Waiting for Baby Stang

Roslyn Needs Some Prayers!

2012-02-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

Roslyn is having her tonsils and adenoids removed tomorrow morning in St. Cloud! Please pray for a safe surgery and a smooth recovery!

2012-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

We had an incredible Valentine's Day in the Stang household. Jake hasn't bought me pink roses since our engagement...so thoughtful!

The kids had a blast at their Valentine's Day party!

Now that Valentine's Day is over...we're getting excited for Andray's 4th bday and MARCH MADNESS!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

2012-02-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! This year the kids got Jake a #30 Duke (Jon Scheyer) jersey and myself a new "old school" Duke jacket. Thanks to the two best kids in the world!

Having fun jumping on the bed!

Sibling love.

Jake got home late last night so the kids waited patiently for him at the top of the stairs.

Jake's initial look at his new jersey!

Needless to say Jake was PUMPED to get a new Duke jersey. We love Jon Scheyer, he led them to the 2010 National Championship! Have a great Valentine's Day everyone!

Way To Go DUKE!!

2012-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ah, Duke had an amazing come-from-behind win over North Carolina last night! Made my week!

Thank you to Duke's freshman guard Austin Rivers for hitting an unbelievable 3-pointer to beat the Tar Heels...Jake and I are soooooooooooo excited for March Madness!

Swimming Was A Blast!!!!

2012-02-08T12:02:00.001-08:00

We had an incredible weekend at the Minneapolis Depot Hotel with my parents and my oldest brother Aaron and his family! Thanks to my sister Megan, this is my new favorite photo of the kids!

This was the first time our kids had ever stayed in a hotel room before. They sprinted into the room and on to the beds to start jumping! It was awesome!

Roz loved relaxing in the big chair in our hotel room!

Our first glance of the train in the pool! The kids were so excited!

Roz loved the pool and practically dove right in! Andray was a little more reserved however and took a while to warm up.

The kids loved swimming in the bigger pool with their life jackets on!

Mom with the two younger girls.

Our family. We definitely need to get the kids in swim lessons this summer! They caught on quickly in the big pool!

Mom and Dad with their 4th grandchild.

Cheese!

Hanging out in the hot tub!

Roslyn's first day on the slides wasn't so graceful!

By the second day, Roz had the slides mastered...that's my girl!

I cherish my time spent with our Goddaughter Amelia...truly she is a gift from God!

Roslyn's Godfather smothering her in kisses!

The Frank Girls....Gma Carol, Megan, Roslyn, Celest, Amelia and Isa Lu.

Megan with her baby girl Amelia Mae.

Uncle Aaron reading bedtime stories to the kiddos.

I found these pajamas on major clearance when I was shopping with Mom a couple weekends ago and bought them more as a joke! Seriously, best buy in a long time, they're so comfy, don't even need a blanket on at night, sweet! These are for sure coming with me to March Madness celebrations ;)

One amazing weekend with the Franks!

One Rough Monday for Rozzy!

2012-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Roslyn decided to climb a red barn outside in Angie's back yard yesterday and fell head first off the other side! She took it well though, she keeps telling me that she has purple make-up on! Poor Rozzy!

She was a good sport last night...just kept telling Jake and I that she hurt her eye.

Our little Rocky Balboa!!

Andray had a rough Monday as well. He was pretend ice skating on an ice patch in the back yard at Angie's and fell down, scraping his chin. Can't make it up! Should lead to some interesting family photos at church next week for the new directory :)

Just a Tad Excited for Swimming this Weekend!!

2012-02-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

Can you tell our kids are just a "tad" excited to go swimming with their Frank cousins in the cities this weekend?! They just had to "try" on their "wim-suits" (as Roz says) after supper last night. Too fun!

Can't wait to spend some QT with my nieces before they leave for Guatemala for 2 months! Should be a good time with the Franks this weekend!

A Future Ballerina in the Stang Household?

2012-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Our good friends handed down a ballerina matt, bar and shoes for Roslyn this past weekend. The dance stuff also came with a "Learn the Basics of Ballet" movie. Roslyn is in HEAVEN!

She loves the beautiful ballerinas! And she also loves to wear her TuTu!

She loves her new "princess" shoes as well! Thank you Katelyn!

Ah, such a PROUD ballerina!

Can you tell she likes to dance?! Her smile is priceless!

Jake taught Roslyn how to take her "final bow"...too funny!

A Lazy Saturday with Papa Larry!

2012-01-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

Ah, we had a great weekend in the Stang Household! My parents came up Friday night and we played cards - the parents taught Jake and I the game "Hand and Foot"...way too much to concentrate on after a long week at work :)

I had a wonderful day shopping with my Mom in St. Cloud, so Papa Larry babysat Roz and Andray while Jake cleaned the house for his Coop Fantasy Football party later that night! Dad did such a good job babysitting that he and Andray actually fell asleep and took their afternoon naps on the couch downstairs. Andray even shared his favorite blanket (aka - Buddy) with Dad...remarkable!

Our Family's Newest DUKE Fan!!

2012-01-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

Meet our family's newest Duke fan...Neely Raychel! She was too darn cute wearing Roslyn's Duke sweatshirt and Duke "squeaky shoes" on Sunday! I think the shoes had holy water sprinkled on them! I poked holes in the soles of the shoes over a month ago to eliminate the noise and the sound has miraculously returned! God is Good :)

Had A Nice, Long Weekend!!

2012-01-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

Ah, winter is definitely here to stay I think. Enjoyed a nice winter storm on Sunday/Monday. The kids and I had so much fun making snow angels in our back yard yesterday and on the deck. Good times! Have a great week everyone!

My Godson Jett is Growing up Way Too Fast!

2012-01-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Andray and I drove to Willmar to watch my Godson practice bball at the local YMCA. Can't believe how grown up Jett is...and he's definitely been practicing his bball skills, was fun to watch!

Was good to see my aunt Nancy and baby Liberty again too!

Got to see my baby cousin Sam as well. Hard to believe she's 21 already! Finally I can buy her a beer ;)

It was fun to watch Jett practice bball.

Andray enjoyed his time at the gym "chillaxing" while Jett practiced!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2012-01-18T06:40:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Mom...the most amazing Mother in the world! Hope you have a great day!

Holiday Season is Officially Over

2012-01-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

Well, as of this weekend our Holiday Season celebrations are officially over. Wouldn't you know though, Roslyn is now sick with extremely swollen tonsils! The doctors aren't sure if it's tonsillitis or not. Her first culture of strep came back negative, we'll see on the 24 hour culture. Not fun to see your child's tonsils touching in the back of her mouth! Pray for good news at the ENT tomorrow morning!

