The Trinh Family Blog

Summer Vacation 2009

2009-09-03T10:04:00.016-04:00

This summer we decided to take a road trip up the east coast to see Uncle Brent, Aunt Sue, Billie Jo and Natalie in Portland, Maine. The last time we made a trip to Maine was after Natalie was born...she's 7 now! So we were long overdue for a trip. We decided to drive because it was cheaper than flying 5 people (go figure! we chose the cheaper option?!?!) Not to mention, that's how we traveled when we were children and it was such a fantastic bonding experience for the whole family! (I am lying...it was just cheaper!)

The weather was great--I was a little worried that it would be chilly, but honestly it was hot! What a shock! We did go to the beach and the kids felt like little human ice cubes when they got out---no way did I even touch that water!

We ate lobster...more than one...Jeff decided he was going to be sick of lobster by the time he left Maine and I think he was successful!
Here's Eliott with his very first lobster!
and here's Jeff polishing his off...I don't think he's had enough yet!

Uncle Brent has apparently had too much lobster!

And Aunt Sue apparently had a little too much of something else... HA HA!! :)

We visited several light houses along the coast of Maine. It was really beautiful!

We picked blueberries...just like Sal!

We went to a native American Indian Festival--- kids got to do a little Indian dance and then it rained a little later...apparently they were doing an Indian rain dance!
One night Brent and Sue whipped up some amazing sushi...it was awesome!!!

And we also cooked a lobster dinner one night...here are the kids with their lobsters. Millie wouldn't touch hers without a napkin!

Jeff also managed to make a day trip to Boston with Eliott to see the Boston Red Sox play

and to the patriots training camp

Nice shot of Eliott with the Patriots cheerleaders...I am sure he will appreciate it one day!!!
That was the day Sue and I went shopping at the outlets in Kittery, Me. and Uncle Brent took the girls to Mackworth Island to build fairy houses. That is also the day Millie got a huge wad of bubble gum stuck in her hair and ended up with a great new haircut...alas if only the fairies could have been there to help me get it out maybe I wouldn't have had to use scissors!! :)

We really pack a lot into a vacation!!! Oh wait...we're not done yet!!

Of course we couldn't be that close to NYC and not stop at Aunt Brenda and Uncle Philips place. We spent a couple of nights in New York and did just a few things before we headed back home...went to the children's museum

played on one of the many playgrounds in Central Park,

had a double date (with Philip and Brenda) at a great little restaurant in little Italy and dessert at Cafe Lalo...where they filmed" You've got Mail".

and of course Jeff went back to China town for some roast duck--this man is completely driven by his taste bud!!! Well, almost.
We didn't really have a long list of things we wanted to do this time---we were just there in November and it was such a quick stop. But you know we pack it in...and wouldn't ya know....Jeff would find a way to squeeze in little sporting event! Jeff took Eliott to a Mets game with Uncle Philip and Jonathan while Aunt Brenda, Laura, Chloe, Millie and I all went to have a little "girl time" at Alice's teacup in Manhattan. It really was fun--I know the kids loved having their own little guy/girl time...and mom and dad loved it too!

The vacation was great. Being with family was great. The road trip was...well, it was great at times, and it certainly was great to have a dvd player in the car! But need less to say, after a 10 day road trip with multiple stops, traveling with 3 small children,traffic, a 10 hour drive back and not sleeping in your own bed for too long...coming home was GREAT!!!

I am so grateful to have a brother and a sister living in such fun places to visit! We are so blessed to be able to travel and do so much in such a short amount of time. The kids had a wonderful time--Chloe and Millie's favorite part of the vacation was Mackworth Island, ME. and the tea party in nyc and Eliott's favorite was going to baseball games with daddy...my favorite thing was being able to spend quality time with my family!!!

Grandma and Grandpa's Birthday Bash

2009-09-03T08:13:00.012-04:00

Well, it has become quite obvious that I can't keep up...this blogging thang is for (the birds) very organized people out there with orderly and non-chaotic lives---I am just sure of it! So I am not sure what I was thinking! I am about to go on another family vacation and I haven't even mentioned the last one! Either I need to learn to type and upload faster or we (the trinh fam) need to SLOW DOWN!!! I think I know which one...

So even though I am pretty much lousy at this I still do it more than I ever did scrap booking...(which was..umm...Never!) So I may as well keep doing what I am doing--which is better than nothing. Hopefully one day my kids will look back and love all the fabulous things we did together as a family and will overlook the fact that I posted about july after school started in September. :)

The Wooten Family Birthday Bash goes back many years. I can't even remember when we did the first one. I do know that it was before I had Chloe because I remember getting a baby gift when I was pregnant with her...so at least 9 years. The Birthday Bash started because our family is scattered all over the US (and used to be all over the world), and remembering niece, nephew, cousin, grand children's bdays was tough and pretty much impossible to travel to all of them not to mention trying to mail out all those gifts each year! So, my parents have a weekend each summer when we cook out and have a HUGE birthday party for all of the grandchildren--11 in all! (Grandma really didn't want it to end on an odd number but it was up to me to produce grandchild #12 and Jeff was not interested---can you believe that!)

So we have hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, tons of dessert, and the occasional congealed salad (be afraid...very afraid...one should never eat something that is called" congealed"--it just sounds bad! just call it jello for crying out loud!) I mean the Wooten family does love to eat!!! And then the kids open presents from grandma and grandpa and all the aunts and uncles. It's great...just like Christmas in July! My kids absolutely love this Wooten family tradition and I am so glad that we get to see everyone usually twice a year--Christmas and Birthday Bash! I love that my parents came up with this tradition--and I am sure when it started that no one knew it was destined to become a "family tradition". But isn't that just what family is all about...finding time to be together, in spite of the distance and difficulty or cost to get there. My kids probably think it's about the presents right now, but I think they are already starting to see that the joy of being with people you love and are connected to is better than any gift they can unwrap. I know they will grow up with wonderful memories of being with family each summer---Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Chloe's Piano Recital

2009-07-29T00:50:00.003-04:00

How could I forget?!?! Chloe had her piano recital in May...she was so nervous! She played two songs: Indian Dance Song and When the Saints come marching in. She did great---didn't miss a single note, but she was really glad when it was over.
Chloe and Ms Ashley--her piano teacher

For a child that likes attention she really didn't seem to like being in front of all those people! We really were proud of her...and maybe next time she won't be so nervous! Aunt Laurie came all the way from South Carolina to see Chloe's performance. And Mrs. Green, one of her teachers at Sherwood Forest came too. She has so many fans! :)
Chloe and Mrs. Green

And of course a few photo ops before the recital...you can't pass up an opportunity to photograph these precious children when they're all dressed up!

June...schools out! Now what?

2009-07-15T11:09:00.005-04:00

YAY!!!! I love it when school is finally out for the summer! (for about 3 days)

Just kidding! I do love having my kids home in the summer. There is no schedule and the days are long and the house is a disaster, but we love being together. I am so glad that my children love each other and play so well together. I hope as they grow up we can continue to foster that love for each other and the desire to spend time with each other. Don't get me wrong there are occasional fights and arguing and at times I will have to keep them apart, but deep down they clearly love each other and that brings me so much joy.

As soon as school was out Chloe went to spend a week with Aunt Joy and Aunt Laurie to be spoiled and supposedly to help Aunt Joy. We are getting excited to welcome new baby Johnson at the end of this summer and Chloe was thrilled to be there to help and play with cousins Cole and Hannah Rae. Eliott didn't want to leave her in Greenville, but he was excited to have kindergarten camp at Sherwood Forest Elementary. He met his teacher, Mrs. ? and made some new friends--? And got to do some fun kindergarten stuff. I know he is so excited to be starting school this year...mommy on the other hand is having a hard time!!! Thank goodness I still have Millie home to play with me everyday. :)

Finally, as June came to an end we had VBS. It was worth all the hours and hard work we put into getting it together....really--It was! It was the best VBS we have ever had---and that is directly from the kids! We had a little unexpected visit from Uncle Brent, Aunt Sue, Billie Jo and Natalie right before VBS started. What a great surprise! They came down for the Wooten Birthday Bash and spent a few days in Winston before heading to Chattanooga. The kids had a great time playing together...I think Billie is a little too big for playing, but hopefully she had fun anyway. We spent lots of time just trying to keep them cool---the hot weather in the south was quite a contrast to the 60 degrees and rainy days they have been having in Maine. We did the slip-n-slide...what fun!!! And went to 2 neighborhood pools and it was still unbelievably hot! Charlie even got some MUCH needed and long over due attention...doesn't she look happy! :) We should spend more time in the back yard!

