The Hoang Family

Tis The Season!!

2011-11-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

Those you who have been to our home know that we love to display pictures... everywhere! It may even be bordering on overkill but I don't care! Each Christmas season we start fresh and begin a collage on our pantry doors with the cards and photos our dearest friends and family send us. And there they will stay all year long. We add baby announcements and 'Save the Dates' through out the year as well. It just makes me happy to see your smiling faces everyday! Another fun thing I've noticed is how my kids will interact with the pictures. Pointing at people and asking us things like- What are their names? Where do they live? How old is your cousins boy? It's awesome when so many of those families we love live far from us. Through the pictures our kids will remember them until we can be with them again in person. :0)

Here is a picture of two of my favorite girls with the pantry behind them. This was taken in July and the photo cards are still on display ;o)

So if you haven't thought about doing so yet please do send us your beautiful pictures so that we can enjoy having you in our home this year!

I love the great choices I've found for my photo cards on Tiny Prints this year! I love this one (if only I could get my family to take one single nice picture of everyone!)

I also love (and I think this is new this year) how the back of the card comes printed! Super cute! Check out the other cute choices at http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm.

Merry Christmas!!!

Moments from 2011

2011-11-12T16:54:00.001-08:00

Shutterfly 2010

2010-11-21T08:37:00.001-08:00

Is it really that time of year again?! November for me seems to be all about preparing for the holidays. Sometimes all of the decisions can get overwhelming... do we do red and white lights on the house or blue? Do we really want to get Olivia a doll house with all of those small components?! Then its time to scour the black friday ads and nail down those decisions on who is getting what. AND this year we are packing up and heading west for the Thanksgiving holiday which entails it's very own list of to do's! One thing on my holiday have to's though has gotten a lot easier... Christmas Cards! We, along with most of America, have gone to the the tradition of sending out photo cards each year and nobody loves receiving them more than me!! In fact I've acquired a bit of a reputation among friends for keeping the cards we receive up on our pantry doors all year long... I can't help it! I just love to see all of your faces everyday! But when it comes to selecting the perfect design for OUR family card I can drive myself a little crazy. I can be quite particular about design and I tend to lean towards the contemporary so in the past I've spent a lot of time browsing all of the available sites sifting through lots of traditional in search for "the one" that I love! But this year I received an email with a link to the 2010 Shutterfly collection and let me just tell you it's my one stop shop!! The designs they have are just fantastically clean, simple and bold!! I honestly could be thrilled with one of ten designs that I've fallen in love with! So my problem this year isn't finding great designs it's in deciding which of these fabulous designs to go with! So go ahead, check em out for yourself and be as pleased as I am. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Some moments from 2010

2010-11-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Amia Simone ("beloved listener")

2009-11-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Born 10.28.09 @2:24pm 7lbs 12oz, 20-3/4"

Meeting their new baby sister. Going home!

Tavian likes to call his sister "little baby" and tells me "Mama baby cute, baby nice, baby silly." Our girls Olivia is constantly talking to Amia... "Hi baby girl!" She is awesome with her!

Amia Simone Hoang's Birth Story

2009-11-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

What a week it's been! I stepped out of the shower last Wednesday morning, October 28th at 5:30 and my water broke! It started as a trickle and I thought "hmmmm?" and then it really started coming. I knew something was up because I had been experiencing some strong, different contractions over the previous few days. On Tuesday night I had my awesome midwife Sara Holt check me and I was at 3cm 80% effaced. "We're going to have a baby soon!" she said. But still, 2 weeks early was a surprise! We got ready, took the kids to school, went by the office to tie up a few things and then labored at home until about 10am. I have to thank my dear friend Amy for talking me through this part of my labor. She was an awesome coach over the phone and kept me distracted and laughing while that was still possible. My contractions were about 7 minutes apart at that point but when I got up and walked around they picked up considerably. Given the quick nature of our previous labors we decided to head to the hospital. When we checked in at the hospital at 10:30 I was at 4cm. Our doula Xylina joined us in the delivery room and was a tremendous support to both me and Quyen. By noon I was fully dilated and pushing... that was an intense 2-1/2 hours let me tell you! We had practiced the hypnobirthing technique during my pregnancy which is what allowed me to stay as focused as possible and labor with out intervention. Sadly, after some time pushing, we soon discovered that baby was posterior which means that she was lying with her back against my spine. That explained the extreme back labor I was experiencing! I was pushing but she was not moving down the birth canal. My midwife Sara then called an OB collegue of hers in to consult on how we should proceed. They decided to first try reaching in and turning baby manually. They would have to give me an epidural for the procedure. This was not what I had wanted or planned for but at that point I could only welcome the help. It was so incredibly painful that I don't want to imagine what it would've been like without the meds! They got the baby turned and it was time to push again. I was so motivated to NOT have a c-section! I pushed for 20 minutes and we had our baby girl!! Such an amazing moment! It's incredible how quickly it all goes away once you are holding that little one! Amia is an absolute sweet heart. We are all so in love!