Have a great week everyone, stay warm if you're living in Minnesota! ;)

Winter is Here!!!!

2012-01-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

Ah, winter is here. Hard to believe it was 50 degrees on Wednesday and 15 degrees on Thursday. That's Minnesota for you! The kids did get to enjoy some snow over the New Year's weekend. Looking forward to more snow so we can build snowmen together!

Andray thought he was pretty hot stuff shoveling "trails" in our driveway with Jake. He definitely earned his allowance that day.

Even Roz learned how to shovel the snow on New Year's weekend. She's been under the weather this week, but back at daycare today. Hope she's feeling good for the long weekend!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Special Times on the Lingl Farm

2012-01-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful day on the Lingl farm for Christmas this year. Although it wasn't on Christmas Day, it was great to have most everyone together again. I just love seeing Gram for Christmas and being out on the farm. I'm so thankful that my kids get to experience what I got to experience while growing up.

The wonderful tradition was kept alive this year. A bottle of Peach Schnaaps was brought in honor of Gpa Shorty and passed around for everyone to drink while we opened our Christmas gifts. Go Gram! We miss Gpa Shorty sooooooooooo much!

My amazing Godson Jett...he's growing up way too fast!

Roz loved helping Jett open his gifts, especially the gum!

Lilli and Roz are two peas in a pod!

Dray of course had to help Great Gram "Chippy" open presents during the stealing game.

My brother Jacob with Gram.

Andray with his Godfather Jacob.

I love my mom soooooooooooooooo much!

Baby Liberty is the youngest member of our family, already 7 months old!

My amazing Godfather Jeff.

Gram of course made her delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, and our "one and only" Roz was caught snitching! Too funny :)

This candle has been burned every Christmas since 1945...it was my Great Gma Theresa Rose's candle...so special!

Ah, the Christmas season for me is not complete without seeing my girls...Cassie and Kristen! A big congrats to Cassie and Jason...Baby Peters #3 is on the way for them on May 25th...so exciting!

Christmas is Complete!!!!

2012-01-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas season this year with the kids. We are so thankful for how "giving" our family and friends are during this special season. Our kids made a haul and they love all their toys, clothes, sippy cups, etc.!

Jake and I both said when we put all their toys together in the living room that it really puts the enter Christmas season into perspective. Our kids are loved, thank you!

Roz loves her Baby Sally and Baby Stella!

Best wishes in 2012!!

A Wonderful Christmas in Redwood Falls

2012-01-04T11:09:00.001-08:00

We had a nice and relaxing Christmas/New Years weekend in Redwood Falls. I'm so thankful for my parents, my brothers, my sister-in-law and my nieces. Was a blast watching the Frank cousins hang out together!

Our 3rd Christmas as a family of FOUR...it was amazing.

Our beatiful little Goddaughter.

The Frank family of FOUR.

Jake with his beautiful Goddaughter Amelia Mae.

Roz and Amelia got matching Little Sister outfits for Christmas, too precious.

Santa brought each grandchild a new pair of slippers, yay!

The grandkids each had their own singing stockings from Santa!

Roslyn looks up to her big cousin Isabel!

Beautiful Christmas Tree

Thank the Lord for HOPE!

Happy New Year!!!!

2012-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all! Hope you had a safe and fun weekend, best wishes for the New Year!

Thank you Megan for bringing all the New Years noise makers, confetti and 2012 glasses, you're the best!

Miss Amelia Mae and Roslyn had a blast wearing their glasses around the house.

So fun for Roz and Amelia to have matching "Little Sister" outfits!

Mom sure does love it when her grandbabies are home! Mom and Dad bought all the grandkids PJ's for Christmas...they loved them! Roz of course got Dora jammers and Andray got Cars jammers...too perfect!

Stang Family Christmas X 2!!

2011-12-30T06:34:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas weekend with the Stang's. Unfortunately Ella was sick on Christmas Eve, so the Boucher's didn't make it to the farm that day. However we were all able to get together on Monday night and open the cousin's gifts...total chaos and so much fun!

Our family of four on Christmas Eve at the farm.

Sibling love...too precious! Roslyn's dress came from Ella and Mya, pretty special!

The Rossman's...John, Easton (1 1/2 yr.) and Rachel.

Roslyn loves Neely so much...only 6 weeks apart!

The Iten's...Brian, Neely, Mya and Rhonda (oh, and Easton's head too, ha!)

Roslyn with her Godmother Rhonda.

Jake and his Goddaughter Mya Mellissa!

Jake with his Godson Easton James.

Roslyn absolutely loves her doll house from Gpa and Gma Stang! Jake had fun putting it together yesterday for her :)

Dray got an awesome Cars geography game from Papa Steve and Grandma Sandy. Not sure who likes it more though, Jake or Andray :)

Andray with his Godmother Sarah...she bought him Lightning McQueen and Mater...so incredible!

Can you say...PURE JOY?!

Roslyn LOVES her guitar from Auntie Rhonda...thank you so much!

Jake with his Goddaughter Ella...so glad she was feeling better by Monday!

Jake and I bought Skyler her first Duke shirt...she was so happy, made our day!

Miss Mya...the newest ballerina in the Stang family!

Mom was so happy to get her electric Mixer...John asked her to start making cookies that night, ha! Thanks for all you do for our family Grandma Sandy!

Papa Steve, Easton, Gma Sandy, Neely and Roz looking through the annual family calendars...they are so much fun to make and look at throughout the years!

Was an incredible Christmas with the Stang's...looking forward to the Frank Christmas in Redwood Falls this weekend!

HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED NEW YEAR'S WEEKEND!

Santa Claus Made It To St. Augusta!!

2011-12-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

It was so much fun this year waking up at home on Christmas morning. The kids were so excited that Santa and his reindeer made it to our home! Santa drank all his "chocky" milk, ate some cookies and the reindeer left just one carrot, too fun!

Roslyn had the honors of tearing off the last red paper ring on Christmas morning!

Was so fun opening Santa's gifts under the tree with the kids.

Andray of course had to mix Santa "chocolate milk syrup" on Christmas Eve.

The table all set for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve day the kids opened the last Advent Calendar window...was a fun activity this December!

Our Own Family Xmas Highlights

2011-12-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

The kids had so much fun opening Christmas gifts this year. Best part is, we still have 4 Christmas gatherings remaining!

Here's to an incredibly challenging yet rewarding 2011!

Jake told me I was the best wife in the world last weekend, and I might have to agree with him. I got him a Nacho Cheese machine for Christmas...the gift that keeps on giving!

