaum household! Easton started his actual soccer games this month. So on Monday and Wednesday evenings you'll find us on the field enjoying the fun and laughter that comes with an organized sport for 4 & 5 year olds! They all wear their offical team uniforms, chase after the ball (or stand and watch, depending on the child!), and enjoy the much deserved snack at the end of an hour long game! Easton's team is "The Dragons". We have one more week and then the big soccer jamboree in which he will play two games on Saturday morning. Watch for the fun report from his later on in August!
Easton attended his first week of VBS (vacation bible school) this year. It was a Beach Bash theme and he really enjoyed it. He came home with a craft everyday which he was proud to show and tell us all about. He learned new songs which he sings to himself as he falls asleep. And I would like to think he learned a little more about Jesus and God and what that all means to a 4 year old.
Chris and I have created 2 little fish in our family. Both Easton and Griffin enjoy being in the water and all thngs related. Our very kind and generous neighbors have a pool that they allow us to use when ever we'd like and we have taken them up on that full force this summer! We have been spending at least a 1/2 hour in the pool each day swimming, practicing floating, and diving to the bottom. Easton has taught himself to do a back flip while in the water!!!
It has been fun, busy, and H-O-T HOT! We are looking forward to August and the adventures we will have then!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Grown - Up Girl Time
Some days I wonder what I did with my life before my busy boys. Oh ya...I did the things I loved and enjoyed. Chris took Easton and Griffin camping for 3 nights and 2 1/2 days and I reverted to Tanya. Not mom. Not wife. Not house keeper. Just Tanya, the grown up girl.
The first night, my mom ventured down to the big city (or at least the suburbs!) and we had a nice meal at Sammy Perella's. It was so yummy. It has been so hot and of course summer time so there has been little eating of pasta, so this was a treat. After our wonderful entrees we even shared a dessert of terimsiu (I know that is spelled wrong, but you all know what I mean! LOL). Oh, it was so heavenly! Then we hit up the movie theater for a little Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts time in "Larry Crowne". Two thumbs up for that one. The night was finished with a wonderful walk around my neighborhood.
Day one brought a new adventure of walking around the shops in down town Anoka. Many of you may laugh, but I have never done this despite the fact that I have lived in the area for over 10 years now! It was fun and some good deals were even to be had! After a morning of browsing we had a deli lunch outside, and then hit up Truffles and Torts, a dessert cafe. Oh yummy! Then it was decided we had a little more shopping left in us (my mom is a big shopper) and so we went to Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. As the afternoon winded down, my Mom decided she should head home. I on the other hand had the rest of the day....So I was off to get a pedicure at Style Nails (wonderful). That prompted a quick stop at the liquor store for some grown up slushy drinks! While that got cold in the freezer I mowed the lawn...weird I know, but I enjoy it! A nightly walk around the neighborhood capped off my night.
Day two brought a lot of possibilities. It started off with a massage gift certificate I had for Kalla Lily Spa. My first time having a professional massage, by a male massage therapist none the less. I was a little out of my comfort zone, but it was refreshing. A quick trip to Menards for some home improvement supplies (kitchen paint, new solar lights, and a garden hose). Then it was off to Minneapolis. I was headed to the Swedish American Institute, but upon arrival realized it was closed for renovations until summer of 2012!!! So, instead I headed to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Walker Art Center. It was so nice to walk around and take it all in. I hadn't been there in years. I had all the time in the world and wasn't rushed or feeling guilty for being away from home another day. After a couple hours at the museum it was still beautiful outside, so I headed off to the Uptown area. I stopped into Ben and Jerry's for an ice cream treat and walked around Lake Calhoon enjoying both the treat and the sun shine. The path ways were packed with bikers, walkers, runners, and rollerbladers! It was truly inspiring to see so many people, all walks of life, ages, and abilities out and about. As if that we not enough walking for one day I finished off my evening with a neighborhood walk once again.
My final Grown-up day could not have started off any more lovely. I met a dear friend for breakfast and conversation that lasted 2 1/2 hours! It was delightful! After so much sitting though, I was anxious to get moving so I headed to Elm Creek Park Reserve for a mid day run! It was hot and humid, but worth it! Then a surprise phone call from my wonderful sister in law led me to lunch with her. After chatting more it was time to head home to see my boys!
It was so refreshing to do things I enjoy and not have to worry about other little (and big) people, but the smiles and hugs I received upon their arrival home was so much more! I was meant to be a mother and a wife and I wouldn't trade it for the world....even a world full of art, walks, shopping, and delicious foods!