Weddings!

2009-08-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our summer has been full of love! On July 3rd we got to celebrate with Quyen's brother Sean and his wonderful bride Sara at The Alderbrook Resort in Union, WA. What a beautiful setting it was on the shore of the Hood Canal! Quyen was the best man, Olivia the flower girl and Tavian the ring bearer. They all did a great job and the ceremony was so lovely. Later in the evening during the reception Tav was getting antsy so I took him for a walk outside along the dock and was truly caught up in the beauty of this place. Rustic elegance. I just loved it and look forward to a day when Quyen and I can return for a little weekend retreat of our own. During Quyen's toast he talked about how well Sean & Sara compliment eachother and it is so true! We adore Sara... she is such a great addition to our family! It was an awesome weekend with our family and friends. Congratulations O'Laughlin's! We love you guys!! Then on August 1st our dear friends Dave & Angela tied the knot at Red Barn Farms in Colton, WA. Another awesome venue! I am lacking the actual stats but I do believe it was the hottest day of the summer. In fact both of our kids got sick from the heat and sadly had to miss the wedding. This left the wedding party 1 flower girl short but the other 9 fulfilled their duties perfectly and all was well. It was a gorgeous evening and a very emotional wedding for us. We introduced Dave and Angela about a year and a half earlier and they are a huge part of our daily lives. We love them dearly and so look forward to a lifetime of dinner parties, popcorn nights and growing old together! Angela is truly the queen of crafty details so I must share a few of her efforts. She thought of everything!

And we have a baby girl!

2009-06-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well, not US, but Monica & Mike do! :o) Got you a little excited didn't I? I am the proud Auntie of Miss Sierra Lee Bentz! She was born on Sunday, June 14th @ 10:11pm, 2 -1/2 weeks early yet perfectly on time. She was totally thinking of me of course when she decided that would be the day. I must mention how much I appreciate her for that because had she come on her due date, July 3rd, I may have missed another very important occasion for our family... Sean & Sara's wedding! Oh how I love when things work out just perfectly. What a load off! Thanks baby girl! Speaking of perfect, that she is! She came into this world at 6lbs 6oz 19" long with blonde hair and blue eyes. She wasn't wasting much time either. Monica started contracting Sunday morning on the way to church, timed her contractions during the sermon lol, was admitted at 4pm at 4cm and progressed so quickly... She was pushing by 8:30! My mom, who flew down there last Thursday and plans to stay a month, was able to be there for all of the excitement (as was Mike's mom). It's a good thing she went went when she did too! I made it to Las Vegas exactly 12 hours after she was born and my dear friend Jessi, taking an early lunch thank you, picked me up and took me to them. It was an extra special thing to celebrate my first mutual niece with Jessi, my friend since jr. high who is married to Mike's older brother! I spent Monday at the hospital with Mo, Mike & Sierra. Everyone was doing awesome and I was so blessed to be there and love on her! The new family of 3 came home late that night and we spent the next 36 hours enjoying Sierra and helping (I hope!) mom & dad adjust. They are naturals! Monica is a rockstar! She didn't even take the meds they offered her for the pain that next day! That I couldn't imagine lol. Both mama & baby are taking to breastfeeding like such pros too. Amazing. Wednesday morning before I had to fly home I got to help give her her first bath at home (which of course she screamed through like both of mine did too). It was a special time. Oh how I wish my sister & I could live closer, raising our kids in the same town, trading date nights, all those things you think of and take for granted when you are growing up! But even though we have many miles between us I hope I can be a big part of Sierra's sweet life. I can't wait for Olivia & Tavian to meet her! Time to get our webcams up and working! Congratulations Bentz Family!

Hope

2009-05-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

This picture represents hope for me. I love to look at it. It humbles me and reminds me to slow down, live in the now, and love on those I love. Our dear friends Josh & Courtney lost their baby boy in April. I think it was a combination of my love for them and my love for my own children that created such an overwhelming, indescribable aching in my heart when I received that news. Any words I try to use to express that feeling simply falls short. For a week Quyen & I grieved with them before we were able to go be with them in Seattle and celebrate Kailen's life. It was a devastating day full of heartbreak as anyone can imagine but also it brought to the surface for me a deep joy that I seem to lose sight of now and then. I have been blessed by this incredible group of friends. They all came into my life with Quyen. Josh in fact was the one who introduced us. For 12 years they have been there for every part of our relationship and life together. We always make it a point to most all of us come together at least few times a year. Although it's not as often as I would like it is always the best company I could ever ask for. To have us all together in one place in support of Josh & Courtney was just really special. As the afternoon came to a close and the reception wrapped up Josh had requested us all to write messages to Kailen on the above pictured blue balloons. We stepped out into the glorious spring sunshine and after a few words from his parents we sent our blessings floating up to Kailen in the brilliant blue of eternity. Hope.