We are going to pay them back with a visit to Maine in August...hopefully it will top somewhere in the upper 70's by the time we get there...or they may have to turn the heat on for me!!!

May...what a great month!

2009-07-13T21:49:00.011-04:00

Well, May started out GREAT with the best girls weekend ever! We definitely missed Bekah, but managed to have a really great time. We spent the weekend at myseabrookcottage.We decided to cook instead of eating out a lot and it turned out to be a great plan. Mandy pulled together some amazing recipes from her cooking club and the pioneer woman too. I don't know if I have ever eaten so much good food in one weekend. We definitely ate better than we would have if we had gone out each night. In addition to the great food we had some great laughs...I actually think my ribs were sore when I got home from all the laughter. We went to the pool, the beach, bike riding, shopping, watched Twilight (we were all a little disappointed in the movie--the book was much better), talked, ate, watched Mandy text :) ... and laughed A LOT!!!What wonderful therapy it is to be able to get away with friends and just enjoy spending time together and laughing til it hurts. I am sooo thankful to have such wonderful friends to escape with each spring, and a wonderful husband who knows how important it is to me.

"here's to good friends, tonight is kinda special" pretty much sums it all up!

Preschool came to an end in May. The spring program was so cute--everyone dressed in white and denim and wore bandanas. All of the songs were a western theme. It was precious. Eliott sang his heart out and did every motion. Millie had a little stage fright, but at least she didn't hold Lukie back this time! :)

Eliott's class performance and graduation

Millie's class performance

Chloe's Brownie troop had their last meeting and Badge Ceremony and unfortunatley we came home with more than a few badges! Lice went through the troop and we did not escape without a few lice treatments. I guess it could have been worse, but I hope we NEVER have to go through that again!

Chloe receiving her badges from Troop leader Mrs Chaves

Here she is unknowingly being infested with head lice! Thanks friends!!! :0 Cute picture though!

May was fun and it ended with some great end of the year parties. I know the kids had a great year and Eliott is so excited to be leaving preschool and moving on to kindergarten...sniff, sniff!

Eliott's party was great...there was cake...and there was WATER!!! They played and jumped in the sprinkler and then washed a few cars! Wouldn't ya just love to have that little cutie wash your car? We might hire him out in a few years!

At Millie's party they splatter painted like Jackson Pollack and then played and ate ice cream...good times!

We were very excited to have Aunt Laurie there to enjoy some time with the kiddos...and spoil them rotten...and take lots of pictures! I guess that's what Aunts are for!

April...whew! what a month!

2009-06-26T08:28:00.014-04:00

April was jam packed full of fun and super busy! We were actually in Winston for only one weekend of April and that weekend we had Eliott's birthday party...crazy! See why I can't find the time to blog?!?!

First of all, I accomplished my goal: I ran the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 4th. I ran the whole way!
Before the race...it is so exciting to be in the middle of soooo many people about to run the race...the adrenaline rush is amazing!

I don't know if it was adrenaline or the 4 months of training, but I made it! I actually ran the whole way...what a feeling of accomplishment!

Me and Jeff after the race...he was so proud of me!

The kids ran in the Cooper River kids run. Millie ran a 100 yard dash (maybe a little less than that)...for Millie is was more of a 100 yard skiphop dash! She was so cute!

Eliott ran a quarter mile and, according to Jeff, complained the whole way...apparently he started out really fast and ran out of steam quickly. Also, he didn't like the fact that lots of people were passing him---he really likes to win!
And Chloe ran a mile--she ran the whole way!
They all got medals...it was fun and I am so glad that my kids are learning to be physically fit. I really hope that Jeff and I continue to set a good example for them by keeping fit ourselves!

We had a little family celebration for Eliott's bday while we were in Charleston.Me,the kids and cousins, Cole and Hannah Rae at Ba Noi and Ong Noi's house

The birthday day boy...I can't believe Eliott is 6 years old--What a big boy!!!
I love you so much Eliott!

After our weekend in Charleston we went to Chattanooga for Easter weekend. We enjoyed hanging out with grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins and the egg hunt!

pictures of the handsome men (minus jeff--he must have taken the picture) and the ladies

The kids looking sweet in their Easter attire and Millie with Aunt Sue Sue and JR showing off all her eggs!

That's not all we did in April...oh no...were only half done! We were home for one weekend and had a Wii party for Eliott's birthday! Lots of little boys in the house playing games...it was a little bit crazy, but it was fun!

Eliott making a wish and blowing out his candles...I sure hope he didn't wish for a baby brother!
Eliott's two youngest friends, Tyler and Wyatt, didn't play wii but appear to be having a good time!

Logan, Aidan, Landon and Jake playing wii.

Then we had a fun family trip to Washington D.C. for Jeff's cousin, Mai's wedding. We had so much fun with Jeff's family...even though Millie and I had 5th's disease during our trip. She had red cheeks and a lacy rash, but I had swollen and painful joints---it really did not make all the walking much fun, but I survived!

The Trinh Family (minus Uncle Pete and Austin--we missed you) infront of a few attractions.

Lots of photo ops

at the air and space museum

Taking a break from the heat with a cool treat!
These boys love each other so much...I wish we lived closer so they could spend more time together...but I guess that just makes being together more special.

Millie and Eliott at the reflection pool and Chloe with Hannah Rae on the Metro

Millie and Chloe hangin' out with their awesome aunts: Joy and Laurie...they are so lucky to have such fun aunts to spend time with!

So, obviously, April was a busy, busy month for us! I am so glad I got finish off the month with a little RandR on my annual Girls Weekend! That will have to be another post for sure!

March

2009-06-26T07:27:00.007-04:00

In March we had a great vacation at My Seabrook Cottage. It really was one of our best family vacations ever! And believe it or not...it rained most of the week! We rode bikes, went on alligator hunts, watched movies with the kids, rode bikes some more, went out on the beach looking for treasures and creatures...and founds a few! We really had to be creative with our time because it was too cold and rainy to hang out in the pool. Another reason it was great was that Jeff didn't have a lot of work to do on the house so he actually spent the week with us! That is a rare thing when we are at the beach house so it was pretty awesome. Here are a few highlights...

Millie loved running in the sand

Chloe writing in the sand

during the treasure hunt Eliott found a live starfish...can you see the tenticles? It was really cool!!!

don't worry we threw it back

Jeff and mini jeff walking down the beach together...it was pretty deserted.

Bike ride to the beach and riding on the beach.

Redneck family picture with the aligator...we found one on the grass and one in the water!

This was my favorite picture from the week...taken by the only other person we found on the beach! I am really glad she was there!

long time no blog...

2009-06-26T07:17:00.002-04:00

It's been a long time and much has happened in the fabulous Trinh Fam since February!!!
I guess it's time for one of my super long catch up blogs, but I might just break it down into months...would that be easier? hard to say...either way when you are trying to catch up on 4 months its just gonna take a little time.

Speaking of time, I really just don't have enough to blog. I must figure out when to blog...morning, noon, evening? My days are packed and computer time is slim---I have way too much to do! And my kids hate it when I am on the computer. They say I ignore them when I am on the computer...I guess it's kinda like what they do to me when the tv is on! :)

So for the few (4) people who actually read this...any advice? When does one find the time?

The Big 40!

2009-02-16T14:27:00.011-05:00

Well, I certainly dreaded it long enough. I am not sure exactly why. Maybe it was the end of a decade, maybe it was the fact that ALL of my friends and even my husband are still in their 30's (my closest friends anyway), maybe it was my inability to accept change of any kind, or maybe it was just the fact that, well, let's face it...I am getting old. 40 is really old in my mind, but I really just feel the same.
I do struggle with change (and wrinkles and gray hair and arthritis) and feeling like I am closing the door on a wonderful stage of my life. I made 3 precious children in my 30's and to be completely honest, I can't imagine raising kids is nearly as exciting as making them! I even went so far as to say that I didn't know what to look forward to in my 40's... right KL? But she took me out and humorously helped me come up with a list of things to look forward to in the next decade of my life. A lot of these things involve the end of having babies which is probably at the root of all of my sadness, but alas, there are actually some things about being "done" that are positive...so why not focus on the positive! So here is the list we came up with 2 nights before I turned 40:

Things to look forward to in my 40's
1. No more breast feeding...I must say aside from the fact that this also means no more babies for me, this is a really good thing!