The first night, my mom ventured down to the big city (or at least the suburbs!) and we had a nice meal at Sammy Perella's. It was so yummy. It has been so hot and of course summer time so there has been little eating of pasta, so this was a treat. After our wonderful entrees we even shared a dessert of terimsiu (I know that is spelled wrong, but you all know what I mean! LOL). Oh, it was so heavenly! Then we hit up the movie theater for a little Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts time in "Larry Crowne". Two thumbs up for that one. The night was finished with a wonderful walk around my neighborhood.
Day one brought a new adventure of walking around the shops in down town Anoka. Many of you may laugh, but I have never done this despite the fact that I have lived in the area for over 10 years now! It was fun and some good deals were even to be had! After a morning of browsing we had a deli lunch outside, and then hit up Truffles and Torts, a dessert cafe. Oh yummy! Then it was decided we had a little more shopping left in us (my mom is a big shopper) and so we went to Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. As the afternoon winded down, my Mom decided she should head home. I on the other hand had the rest of the day....So I was off to get a pedicure at Style Nails (wonderful). That prompted a quick stop at the liquor store for some grown up slushy drinks! While that got cold in the freezer I mowed the lawn...weird I know, but I enjoy it! A nightly walk around the neighborhood capped off my night.
Day two brought a lot of possibilities. It started off with a massage gift certificate I had for Kalla Lily Spa. My first time having a professional massage, by a male massage therapist none the less. I was a little out of my comfort zone, but it was refreshing. A quick trip to Menards for some home improvement supplies (kitchen paint, new solar lights, and a garden hose). Then it was off to Minneapolis. I was headed to the Swedish American Institute, but upon arrival realized it was closed for renovations until summer of 2012!!! So, instead I headed to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Walker Art Center. It was so nice to walk around and take it all in. I hadn't been there in years. I had all the time in the world and wasn't rushed or feeling guilty for being away from home another day. After a couple hours at the museum it was still beautiful outside, so I headed off to the Uptown area. I stopped into Ben and Jerry's for an ice cream treat and walked around Lake Calhoon enjoying both the treat and the sun shine. The path ways were packed with bikers, walkers, runners, and rollerbladers! It was truly inspiring to see so many people, all walks of life, ages, and abilities out and about. As if that we not enough walking for one day I finished off my evening with a neighborhood walk once again.
My final Grown-up day could not have started off any more lovely. I met a dear friend for breakfast and conversation that lasted 2 1/2 hours! It was delightful! After so much sitting though, I was anxious to get moving so I headed to Elm Creek Park Reserve for a mid day run! It was hot and humid, but worth it! Then a surprise phone call from my wonderful sister in law led me to lunch with her. After chatting more it was time to head home to see my boys!
It was so refreshing to do things I enjoy and not have to worry about other little (and big) people, but the smiles and hugs I received upon their arrival home was so much more! I was meant to be a mother and a wife and I wouldn't trade it for the world....even a world full of art, walks, shopping, and delicious foods!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
June Adventures!
Where is the sun and summer weather hiding? I am not sure , but the boys and I have been having some fun adventures this month...despite this weather!
- We had a really fun play date at a friends house from MOPS.
- Breakfast at Jack's Bakery because doughnuts are always a fun way to start the day!
- Weekend in Duluth with family.
- Ice cream treats with Grandma!
- Picnic at the park down the road from us.
- A fun play date at The Eagle's Nest indoor play park and open gym.
- A family reunion picnic in the rain at Aunt Ny's :o)
- Play time at the Gym.
- The Father Hennepin Festival Parade in our home town.
- Art in the Park
- Bouncing fun in the inflatables at St. Stephan's Summerfest in Anoka.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Duluth weekend 2011
So, the boys and I had our annual Duluth weekend getaway. This year my brother, his significant other, my niece, nephew, and mom all went together. It is so beautiful up there, we love it! We spent a lot of time down at Canal Park chasing and feeding sea gulls, watching ships come in and go out, touring the museum, eating ice cream and taking in all the sights the area has to offer! We went on a bicycle built for 8! Road in a carriage pulled by a horse named Harry Potter! Toured the ship William A. Irivn, the Split Rock Light House, and the shops on Canal Park Drive. We went swimming at the hotel, The Suites at Water Front Plaza (right in Canal Park) were amazing! We laughed, cried, and enjoyed being a family and all that entails! What a wonderful way to kick off our summer!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Bitter Sweet Endings and New Beginnings
This week (and last) is a season of bitter sweet endings and promises of new beginnings for our family. We began with Easton's last day of preschool last week. How did my little boy already complete his first year in preschool? Time goes by so quickly! He and his class had a wonderful little concert of songs they sang through out the school year, a little ceremony where they each received a graduation certificate, and then a family social with cookies and lemonade. It was so adorable to see him singing so proudly up on stage, and I have to take a minute and brag that my child is a serious music junkie! He can sing, dance, and play instruments with the best of 'em!