...and baby makes 5!

2009-05-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

In early March we were very surprised to discover that I was pregnant! We had not expected that we would have anymore babies. Clearly God had a different plan for us and so here we are, now 12 weeks pregnant with baby #3! We were in fact so sure in our own minds that we had sold our crib last November and I recently boxed up the rest of our baby stuff including all of our girl clothes and sent them to my sister! This just makes me laugh. Now normally given my type A personality these factors would be cause for panic. But for some reason I have not a worry. I guess because I didn't expect to have this opportunity again I consider it a real gift to be going through it and am trying to really soak it in this time. For this same reason I want to experience things a little differently so I decided right away that I did not want to find out the sex... and Quyen is reluctantly submitting to my wish :o) I figure why not? We have a girl and a boy, whatever the sex of this baby they will shack up in the "girls" or "boys" room so we don't really have much preparing to do. Plus in our experience the babies have slept in a bassinette in our room for the first 3 months so there's no hurry. I'm sure we'll have plenty of help rearrange when we need it. So come November 11th-ish The Hoang's will be 5!

Olivia's 4th Birthday

2009-04-13T12:48:00.001-07:00

Olivia's birthday week was a complete whirlwind! On Sunday we had returned from a long weekend in Seattle with our family and that Friday were expecting our good friends Rob & Robyn Riggins who were driving up from Colorado with their 3 kiddos to visit us for the weekend. It was busy but lots of fun. On Saturday we had a Tinkerbell themed celebration for O and her friends where we made "fairy princess tutus" for each of the girls. The rest of our weekend was spent showing our friends Spokane and enjoying the chaos of 5 kids under 5 in our home!

Tavian's 2nd Birthday!

2009-02-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

For some reason Tavian has seemed like a 2 year old to me for some time now. He is so silly these days with lots of new words to share but still a big snuggle bug. He melts my heart daily. We had a party for Tavian at our house. What a great turn out! It made me realize how many great friends we have with young kids as well. We had a blast and Olivia said "this is the best birthday party ever!" Sadly I was too busy socializing that I forgot to take many pictures (bad mama lol). It did prove to be an exhausting day for our boy though as he ended the celebration by nodding off while eating his cupcake :o)

2008-12-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

This late morning I had to run some keys to my hubby (don't ask) and heading back to my office found myself down on Indiana and hungry for some lunch. I passed Coffee Social and did a quick u-turn remembering the great lunch I shared with a collegue there a month or so prior. My brie sandwich and tomato basil soup were oh so yummy so I wanted to share this new find of mine with all of you. I believe in & support what these fine people are doing. If you feel so called to support this local organic cafe you will not be sorry... d'lish! Plus how many places can you grab a bite to eat and know the ingredients in what you are eating are organic? I love that!!! They are located just west of Division on Indiana. 113 W Indiana - http://coffeesocial.net

Record Snow Fall!

2008-12-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

59.7 inches of snow!

As of December 29th at 4 PM PST... the monthly snow total for the Spokane international Airport was 59.7 inches. This snow total ranks first on the list of snow totals for any month and breaks the previous record of 56.9 inches set in January of 1950.

Let me be the first to tell you that I LOVE snow! Every year when people begin to gripe about the snow falling I am thrilled to see it come in all of its beautiful sparkling white glory. I love the stillness of a fresh snow covering, the excitement of a disrupted routine and all of the outdoor fun that comes along with snow. This, however, is quite enough! Another foot of snow fell yesterday morning confirming what Quyen knew was inevitable but I was standing firmly against... our plans to join our closest friends & family to celebrate New Years in Seattle would not be possible. I want to cry! But instead I will make the best of our circumstances and look forward to traveling west just as soon as mother nature will allow us to. More snow is expected late tonight into New Years Eve followed by yet another storm and then more snow until the end of eternity. Could someone please come rescue me and bring me to sunshine? I promise never to take it for granted again!

Outside our front door (before yesterday's snowfall)