2. No more diapers...above note applies here also.

3. No more getting up several times in the middle of the night because of #1 or #2. Apparently this means I will get more sleep in my 40's...we'll see.

4. Get a house keeper. Well, I believe KL added this one and all of you that know my husband can rest assured that this will likely NOT happen in any decade of my life.(but one can dream)

5. Get a new kitchen. This is bound to happen sometime in the next decade. I've only been talking about it and planning for it for one year now, so I feel quite certain that I will actually make up my mind...and my husband and Shawn can work something out sometime before I turn 50! :)

5. Kay Lynn will get a clue. This is hard to imagine after reading #4. (but again one can dream.)

6. Go to Vietnam. Jeff and I are planning on a family trip to Vietnam sometime in the next few years. I am excited about going with the kids, but didn't really want to do it until Millie was at least 5...so that's not too far away! 3o hour flight to the other side of the world with 3 kids--yikes!!!

7. I plan to find more time for ME (sounds kinds selfish doesn't it)... painting, drawing and reading, and (go crazy) blogging! I have already started by painting a few things for some of my friends (Mandy, yours is almost done!) and I went to the art store and bought some "supplies". There are few things in the world more exciting than blank paper!

8. I will be able to exercise (I would say "more often" but let's be honest-- in my 30's it just didn't really happen!). And I am proud to say that I have already started this. I have been running and walking regularly on my treadmill, as well as a little yoga and strength training (but my inner core has a LONG way to go). Last run was 2 miles! Cooper River Bridge--here I come!

9. Travel more...I know I already said Vietnam, but there are a lot of places I would really like to go. I want to go to Texas (I have lots of friends in Texas), I've always wanted to go to California, and Europe---who doesn't want to go to Europe!

10. Girl's Weekend...this is something I will hopefully get to look forward to each year of my 40's (and beyond), but I am already looking forward to our weekend this spring!

That's pretty much where our list ended. I was really in a funk that night and to be honest it really would have helped my mood a lot if she had just told me that I had a SURPRISE PARTY to look forward to, but apparently it was way too much fun to see me suffer!
A few other things that didn't make the list:
1. Menopause (although that may be in the near future it didn't really seem like anything to look forward to)
2. having "the talk" with the kids...I am cringing just thinking about it right now!
3. teenagers (definitely in the near future, definitely NOT looking forward to it)
4. going back to work--in some capacity (I am struggling to "find myself" so this is a frustration right now rather than a positive in my life--if you have any suggestions as to where I might be "found" please comment.)

Oh, I almost forgot---I am going to focus on the positives....

so...the real birthday celebration began at Tracey G's house for lunch with my Bible study girlfriends. This group has been so great every other Friday morning for over a year now we get together to discuss the book we are reading...it's kind of a Bible study/book club. What a great group of friends!cake #1

Then my friend and neighbor Bekah felt a little sorry for me so she had a few neighborhood friends over for dinner and cake.
I really love these kids!
cake #2

Do I even need to say...my 40th birthday party ROCKED!?!?! I went to Allure Day Spa for a full day of pampering while Jeff's sister Joy (with a little help from some friends) turned my house into party central.
I can't believe all this action was going on in my house while I got a massage and facial!

It was a great day thanks to my husband--who went all out with a spa day and a party (he's pretty awesome) and friends and family who tricked me, lied to me and traveled from afar just to see the expression on my face...I hope it was as good for you as it was for me! :)what a surprise!
here come the tears!

a second moment of disbelief...where did everyone park? (Little did I know that Jeff had a shuttle service from a local deli so I wouldn't see any cars when I arrived...wow, who knew he had it in him?)
Mom (from Chattanooga), and my sister (all the way from New York city!) came to celebrate the fact that I am finally growing up...oh no, wait, that I am OLD, but I am never growing up!

good friends helping out with party prep

Mandy flew in from Alabama...what a great friend! I really didn't want to turn 40 with out you...thank you so much for being there!

Me and Bekah---she traveled all the way from across the street!

and of course...cake #3!

everyone enjoying the yummy food Joy made...ALL BY HERSELF!!! She is amazing!
the winner for "sister in law of the year" and "party guest who traveled the farthest" celebrate together

the party is over and the party planner/sneaky husband is pooped!

I love you all and I am so glad that you are all a part of my life...I look forward to being with all of my wonderful friends and family for many years to come!
I'll leave you with this lovely pic of KL...and you didn't think it was"blog worthy"...I beg to differ!

First Post of the New (well not so new) Year!

2009-02-16T14:04:00.010-05:00

Yeah, it's almost March and I am making my first post of 2009. I do believe I have already admitted that I am not so good at this blogging thing. I can't keep my house clean, laundry done, beds made, painting orders completed, Kids For Christ schedule organized...so why would I keep a blog up to date? The fact that I still have a blog is just to prove to my husband (and myself) that I actually can do it. I never said I would do it well---just that I could do it!!!

Since my last blog mentioned my New York city trip I think I better post a few pictures of that fantastic family vacation. I was nervous about going to "the big city" with small children (big place, lots of people, small kids...seemed a little scary), but it was AWESOME! Really...it was great!

We had so much fun with my sister Brenda and her family. On Halloween day we went to Toys-r-us in Times Square---there were people in costumes everywhere! I don't get to see Brenda as much as I would like and it was so much fun to be together and laugh!
We even got to celebrate Chloe's 8th birthday when we got there.The kids loved it and I wish we could have stayed longer---let's face it, there is a lot to do in NYC. We managed to squeeze in the Bronx Zoo, The Museum of Natural History, the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry, Ground Zero, China Town, Time Square, Central Park and I'm tired just thinking about it! We definitely packed a lot into the short time we were there, but I wouldn't have done it any other way. Here's some pictures of a few highlights:

Jeff and Eliott doing a little shopping in China town

The Family at Central Park

Eliott and the sharks at the Museum of Natural History

hanging out at Starbucks with cousin Laura

Millie terrorizing the ducks at the Bronx Zoo

Where are we? Lost in New York City!

I honestly don't know what my favorite thing was...the Bronx Zoo was fantastic---lots of animals and a beautiful setting, (it was really cold that day) but I also really loved the Museum of Natural History--I could have done 2 days there because there was so much to see and learn...and the kids really loved it too (I don't think they knew it was educational)! I am so glad we went and look forward to our next visit.

October trip to the mountains

2008-11-21T08:00:00.007-05:00

I forgot to mention --in my very long catch up blog--about our family day in the North Carolina mountains. We try to go every year in October for a little day trip and photo session. This year we went to Stone Mountain National Park and it was beautiful! We hiked down by the Stone Mountain Falls and took lots of fun pictures. The kids were fascinated by the ladybugs and rocks...I love it that they love nature and are so taken with things like rocks and bugs! Isn't that what being a kids all about?!

Here's one of the many rocks they tried to keep. This one just wouldn't fit in anybodies pocket!

It was tough keeping up with Eliott! Chloe was a little easier to keep up with.

Isn't this the cutest picture of Millie! Precious little baby face! I am so glad we still have that little baby face---I am not ready for her to grow up!

Here's Chloe and Eliott's "silly picture"...looks a little bit like a High School Musical Wildcats dance move, doesn't it!?

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day. I have also been playing with my photo editing program so you will have to let me know what you think about my "creative" pictures. :)

Me and my girls by Stone Mtn. Falls

Millie got tired of hiking...very quickly!

Sweet Sisters

Family Photo

Eliott's ladybug

Eliott took this picture of me and Jeff...not too shabby! Especially considering what he had to work with! :)

It's been way too long!

2008-11-06T13:57:00.012-05:00

My name is Barbara and I am not a blogaholic....if I were a blogaholic it would not have been 6 months since my last Blog!!! We have had lots of computer problems (crashed twice and lost about 5 months of pics), but the real reason I haven't been blogging is because I am just not very good at making time for it. It's kind of like exercise...I really want to do it, I know it will make me feel better to do it, I know that once I get started it will only get easier, BUT I just can't seem to get it into the day. I am thinking about joining a support group. I'll let you know how it goes...
So, here it is: A blog that will cover 6 months of the Trinh Family fun! (minus a few great pictures that were lost in the crash)

May-
-Chloe was in the second grade musical called Mighty Minds and she sang the multiplication tables with a group of kids. Super cute--unfortunately no pics. :(

-Eliott and Millie were in the preschool end of the year program. They both sang their little hearts out and of course were unbelievably precious. :(

June-

-Enjoyed spending long days together, hanging out and playing and going to the pool with KL and Bekah (mooching off our friends with a pool membership)

-Kids went to Art Camp with Miss Watts (Eliott's preschool teacher). We love her! and the kids loved Art Camp and want to go every year.

