Happy 2nd Birthday, Isabel!

Isabel turned 2 in a grand fashion with a day full family, fun, and nummys!

The day started with a new kitchen set from mama and dada. Sadly, dada had to leave for work, but not too long after, Nana B showed up with a baby, a stroller, and a pack 'n' play. Then we were off for a happy birthday donut with Nana, Kassi, Ethan, and Kortney. Next we made a quick run out to Sam's Club for her happy birthday cake and to pick up cupcakes for her birthday buddy. While mama went home to get things ready for her party, Nana and Isabel ran down to New Prague for lunch with Elias and Auntie Ree-Ree. Luckily, Isabel fell asleep on the way home and took a long nap to gear up for her birthday party! Many came to celebrate with her...and spoil her!

Isabel loved the attention and all the new toys; she also can't wait until summer to sport all her new warm weather clothes!

(I have a few more pics of the day, but are on my phone right now so they will come later. Of course, though, the fabulous mother I am didn't get pictures of her with her cake or of the cake itself...errrrrr! Butter will just have to post the video.)

A Week in Review

What a fabulous week we have had here at the Mousel Household!

On Sunday, Kortney brought Josie, Elias, Maddie, and Ava to a hotel for a night of swimming, pizza, games, movies, and some sleep as their Christmas present. She was kind enough to invite Isabel for swimming and pizza...Nene actually invited her for the whole night, but we decided that staying over would be a little much for all involved.

Fun in the kiddie pool!

As you can see, Isabel was a little hesitant at first to go down the big slide, but by the end told Nene that she could go down by herself...Mama and Dada said absolutely not! She is definitely an independent little girl. Love!

Isabel, Ava, Maddie, Elias, and Josie
(Ethan was on vacation in Arizona so he couldn't make the fun)

On Monday, we had the joyous privilege of welcoming a new Hoen into the family. Welcome to the world, Caleb Cyril Hoen! After a long labor and delivery, he was born at 8:38pm weighing in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches long! Caleb is not only a big little guy, but also a tough one, too...his mom is definitely pretty tough as well. ;)

Congratulations James, Suz, Maddie and Ava!

On Tuesday, the SACS Dance Team performed at Holy Family Catholic High School, which was only the second performance of the year. We are 64 girls strong and comprised of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Click on the link to check them out: SACS Dance Team at Holy Family 2012

On Wednesday, I was able to celebrate my birthday. Believe it or not, I am 32 now; however, if you ask my Aunt Char she will tell you I am 28...seriously! I guess time continues to fly as you get older. After starting my day opening presents from Butter (a Shane Co envelop and a box of donuts), walking in to my classroom with birthday signs from my students, receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers at school from Isabel and finally getting home after dance team practice, Butter, Isabel, Mom, Dad, Kortney and I ran down to Turtle's for dinner and my free Turtle Sundae...yummy!

"Brighten My Day" flowers from Isabel and signs from my homeroom kids!

On Thursday, my parents had everyone over for my birthday, but I think most people came just to see and hold baby Caleb! Okay maybe I did too! Mom made delicious strawberry/blueberry salad, lasagna, adn f course garlic bread, and for dessert we had chocolate cake Butter had picked up and coconut cream pie my friend from work made for me. Yes, I did eat a slice of both...as usual, this pregnant lady is all about the sweets. No disappointed looks from the doctor about weight gain on my next visit!

Caleb Cyril Hoen @ 3days old with Auntie Kati

 On Friday, Butter, Isabel, and I were able to have a quiet night at home and catch up on some of the much needed sleep we had been missing the rest of the week. Butter did pick up food for dinner from Zuppa's, one of my favorite places in town.

On Saturday, Isabel and I went to watch Maddie's basketball game in Chanhassen with Nana and Papa. Isabel loved cheering and, of course, eating Skittles that Ava was sharing with her. I ran a few more errands (looking for fabric and picked out paint for Isabel's room...PINK!) then Butter ran up to Shane Co to pick up my beautiful new ring...now all I have to do decide which finger to wear it on and get it sized. Butter and I were then on to birthday dinner #3. Isabel slept over at Nana and Papa's so we had planned to do dinner and movie, but the restaurant was 15-20 minutes behind their reservations (really it turned more into 30 minutes) so we missed the movie. We did get a free appetizer, though, so I was content.

Whew...we don't have many weeks where we are not busy, but this one seemed extra crazy! it didn't help that is was the end of the quarter for me so it is just happened to be an extra busy time at work as well. After a week like this, though, there is only one word to describe life and that is BLESSED! (Okay, and maybe exhausted!)

Happy 1st Birthday Isabel!!!