...this is why our Christmas cards were late this year!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of Christmas this year was observing how very different our children are. On Christmas Eve we let the kids each open a gift. Olivia opened her two best friend barbies from "Barbie's Diamond Castle" and exclaimed "Just what I've always wanted!!!" :o) I was hoping they'd be a hit... after all they were one of my Black Friday bargain finds! She loves that movie and likes to perform the "Connected" song the two barbies sing. This child is such a riot! She insisted the barbies sleep with her that night. Tavian opened up an awesome new book (books are his favorite things ever) from Auntie Sara & Uncle Sean. Seriously, this book is so cool! As you turn the page the horse (or whatever is on that page) actually moves! His reaction was also full of delight but then he quietly sits down and devours the book very independently. He pointed out and said "star" and "kircle" (circle). Then we as we put out cookies for Santa he said "tanta"! I'm so proud. :o) Christmas morning Olivia was the first up of course. She says "mama, let's see if santa came!" So I scooped her up and we went downstairs followed by a groggy daddy. First things first, did he eat his cookies? Why yes! "Santa did came!" she exclaimed and then darted for her stocking and dug in. To my delight she was very appreciative of each and everything she got. Quyen took advantage of Tavian's sleeping in and opted to re-join him (we let them snuggle & sleep with us on Christmas Eve) for an hour or so while O and I colored in her new big Tinkerbell coloring book. It was a nice quiet special time for me smelling the coffee brewing and sharing in my little girls delight for her new treasures. *sigh* :o) As the morning went on Olivia could hardly wait to get through everything under the tree. Tavian woke up and first noticed the huge jumping castle that Auntie Tonia & Uncle Eric had sent "WOW" he said. After that he opened up the Wonder Pet's Fly Boat we had gotten him and we could hardly get him to move on from there. This is a child who would have been content with 1 gift. Of course this will change by next year I'm sure but for now I just love watching him sit and play fully satisfied.

"BIG KISS little kiss BIG HUG little hug"

2008-12-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

That is what Olivia tells us and then proceeds to lay on us every time we part ways. Whether it be at preschool, me leaving home or bedtime it has become our "thing." I have no idea where she came up with it but I love it and it's definitely something I want to remember long after she grows out of it. Now if she would only let me leave without tears and pleading *sigh*

The Hair Cut

2008-12-05T13:55:00.001-08:00

Well they say what goes around comes around... I came home last Wednesday night and was snuggling with my girl when I noticed something wasn't right. I pulled her back to get a straight look at her only to confirm that she had cut a third of her hair off... 8"! I was really enjoying how long and pretty her hair was getting so I was kind of bummed. We told her that we were going to have to cut all of her short now and she wailed "NO! I'm a girl. I have to have LONG hair!" Okay, that was pretty funny and lightened the mood. The next day, on Thanksgiving, we put her hair in a pony and chopped the rest of it off. She was quite surprised when she looked in the mirror and said with the huge grin "I still look like Olivia!!" We think she thought we were going to shave her head like we do Tavian's quite often. Anyway, I think my mom took a little extra joy in the experience because I had done the same thing years ago. ;o) We think she looks pretty darn cute!

Apple Cup & Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

Every other year when the Apple Cup is in Pullman we have our family from the west side journey over to Spokane for a fun filled weekend of rivalry football and turkey dinner. It was so wonderful to spend some quality time with everyone and I also must say that I rather enjoyed getting up early & cooking with my husband for a few hours while Sara watched our kiddos! Our 3 nieces stayed the weekend at our house and had a sleepover in Olivia's room... man I love those girls and have missed them dearly since they left (and so has their cousin Olivia who likes to pretend she's big & cool like them when they are around ;o)

My sister-in-law Tonia & I

Sean & Sara (getting married 7.3.09)

Quyen, his brother Sean & our great friend Jon (yes that is a "Cougar" themed bear he's holding from a make shift noose- lovely ;o)

Olivia & Erica snuggling up on the couch to read

Madison, Sydnee, Erica, Tavian & Olivia ready to eat

These two adore each other!

Food!

Peeps

We love Greenbluff!

2008-10-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

There's just no place better...especially in the fall! We started our Saturday off, well, at Starbucks :o) and then we headed up to our good friend Angela's home on Greenbluff with my mom, Jen & TJ with us. It was a bright, crisp and windy day and we visited with Ang, Dave & Cody and played in the pumpkin patch for a while before moving along the bluff ...

TJ & Jen

Daddy & O trying to choose some good ones!

Tavian spent much of his time in the field like this...

We then headed east to The Harvest House to pick apples...

Olivia & Grandmamom

Olivia helping Tavian reach the apples

Olivia & Jen

I think Tavian looks like he's about to pass a football (or apple) here ;o)

Monica & Mike Bentz

2008-10-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

The first week in October our family traveled to "Vegas Baby" (as we taught Olivia to say ;o) for my sister Monica's wedding. What a perfect, wonderful, special time it was!

Getting ready with the bride...

The mom's... such a great picture!

My fam all dolled up and ready to go... Time to get hitched! My mom & TJ Mike's brother Steve & I Monica & her dad Larry during prayer Me, TJ, Mo, Mike, Mom & Uncle Kevin The Kostelecky's And here they are... Mr & Mrs Mike Bentz! Olivia showing "her prince" Matthew how we dance Monica & TJ Olivia taking the mic during my toast (typical!)

And two became one... xoxo

Hoang Bash 8

2008-07-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Lake Coeur d'Alene...

Indian Canyon Golf Course...