July-

-To Chattanooga for the Wooten Family Birthday Bash.

-Began talking to Cabinet people about getting my kitchen redone, taking measurements and picking out cabinets(wow! has it really been that long we've been talking about this?! we really need to get on the ball and do it!!!)

-Working at church almost everyday to get ready for VBS Cosmic City.

August-

-Chloe went to cheerleader camp with Mary Alice and had a blast. Now she cheers and dances all over the house...wait a minute, she already did that.

-Cosmic City VBS blasts off at South Fork Church of Christ. This was the best VBS yet--way to go KL and Karen!

-Jeff turns 36 and had a lame church party after VBS--some may not find this so lame...Chloe thought it was AWESOME that all of our church friends were there to eat cake.

-Seabrook Island vacation with the McCalls--it's always a good time when you're with good friends!

-Back to school for Chloe...2nd grade!

-Millie turns 3! Is it really possible that my sweet little Millie is 3 years old! I can't believe it. I am so grateful for all the joy and happiness that she adds to our lives. Everyday she makes me feel so loved and she always makes me laugh. She is such a big girl!

This picture is from her actual birthday. David and KiKi came over for cake and brought her a new purse with a wallet and GUM inside! She was so excited!
September-
This is a picture from her big party!
-Great Lady bug Birthday party (thanks to Aunt Joy's decorations) and Labor Day cook out with friends and we even got to celebrate Steve's birthday too! Happy Birthday Stevo!

-Back to school for Eliott and Millie
-We have a new neighbor--baby Wyatt is here! Check out the Bekah's blog to see what a cutie he is!

-School, preschool, piano lessons, Brownies and soccer all in full swing and Jeff leaves the country for about 2 weeks! Obviously I survived, but it was scary!

Here's an action shot of Eliott. He was awesome this season. He scored almost every game and was a great team player. Jeff was sooo proud! And of course I was too.

And here's Chloe in action. We were afraid she didn't really like Soccer at the beginning of the season. But once she scored a goal she really got motivated...and I guess her competitive spirit kicked in a little bit too. She has improved so much this season. We have really enjoyed watching her play...and score!
-Baby Tyler was born! I have to put this on my blog because I was actually there for a large part of it, but unfortunately missed the delivery. Check out Kiera's blog for more pics. He is so cute and Chloe can't wait to baby sit!

Chloe and Millie holding Baby Ty-Ty for the very first time. :)

I LOVE this picture of Millie and Charlie...don't they just look like they might get married one day?!! So sweet!

October-
-Dixie Classic Fair! We go every year and although I don't really like the fair, the kids (and Jeff) love it! So, if you can't beat 'em join 'em!

Chloe's art work was selected to be at the fair art exhibit...such a proud moment for me! :)
-Sherwood Forest Elem. School Family Fun Night....it was so chaotic we didn't even take pictures! But Chloe and Eliott had a great time playing games with their new friends Jack and Sara.
-We walked in the Winston Salem walk to defeat ALS. It was a really cold morning and as you can see....the kids were very happy to be out in the cold! :) HA!!! It actually warmed up to be a beautiful day and it was a great way for us to remember Uncle Bill and raise money for ALS research.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Yes...there are 2 small children under that blanket!

-Messiah Moravian Preschool Carnival-- the kids all dressed up in costumes.
Here's Eliott with his teacher Mrs. G And Millie's teachers Mrs. Lanka and Mrs. Chickensen (actually Mrs. Fallanca and Mrs. Christiansen, but we like the way Millie says it better!)

Millie with her friend Evvy and Eliott with his friend Jake.
-Chloe's Birthday party... 8 friends at the Children's Theatre to see Madeline and the Bad Hat and then back to our house for cake and pizza. KL was the support mom---there to transport children and also help control the masses at the home front. What would I do with out you?!

Wow! Chloe is 8 years old---is that possible?! Where has the time gone? I am so proud of the big girl she is growing up to be. She is so smart, she works so hard in school, she really loves to learn new things, and she is truly a joy to be around. We have so much fun together. It's hard to believe that 9 years ago I was so distraught and depressed because I didn't think I would ever get pregnant. And now I have these 3 beautiful, crazy kids filling my life with all kinds of joy and frustrations. I am so very blessed! And so very thankful!

-New York City! We had a great trip to NYC. We got to visit with my sister-- Aunt Brenda, Uncle Philip and cousins Laura and Jonathan. I am still so tired!!! I am going to do another post so I can add lots of picture of our fun family trip. Also, that might ensure that I blog again real soon! But don't hold your breath! :)

Chloe's first "girl's weekend"

2008-04-24T12:52:00.006-04:00

Chloe and her friends Olivia, Liddi and Courtney.

Chloe had her first girls weekend last weekend and I had the privilege of coming with her. We went camping with her Brownie's troop and a Jr. Girl Scout troop at Camp Seven Springs. The weather was great and I know she had a great time with all her friends. I was excited that she wanted me to come. I wonder how long that will last? I guess I better enjoy it while it lasts!

We arrived early Saturday morning with 10 seven year olds and all their "gear".

The Girl Scouts did all the work...they cooked, cleaned up, made their beds...or should I say rolled up their packs, and even entertained us with a couple of skits. It was neat to see them all work together and I think Chloe learned a lot from the big girls. She was very concerned about me on the hike because she didn't want me to get anywhere near the poison ivy...what a sweetie!

I hope Chloe and I (and Millie too) have many more girls weekends together. But I am actually looking forward to my girls weekend this weekend with my girls friends!!! Sorry Chloe, your not invited this time! :)

How many parties does one guy get?

2008-04-23T23:44:00.007-04:00

We celebrated Eliott's birthday before we left Orlando--this actually was his real birthday--
April 4th. We didn't have any cake, but we had a candle and some ice cream. Nobody complained.

I can't believe my little boy is 5!

Then we celebrated in Charleston the next night with Jeff's family. We didn't have any candles this time but we had cake. Joy held up a lighter for Eliott to blow out! How resourceful! He was so excited to get a remote control motorcycle.

When we got back Eliott celebrated with cupcakes at preschool.

And finally on April 11th we had a Chuck-E-Cheese birthday party. We had cake and candles and friends and presents and games...What a fun night!

look...Cake and candles...we finally got it right this time!

The birthday boy

Millie dancing with Charlie

Chloe enjoying yet another birthday cake! I'd say we all benefited greatly from the multiple celebrations!

Here's Eliott and his friend Rachel.

I think that's enough celebrating for one year! Happy Birthday Eliott! I love you, my sweet little boy....or should I say big boy? I am so thankful that God blessed our family with you. You bring so much joy to our lives. I just wish you didn't have to grow up so fast!

Cooper River Bridge Run 2008

2008-04-23T23:26:00.005-04:00

The kids had a great time on the way back from Orlando we spent a few nights with Jeff's family in Charleston, SC. The kids participated in the Bridge Run Kid's Run with cousin's Cole and baby Hannah Rae.

Cole and Millie ran in the toddler race and it was insane! I tried to get some pictures, but the crowd was so thick. I did the best I could! Cole made it to the finish line first and if you look close you can see a little pink--that's Millie! They made it and got a medal. We're so proud!

Then they had the race for the big kids...a quarter mile run. I got stuck with the stroller and couldn't get through the crowd. Joy got stuck with the little girls and Jeff ran with the rest...eventually we all found each other.

Jeff ran the bridge alone the next morning while the rest of us slept in. We'll be back next year...right Joy?

Disney with the McCalls

2008-04-23T22:04:00.007-04:00

What a blast we had going to Disney World with our best friends the McCalls. We each had our own friend...Me and Holly, John and Jeff, Chloe and Anniston, Eliott and Grady and Millie and Wiley. I'm not sure if Wiley was very excited about his "buddy", but I think when we vacation in the year 2022 (Millie will be 16 and Wiley 15) he won't be quite as unhappy about it! :) I loved the McCalls the moment we met at South Fork Church of Christ back in 1997 and when they moved it was so hard for me to handle. But now we have the best vacation friends ever...I guess when you try hard enough you can find something good in everything--even their moving away! Wow! It only took me 8 years to realize that!

I was really happy with how great the kids played together--especially Chloe and Anniston. They are such great friends.

Eliott and Grady are learning to like each other...they certainly have a lot in common. They both like Buzz Lightyear, shooting guns and annoying their sisters!