Jake can't wait for his "guy gatherings" to bring his Nacho Cheese machine to, especially MARCH MADNESS!

Jake and I brought the kids to see Great Gpa and Gma Stang on Christmas Eve. Was very nice to spend some QT with them.

The kids had fun playing with Gpa and Gma's ice skating rink and flying Santa and reindeer!

Precious...

Hope You Had A Blessed Christmas Weekend!

2011-12-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a blessed Christmas weekend with your families! We have many more Christmas celebrations to attend, very excited!

The kids were so fun this weekend...what a great age for Christmas, Baby Jesus and Santa!

Christmas is Here!!!!

2011-12-24T07:42:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all...we have so much to be thankful for!

Have a Blessed Christmas!!!!

2011-12-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas with your families! Jake and I are so thankful for the gift of life and health!

We are wearing the color "teal" in honor of SCSU's softball player Kelly Laas who died of ovarian cancer last February! Kelly is missed by many!

Thank God for children!!

Gotta Love the Holiday Cheer!

2011-12-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

Jake's school is having a Christmas sweater party today...this is hilarious! And the best part is, these sweaters are my mom's and she still wears them! I love you Mom!

Super Excited for Christmas!

2011-12-21T14:32:00.000-08:00

We are BEYOND excited for Christmas...only 4 days left, yah!

Commencement...Check! Bring on Christmas!!!!

2011-12-18T19:23:00.001-08:00

Ah...what a great day today was (besides myself and both kids being sick!). I coordinated my first commencement ceremony at St. Cloud State and it went smooth! Was a great day, I never felt nervous or overwhelmed...just like old times in Halenbeck Hall (over-seeing athletic events). Was so rewarding seeing happy graduate faces and proud parents. Jake and I are so blessed to have two amazing children!

What a difference 18 months makes! This photo of the kids was taken in June of 2010. So incredible that now (in 2011) Andray looks "afraid" of his "crazy" sister, ha! Andray came with me to pick up our newest family photos and when we looked at the photos before leaving the store he told the clerk..."my sister is crazy!" Too funny!

(wow, do I miss the "baby stage"...the kids were so innocent "back then"...thankful for their overall health!)

So excited for Christmas...only 7 days left!

Happy Friday!

2011-12-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a great Friday and even better weekend! Jake is home with a sick Roslyn today...bummer. But hopefully she gets this out of her system before Christmas! This is my BIG WEEKEND for work as I'll coordinate my first University Commencement Ceremony at St. Cloud State! Nervous, but more excited, than anything. Rehearsal is today and Sunday is the BIG DAY! Can't wait until Sunday night when it's successfully completed :)

Another Great Year of Holiday Baking at the Farm!

2011-12-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday Jake and I and the kids headed to the Stang farm for another great day of Holiday Baking and Christmas Tree Decorating! Was so much fun this year! With Ella and Skyler getting older, the ornaments are now making their way up higher on the tree each year, too cute!

Andray of course found his favorite string of lights and hung about 21 ornaments in one place...too funny. It even caused the string of lights to go out. Papa just laughed :)

I'm thinking Roz hung this ornament. The string was long enough that the ornament didn't even hang in the air, just sat on the ground. We laughed out loud!

Jake was giving "cattle" rides while the younger kids were napping, hilarious!

Mya Mellissa...too pretty.

Roz of course picked Duke Blue cookie frosting...love it :)

The Stang crew hard at work.

Skyler and Ella's cookies were beautiful, they are growing up way too fast!

Thank you Grandma Sandy for starting the Holiday Baking tradition, way too much fun!

Roz loved the sprinkles!

Neely had fun frosting cookies too!

Easton was hilarious...he loved the frosting, despite breaking out in hives from it! Poor baby!

My kids' master pieces...can you tell which one Andray did? He loves green! :)

Andray hanging out with Papa Steve.

Talk about a great day at the farm...the kids fell asleep in the car on the ride home and stayed sleeping until the next morning!

Family Photo Day a Success!!!!

2011-12-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

We headed to JC Penny on Saturday afternoon for family photos. Despite a 25 minute wait in the waiting room (Jake wonders why they even have people make appointments), the kids did pretty good. Roz was done taking photos after 10 minutes, but at least we were able to salvage one good family photo of the four of us!

We wore teal in honor of Kelly Laas, an SCSU softball player who died of ovarian cancer last February. Kelly was an incredible young woman and teal is the color for ovarian cancer. Pretty special to me!

Before we left for JC Penny...was the first time I've ever curled Roslyn's hair...so fun!

Happy Birthday Auntie Sarah!!!

2011-12-09T08:46:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to our amazing sister on Saturday...Auntie Sarah! Can't wait to celebrate with you on Sunday!

Way To Go DUKE!!

2011-12-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Duke got a BIG WIN over Colorado State last night, was fun to watch!

Thank you to my best friend from home...Ann...who found these amazing Duke Shoes for Roslyn...they are perfect!

Let's Go Duke!

The Countdown to Christmas Begins!!!!

2011-12-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

This year Jake and I bought the kids a "Countdown to Christmas - Advent" book. Each night after supper they pop open a new window and share the chocolate inside. It's been fun!

The kids had fun putting their own ornaments on the Christmas tree this year!

Their ages are so much fun for Christmas...wish I could FREEZE TIME!

A job well done :)

Bring on the Holidays!

Husky Hot Shots a Success!!!!

2011-12-05T11:03:00.001-08:00

Jake and I brought the kids to the SCSU women's bball game on Friday night! We stayed up in the balcony where the kids could run around and dribble their new Husky Hot Shots basketballs. It was fun!

We found out that Roz probably won't be a bball player. She could've cared less about the game, all she cared about was dancing to the music during timeouts and while the men's teams warmed up for their game!

Roz checking out the "big gym!"

Another Great Thanksgiving Weekend in the Record Books

2011-12-01T13:21:00.001-08:00

We had an incredible 48 hours down in good old Redwood Falls last weekend to not only celebrate Thanksgiving with the Lingl's, but to also celebrate my beautiful niece Isabel's 5th birthday! She's pretty proud to be 5 years old!

Happy belated birthday Isa Lu!

Isa and Lilli had fun playing with the Barbies on Thursday! They are both so grown up!

Ah, our kids are so thankful for each other :)

I'm so thankful that our kids know their Great Grandparents!

Roz and Gram...love them both dearly!

Roz found Gram's bucket of homemade "chocky" chip cookies and LOVED THEM! Pretty sure she at 5 in one sitting, ha!