4th of July at The O's

2008-07-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Oh I do LOVE Hoodsport!!! Every 4th of July we drive out to my in-law's little piece of heaven on the Hood Canal and spend the days and nights having a blast with our friends and family whom we miss so much of the time. It's a highlight of our summer every year and here are some pics... enjoy!

Digging for clams

Quyen found a baby crab and Olivia thought that was pretty cool!

Raw Oysters = Nasty!

My niece Sydnee is a little crazy if you ask me ;o) Tavian checking out the view Olivia & Maya playing in Grammy & Granddad's pond Olivia just chillin... Each year they host a huge party, invite lots of friends, we eat great food and enjoy a drink or ten! It's always a blast! This year they hired a band and they were great... the kids loved dancing and we loved watching them.

A little air guitar lol! Cousins! Olivia & Granddad performing a little number for us Tavian saying "wassup girl?" to Kennedy ;o) Peeps... Angela, Sean, Lennaea, Quyen, Tavian, Bryan & Jon FIREWORKS!! And of course we have to spend some time up at Lake Cushman! Our good friends Jim & Sandy live just a short drive into the mountains on a gorgeous lake. I just love it up there! It wasn't particularly nice weather this year but we still had a lovely time. Uncle Sean & Sara attacking Tavian! Tavian playing soccer with the boys. Happy Birthday Granddad! Tav getting some snuggle time with Grammy.Until next time...

I FINALLY get to hug Robyn!

2008-05-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Robyn and I met in a myspace "mom's group" when Olivia & Isannah were just months old. Who would've ever thought you could connect with a complete stranger over the internet? Okay well I guess that happens a lot these days but not to me. But here we are almost 3 years and 2 baby boys later and Robyn is one of my closest and dearest friends! Our family left Houston and flew to Denver to meet The Riggins' over memorial day weekend. We spent the day at The Denver Zoo and ALL had a blast! We can't wait for them to come visit us next summer!

Nataleigh(4), Isannah(3), Olivia(3), Tavian(18m) & Duncan(15m)

Houston & The Pittman Wedding

2008-05-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

In May we set out on our long anticipated journey to Houston to see our dear friends Bryan Pittman and Suzy Knight get married! Both of our kids traveled very well given the long day of connections and layovers we had traveling both there and back. This was Tavian's 1st flight.

We were thrilled to get there Wednesday afternoon and spend the evening with our friends and family BBQing at Bryan's house. Our luggage finally joined us at the hotel at about 11pm that night ;o) Quyen was a groomsmen and was busy busy with the boys most of the trip. We stayed at the most wonderful hotel- Sugar Land Marriott Time Square. Time Square is a darling area with shops and restaurants galore just steps from the hotel so we had a lot of fun hanging, swimming, grabbing cocktails and eating out. Our friend Shannon even watched the kiddos for us Thursday afternoon while we went out to Japanieros Sushi Bar with some family and friends (D'lish! One of my personal highlights of the trip). Most of our clan went to the Astros game that night (Quyen took Tavian to his first MLB game) while Tonia and I took the girls' swimming in the rooftop pool. We all had a blast!

Olivia with her cousins Erica, Madison & Sydnee

Erica relaxing at the pool

Walking to the ballpark with Daddy & Uncle Sean (I love this pic!)

Marcus & Tav

The next day the boys went golfing and then to the dress rehearsal. Tonia, Sara, Shannon & I took the kids to Galvaston, TX. The drive was worth it! We had a lot of fun just being at the beach. Some of us did get a little too much sun that afternoon. ;o) We got back into Houston just in time to get ready for the rehearsal dinner at Suzy's parent's home. What a gorgeous setting to celebrate with everyone! We had an incredible time...

Back at The Knight's...

The wedding day...

We had to leave the festivities a little too early with the kiddos but wow! What an amazing ceremony and a fabulous reception! Olivia & Tavian were BOTH tearing up that dance floor :o).We had such a great time the entire week. Thank you Bryan & Suzy for being such gracious hosts. We love you both so much and wish you the very best in life together! The next morning we all met across the street for brunch. It was a great chance to visit and say our goodbyes to friends and family. We can't wait to go back and visit soon!

Olivia turns 3...

2008-04-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

We had such a fabulous week celebrating Olivia's 3rd birthday with friends and family! On Wednesday the 2nd she had cupcakes at school with her friends and that evening we went out for pizza and cake with family. Our friends came to spend the weekend with us and Saturday we had a party for her at Mobius Kids. It was a lot of fun!

Blowing out the candles on her birthday

More candles at her birthday party on Saturday

Craft time at Mobius... they made crowns.

Cheryl & Tavian

Auntie Mo & Uncle Mike got her this cool scooter! Uncle TJ & Jen got her the matching princess protective gear. She's set and sooo excited! Tavian, Olivia, Kendyl & William What a fun weekend these girls had together!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

Tavian's 1st Birthday!