Eliott was very excited about his new Pirate gun.

Apparently you have to make this face when you use it.

We certainly hope this is the ONLY time we ever see these 4 behind bars!!!!

Here they are right before the Pirates of the Caribbean ride with Captain Hook....

and here are their scary "Pirate" faces! ARG!!! Pretty scary huh!?

We had a blast riding rides, seeing shows, getting autographs and just hanging out.

Millie talked about "mitty mouse" all day and by the time we got through the line to meet him she was fast asleep. Oh well, I've got proof!

Did I mentioned that we had a 7 year old, a 6 year old, a 4 year old, a 3 year old, a 2 year old and a 1 year old with us? CRAZY!!!

But aren't they precious!?!

Holly and I especially enjoyed the night we got to leave early and the boys stayed late with "the big kids".

They stayed late to see the parade and the fireworks.
I think Grady and Chloe lasted....Eliott and Anniston crashed.

We were getting a little bit worried when it was 12am and they still weren't home. But they made it eventually---and all 4 sleeping children had to be carried in from the car. I think it was a night they will always remember

We had a great time with great friends! I can't wait until our next vacation together!

Easter pictures...one more!

2008-03-23T23:26:00.004-04:00

one more picture, because I love this one of Millie! She is such a funny little girl!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T22:25:00.006-04:00

We had a great time in Chattanooga with Grandma and Grandpa this Easter weekend. It was a short trip, but always fun to be with family. Grandpa woke us early Saturday morning with his famous breakfast...bacon, eggs, biscuits and grits swimming in butter. The kids look forward to this meal every time we go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Of course Grandma did her share of cooking too--it's actually amazing how much you can over eat in one weekend! We brought the bikes and it was neat to watch my children ride up and down the same street I used to ride my bike on when I was their age. We even got to spend time with Uncle Bryan--what a bonus! He's back in the country...to stay! We are so glad to know that and looking forward to seeing Ubeny and the girls when school is out.

The kids were a little concerned about the Easter Bunny finding us in Tennessee, but what a surprise...He found us! We woke up to 3 baskets full of goodies. Then we got to go to church to hear Grandpa preach. This is always a treat for me.

These kids sure do love Grandma and Grandpa!

I got to spend a little time with my friend Christy. We have been friends since Mrs. McNabb's 1st grade class...dare I say how many years ago? (33 years--YIKES!!! How can we have been friends that long when we're only 29 years old? Right Christy?!) We were friends all through elementary school, middle school, high school and then became room mates in college in 1987. People always say don't room with your friends, but it sure worked for us. We even lived together for a few more years after college. I can't believe that Chloe is now the age we were when we met. I hope that Chloe (and all my kids for that matter!) are as blessed as I have been to have such a great and life long friendship.

And I am thinking about an arranged marriage for Millie and Mills (how cute is that!?)

Here we are with our sweet babies Millie and Taylor (obviously from the picture it is clear that we are NOT old enough to have been friends for so long--apparently I miscalculated!)

Christy is the proud (and extremely tired)mother of 4--yes, I said 4 boys! And they are all so very handsome and were so kind to share their things and play so well with my children. Definitely a sign of excellent parenting!

And here's the whole gang! Do you know how hard it is to take a picture with this many kids in it? So I am glad at least some are actually looking at the camera. My kids had such a great time playing with Jack, Hayes and Mills--they wanted to stay forever and Mills actually wanted us to all spend the night! I never actually heard how Christy felt about that! I had a great time holding and squeezing that chunky little Taylor and catching up with my dear friend. Eliott has already asked me when we will see his new friends again...I hope it won't be long.

Happy Easter!

Apparently we're done!

2008-03-13T13:37:00.006-04:00

Well, I have prayed that God would help us decide whether or not to have #4. I know what you're thinking...WHAT?! ?4 KIDS!?!?! YOU CAN'T EVEN HANDLE THE 3 YOU HAVE!!! And I must admit that exact thought has crossed my mind many times. But when you think you are supposed to have 4 it is hard to get that idea out of your head. And perhaps I am a little crazy.

Getting sick didn't help our time frame for having #4. I feel like I should have another one by now, but since I had to take medicine for 6 months (that made it impossible to have a child), here we are...Millie is 2 and 1/2 and I do not have another baby. I have certainly cried about it...no more babies!? I have been having babies for the past 7 years and I really don't know how to move on. And now Millie is getting so big. It is hard to believe that I am done with this chapter of my life.

Look at this sweet little baby in her new big girl bed (with her little baby doll right beside her)!

We took Millie's crib down and put up a twin bed last week. It is real. This is it...no more cribs in our house. Since we put it up (summer of 2000) we've never had to take it down ...just move one kid out and put a new one in. But, apparently we're done with babies.

And apparently we don't have any room left in our huge king size bed anyway! I am coming to terms with this and I am starting to feel a lot less sad about it. Now finally, I do believe that our family of 5 is just right. I have begun to realize that all the activities and things involved with parenting my 3 children would make it difficult (perhaps even dangerous!) to have another. We already have "KidsForChrist" on Sunday morning, t-ball on Tuesday night, Wednesday night church, soccer on Thursday night, t-ball and soccer games on Saturday...and Millie doesn't do anything yet!!! The reality is that our schedule is only going to get fuller and more chaotic as time goes on. I know people with more than 3 children and their husbands do not work in Sweden, Poland or Canada (all of which Jeff spent time in last year), and they probably live close to their family and have lots of help, or perhaps they are just way better at time management than I will ever be. So, we are done and I am OK with that. (At least for today...ha!) No, honestly I think God has truly answered my prayer by taking away my desire for another baby. I do love so much what I have and am so thankful for my precious little family. I guess it's just time for me to be content.

Here are my 4 favorite people in the whole wide world at the circus a few weeks ago. We had so much fun! It was neat to just watch their faces. They loved it so, of course, we loved it too! But can you believe how much it costs to go to the circus! Wow! We almost had to take out a loan just to buy cotton candy...$12! Thank goodness it only comes once a year.

Chloe's favorite part was the elephants.

Eliott liked the motorcycles riding around in the big ball.

Millie liked all of the animals.Why would I ever think I need anything more than this!??!

Also this month we have had lots of sick kiddos! Eliott had 5th Disease--looks like he got slapped in the face (he didn't!), but it also came with a fever.

No one else got that one--surprisingly enough, but...a few weeks later Chloe had the flu. She was the only one who didn't get the flu shot and the only one who got the flu. Guess what...we're all getting that shot next year!

So I guess that's my monthly update...circus, no more cribs and a few sick kids. Oh, I almost forgot...Millie was attacked by a leprechaun today...

a leprechaun with a very green cupcake! Eliott actually said "it looks like a leprechaun threw some frosting on Millie!" He's right!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I will do my best to write sometime before mid April, but I'm not making any promises.

It's been a long time...

2008-02-19T22:32:00.010-05:00

It's been a while hasn't it!? I can't seem to find the time to blog lately (or to fold the laundry, or vacuum, or make my bed...) I'm too busy eating girl scout cookies! Why are they so good??? And didn't the boxes used to be alot bigger?

This will have to be one of my catch up blogs because so much fun stuff has happened since--well...a month ago!

First of all we are so proud of Chloe. She participated in her 2nd year of the Sherwood Forest Elementary Science Fair. She did an experiment with water in glasses and changed the sound made by changing the water level...it was genius if I do say so myself. :)

The same week she was asked to be an anchor girl on Eagle Eye News (her schools news program). She was great--Look out Ann Curry!

And Baby Cole turned 3...I guess I better stop calling him baby Cole now! He is getting so big. Joy threw a fabulous bug party. There were bugs everywhere...all over the walls, the furniture, hanging from the ceiling, in the punch. There were bug masks and bug houses to paint and even a bug game to play.

It was great and the kids loved it. Joy doesn't hold back when she throws a party...she picks a theme and runs with it!!!

And we got a little Aunt Laurie time in while we were in Greenville.

What a cute little bug this is!

And it looks like we caught a very strange bug in the elefun net--I liked this bug so much I decided to keep it!

We were trilled by a spontaneous (and way too short) visit from the Scales. What fun! It only made us want them to move back even more than we already did. But of course remided us that our friendship is greater than the miles between us. In the short time that they were here we managed to sqeeze in an amazing amount of time together. Friday night KL made some amazing chicken enchiladas and I made a salad and mexican chocolate cake (I said I'd give you the recipe so here they are!). We didn't make Bekah cook since we weren't sure if she could even keep anything down at that point--but thankfully she was able to pull through! Isn't it interesting how much we love to eat together?! Actually I love to eat even when I am alone, but the food is much better when we are all together. :) And then Gabe and Eliott had a sleep over. They were so cute. Chloe actually slept in the same room in the bed because she didn't want to be left out.