Isabel and Amelia...best friends for life! Sisters are the best!

Our kids had fun helping Gma Carol decorate her Christmas tree.

Amelia called all the ornaments...BALL! Super cute!

Mom and Dad's beautiful tree...a little bottom heavy with the ornaments, too cute!

Being that Isabel is the oldest grandchild, she got to put the finishing touches on the Christmas Tree. Quite an honor to put the Angel on top...mom and dad got that angel as a wedding gift over 42 years ago, pretty awesome!

Happy December!

2011-12-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe December is here already! Where does the time go? Jake and I had a great Thanksgiving season with our families, looking forward to the Chrismas season! The kids were a great help putting up the Christmas decorations this year. Roslyn keeps informing me that she won't cry this year with Santa, too funny!

Happy Belated 5th Birthday Isa Lu!

2011-11-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated 5th Birthday to our beautiful niece Isabel Lucia! Can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you this weekend sweetie!

Excited for Thanksgiving Weekend!

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Season has begun! We were lucky enough to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Stang family 2 weeks ago already. Jake and I have so much to be thankful for!

Apparently Roz was done taking photos at this point, ha :)

Jacob and his beautiful Goddaughter Ella Johanna.

Roslyn got to spend some QT with Sister Perpetua, pretty awesome!

Andray with his Great Gpa, Andy Stang...quite the name-sake! Our kids are so fortunate to know their great grandparents!

Christmas Shopping Here We Come!!!!!

2011-11-18T06:21:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to a fun weekend of Christmas shopping with Jake's mom and sisters! Talk about a long overdue girls' weekend away!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy!

2011-11-14T06:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to one of the BEST mothers and grandmothers in the world! We love you Grandma Sandy! Have a super day!

A Wonderful Day...11-11-11!

2011-11-13T09:23:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a great 11.11.11! As most of you know, #11 was my favorite number growing up and it continues to be a favorite. Was fun celebrating the day with my kids and honoring my father on Veteran's Day! I was also able to find this old J.O. vball jersey at my mom and dad's place on Friday. Hard to believe I wore this orange and purple jersey 18 years ago when I played 12's in Marshall. Time just keeps on flying by!

Happy Veteran's Day Dad!

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day tomorrow to my biggest Hero, my father! I love you Dad! Thanks for all the sacrifices you've made for our family and our country!

Can't wait to head home to Redwood Falls tonight so our kids can see their Papa Larry carry the flag in the Veteran's Day program at school tomorrow! Pretty special!

I love you Dad...so thankful you made it home safely from Vietnam!

Happy 31st Heath!

2011-11-08T15:26:00.001-08:00

Happy 31st Birthday to one of my very best friends on earth...Heather Joy! Love and miss you!

Happy 32nd Birthday Jacob!

2011-11-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

Happy 32nd Birthday to my awesome brother Jacob! Can't wait to see you, hopefully this Friday for Veteran's Day! We love you!

Also, a very Happy 33rd Birthday to my beautiful cousin Cassie! Love you BABE!

Husky Hot Shots Was a Success!!!!

2011-11-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Our kids participated in the Husky Hot Shots program today and loved it! Took a while for Andray to warm up, but they had fun at the Field House!

Hard to believe I was coaching at Hot Shots already 8 years ago, time flies!

Andray sat on this basketball for most of the time :)

Future Ballers?

So pumped Andray and Roslyn's older cousins Skyler and Ella get to play bball with them! Was a fun morning!

Happy Fall!!!!

2011-11-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a safe and fun weekend. Jake and I enrolled the kids in Husky Hot Shots for the first time. I'm excited to see the kids try to play organized bball for the first time! :)

Love photos of kids in leaves, so fun.

Truly...Best Friends for Life!!

Halloween Was a Success!!

2011-11-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

Despite the fact that Andray had an ear infection and possible strep on Halloween (and we didn't know it at the time), both our kids LOVED TRICK-OR-TREATING! Was really fun for Jake and I to walk up and down our street with the kids Monday night!

Roz loved her Bat Girl cape!

Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2011-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween! Jake is home with a sick Andray today. So he brought the kids to campus to do some trick-or-treating with my old co-workers in athletics. Was a fun time.

Roz loved her sucker! MMMM....MMMM...Good she said!

Sunday the Stang's got together..was adorable to see all the nieces and nephews dressed up!

Was a beautiful day at the farm!

Easton is the cutest little devil ever!

Uncle John tried scaring the nieces and nephews, they all just stared at him in his devil costume, hilarious!

God Bless our Goddaughter Amelia Mae

2011-10-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful Goddaughter Amelia Mae was baptised yesterday...we are so honored to be her Godparents. Many more photos to follow! God is GOOD!

Drew is 14 Today!

2011-10-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe our handsome ring bearer Drew Hmielewski is 14 today! I honestly remember exactly where I was when his mom told me she was pregnant, and when our Athletic Director Mr. Lasley told us in school that Drew had been born. You're very special to us Mr. Drew!

Continue to enjoy the teens Drewster! Love you!

Also a very happy birthday to my amazing grandfather, Gpa Shorty! Grandpa would've been 89 today. Ah, I miss him dearly.

Happy 3rd Anniversary Rachel and John!!!

2011-10-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Wedding Anniversary to one of the best couples I know! Love you Rachel and John...God bless you during this difficult time!

October 25, 2008...what an incredible day!

Fun-Filled Weekends!!!!

2011-10-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Being home on the weekends with Jake and the kids continues to be a joy. Jake continues to make me and the kids laugh every day! (Silly Faces)

(Sad Faces)...Jake and the kids in jail, ha!

(Happy Faces)

Have a great week everyone!

The Angels are Singing in Heaven for Gpa Shorty!

2011-10-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe my Grandpa Shorty joined the angels in HEAVEN 6 years ago today. There's not a day since that I haven't thought of or missed my Grandpa! Our family is not the same without you Gpa!

October 14th...What An Amazing Day!

2011-10-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 11th Wedding Anniversary to my amazing oldest brother Aaron and his beautiful bride Megan...love you both so much!

I love my brothers so much!

Simply amazing how much our family has changed in 11 years.

Also, a very happy 84th birthday to my incredible and inspriting Grandmother! I love you so much Gram and thank God every day for you!

2nd Annual Trip to Sleepy Hallow...Check!!

2011-10-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

We spent an amazing afternoon out at the Sleepy Hallow Pumpkin Patch on Sunday. We've truly enjoyed our time outside this fall season! Enjoy!

Love my kids so much!

Heading out to pick pumpkins.