2008-02-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

We had a party at our house on Tavian's Birthday. It was a great celebration with friends & family. "Grandma-mom" (my mom) flew over from Seattle on Friday and spent the weekend with us. It was a wonderful, fabulous few days! Here are some pictures from the festivities...

"Get this thing off of me!"

1 year, 1 precious little boy

2008-02-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

I ran across this picture of Tavian last night while I was working on a slideshow for his dedication ceremony in 2 weeks. He is 1 week old here. There is really nothing sweeter! I was talking to an old friend yesterday about how much I prefer the toddler stage. I am not one who will miss the baby stage much but this picture flooded me with emotion. It's been the most amazing year of getting to know this sweet little boy God has lent to us! He will turn 1 on the 24th. Today he is walking and lighting up the world with his huge, infectious smile. I am so in love! Happy Birthday Tavian. I just love watching you grow...

January - February 2008

2008-02-14T13:07:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Well we have some serious cabin fever! The snow we've been dealing with around here for the past several weeks has forced us to spend a lot of time in doors recently. On the bright side we have made the most of it and have had fun hanging together, attending birthday parties and having play dates. Olivia loves to paint and they both cruise around the living room and kitchen on their little ride-on toys. We have also set up the basketball hoop that Monica & Mike got Olivia for Christmas in our front living room (so much for confining toys to one room in our house!) She likes to "shoot hoops" with dad and Quyen is teaching Tavian to dribble (he holds the ball with both hands and bounces it on the hardwood floor over & over- CUTE)!

"I'm gonna get you!" With Ella at her brother Shay's birthday party Play date with Brooklyn & Brittany

Tavian took his first 4 steps on Tuesday January 29th. He loves to crawl to anyone and use their leg to stand up and then he goes for it. Olivia is so proud of him. She cheers him on constantly and has also taught him to turn around at the top of the stairs and go down. He picked it up right away and she'll tell you that it was all her doing. So our home is now a free for all! They are both doing awesome at school. When we ask her Olivia how her day was she informs us "I not being nasty, I no bite my friends at school anymore!" (Most of you know we have battled with this habit of hers for far too long and are quite proud of this new leaf). Her vocabulary surprises us daily and she is an absolute crack up! She has learned so much lately, she likes to write her "name" (lines & circles really), can count to 25 and loves to sing songs and of course dance dance dance! And she LOVES her Tavian! Tavian will soon be moving up to the Toddler 1 classroom which I think he will love. All of the teachers there love him so I'm never worried about lack of attention! His morning teacher in the infant room will miss him though- they have a special connection. We are so blessed to be there! We recently weened Tavian off of formula which is fantastic. His daddy also gave him his first full haircut last night. He did so well and looks especially handsome...

Monica said he's trying to decide if he likes it here :o)

  And since I can hardly get Olivia to sit still for a picture here are some videos of her from the other night. She was very hyper for whatever reason and making us laugh as usual... 

HAPPY 2008!

2008-01-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

We spent New Year's morning sledding near our house. Quyen & I hadn't gone in forever and the kids never had. We had so much fun! I think this will have to become a family tradition...

We look forward to sharing more great memories with all of you in 2008!

Oh Blessed Christmas!

2007-12-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorites...

*stockings*

I think I woke him up from his nap a little too early =o)

It snowed in Hoodsport on Christmas morning! It sure was beautiful but it also held up some of our family. Once they got there were so excited to see them... and open presents! Tavian checking out his new books from Santa.

The next morning we picked up my mom in Seattle & drove home in snow. The pass was requiring chains on all vehicles (except for all wheel drive) so it took a while to get through the check point. I rather enjoyed it though! It was absolutely beautiful! I just couldn't resist taking a million pictures... Snoqualmie Pass The Summit

Near Ellensburg We returned home to Spokane with my mom to celebrate at our place with Monica, TJ & Jen. Quyen assembling Olivia's new hoop from Auntie Mo & Uncle Mike."Sharing." Yeah right! My mom got the kids the cutest towels with their names on the back. We had to test them out. Olivia performed for us in her new princess accessories from Grammy & Granddad. And I saved my favorite for the end. This is priceless! Princess heels, gardening tools and snow. We were all getting dinner when I noticed the front door was open...

Christmas Eve Fun

2007-12-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

Olivia & Grammy started the morning off with a little baking... And we ended the day checking out this very cool house in Olympia decorated in all it's Christmas glory. You must see this!

Christmas at the beach

2007-12-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

The following pictures were taken on grammy & granddad's deck on Christmas Eve. What a gorgeous day on the Hood Canal!

The next morning we had snow. A white Christmas on the Puget Sound? What a treat!

Merry Christmas to all...

2007-12-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

School Christmas Party

2007-12-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

Olivia's class had a Christmas party the week before the holiday. They kids wrapped gifts of ornaments they'd created with their pictures on them for us. They got to make cookies and sang Christmas songs for us. It was too cute and I have video to prove it!