The kids played all day on Saturday...they played dress up, sword fought, played with polly pockets and played ball...My kids were so thrilled to spend time with Gabe and Ansley (and I had fun with Amelia!) and both had complete melt downs (I kid you not--- they were wailing!) when it was time to say good bye. But who can blame them? Nobody likes to say good bye!

Valentine's Day was fun. Not only did we have a suprise snow day--we also had a romantic (HA!) dinner at Moe's with our friends David, KiKi, Bekah, Luke and of course all the kids. I surprised Jeff with a copy of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (just happened to come in the mail that day!) only I added my face to the cover. Somehow when I gave it to him he didn't notice? What!?! You mean he doesn't look at the face?

Now the last month here in the Trinh home has been a bit of a challenge. Millie is in the "I do it!" stage of being 2 years old. She wants to do everything herself and then gets frustrated and cries or screams when she can't. She likes to wash her hands with out any help, brush her teeth, feed herself and she likes to dress herself. Obviously she doesn't always get it quite right. But she is so proud!

We are working through her strong and very independent spirit. She is certainly not lacking in confidence---but I am certainly lacking in patience! She can really frustrate me to no end, but I just love her so much and know that I have probably created the beast because I give in to her WAY too much! And sometimes it's just easier that way. But I know it won't be easier in the long run, so things are about to change around here! According to Mandy it's not too late to repair the damage done. I'll let you know how that goes.

Well, I guess that's about all for the past few weeks. Maybe I'll try to be a little more frequent with my updates in the future. But, let's face it, Jeff was right...I don't have time for a blog! But I have one anyway, so I'll try to keep up.

It was a DIME!!!

2008-01-23T23:33:00.000-05:00

Yeah! It was only a dime (honestly it looked much bigger stuck in her little throat!)and now it's out. We're all quite happy about it...what a great birthday present!

9-1-1

2008-01-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have, for the first time in my life, called 9-1-1! Last night my precious little Millie choked down a quarter. I saw it in her mouth just when I laid her down to change a diaper. I saw a big silver circle fall to the back of her mouth. I immediately turned her over and said "spit it out!" (She is quite familiar with these words) That's when she made the choking sound. I tried to reach it, I tried hitting on her back, I tried the Heimlich (not only do I not know how to spell it, I really don't know how to do it!) all as I screamed for Jeff to get our neighbor (she used to be a nurse--and I never have been--so it seemed logical at the time!?) while I dialed 9-1-1. Millie wasn't making any noise and I have always heard that's bad...really bad, so I was in full blown panic mode. The conversation went something like this:

"911 how may I help you"

"yes, my 2 year old is choking on a quarter"

"Ok, we will send an ambulance, what is your address"

"5224 Mountain View"

"You said she is 2?

"yes"

"Are you sure it was a quarter?"

"I think so...it all happened so fast...maybe it was a nickle...does that matter?"

"what is your child doing right now"

"well, actually, she seems to be... breathing...?"

"she is breathing?"

"yes, she is. she's just sitting here breathing."

"ok, that's good. (well, now isn't that the understatement of the year!) try to keep her very still. does she seem to be acting normally?"

"she does seem to be acting normal, but I am in a complete panic!"

We continued on the phone for several more minutes (with Jeff back and all of the Sidden Family) while I am wondering how in the world my tiny little 2 year old could physically swallow a quarter---is this possible? and then the EMTs arrived. They checked her out and decided she was fine (breathing normally, vital signs normal and talking) and assured me that I would be getting my quarter back in just a few days. But they said if it would make me feel better we could go to the emergency room and have her x-rayed. They would even take us if we wanted the bill!

We decided to wait and talk to our pediatrician---who also agreed we would see our quarter again soon. Unfortunately I am the one who has to be sure we actually get our deposit back (so to speak). So I am the official poop smoosher--thank goodness for latex gloves. Nothing so far, but I will be sure to keep you all posted on the "out come".

I definitely have never been so scared in my life--although Millie was quite the joke at church this morning, last night it was not remotely funny. I don't know how I would handle it if anything ever happened to one of my precious little babies. I said an little extra prayer of thanksgiving last night. God was with us and we are all a little richer (about .25 cents richer!) for it.

Snow Dance!

2008-01-20T16:01:00.001-05:00

We were very excited to hear that there was an 80% chance of snow on Thursday. Could it be!?! We came home from church Wednesday night and Chloe read us all the book Snow Dance. Then Eliott led the family in a snow dance--complete with cotton balls (our symbolic snow balls) flying in the air and wearing his silly elf hat-- as he, Chloe and Millie dance around and chanted "let there be snow...let there be snow!" And in case that wasn't enough we all (yes, Jeff and I did participate in this) wore our pajamas inside out. I am not sure how that is supposed to make it snow, but we were willing to give it a go.

We had so much fun I didn't even care if it snowed the next day!

Well...a little snow would be nice...

And we got it!

We woke up to a beautiful Winter Wonderland. The kids were so proud because felt they were completely responsible for the big snow. Everything was white and snowy, and even though there was still a slushy mix of snow and rain coming down, we bundled up and went out to play in it. (We didn't work this hard to stay inside and look through the window, and who knows if it will all be gone by noon!) Chloe and Eliott threw sad little wet snow balls at each other while Millie ate ice and said "mmmm". They loved every minute of it and I truly enjoyed just watching them. I can remember how much I loved to play in the snow when I was little and I don't think we have had enough of it in the past few years---we still don't even have enough for a snowman, but I will at least be thankful for a few snowballs.

After about 20 minutes in the mess of wet snow we spotted Lukie and Bekah and invited them over for hot chocolate. Millie's little fingers were starting to freeze and we needed to thaw out.

We spent the rest of the day inside with absolutely nothing to do. It really is nice to have a day off from the rest of the world every now and then. Of course I am definitely ready for school to be open tomorrow...PLEASE! Is there such thing as a "no snow dance"?

Wooten Family Christmas

2008-01-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

I am a little bit ashamed that I am just now getting back to the blog. These pictures should have been posted weeks ago! I couldn't leave out our fun time in Tennessee with the Wooten side of the family...never a dull moment when there are 17 people sleeping in one house---you definitely have to watch your step at night since a good amount of those bodies were on the floor! Grandpa spent a lot of time reading in the living room since someone was always in his favorite chair in front of the T.V.

We had our Wooten family Christmas in January this year... we have always felt that the best time to celebrate is not December 25th, but whenever we can be together...and this year that was not until the first weekend of January. Regardless of when we get together, we always seem to have a great time eating too much, just being together and laughing at each other.

It was great to have our "Colombian" Wooten's home for the holidays. I can't believe how tall the girls are getting! Chloe, Eliott and Millie had so much fun playing with Kristina and Ulany and we all enjoyed visiting with Bryan and Ubeny too. We missed the "Maine" Wooten's this year and look forward to the next time we get to see them. And of course there was a significant void without Bill there, but I am so thankful for all the past Christmases we had together and for Susan and JR, who are such a special part of our family, being with us this year. And the Murrays made it in from NY after a short visit in Mississippi and helped keep the floor occupied and McKay's in business.

Everyone enjoyed their presents...of course!

the gift that always fits just right...Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Special books assembled by Susan filled with letters we had all written to Bill and even a few pictures...What a great gift we will always treasure!

look at the beautiful runner Ubeny painted for me...Such talent! I have a little creative competition in the family.

and here's the cool gift the Murrays made for JR...pictures of his trip to NYC mounted on a NY subway map. Very creative and special!

and Aunt Susan enjoyed Eliott's new robot boots. They fit her quite well. Unfortunately she had to give them back!

Eliott got an airplane and Grandma and Grandpa got a quilt (probably came in handy with so many house quests!)

And here are some future super models ready for their runway debut. They seem quite comfortable with the camera.

BEAUTIFUL!!!

What a blessing my family is. I am so thankful for my unique, thoughtful, creative, loving, and a little bit crazy family. And here's a little quote I found that sums up my family quite nicely: "Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts." ~Author Unknown :)

and even better than that one is this...

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you."

Now that is truly the best gift of all.

Christmas isn't over yet!

2008-01-03T07:42:00.000-05:00

We left for Charleston the day after Christmas to see Jeff's family. It is fun to extend the holiday and the kids were so excited that there were more presents! (As if they didn't already have enough!!!)