Here is a quick picture of some of the fun of Isabel's first birthday. We will have a longer write-up on her big day, and 2 parties, after we get back from Iowa this weekend. We will even try to get back to blogging on a regular basis...wait I think I have said that before.

Today was a lot of fun. It is hard to believe it has already been a year, but it has been a blast and we can't wait for what the 2nd year will bring.

Happy Birthday to the best little girl in the world!

Belated Birthday Recap

Two weeks ago I celebrated my 31st year on planet Earth. I was lucky enough to have the day of my birthday off, so during the day I went over to Lebanon Hills and hit up the 10 miles of great singletrack. It was my first time riding there in two years and I forgot how much fun that place is. Next year I will definitely ride it more than once.

As usual, Kati with the help of Isabel, spoiled me. To celebrate my birthday they gave me some great gifts including:

A Mommy and Isabel photo shoot by KD Photography:

(These are pictures of pictures, click the link for the full shoot and good quality)

A new Ipod to replace the first generation mini that is beyond it's last leg:



Some sweet Planet Bike Fenders for the Surly (no more muddy face for Isabel on Burly rides!):



My favorite present, though, is that now I have a use for one of my favorite gifts from last year:





Isabel spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa Hoen's, so we went out for sushi at the Kona Grill in Eden Prairie. Dessert was provided by Kati's co-worker Julie, a homemade coconut cream pie. It was fantastic!

My two favorite girls gave me a great birthday. Here is to another great year!

Another Birthday Buddy?!

When Isabel was born on March 30, she answered many prayers as a healthy little baby girl. But I do not think she answered anyone's prayer more than Elias'. See Elias and Isabel are "birthday buddies".

Elias Dylan, born March 30, 2001, and
Isabel Elizabeth, born March 30, 2010

Could it be that Elias and Isabel will welcome another birthday buddy into their circle? We will have to wait and see!

Baby Flom, Due Date: April 1, 2011

Congratulations and blessings Kassi and Josh!

A Rant and Mostly a Rave

Last night Kati and I went to the movie Up In The Air which I have been wanting to see for quite a while now.  It is a pretty good movie and it is especially funny if you have done a lot of travel for work, as the business travel jokes were a part of the movie that I enjoyed the most.

Kati and I go to maybe 3 movies a year, although we have already gone to two in 2010 so we may top that total this year.  Anyway, the last couple times we have gone I thought it was a little silly that they have a preview that tells people not to disturb your neighbors by texting or talking on your phone during the movie.  Common sense, right.  I mean who really pays $10 a ticket to see a movie and then miss part of it to talk on the phone.  Wrong!  Not only did one person answer their phone, but at least 3 did.  And, not only did they answer their phone, they proceeded to carry on a conversation.  I was moments away from exploding so it was a very good thing that Kati was sitting between me and the teenage girl having an oh so important conversation.  Needless to say I was dumbfounded by how people can be so self-absorbed.  I may not have been the most irritated person in the theater, though, as the person sitting in front of us was sending out some serious death glares and even provided the always helpful "sssssshhhhhhhhhhhh."

Ridiculously rude people aside, I recommend seeing this movie.

Today we cashed in on the second part of Kati's birthday present/Amy's Christmas present to us and went for massages at Spalon Montage in Chanhassen.  I had originally booked us for individual massages but we happened to be in the adjoining rooms that are used for couples massages so we took advantage of it and had them open the wall.  For future reference, never pay more for a couples massage.  It is exactly the same as an individual massage, you just happen to be in the same room.  Luckily for us, the charge was the same regardless.  The massages were great; however, I feel a little cheated.  Either my massage therapist ran out of time or my feet must be extremely disgusting as she only massaged my right foot.  I thought about throwing a tantrum, but since Kati was in the room too I decided not to.  Maybe that is why they suggested the couples massage...  Oh well, it was still a great way to start a Sunday.

P.S. Beer Style:

January is the most wonderful time of year in the beer world.  Why?  Hopslam, that's why!  Hopslam is a Double IPA that is released once a year by Bell's Brewing in Kalamazoo, MI.  It is without a doubt the best and hardest to come by Double IPA I have had.  It is packed full of hops and alcohol at a pungent 10% abv.  Luckily, the best beer store in the Twin Cities, The Four Firkins, sends out an email to its customers informing fellow Hop Heads when we can pre-order, yes, I pre-ordered beer.  And now I have a case of hoppy goodness all to myself, or if you are very, very lucky I may offer you one.

Birthday Blessings

Birthdays are a wonderful time to reflect on the blessings in one's life.  As I turned the big 30, I was reminded all day long of the special people that surround me and how truly fortunate I am to have you all in my life.   