Our next bitter sweet moment came today when we attended our last MOPS session for the school year. Yes, we will start up again in the fall, but it will not be exactly the same as this year. There will be new table mates, leaders, classrooms for the boys, and topics to discuss. We are hoping for an even better experience next year, but it will be hard to top this first year. I enjoyed this experience immensely and look forward to many more years of this special time in my life as well as my boys'.
We have one more bitter sweet moment to come at the end of this week. Easton's best buddy "E" and his little sister "A" are moving on from care at our home. They will be going to a new program after being a part of our lives since "E" was 12 weeks old and Easton was 10 months. They have spent such a big part of their childhood together it will be an adjustment for Easton for sure. While we will all be sad about their leaving, we wish them well and hope they enjoy their new adventure.
All of these bitter sweet endings bring promises of new beginnings as well. Easton is on summer vacation for the first time. We are both on summer vacation from MOPS. Having "E" and "A" no longer in my care means one more day off from our work week. I am looking forward to a summer filled with play dates with all of our new friends, exploring our metro area and all the fun activities it provides us with, and having quality time with both Easton and Griffin. If Ive learned one thing from this school year it is that time goes by so quickly, before we know it the boys will be grown up and out of the house leading their own lives. I want to cherish all the time I have with them while I can!
So keep checking back often as I fill you in on all of our summer adventures!
Our next bitter sweet moment came today when we attended our last MOPS session for the school year. Yes, we will start up again in the fall, but it will not be exactly the same as this year. There will be new table mates, leaders, classrooms for the boys, and topics to discuss. We are hoping for an even better experience next year, but it will be hard to top this first year. I enjoyed this experience immensely and look forward to many more years of this special time in my life as well as my boys'.
We have one more bitter sweet moment to come at the end of this week. Easton's best buddy "E" and his little sister "A" are moving on from care at our home. They will be going to a new program after being a part of our lives since "E" was 12 weeks old and Easton was 10 months. They have spent such a big part of their childhood together it will be an adjustment for Easton for sure. While we will all be sad about their leaving, we wish them well and hope they enjoy their new adventure.
All of these bitter sweet endings bring promises of new beginnings as well. Easton is on summer vacation for the first time. We are both on summer vacation from MOPS. Having "E" and "A" no longer in my care means one more day off from our work week. I am looking forward to a summer filled with play dates with all of our new friends, exploring our metro area and all the fun activities it provides us with, and having quality time with both Easton and Griffin. If Ive learned one thing from this school year it is that time goes by so quickly, before we know it the boys will be grown up and out of the house leading their own lives. I want to cherish all the time I have with them while I can!
So keep checking back often as I fill you in on all of our summer adventures!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I DID IT!!!
I officially completed my first 5K! I ran/walked the Get In Gear 5K in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 30th. I am so excited to be able to check something off my bucket list. I have wanted to do a 5K for the last couple years, but never had the guts to follow through. Well, this year in MOPS a group formed for people who would like to participate in running, 5K's, and so on. I took the plunge and signed up. I believe there were 12 of us who participated in the GIG event, but many more who joined the group. It is so nice to have fellow moms encourage and inspire me to accomplish my goal. Now since I did not run the entire thing, I am planning to do a couple more to truly accomplish my goal. BUT, for now I feel exhilarated to have finished my first "race" and had fun while doing it! Stay tuned to see when my next opportunity will arise!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Big ONE!
So yesterday was my little guy's birthday! That's right Griffin is now one and suddenly I feel old! I am now the mother of a one year old and a four year old. How did this happen? Who said my boys could grow up so quickly? I guess it is inevitable, isn't it. We moms always think our babies get too big too soon, don't we? Just a natural part of the life cycle I guess.
Anyway...it was a wonderful (albeit freezing cold) day. We woke up and had breakfast as a family, but not before signing Happy Birthday a few times to the birthday boy! while Griff took his morning nap (yep, he still does this!) Easton and I went to the store so that Easton could pick out a special birthday gift for his brother. We had lunch, more rest, and then Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Kellie joined us for a little family celebration. Griffin opened his gifts, we had cupcakes and ice cream, and THEN went out for pizza! Yep, we ate dessert first :o) It was a great way to mark the special day.