We had a great time with Jeff's family eating yummy Vietnamese food, opening presents and visiting downtown Charleston. Oh yeah, and laughing...a lot!

Best Buddies for life!!!

Funny faces....

Eliott looks like he's about to make himself throw up, but Cole--that is about the funniest face I've ever seen!

More presents?!?...These kids are so rotten! Eliott has been shooting that thing ever since he got it and "little miss artist" is loving the super art kit. Millie just wants to take everyone else's toys away, but we're working on that! Jeff's brother and sisters always give the best gifts. I am afraid they have created some very high expectations in my kids!

We had fun in Charleston walking around Riverfront Park (trying to keep the kids out of the fountain), walking through the market and eating at Sticky Fingers.

Sweet little Hannah Rae slept through most of the experience...what a life!

What a great day!

I have such fond memories of growing up and playing with my cousins and I am so glad that our kids have that same opportunity. They love their cousins so much!

Merry Christmas...a little late!

2008-01-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

Well, it's only one week after Christmas and I am finally posting about our wonderful holiday. We left town right after Christmas, so this is the first chance I have had to get on the blog. We had such a great Christmas this year.

We had fun Christmas Eve dinner at the hacienda del hirst . No, that's not a Mexican restaurant--We ate at Steve and Kay Lynn's house and had a great meal...Texas style! Chicken enchiladas and cheese enchiladas with beans and rice. She even topped it all off with a Mexican chocolate cake...I ate so much I thought I was going to pop! The kids had a blast, but this was the only night we have ever been able to leave without the kids putting up a fight. They knew they got to open a present when they got home. :)

And after we got home the hard part was picking which present to open--there were just too many to choose from

Millie had a really hard time deciding!

We topped off the night with hot chocolate around the fire (we actually had to turn on the air to need a fire, but it did create a nice setting for drinking the hot cocoa!) and a round of the 12 days of Christmas. We set out a few cookies and some milk for Santa and even a little reindeer mix in case the crew needed a snack, and then we headed for bed.

Christmas morning was very exciting. Chloe was the first to notice that there were some green packages around the tree that had not been there the night before

....those had to be from Santa!

So after jumping up and down on Daddy for quite a long time we all finally got out of bed and headed down to check it all out. There were 3 eager little ones waiting very impatiently for Daddy to get the video camera ready!

Hurry up Daddy!!!!

It was only a matter of seconds before they were tearing it all open....

Chloe was very happy to get the Barbie furniture she asked for. Now Barbie actually has a place to eat, sleep, cook and do her laundry!

Eliott got the pirate ship he wanted...Complete with pirates, cannons and a plank! AARG!!!

And sweet Millie actually made the good list. (we were all a little bit worried! just kidding!!!)She got lots of stuff (too much!)--Elmo, aqua doodle mat, computer games and a Baby Einstein book about animals and animal sounds...just in time since I asked her just a few weeks ago what a duck says and she mooed!

Oh...there's a camera...Chhheeeeese!!!

What a fun day! Christmas isn't over yet...We head to Charleston on the 26th!

Home for Christmas

2007-12-24T00:19:00.000-05:00

It is getting really close to the most amazing day of the year! My kids are sooo excited they can hardly sleep. And I admit it...me too! I have had so much fun watching them pick out presents for daddy, and each other and their cousins Cole and Hannah Rae. Of course they have lists that are a mile long and want everything they see in commercials, but they are also enjoying the act of giving too and that really warms my heart. It just shows how much they really love each other...that's hard to see sometimes when they are fighting and fussing all day long, but they really do!

Eliott sang his precious little heart out in his pre-school Christmas program. He was a statue last year, but what a difference one year can make! He sang every word and did every motion. I guess this year he actually liked the songs.

Now school is out and we are loving our time together as a family---Jeff is even off work. We have been shopping together and wrapping presents and painting gingerbread houses and people (...and Millie painted herself!). I am truly having so much fun this year. Tomorrow we will be baking cookies for Santa and getting ready for the visit and opening one present before bed. I can't wait!

My little artists!

I am so glad that we are in our own house enjoying this time without the stress of packing and traveling to another state. This year we finally have the chance to make our own traditions. I just hope Santa actually knows where we live since this is the first time he has had to deliver our presents here (who am I kidding...he's magic!). Being home for Christmas is great. We might just have to make a habit of it!

Let's catch up

2007-12-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Let's face it when your computer is totally contaminated with viruses it takes more than 24 hours to get it right again! I am not sure it is really right, but at least I can blog with out 500,000,000 pop ups. (that might be a slight exageration)

Since I haven't made a real post in months there is sooo much to catch up on and I have the pictures to prove it.

We raised almost $1,000 for ALS research right after my last blog. Our friends (and favorite babysitters of all time) Mr. David and Ms KiKi walked with us and we had a blast. Chloe and Millie were proud to walk for Uncle Bill even though they actually rode most of the time!

and Jeff was very excited about all the free stuff!

How many Vitamin Waters did you get?!!

Then of course there was Halloween.... Chloe was a Wake Forest cheerleader, Eliott was Spider Man and Millie was a precious little lady bug (can you see that little face in there?). We got way more candy than we need, but seem to be putting a pretty good dent in the candy bag.

During the week of Halloween (and Chloe's 7th birthday--WOW!) Jeff was in Vietnam visiting family. Eliott was very impressed with Daddy's picture on the motorcycle. Jeff had so much fun riding it that he decided he wanted one to ride around Winston Salem...please do not let there be a big sale on motorcycles the day after Christmas!

In November we were able to go home to Chattanooga for Thanksgiving and had the great pleasure of stopping in Huntsville, Alabama to see the Scales We were only there for about 1 hour, but it took all of our strength to drag Eliott out of there! They all had such a blast playing with Gabe and Ansley and I loved seeing my friends--even if it was too short.

We were actually on the way to see my 95 year old Grandmother (Great Gransie). We got to spend several hours with her and my children would have made any mother proud! What better test of manners and behavior that a retirement home. They were so polite and quiet and did what I told them...It was like a dream and in the dream I had someone elses children! :) But of course they were back to their old ways as soon as we hit the road! It is good to know that when it is neccesary they do actually know how to behave VERY well. I know my grandmother loved the visit and we did too! She looks amazing for 95--doesn't she?!

After Thanksgiving we headed to Charleston, SC just in time to be at the Mall by midnight. I am not sure how I agreed to that after a 7 hour drive, but I did get a few new things to show for it. And of course, two weeks later I am still tired from it. I think my age is finally catching up with me! We had a great visit with Jeff's family and ate so much yummy food. And we finally got Mrs. Trinhs secret family recipe for Pho. Somehow I doubt my will taste just like hers, but I am certainly going to give it a shot!

Now it is December and we are fighting the lines at Toys-R-Us and the mall to get all the things our children want and really don't need by the 25th. Our secret basement closet hiding place it overflowing and I think I am almost done...and it's only December 10th! Can this be true!?!?!?

We met the Hirst family at their pre-school yesterday to take pictures with Santa and let me tell you...this was Santa...He was the best one I have ever seen! Millie was a little bit scared, but at least she didn't cry.

And I think we actually got a Christmas card picture of the whole family! That was quite a challenge, but KL was willing to take it on! Thankgoodness for friends.

And with that I leave you with these sweet little friends. It just doesn't get much cuter than that!

Don't worry, I don't plan on making it a habit of blogging once every 2 months---it really just takes too long!

just one more day!!!

2007-12-05T17:59:00.000-05:00

Ok...I know I am on the blogger bad list, but it's really not my fault! I am having computer whoas and can't seem to get it fixed. Give me 24 hours and I will be back in the swing of things. And just to tide you over I am attaching a beautiful photo for your viewing pleasure.

Have a great day and come back soon. :)

fun at the Dixie Classic Fair

2007-10-08T21:31:00.000-04:00

Yes...I am alive and well in Winston Salem. But I will say a lot has happened since my last blog--some good, and some not so good. I can't believe it has been a whole month.

Here's a picture of my brother, Bill and his family about a year ago. We were celebrating Susan's birthday--it was a great day! For those of you that know about Bill's struggle with ALS, he lived an amazing life and died on September 14th. It is hard to know you will never see someone here again, but good to know that he is in a much better place and not suffering any more. Bill really set a great example for me. It will be easier for me not to complain about the little things that I want to gripe about sometimes because I saw him laugh through his pain and make everyone else laugh as well! KL and I just talked about this today...why is it so easy to complain sometimes when we are really so very blessed in so many ways? I don't know...but I am definitely going to work on focusing on the good---that really shouldn't be that hard! My family and I are walking this weekend in the local walk to raise money for ALS research. We are walking in Bill's memory...check out our team page at:

http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/NorthCarolinaWalk?pg=team&fr_id=2531&team_id=56540

I hope that works?!?