As I grew up and thought about what life was going to hold for me when I was thirty, I couldn't have imagined a more perfect place.  Living in my parents basement at 30 was a haunting reality all too close. And believe me, being a nun was not out of the realm of possibilities...ask my mother.  I believe for a good five years I told people I was pretty sure the monastic life was for me.  Married and pregnant, I guess the closest I will be to becoming a nun is teaching sixth grade religion. 

Back to the subject at hand, I just want to say thank you all for the cards, phone calls, texts, emails, thoughts, and gifts on my 30th birthday!  I was absolutely grinning and glowing all day from the good wishes and love being sent my way.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Random Birthday Moments:

• Butter actually got out of bed before me! He was going to bring me breakfast in bed, but I got too soon after him so he didn't get it upstairs in time.
• My co-workers sent me an email that included 30 things they appreciate about me.  Truly everyone should be told the things that they add to the lives of others. 
• My mom and dad gave me my own luggage.  Now you must know, luggage has been on my list for years (I am, by no means, a world traveler, but have done my fair share).  My dad said I would not get it until I moved out.  Four years later, I finally got it!  (Let's not do the math to figure out how long I lived at home, okay?)
• Butter told me part of my gift was that he made massage appointments for us next weekend.  I appreciate him making the appointment, but he made it because his sister gave us a gift card for Christmas to a spa for massages.  I had to call him out on that one!  However, I am very much looking forward to our massages this weekend (thanks, Amy)!  Oh, and Kortney, Kassi, and Josh gave me pampering gift certificates to a new spa in town and a nail salon along with bubble bath...I might make it through the last trimester after all!
• With the excellent culinary skills exhibited by my husband at breakfast, I thought the cake on the previous post was going to show up at Timberlodge last night...I guess he is just not there, yet.  I "settled" on the apple crisp with ice cream.  I highly recommend it...mmmmmmmmm!  Thanks again, dad and mom for dinner!
• I could go on and on, but should wrap it up. So, finally...Mufasa gave me gift for my birthday, too.  Not sleeplessness, big kicks, swelling, or numbness (those are special gifts I get everyday:)), but literally a gift to unwrap.  The card said "Hi, Mommy! Know what this is?" "A snuggle-bug hug that's filled with love!"  Awwwwww...Butter is going to be a fabulous dad!  Baby Mousel gave me a very snuggly blanket, which I am pretty sure might be worn out by me before April even rolls around, and two sleeper gowns.  So cute!  

Thank you all again for thinking of me on my special day!  Hugs, kisses, and love sent back to each of you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

To my lovely wife, Happy Birthday!!!

Decade #3

Last Thursday marked the 30th anniversary of my arrival on planet Earth. I have heard that some people dread that day, but I had no apprehensions about it. Kati helped to ensure that it would be a great birthday weekend...that's right, I think turning 30 calls for 4 days of fun! So on to the highlights.

Thursday:
* Half day of work
* Dinner at Stella's Fish Cafe with Kati and her family
* Coconut Cream Pie courtesy of one of Kati's co-workers. (Thanks Julie!)
* 2 great seats to the upcoming 311 concert at Mystic Lake (Thanks again Paul, Kerri, Kassi, Josh, Kortney and of course Harley!)
* An inflatable life vest courtesy of Arlen & Brenda
* My parents contributed to Butter's Bike Fund. They insisted that the money could not be used for anything else!
* Some brand new Hawkeye gear from Kati
* SURLY!!!

* And even a gift for our little Baby "Moose'l" I think they would fit me though too...

Friday:
* Friday was an off day for me and I assumed it would be spent lounging around the house. However, Kati had another surprise in store for me. She had booked us massages at the Sanctuary in Eden Prairie. It was the first professional massage I have had and it was fantastic.
* Have I mentioned my Cross Check yet?

I managed to squeeze in 20 miles after the massage and before the October monsoon continued.

Saturday:
* The fun had to be earned on Saturday. We helped Brenda & Arlen lay a new paver driveway. I guess we owed them a few labor hours after they helped us with our paver patio a couple years ago.
* Hawkeyes win!
* SJU continues to dominate St Thomas!
* Dinner at James and Suz's. And for the record Stella's has nothing on James' cooking. His blackened halibut is unbelievably good.
* Following dinner, James, Suz, Matt and I went to the Ghostland Observatory show at the Cabooze and it will go down as one of the best shows I have ever seen. Wow!

Sunday:
* Payback time for all the fun. HUNGOVER!
* I managed to get off the couch just long enough to take out the air conditioners and to make some Chicken Tortilla Soup. Other than that, I was useless.

And with that my birthday weekend was officially over. Thanks to everyone that made it a great 4 days. 30 is nothing to be scared of!

P.S. The best part about turning 30 is Baby Mufasa is just about 15 weeks along! Oh, and the Cross Check!