RUDOLPH...

JINGLE BELLS...

Giggles!

2007-12-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season!

2007-12-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have always truly loved this time of year. After I met Quyen I fell even more in love with Christmas. He enjoys it as much as I do. His family had the tradition of going out the weekend after Thanksgiving and cutting down their tree and the first year we were together I joined them. We had so much fun that day! We then adopted this fabulous tradition in to our own family after we were married. Decorating for this holiday has always been a fun time for us to spend together and we make a day of it. This year however our kids were very sick and we just could not rationalize trucking them through the woods in the bitter cold wind. So instead we bought our tree at Walmart! I know, I know, I feel like such a sell out! It really is a beautiful tree though. We spent the day decorating our tree, our house and enjoying good food together just the four of us. I feel complete and overwhelmingly blessed! I think I may enjoy this day more than Christmas itself. Olivia is really in to the holiday this year and it is so much fun. We've been watching all of the classic Christmas specials together and she talks about Frosty the Snowman and Santa all the time. She had a great time helping me hang the ornaments (many of which are have her name and/or picture on them and she gets a kick out of that. "Mine mama?") Tavian has been very good thus far about leaving the tree alone but he did enjoy all of the boxes and commotion today.

Let it snow!

2007-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

Apple Cup 2007

2007-11-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

I think the pictures speak for themselves. We had a blast (despite the outcome)! This is what our yard looked like when we came home... Needless to say it lasted about 2 seconds. Thanks Mary & Steve! The prank continued further when 2 weeks later I saw this Christmas card hanging up at one our mutual friends' houses. All I got to say is you better be praying next year because you are going down!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T10:13:00.001-08:00

What a great Thanksgiving! My sister Monica and her fiance' Mike came up here from Las Vegas for the holiday. They flew into Spokane and drove over to my mom's in Gig Harbor, WA with us on Wednesday. We sure missed TJ & Jen but it was so nice to be together. I had so much fun cooking with my mom & sister!

We also got to meet the newest addition to our family- my Mom & Mikee's baby dog Gemini.

Mikee, Olivia, Mom & Gemi (check out his coat!)

Tavian getting some Daddy loves

Mikee, Olivia, Mom & Gemi (check out his coat!)

Time to eat! What an awesome meal it was.

The kids are out!

After we ate we left Mo, Mike, Mom & Mikee and headed northeast to Quyen's brother Sean's house in Covington, WA where we enjoyed another fabulous meal and stayed the rest of the weekend. The next morning Sean's girlfriend Sara & I took my kids and my niece Madison into downtown Seattle for the Christmas parade. We had a ball and spent the whole day downtown shopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere. I love this city!

A brisk fall day at the park

2007-11-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we spent the afternoon at Friendship Park. It was a great time and here are the pictures to prove it!

Nostalgia

2007-11-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in our family room watching my little boy walk along the furniture. Every time he makes eye contact with me he laughs. He is overflowing with joy and watching him so am I. He returns himself to the floor and speedily scoots over to his jumperoo where he again stands himself up with the help of the toy he once loved but has now grown out of. Mobility trumps all.

I am over come with nostalgia as I reflect on this time last year. I am 6 months pregnant and was recently put on short term bed rest due to some unexplained contractions. My son flips and flops inside my belly and I pray silently for his protection. I worry about him. I hope that he will stay in there and grow and flourish until it is time for us to meet. He does of course and that moment is nothing short of miraculous. He is strong, healthy and absolutely flawless.

Although it has been a long 9 months since then for me personally, his journey thus far has flown by. He is now a little boy. Fearing nothing he scales the stairs like he’s been doing it his whole life rather than only 3 days. He is a daredevil. Yet at the same time his heart is the size of this earth and he loves nothing more than to snuggle with you and exchange smiles back and forth. His personality shines. He is perfect and we all so very blessed.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

The kids & I went to a costume party hosted by my friends Hara & Angela the Saturday before Halloween. On Halloween day the festivities began for the kids at school where their teachers put them in their costumes and they celebrated all day long. They even had a costume parade through the infant room. Olivia loved that! She adores those babies (especially her Tavian of course). When I came to pick them up one of the teachers said that it was official- Olivia was the cutest little ballerina ever! Well I would have to agree with that! At home we got ready again and headed over to Grandpa and Grandma Sam's house so they could enjoy the kids in their costumes. They always go all out with decorations so it's quite festive. Grandma scared Olivia a bit with her mask but after a quick explanation about the mask she was ready to get to it. Tavian fell asleep on the car ride over but we woke him up just in time for trick or treating. Grandma, Daddy, and I joined them as they (well, Olivia) made her way through their neighborhood. There are only a few houses so it's perfect. We did this last year as well and it seems to be becoming a fun tradition for all of us!

Caught with his hand in the candy jar =)

Gotta love the look on Olivia's face

Yummmm... sugar!