Doesn't this look like fun!!! We went to the Dixie Classic Fair this weekend, and although I am a fair snob (I think they are all kinda gross and dirty and the people who work are all kinda gross as well!) we really had a great time. We went during the day this year instead of at night so it wasn't as crowded. The kids had a great time--of course. They rode a million rides and had a blast! Is there really anything better than the fair when your a kid? I don't think so, and these picture are proof.

Chloe's favorite favorite ride was the slide and Eliott liked the paddle boats best. Jeff and I just loved watching their faces when they rode everything. Poor Millie really wanted to ride, but she was really too small. But there's always next year.

It's good to be blogging again. Hopefully I will be back before November. :)

we have a new pet!

2007-09-09T22:59:00.000-04:00

Today we finally had our first Kids for Christ Worship service! It was great. My kids loved it. They said their favorite part was the puppet show--even though they knew it was mommy doing the puppet. I told them that was a secret and they couldn't tell the other kids--but I'm afraid they already know.

After church Jeff had to fly out of the country which led to an amazing display of tears from Eliott. He really loves playing with daddy. I am actually not sure who was more sad...daddy or Eliott! But after nap E was happy again because he said he had a new pet! He found a fly (apparently NOT flying) and put it in his hermit crab house (hermit crab died last week so there was a vacancy) and excitedly told me he had a new pet fly!

look closely...there's a fly in there!

I tried to explain that flies are not really pets and that it was probably already dead---which explains why it was so easy to catch! Eliott insisted that it wasn't dead because it's feet were wiggling when he put it in the crab house. He was so excited about it he actually forgot to be sad about Daddy being gone...at least until bed time.

Millie starts her first day of preschool tomorrow morning. I will be sure to post some pictures of that. Here she is having a little ice cream last night. I think she likes it...what do you think?

Ten on Tuesday

2007-09-04T21:56:00.000-04:00

Ok...here goes.

1. This is my first 10 on Tuesday.

2. Eliott met his preschool teacher today and didn't want to leave. The class is going to be so much fun! He has a great teacher and a class full of friends. He starts tomorrow (yeah for me!)

3. Eliott had his first soccer practice tonight--he is such a little athlete! He told me he was probably going to win a trophy--he is so full of self confidence...I love that!

4. Chloe had yet another fabulous day in the first grade--her first art class and would you believe all they did was go over the RULES!?!?! boo hiss!!! She didn't complain about it at all, but I must say I was a bit disappointed---bring on the paper, crayons, glue, watercolors, clay and glitter!

5. Chloe does have a new friend that I hear about everyday...Reagan. She is new this year and Chloe loves her. I am glad she has found a good friend---friends are important. (maybe even more important than art class!)

6. Millie turned 2 (about a week ago) and we just had her party-here are some of her little friends...they are so cute!

7. In the past few weeks (and especially today) Millie has been a living example of the "terrible twos". Wow...I really hope she is teething or something because she is quite the little monster! But just look at that sweet picture again...precious! She really is sweet most of the time. It's just when she is "terrible" it's really terrible! I am sure it is just a stage and I probably have a parenting book in my room that can tell me exactly what I need to do to work through this one...right Mandy? Perhaps I should read it.

8. Good grief...are we not to 10 yet?!

9. Jeff is MIA tonight and single parenting is not fun... especially when you have a 2 year old going through a stage or teething.

10. Time for bed and wouldn't you know it...Millie is crying. Duty calls...

like the new look?

2007-09-04T15:39:00.000-04:00

Well, now that all my friends are joining me in the land of Blog, I feel the need to post more often. Does it matter that I don't really have anything to say? Apparently not! I am excited about my new look. I have tried many templates and I think I am finally happy with this one. The colors are definitly me and it is not too much...I believe this is the one. At least until next week. Let me know what you think.
I am still mornining the absence of the Scales family, but Bekah is back from her weekend in Vegas and although they say "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" she has told me all about her fun girls weekend (I am a little jealous!). But this made me think that maybe it was time to start dreaming about our next escape. When was our weekend away this year? February or March? So it really isn't too soon to start thinking about it.
I told Mandy I would do 10 on Tuesday, but it's almost time for soccer practice so that will have to come later.

I'm back!

2007-09-02T23:48:00.000-04:00

I am feeling a little blue and missing my Alabama friends already...but what a great weekend! I love when we all get together and our kids play together and we talk and laugh and laugh some more...just like old times. Like Eliott I have to ask "why did Mr. Cwishtian get a job so faw away?" Thank goodness for cell phones--although it really isn't good enough. I'll just be thankful for the time we have had and the next time we will see each other! (sniff)

I decided it was time for me to return to the land of the bloggers especially since KL is anxiously awaiting my next post! I have been to the beach, (almost) completed our new "children's wing" at church, had friends in from out of town and thrown a 2 year old birthday party all since my last blog. I really should have a lot to say!

The beach trip was great and much needed, I might add! We enjoyed vacationing with family. The kids had so much fun in the ocean and pool and Chloe finally conquered swimming underwater...way to go CoCo! Eliott rode the waves on his boogie board... and drank more than his share of salt water. Jeff took Chloe and Eliott crabbing and came back with about 20 crabs one day and enjoyed a day of golf with uncle Greg. I enjoyed the sanctuary of my back porch swing (probably my favorite place in the whole wide world!) , caught up on all the tabliods provided by aunt Laurie (Who knew Brittany was such a bad mom?! And Brad and Angelina...is it possible that it might not last?!) and got to spend a few hours at the new outlet mall with aunt Joy (much to Jeff's dismay)! We feasted on the Seabrook Island Seafood Buffet and (by the way, I hate buffets!) it was unbelievable...I ate more than anyone should ever eat in one sitting and loved every bite (I will say afterwards I remembered why I hate buffets). We rode our bikes, walked on the beach, played in the sand, splashed in the pool, played with our cousins and friends and had an amazing week!

It was so hard to leave the beach house behind and return to work, school and everyday life...back to reality!

I have to include a picture of Millie and her "cheeeese". She does this face everytime she sees a camera...where in the world does she get this from?!? I'll never know!

pictures at last!

2007-08-17T12:50:00.000-04:00

Wow...Isnt' it interesting that I wanted to start a blog---spurred of course by the interest of my highly intelligent 6 year old daughter (and mandy too), but I can't seem to find the time to actually BLOG! When does one find the time? This is of course one of those time I refuse to admit my husband may have been right so I will find a way ...Oh yes, I will find a way to blog! Mandy has informed me that I think too much when I write so it takes me too long. Therefore, my intent hence forth is to write whatever comes to mind and let it go right out there for the whole world to read. Well, I doubt the whole world will actully view it since Mandy and KL are the only ones who even know about my bloggyness. I figured I better go ahead and post one since we are going to the beach this afternoon and I may not be able to post for about a week. My page already has a very sad forsaken look about it. :(

I think I will add a picture to bring a little life to it. Let me share a few from our fun family day at the Lazy 5 Ranch. We had so much fun! The kids actually hand fed a giraffe and zebra among various other interesting creatures. It was about 100 degrees outside and we were so hot. But it really was a great day for all...and we got some great pics when the kids cooperated.

I even made a new (monochromatic) friend!

as if my life isn't exciting enough!

2007-08-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

That's right...as if my life isn't exciting enough, I have now started a blog. My husband just informed me that I am way too busy for this. Well, we'll see. I really just wanted to up my "cool" factor a notch or two--I might need more than a blog!
My oldest daughter wanted to start her own blog (should she even know what a blog is!?) and since she isn't old enough---not even close! I told her we would start a family blog and she can add a few things every now and then. She really just wants to post a wish list so everyone in the whole wide world will know what to buy for her... I know, we've created a monster!

This summer has been insane for the TrinhFam...we haven't even had a real vacation yet and school starts in a little less than 2 weeks. Where did the summer go? We are going to the beach next week, so we will get it all in before 1st grade and pre-school begins.

and now a few words from the monster herself:
wish list:

a baby brother

Well, that should be hard to find at Toys-r-us.

If I can find the time in my ever so busy life I will post more tomorrow---maybe even add a picture or two.