Griffin has truly been a light in our life this last year and I couldn't imagine our lives with out him. He is sweet and cuddly, smiley and mischievous, and is always keeping me on my toes! I can not wait to see what the next year brings for him. Love you Griffin!
Anyway...it was a wonderful (albeit freezing cold) day. We woke up and had breakfast as a family, but not before signing Happy Birthday a few times to the birthday boy! while Griff took his morning nap (yep, he still does this!) Easton and I went to the store so that Easton could pick out a special birthday gift for his brother. We had lunch, more rest, and then Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Kellie joined us for a little family celebration. Griffin opened his gifts, we had cupcakes and ice cream, and THEN went out for pizza! Yep, we ate dessert first :o) It was a great way to mark the special day.
Griffin has truly been a light in our life this last year and I couldn't imagine our lives with out him. He is sweet and cuddly, smiley and mischievous, and is always keeping me on my toes! I can not wait to see what the next year brings for him. Love you Griffin!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Long Over Due!
Hello Friends~ It has been quite some time since I have last blogged about our adventures. This is due to many factors, including but not limited to, winter illnesses that seemed to run rampet in our house this year, the loss of another close family member, the winter blahs, and being BUSY with the boys! I have decided to recommit to my blogging though, knowing that some of you really would like updates on our crazy parenting adventures and cute pics of the boys are always fun to post! So here we go again...
Life has been anything but normal this last year for myself and family. I can not believe in 4 short days my baby will be a year old already! I think of all that has happened in our lives and can not help but look at him with the utmost love and feeling of being blessed. God knew exactly what I would need to get through this last year when he blessed us with Griffin Lawrence. Not to say He didn't create a few unexpected moments along the way!
I would like to start with some honesty. It has been a difficult year for me personally as I was diagnosed with post-partum depression. I sought some medical help, but it took some time and I found myself questioning if I really needed the help or not. I did. I am so thankful for a long talk with my husband one night that made me realize just how much it was effecting
not only me, but my husband and children as well. I have been on medication to help me for a few months now and am feeling much better. I don't know that I would be blogging about this if not for the fact that some family members are now struggling with issues of their own and I feel the responsibility to say that it is OK to ask for help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with needed help from other people &/or medication if it is needed. No one is going to judge you (and if \they o, it is more about them than it is about you). Also, getting help is better than the alternative. So that is my 2 cents on that.
Along with the medical piece has been a greater understanding in faith. We consciously placed Easton in a Christian preschool environment this year. Along with this we have been attending MOPS (a christian based Mom's group and child care setting) which both Easton and I have fallen in love with. I am sure Griffin enjoys it too, but can only show us with smiles for now. We have been having a lot of talks about heaven due to my dad's (cousin Kyle and aunt Carol's) passing and this has helped us immensely. I have also found a home in Grace Fellowship, a local nondenominational church and Easton is expressing a greater interest in Sunday school as well. It has brought back a lot of memories of going to Sunday School, VBS, and church with my family as a child and I am happy to be passing that onto my boys.
I know this is a lot, but one more transformation that has been critical is living each day as best as we can. Cleaning out the junk and surrounding ourselves with family and meaningful friends. I have taken up running and Chris is getting into target/sport shooting. Finding and enjoying new hobbies together and separately has put a spark back into our marriage, and is wonderful! I find myself falling more in love with my husband everyday. Easton is looking forward to starting up t-ball this spring and trying out soccer later in the summer. he is not looking forward to school ending for the year, but I am sure he will find plenty of things to keep him busy over the summer months! Griffin's big first birthday is on Saturday and I am sure walking will be soon be following, he is already busy getting into everything!
Enough for now! I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with love and blessings!
Life has been anything but normal this last year for myself and family. I can not believe in 4 short days my baby will be a year old already! I think of all that has happened in our lives and can not help but look at him with the utmost love and feeling of being blessed. God knew exactly what I would need to get through this last year when he blessed us with Griffin Lawrence. Not to say He didn't create a few unexpected moments along the way!
I would like to start with some honesty. It has been a difficult year for me personally as I was diagnosed with post-partum depression. I sought some medical help, but it took some time and I found myself questioning if I really needed the help or not. I did. I am so thankful for a long talk with my husband one night that made me realize just how much it was effecting
not only me, but my husband and children as well. I have been on medication to help me for a few months now and am feeling much better. I don't know that I would be blogging about this if not for the fact that some family members are now struggling with issues of their own and I feel the responsibility to say that it is OK to ask for help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with needed help from other people &/or medication if it is needed. No one is going to judge you (and if \they o, it is more about them than it is about you). Also, getting help is better than the alternative. So that is my 2 cents on that.