Tavian with Grandpa His antenna kept flopping in his face all night long!

After being thoroughly spoiled with treats from their grandparents we headed back to our place where we handed out candy to more trick or treaters. I think Olivia enjoyed this more than anything. She got such a kick out of putting the candy in their bags. Each time the door bell rang she would run to the door yelling "THE KIDS ARE HERE! THE KIDS ARE HERE!" We ran out of candy just in time to turn out our lights and head to bed. A very enjoyable Halloween indeed!

Congratulations Brittany!

2007-10-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Brooklyn is here! What an amazing, amazing experience!! My best friend of 27 years, Brittany gave birth to Brooklyn Kaylee Morgan Page on 10.30.07. She did awesome! She didn't want a Halloween baby and everyone knew it so at 11:59:58 Brooklyn was born! It was incredible. We were all hooting and hollering, rooting her on. Someone even came and closed the door to her room because we were so loud. How funny. What a special time! I hadn't watched a baby come into the world aside from my own. What a gift! I'm still in awe. She was 7lbs 3oz, 20.5" & gorgeous! There is nothing greater.

Brooklyn at 4 days old With Mama Brooklyn at 2 weeks old

A visit with family

2007-10-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Grandma Sam brought our nieces/cousins Chelsea & Crystal over for a long overdue visit. It was so night to hug on each other and catch up. We miss you girls!

Olivia & Crystal are 2 peas in a pod when they are together

Chelsea & Tavian- so cute!

Autumn Shindig

2007-10-14T10:32:00.001-07:00

Every fall our Freedom Road Church family spends the day up on Greenbluff enjoying good food, friends and fun! Thanks to Angela who is the best hostess to ever exist! Here is a photo-journal of this year's festivities...

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3qkUiec9I/AAAAAAAAAIE/jKARnrljEyA/s1600-h/pic+115a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3qO0iec8I/AAAAAAAAAH8/PuZ36VktOnc/s1600-h/pic+113a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3qBkiec7I/AAAAAAAAAH0/pW5TZ6FYZfA/s1600-h/pic+108a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3pbUiec6I/AAAAAAAAAHs/onYOPW8tQkg/s1600-h/pic+105a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3odEiec5I/AAAAAAAAAHk/Ns_MYq4HlNA/s1600-h/pic+102a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3oGkiec4I/AAAAAAAAAHc/IvDt0G1wBCY/s1600-h/pic+095a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3nfkiec3I/AAAAAAAAAHU/nRdXVff4pHs/s1600-h/pic+088a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3nFUiec2I/AAAAAAAAAHM/r8zHZWwkrqo/s1600-h/pic+087a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3mbEiec1I/AAAAAAAAAHE/Xi-SQv5Za0M/s1600-h/pic+081a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3mQUiec0I/AAAAAAAAAG8/504o_hGtIm0/s1600-h/pic+079a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3mHEieczI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Enj8APAP4wM/s1600-h/pic+072a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3lj0iecxI/AAAAAAAAAGo/x08j_lXZqpY/s1600-h/pic+074a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3lC0iecwI/AAAAAAAAAGg/nesoUD_nPRA/s1600-h/pic+073a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3k4kiecvI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ISiqpsgTnA4/s1600-h/pic+071a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3kqkiecuI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/8PiFH8Rg4rg/s1600-h/pic+059a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3kaEiectI/AAAAAAAAAGI/D92noL0KOcE/s1600-h/pic+049a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3kHEiecsI/AAAAAAAAAGA/kyMyP2GrONU/s1600-h/pic+042.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3j10iecrI/AAAAAAAAAF4/8DkAdSIuLMc/s1600-h/pic+039.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3jnUiecqI/AAAAAAAAAFw/BVWWlTnQYVo/s1600-h/pic+037a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3jdUiecpI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ZuR1Qj7BOr4/s1600-h/pic+032a.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3jTEiecoI/AAAAAAAAAFg/BUqMvpZuPR0/s1600-h/pic+021a.jpg"></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Every fall our Freedom Road Church family spends the day up on Greenbluff enjoying good food, friends and fun! Thanks to Angela who is the best hostess to ever exist! Here is a photo-journal of this year's festivities:</span> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_feOtUURsm6g/Rz3ikUiecnI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Olk8o0kq0VM/s1600-h/pic+101a.jpg"></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">The FRC kids </span></div>

The FRC kids

HAY RIDES! My girls Jumping castle! Olivia greeting Colby & Ella Ella Kayann Olivia taking a little breather in Angela's craft room Tavian taking a breather of his own =) Angela painting pretties on Olivia's face

Miss Felicity... she's the sweetest thing! Rick & Tonia Pachence & Greg (how cute is that?!) Tavian & Lexie Lots of peeps She hit it! We're so proud. Chillin with the ladies Tavian & Charlie What a perfect day!