Can you say "Born to be a Farmer?" The first thing Andray picked in the pumpkin patch was a BIG ROCK! Guess we all missed not picking 'rock' last Spring at the Farm! ;)

Yes Miss Rozzy, you are the Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch! ;)

Andray was so pumped to get home and line up all the pumpkins on our front step. He was also proud of his #11 t-shirt...thanks Ann, you're the best friend ever!

Andray Loves Church School!

2011-10-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Andray went to church school for the first time today and loved it! Thanks so much to our great friends Matt & Brenda and their kids Katelyn and Carson who helped Andray walk up to the front of church for a blessing and back to the classroom for school. He did so amazing, we're so proud (even more surprised!) Jake was so pumped we went to McDonald's after church for lunch. ;)

The kids wanted to dress up for Andray's first day of church school, pretty adorable.

Roz was sad when Andray left during mass to go to school. Was kind of nice to spend some "QT" with Rozzy during mass though when Dray was gone. GOD REALLY IS GOOD!

Poopy Dance...Poopy Dance!!

2011-10-09T18:34:00.001-07:00

Okay, I know this photo is pretty gross, but I can't even explain how relieved I am that Rozzy finally went poopy in the potty! Saturday was a good day, and let me tell you...Roslyn was prouder than me ;)

Bonding Time with Easton James

2011-10-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

We were able to spend some quality time with our #1 nephew Easton James last Saturday. Could he get any cuter?!

Easton loves tractors and trains!

Precious cheeks.

The two Stang boy cousins...Best Buds forever! (gotta love Roz showing off her tummy in the background)

Roz had fun with the boys as well!

Andray loves Easton so much!

Mya's Surgery a Success!!!!

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful niece Mya had surgery in the cities yesterday and she was a trooper! The surgeon said she was so brave, way to go Mya! We love you and can't wait to welcome you home! Have a safe and happy weekend everyone!

Thank God for Jake & Heather!

2011-09-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, two of my most favorite people in the world came through in fine fashion this week! I started my new job and career path in Records & Registration at SCSU yesterday. Heather, Adam and Mr. Mason sent me athletic covered strawberries, delicious! And Jake sent 6 roses, unbelievable! I cried when both were delivered! I love you Jake and Heather!

The most incredible chocolate covered strawberries ever, thanks Kays!

Andray and Roslyn loved their treats after supper last night!

So thankful for employment, but it's been a tough first couple days at work. I miss my old job already and my friends/co-workers in athletics. But know that this is a great career change for our family. God is good!

My First Official Weekend Away From Sports Info

2011-09-26T07:39:00.001-07:00

I can say whole heartedly that I enjoyed my first official weekend away from Sports Information. Jake and I had an amazing Friday night with some friends of ours, then enjoyed all day Saturday and Sunday home with our kids. Talk about stress free. Was fun to be a mom all weekend and not have to worry about work.

I haven't been able to enjoy my "vacation" by scrapbooking yet, so Sunday afternoon I put the kids to work scrapbooking. They enjoyed it ;)

Fun times at home.

The kids love to trace their own hands now for cards, etc. They are just growing up way too fast!

A Special Day at Target Field

2011-09-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

Jake and his dad Steve were able to take Grandpa Andy to Target Field for the first time last weekend. Quite a special day for all the Stang boys...so AWESOME! Three generations of Stang's...just missing Andray Paul.

Steve and Gpa Andy's first glance of Target Field.

The crew that took Gpa to the Twins game.

Memories for a lifetime.

Steve, Gpa and Father Mark.

Steve and Gpa...like Father, like Son.

Three generations of Rausch boys with Gpa Andy, priceless.

A Bitter, Yet Sweet Day...

2011-09-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end of an 8-year era for myself and Jake...I will officially be leaving the world of "sports information." Today is my last day in St. Cloud State Athletics. Talk about a mix of emotions. I don't think it'll set in until my first Friday, Saturday and Sunday off in a row. I've never NOT worked nights and weekends, so this will be quite a great transition for our family. I just know I'll never work with as great of people as Tom, Terry and Anne...we truly ran the best Athletic Media Relations office in the NCC, NSIC and WCHA. I am honored to have been a part of that organization the past eight years. GOD HAS A PLAN!

One Incredible Summer Coming to an End...

2011-09-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, we had quite an incredible summer as a family of four. Quite the roller coaster with health concerns and employment concerns, but we've learned that God truly has a plan and everything happens for a reason. God is good!

Just a week after I turned 30 in May I was hospitalized for a blood clot in my left lung. It's been a long road to recovery, but after four months I'm off blood thinners and slowly gaining my energy back. Jake has been an incredible help this summer, especially with the kids! We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary the end of June, love you Jake!

Roslyn turned two years old the end of May...what a big girl and true blessing to our family!

Roz got some amazing presents for her birthday! Thanks everyone for the gifts!

I was discharged from the hospital the day before Roslyn's bday party, I'm so grateful I could be home with her for her 2nd bday!

Andray thoroughly enjoys his time out at the Stang Farm...especially with Papa Steve on the Skid Steer!

In June our #1 nephew Easton James turned one year old. Roslyn and Neely wore matching outfits for the occasion...thanks Rhonda and Brian!

The kids enjoyed a lot of morning cartoons while attending "Daddy Daycare!"

July 4th weekend we headed to Spicer to camp with my cousin Cassie and her family. It was a blast!

Enjoying a camp fire on July 4th weekend with Cassie and Jason's girls, Gracie and Lilli.

In July I was able to fly to Florida and visit my best friends Heather and Adam who gave birth to their first child in May. Mason Dale was born May 14th and he's a honey!

Was so good to meet lil' Mason and see my best friends again!

Mid-July our family went through drastic changes. Roslyn's nuk was taken away (while I was in Florida - thank you Jake!). We also said good-bye to the high chair (Roz now sits in a big chair at the dinner table), and we started potty training Roslyn.

All done with the high chair stage...unreal how fast time goes!

What a big girl...she's doing great on the potty! Still working on the #2 concept, but it's coming along!

The kids pretend our bedroom closet is their house...they have lots of "house parties" in there ;)

One afternoon I was looking for Roslyn to lay her down for a nap. Ended up finding her in our closet. She was hiding and pretending to sleep in our clothes basket, can't make it up!

Thank the Lord for sticker books and sticker charts...sure made potty training a lot easier!

Roslyn giving her Baby Sally a bath in the dishwasher...gotta love imaginations!

Speaking of imaginations...Andray loves the Cars movie and set up his own "tractor tipping" scene in our living room! Love you Buddy!