Along with the medical piece has been a greater understanding in faith. We consciously placed Easton in a Christian preschool environment this year. Along with this we have been attending MOPS (a christian based Mom's group and child care setting) which both Easton and I have fallen in love with. I am sure Griffin enjoys it too, but can only show us with smiles for now. We have been having a lot of talks about heaven due to my dad's (cousin Kyle and aunt Carol's) passing and this has helped us immensely. I have also found a home in Grace Fellowship, a local nondenominational church and Easton is expressing a greater interest in Sunday school as well. It has brought back a lot of memories of going to Sunday School, VBS, and church with my family as a child and I am happy to be passing that onto my boys.
I know this is a lot, but one more transformation that has been critical is living each day as best as we can. Cleaning out the junk and surrounding ourselves with family and meaningful friends. I have taken up running and Chris is getting into target/sport shooting. Finding and enjoying new hobbies together and separately has put a spark back into our marriage, and is wonderful! I find myself falling more in love with my husband everyday. Easton is looking forward to starting up t-ball this spring and trying out soccer later in the summer. he is not looking forward to school ending for the year, but I am sure he will find plenty of things to keep him busy over the summer months! Griffin's big first birthday is on Saturday and I am sure walking will be soon be following, he is already busy getting into everything!
Enough for now! I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with love and blessings!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year 2011
Happy and healthy New Year to you and yours. We hope that your 2011 blesses you with many friends, family, and wonderful experiences.
It is hard not to reflect on the last year as the new year dawns. Mostly, the thoughts consuming me are about life and death in 2010. First, we brought our beautiful baby boy, Griffin into this world in April. We have been blessed with a happy and healthy child. The last 8 months have been a wonderful as we experienced all that a new baby brings into a family. Second, we lost my Dad on the 23rd of December. As most of you know, he was battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer for the last year on top of his not having any kidneys and other medical problems. My Dad was a miracle for many reasons, aside from his medical issues. He defied the odds again and again, but this cancer was just too much for him to take. He passed away at the hospital, with my mom, brother, and I in the room. He is at peace and in no more pain, and for this I am grateful. I firmly believe that he is at home in heaven and is having the time of his life catching up with those we have lost before. While it is hard to be here on earth without him, I know we will see each other again in another life.
2010 showed me in many ways to not take things for granted. Whether it is a normal and to term pregnancy, the loud and messy ways of a preschooler, fragile relationships with family and friends, a home and a reliable job....nothing is guaranteed. Each day is a wonderful blessing for us to make things better for ourselves and the others in our lives, and even a complete stranger. It is easy to forget sometimes how truly blessed we are. While there will always be "more" and "things" that we desire, what is really worth living for are the things that require the most effort like relationships and people. I have many things I hope to achieve and accomplish in 2011, but my number one resolution for the new year is to stay humble and grateful for all of the blessings already in my life.
Again, a happy and healthy new year to all of you!
It is hard not to reflect on the last year as the new year dawns. Mostly, the thoughts consuming me are about life and death in 2010. First, we brought our beautiful baby boy, Griffin into this world in April. We have been blessed with a happy and healthy child. The last 8 months have been a wonderful as we experienced all that a new baby brings into a family. Second, we lost my Dad on the 23rd of December. As most of you know, he was battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer for the last year on top of his not having any kidneys and other medical problems. My Dad was a miracle for many reasons, aside from his medical issues. He defied the odds again and again, but this cancer was just too much for him to take. He passed away at the hospital, with my mom, brother, and I in the room. He is at peace and in no more pain, and for this I am grateful. I firmly believe that he is at home in heaven and is having the time of his life catching up with those we have lost before. While it is hard to be here on earth without him, I know we will see each other again in another life.
2010 showed me in many ways to not take things for granted. Whether it is a normal and to term pregnancy, the loud and messy ways of a preschooler, fragile relationships with family and friends, a home and a reliable job....nothing is guaranteed. Each day is a wonderful blessing for us to make things better for ourselves and the others in our lives, and even a complete stranger. It is easy to forget sometimes how truly blessed we are. While there will always be "more" and "things" that we desire, what is really worth living for are the things that require the most effort like relationships and people. I have many things I hope to achieve and accomplish in 2011, but my number one resolution for the new year is to stay humble and grateful for all of the blessings already in my life.
Again, a happy and healthy new year to all of you!
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