The Frank Cousins...4,3,2,1 (Isabel, Andray, Roslyn, Amelia)

The kids' new hiding place...as you can tell, Roz is not a fan. She must be claustrophobic like me!

Andray...where are you?

This summer was special in the fact that Roslyn was able to borrow and wear our niece Skyler's flowergirl dress from our wedding, already 6 years ago. My mom did such an amazing job making that dress! Thanks Mom!

Our little Cinderella!

Absolutely precious...Papa Larry and Rozzy Ann.

Found out the kids LOVE corn on the cob! They didn't leave anything on the cob!

Jake turned 30 in August...welcome to the "club" Hubby!

The kids love grocery shopping with us, especially when we're buying food for camping!

Had a great camping trip in August to Bunker Hills in Anoka County...thanks Sarah and Eric and Rhonda and Brian for a great weekend!

In August my mom and dad gave Andray and Roslyn priceless heirlooms, Dad made each of the Frank grandkids a "treasure chest" made out of wood from my grandparent's Lingl farm in Olivia and from my Grandpa Frank's farm near Bird Island. So grateful!

In early September I was offered and accepted a new position at St. Cloud State. I'll be leaving Athletic Media Relations, which I've done for the past 8 years, and changing career paths towards Records and Registration at SCSU. Quite a bitter/sweet feeling.

Was able to bring the kids to my office one more time in Halenbeck Hall.

There officially are no babies left in our house...Roz is growing up way too fast! She loves her Dora and Princess underwear!

We had the opportunity to take multiple bike rides as a family this summer...very fun!

Andray visited the dentist for the 2nd time in his life and did great! For having no cavities, the dentist office gave him a certificate for a free personal size pizza at Papa Murphy's...it was delicious!

In late July the road in our neighborhood was re-surfaced...the kids loved watching the big trucks outside!

Andray was too busy to go to the bathroom while watching the trucks, so I brought the toilet to him! ha!

Fun summer nights...

Roslyn loves her Baby Sally!

Future Ballerina?

The Stang cousins were able to enjoy the annual Richmond Parade together in July! So much fun! Seven grandkids, ages 8,7,4,3,2,2,1.

Apparently Roz may have to visit the dentist before the age of 3...gotta love blue and red tootsie rolls in her teeth! ;)

Jake truly runs the best "Daddy Daycare" in the world! Thanks hon!

After Labor Day weekend the kids officially headed back to Angie's Daycare. Was a sad day for all of us, I love having the kids at home with Jake in the summer. But the kids have so much fun with their friends at daycare!

Another incredible summer...they just keep getting better. Life is good!

Gotta Love Frank "Staycations!"

2011-09-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing Labor Day weekend at home in Redwood Falls. Roslyn was able to wear Skyler's flower girl dress from our wedding one more time this summer. Mom did an incredible job on this dress, so special for Roz to wear!

Amazing how every little girl loves to TWIRL in a Cinderella dress!

Gma Carol tying Roz up!

Mom's gardens are just breath-taking!

Mom has a "pink flower garden" in honor of Gram who survived breast cancer, so thankful!

My beautiful Goddaughter Amelia Mae!

Sibling Love!

Traditional Frank game of cards! The grandkids love to play!

Uncle Jacob loves to push Isabel and Andray on the swing! Lots of giggles!

The Frank Cousins - 4,3,2,1

Isabel (4), Andray (3), Roslyn (2), Amelia (1)

Capped off a perfect weekend at the farm in Watkins...Mya and Andray love riding on the Skid Steer with Papa Steve!

A Somber Day...9-11

2011-09-11T09:08:00.001-07:00

Remembering all those who fell on 9-11 and all the family members who continue to be affected by that day, already 10 years ago. What a tough, tough day for America.

On a lighter note, HAPPY GRANDPARENT'S DAY to our parents...Thank you Papa Steve, Grandma Sandy, Papa Larry and Grandma Carol for being the most incredible grandparents to our children. We love you!

Watch Out St. Martin!

2011-09-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Good luck to the Rausch Family Softball squad at the St. Martin tourney this weekend! The Rausch's will truly be a SIGHT TO SEE!

So HOT right now!

He's ALL MINE...so proud!

Thanks to Jake's dad for borrowing his shorts to Jake...what an heirloom ;)

Have a Great Weekend Everyone!!!!

2011-09-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Have a great weekend everyone! Can you tell the kids love stickers? Ah, sticker charts are a saving grace for potty training!

Roz is doing well with potty training. Still hasn't figured out the #2 deal yet, but hopefully this weekend!

Hope you all can enjoy some "down time" this weekend...it's definitely MOVIE NIGHT tonight at the Stang household!

Back to Angie's for Daycare...

2011-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, this morning was tough for both me and Andray. The kids are officially back at Angie's for daycare. They love going there, but Andray's best friend Triston is heading to school this fall, so Andray will be the only boy at daycare now. He was pretty sad about it, which of course, made me sad. All will be good, and we will be better off for it! I love my kids, miss them already, but know they are having fun at daycare with their friends!

Potty Dance...Potty Dance!!

2011-09-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Roslyn has had a great first week of "official" potty training. She hasn't figured out #2 yet on the toilet, but that's okay. (as Jake would say, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon!) Have a safe Labor Day weekend everyone!

I know I've never been that relaxed on the toilet, ha! ;)

First Day of Potty Training for Roslyn...Check!

2011-08-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday marked the first "official" day of potty training for Roslyn and she did pretty darn good! She loves her Princess sticker book and adding to her sticker chart! So proud of her!

Think she's a little excited?

A hard day's work for Roz...she did it!

A Beautiful Weekend for Camping!!

2011-08-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

We had an incredible weekend camping at Bunker Hill with Jake's two sisters and their families! Couldn't have asked for better weather! We were so busy though, I only was able to take one photo, but couldn't have asked for a better one with Roslyn and her cousin Neely...only 6 weeks apart...they love each other!

Just a Tad Excited for Camping!

2011-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

We are heading to Bunker Hill this weekend for some camping and swimming! The kids are just a tad excited, Roz could barely sit still while getting groceries this morning!

Have a great weekend everyone, should be a beautiful one!

A True Treasure...

2011-08-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

My parents gave the kids such a precious gift on Sunday! My dad made each of them "hope chests"....or as Andray and Roslyn would say, "treasure chests!" Ah, brings tears to my eyes. The chests are made out of wood from my grandparents farm, and the covers are made out of wood from my Grandpa Frank's farm where my dad grew up. Doesn't get any more special than that!

The kids loved looking into their treasure chests!

I never knew my dad had such great handwriting ;)

Roslyn was putting her Baby Sally in the chest for nap time, she almost fell in trying to get Sally back out! Too funny.

Daddy Daycare Coming To An End...

2011-08-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sad to say, but Jake's official last day of Daddy Daycare is today. Ah, it'd be so amazing to be home with Jake and the kids in the summer. I may be biased, but I'm convinced that Jake runs the best Daddy Daycare business in the world! Thanks hon for all your hard work this summer, the kids had a blast!

A Great Day At The Office!!

2011-08-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Jake had a doctor's appointment this morning, so the kids got to join me at the office for an hour or so! It was awesome! They both walked into Halenbeck with back packs on, they're growing up way too fast!

Andray working on his alphabet!

Roslyn stacking SCSU's Husky...BLIZZARD.

My co-worker hooked the kids up with a Curious George PBS clip on his computer, they were in Heaven! Thanks Tom!

Happy 12th Bday Ashtin Marie!

2011-08-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Can't believe our flower girl Ashtin Marie (right) turns 12 today! Ah, I remember the day she was born, time keeps on a truckin' by! Love you Ashtin, we miss you!

Turning 30 = Success

2011-08-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Jake had a successful 30th b-day, besides having a bummed shoulder and knee...WELCOME TO THE CLUB is what I told him, ha!

I love Jake and the kids sooooooooooooooo much! Fun times.

Happy 30th To My Amazing Husband!!!

2011-08-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Happy 30th Birthday to my amazing husband and best friend Jake on Sunday! I couldn't have dreamed of a better father for my children. We love you Hon!

Heavenly Sounds

2011-08-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE listening to my kids laugh...so contagious and from the soul!

Happy Birthday Great Gpa Stang!

2011-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 84th Birthday to Jake's grandpa...Gpa Andy Stang! What an incredible Stang family he's created. This photo is taken at Roslyn's baptism 2 years ago...5 GENERATIONS of Stangs. Gpa Andy's Aunt is holding Roslyn, then Gpa, Jake's dad Steve, Jake, and our kids Andray & Roz...so special! Andray is proud to have Gpa Andy's namesake.

Girls' Weekend A Success!!

2011-08-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

I had one incredible weekend with Roslyn Ann...we slept good, ate good, played hard, and enjoyed our time away from Jake and Andray...I love my baby girl so much! Roslyn continues to grow way too fast...she's now going potty on the potty chair...maybe she'll be out of diapers before the fall!

Gram stopped by with my mom on Friday afternoon to pick up Andray. I just love that my kids know who their Great Grandparents are...we are so lucky!

Good Morning Sleeping Beauty...Roz slept until nearly 9 am on Saturday...love it!

Breakfast in bed...even for Baby Sally.

I just absolutely LOVE feet photos...adore Roslyn's curly toes!

On Saturday we headed to the pool with a good friend of mine and her two kids...I had to wake Roslyn from her nap...she was pretty sad, saying "I go to the pool!"

Yes, my baby girl in a bikini! Even I don't wear a bikini very often, ha! ;)

Like Mother...Like Daughter...Roslyn loves to rock her Baby Sally, just like I enjoy rocking Roslyn.

Roslyn with her Baby Sally.

An incredible weekend with my baby girl...she's so grown up in her Sunday Best!

Girls Weekend...Here We Come!!

2011-07-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

This summer has truly been one "unforgettable" summer! Roslyn is just growing up way too fast, especially since she turned two in May. No more nuk and now she's in a big girl chair at the table (the high chair stage is over!). Unreal that we don't have any more babies in the house, but so thankful for healthy kids! TIME IS GOING BY WAY TOO FAST!

Since Roslyn is no longer the baby of the house, she's determined that her baby doll, "Baby Sally" is the newest addition to the family.

Roslyn loves her Baby Sally so much! It's so incredible how "innate" motherhood really is.

My two boys will be out of town for the weekend. I'm so excited to spend a few days with Roslyn, just us girls! You can tell I've reached the milestone of 30, I plan to go to bed at 7 pm every night with Roz...so excited to sleep! Have a great weekend everyone!

Seventh Heaven...Happy Bday Ella Johanna!

2011-07-28T06:11:00.001-07:00

Happy 7th Birthday to Jake's Goddaughter, our beautiful niece Ella Johanna. We love you Ella!

Happy 5th Birthday Godson!!!!!

2011-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday to our handsome Godson Andrew! He loves his new "Cars" tent!

Of course Roslyn had to get in a couple photos...the five kids (Andrew, Andray, Roslyn, Zachary and Baby Peyton) all had fun playing together on Sunday!

Roz says, "Happy Berday!"

Happy 65th Papa Larry!

2011-07-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Happy 65th Birthday to the most incredible father in the world, my Dad. Thanks for all the sacrifices you've made for both our family and our country. You're my HERO Dad! Have a super day!

Have a Great Weekend Everyone!!!!

2011-07-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a great weekend! Jake and I are super excited to head back to Franklin for Catfish Derby Days! As you can tell, Andray is taking very good care of his lil' sister Roslyn...we're short a wheel chair in the house (ha!) so he thought putting her in the shopping cart would be a better idea. Can't make this stuff up!

Welcome to the Family...Craftsman

2011-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Jake and Andray "proudly" brought home their new, red & shiny, lawnmower yesterday afternoon. Was fun to see both my men's faces light up!

Like Father...Like Son.

The newest addition to our family.

The kids were in great moods yesterday, despite the terrible heat. Running hand in hand...wonder how long that will last? ;)

Congrats Karen and Kris!!

2011-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Congrats to a dear friend of mine, Karen Hokanson, and her new husband Dr. Kris Bedi! They had an incredible wedding and I wish them only the best!

Karen and Kris had an incredible entrance to their wedding dinner...absolutely beautiful.

Just before Mr. and Mrs. Hokanson walked Karen up the aisle...so special.

Happy 2nd Birthday Neely Pooh!!

2011-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to our beautiful niece, Neely Raychel! We love you Neely Pooh!

Roslyn loves her cousin Neely...only 6 weeks apart, so special! "Playing Hide-and-Go Seek, Love It!"

Meeting Mr. Mason Dale

2011-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

I could not be happier for my best friend Heather and her husband Adam in the birth of their son Mason Dale. He is SUCH A GOOD BABY BOY! Was pumped to fly down to Florida to see them for a few days. Sure did miss my own kids and Jake, but Mason definitely gave me my "baby fix."

The brand new family of THREE!

Go Twins! He's such a strong lil' boy at 2 months old.

Best friends for life...Mason is so lucky to have Adam and Heather as parents.

A Perfect Weekend for July 4th!!!!

2011-07-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Jake and I had an incredible weekend in Spicer with the kids to celebrate the 4th. Got to visit a long-time best friend from home, Stacy Heiling, her husband and her family. The kids got to swim in three different lakes, we were able to camp in Spicer in my cousin Cassie's front yard for a couple nights and got to see Spicer's July 4th Parade. Doesn't get any better than that!

Father/Daughter bonding at the parade.

My beautiful cousin Cassie and her husband Jason let us camp in their front yard, so thankful!

Four cousins enjoyed roasting Marshmallows! Andray (3), Grace (4), Lilli (3) and Roslyn (2).

Pretty sure I enjoyed roasting the marshmallows more than Roz ;) Love her "this is not much fun" face in this photo!

A perfect day for a parade...Happy 4th!

So thankful for all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our FREEDOM!

Andray and Lilli had a blast at the parade...good times.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

God Bless America...Happy 4th!

2011-07-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Daddy Daycare sure is working out this summer. Jake's photography skills are getting better every day;) Here the kids are enjoying a "3D" morning in their pj's!

Our family a year ago on July 4th weekend...have a safe and fun weekend everyone!

God Bless the United States!

An Incredible Week At HOME!

2011-06-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have been able to take some "much needed" time off work and head home with the kids to spend a week with my mom in good old Redwood Falls! Was a very busy week, but well worth it as I got to visit and see great friends and family. I'm so blessed!

DAY ONE - JUNE 18TH (HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!)

Sunday was a busy day. Jake left with my dad early that morning for a fishing trip up north. The kids and I enjoyed church with mom, then headed over to Morgan to see my awesome friends...the "Madsen Girls." Although it was incredibly too busy to take a photo of the four of us (with a combined 11 kids running around Jay and Jen's new home), I just had to post this photo above from last August. Miss those three girls a ton! Was so great to see them all again!

The kids had fun playing the piano in their "Sunday Best"

DAY TWO

Andray had fun playing the piano with Uncle Jacob as well!

Monday night I was able to head into town after the kids went to bed to see our Godson Andrew and spend some quality time with one of my best friends Ann, who just had a baby girl a month ago. Was so fun to talk with her again!

My handsome Godson.

DAY THREE

Was so pumped to head into town and see Emily and her beautiful four kids. Number 5 is on the way...congrats!

After Andray's afternoon nap he and I headed to Fairfax Tuesday afternoon so Jody could cut his hair. Was Andray's first time at a "real" Barber Shop.

Was so good to see Jody again!

Andray got to use a bubble gum machine for the first time at Jody's, he thought that was pretty cool!

DAY FOUR - A DAY AT THE LINGL FARM

My Gram continues to amaze me every day. At the age of 84 she continues to have immaculate gardens, lawn and farm site! Love spending time out on her farm!

The kids had fun playing downstairs before lunch time. Hard to believe I used to ride on that very same three-wheeler and smurf car!

Love my Gram so much. She had tons of musical animals...the kids loved singing the songs and running around her living room table!

Pretty sure when we were little we couldn't run in Gram and Gpa Shorty's living room, ha! My how rules do get bent with the younger generations ;)

My good friend of 12 years, Kirk Elfring, was able to stop out at Gram's farm and visit with me that afternoon. Was so great to see him again as well!

I love looking at my Gram's gardens! So peaceful out at the farm!

Love Gram's dog, "Chip."

One incredible rock garden...was too rainy and wet to bring the kids out there though.

Gpa Shorty's old pick up truck - miss driving around in that truck with him.

IN LOVING MEMORY

On our way home from the farm Wednesday night we made it over to Bird Island to visit my grandparents who have gone to heaven. Sure do miss my Gpa Shorty and my Gpa/Gma Frank!

The Frank's...very proud to have my Gma Frank's first name!

Miss you more than you know Gpa Shorty!

DAY FIVE - THE MEN RETURN HOME

Before Dad and Jake arrived back home in Redwood Falls on Thursday, Andray got to spend some "QT" on the lawn mower with his Godfather Jacob and myself. I love to mow Mom and Dad's yard!

Good times with Uncle Jacob.

The kids were beyond excited to see Jake when he and Dad drove up the driveway Thursday afternoon. Andray wouldn't stop hugging him, was pretty sweet.

ONE INCREDIBLE WEEK!

Nothing better than waking up at Grandma's house and watching cartoons in the morning, good times! ;)

To top off an incredible week, Grandma Carol found time to make Andray a Thomas the Train and Cars pillowcases...what a lucky little boy!

Completed the fantastic week golfing 9 holes at the beautiful Redwood Falls Country Club with my brother on Thursday. Then got to stop in Willmar on Jake's and my way back to St. Cloud to visit my cousin Kristen who just had a baby girl a month ago. On Friday Jake and I packed up the camper and headed up north to Duluth for a great weekend of fun with our friends Matt and Brenda from church. Sunday afternoon we arrived back in St. Cloud safely, then out to the Stang farm for a family gathering that night. Was so awesome to see so many people in a matter of 8 days...God is good!

Andray Can't Wait to See CARS II

2011-06-28T08:32:00.001-07:00

Andray sure does love the movie CARS...Jake and I can't wait to take him to his first movie, hopefully this week we'll hit up the theater to see CARS II!

Andray loves his Cars PJ's!

Happy 6th Anniversary Jake!!!!!!

2011-06-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Anniversary to my incredible husband Jake on Saturday...I love you more than words! Thanks for giving me the best six years of my life!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there, especially my wonderful husband Jake. I truly could not have asked for a better father for my children...love you Jake!

My Lil' Diva!!

2011-06-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Roslyn loves to play "dress up"...my lil' Diva!

Crazy that some day she'll be big enough to wear my shoes!

Cheese!

A Long Overdue Visit to Rochester!!!!

2011-06-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

On Sunday our family headed down to Rochester to visit my brother and his family, was so great to see them again (had been nearly 2 months!) and finally give Amelia Mae her first b-day gift!

Just love my Goddaughter so much! Can't wait to see her in this swim suit;)

Amelia has adjusted well this spring to Minnesota! We are so lucky to have her in our family!

Two cousins having fun on the swing set!

The kids were troopers this past weekend. Drove to Willmar and back on Friday, to Cold Spring and back on Saturday, and to Rochester and back on Sunday. Thank the Lord for DVD players ;)

Roz sporting the shades on the drive home Sunday night...too funny! Could she hold any more in her lap? Nuk in mouth and one in hand, care bear, Dora DVD cover and her blanket...that's my girl!