Sunday, October 28, 2018

A SERIOUS BOY

"Mom, why are we babies, then kids, then grownups?"  
"Well, that's just the way life goes."
"So we grow up and then we die?"
"Yes."
"Oh. Ok."

                                                   ~ Oscar - 4 yrs

AVA MARIE [9 YEARS]

1. What's your favorite color? "Pink."
2. What's your favorite toy? "I don't have any, like, toys."
3. What do you like for breakfast? "French Toast."
4. What do you like to do outside? "I like to swing on the tree swing."
5. What is your favorite animal? "Cats."
6. What do you like to wear? "I like to wear my plaid shirt and a comfy sweatshirt."
7. Who is your best friend? "Reese and Paige."
8. What do you like for a snack? "Granola bars."
9. What is your favorite song? "Try Everything."
10. What do you sleep with? "Um Olivia."
11. What is your favorite book? "Because of Winn Dixie."
12. What is your favorite ice cream? "I like mint chocolate chip."
13. What is your favorite vegetable? "Carrots."
14. What is your favorite fruit? "I like apples."
15. Where is your favorite place? "The gift shop."
16. What is your favorite thing to do? "Read."
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? "An eye doctor."
18. What is your favorite thing to eat? "Asian noodles and orange chicken at an all you can eat buffet!"
19. Why do you love Mom and Dad? "Daddy is fun to play with and Mom does my laundry."
20. What do you want for your birthday? "My own art supplies."

Bonus:
21. What makes you happy? "Kitties and chocolate and cupcakes."
22. What makes you sad? "When Figaro is lost."

JAINA MAE [6 YEARS]

1. What's your favorite color? "Black, blue and orange and gold. And copper."
2. What's your favorite toy? "Barbies."
3. What do you like for breakfast? "Ummm cereal."
4. What do you like to do outside? "Uh play."
5. What is your favorite animal? "Bird, deer, cow, moose and cat."
6. What do you like to wear? "Jumper suits and excercise clothes."
7. Who is your best friend? "Brett and Avery."
8. What do you like for a snack? "Fruit snacks and granola bars and candy."
9. What is your favorite song? "All Around the World and This Little Light of Mine."
10. What do you sleep with? "My teddy bear Rose."
11. What is your favorite book? "A shark book."
12. What is your favorite ice cream? "Ah the one with turtles in it."
13. What is your favorite vegetable? "Um carrot."
14. What is your favorite fruit? "Grapes."
15. Where is your favorite place? "Mexico."
16. What is your favorite thing to do? "Eat candy."
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? "Um I actually don't want to be anything."
18. What is your favorite thing to eat? "Candy."
19. Why do you love Mommy and Daddy? "Cuz you got us kayaks."
20. What do you want for your birthday? "Cake."

Bonus:
21. What makes you happy? "Going to the park and seeing Ceci."
22. What makes you sad? "When it rains and Dad's home and he makes us clean all day."

Saturday, June 2, 2018

OSCAR DEAN [4 YEARS]

1. What's your favorite color? "Orange."
2. What's your favorite toy? "Dinosaur."
3. What do you like for breakfast? "Umm cereal and ice cream."
4. What do you like to do outside? "Um play. Swing."
5. What is your favorite animal? "Ah chicks. Um cows. Mooses. Deer. Birds. I like rocks dat are gray."
6. What do you like to wear? "Dinosaur shirt."
7. Who is your best friend? "Grant."
8. What do you like for a snack? "Fruit snacks and cereal and yogurt. I like dinosaurs. I just like dinosuars and foxes and..."
9. What is your favorite song? "Rolling in da Deep and We are da Dinosaurs Marching."
10. What do you sleep with? "Anmols." (animals)
11. What is your favorite book? "Dinosaur books."
12. What is your favorite ice cream? "Coconut caramel or whatever."
13. What is your favorite vegetable? "Umm hmm uh remember? I don't like vegetables?"
14. What is your favorite fruit? "Watermelon!"
15. Where is your favorite place? "Children's Museum."
16. What is your favorite thing to do? "Play!"
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? "Um like, maybe a tree cutter?"
18. What is your favorite thing to eat? "Cereal. We already did dat remember? Mom? Remember?"
19. Why do you love Mommy and Daddy? "I don't know."
20. What do you want for your birthday? "I wanted just like a grownup arrow fing. Dat you frow at the fing."

Bonus:
21. What makes you happy? "Hugs and playing and not cleaning cuz dats boring."
22. What makes you sad? "Spanks."
Oh Oscar. You are still 100% a mama's boy and I'm not complaining. Yes, it's frustrating at times that no one else can do anything as well as I can for you but really, your hugs, kisses and snuggles make up for it. You still can't say your "th" sounds so "that" sounds like "dat" and "thing" sounds like "fing." The best words you say are "huge-normous" and "funkin" for thumb. Your'e my best little buddy and we love you so much!!! Happy Birthday Oscar!!

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

OSCAR GOES TO PRESCHOOL

We've been talking about preschool for months. He seemed interested and a little excited but I wasn't sure exactly how he felt. 
On the first day of school, I slipped on his backpack and he asked, "Mom! Am I gonna learn!?!?" 
"Yes Oscar, you'll learn at school."
"Eek! I'm gonna learn! I'm gonna learn!! 
He was thrilled. 

On the way to school, I asked him if he was going to make friends at school. He said, "Yup! I'm gonna make boy friends and girl friends!"

I think school will be a bit of an adjustment for very good for him...especially the social/emotional part. 

I can't wait to see what the year brings!

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL

There's something about a brand new school, with brand new friends and brand new teachers that makes us excited and nervous at the same time. Well, if my kids were nervous, they sure didn't show it. 

I was particularly nervous for Ava because she had a really tough year in 1st grade. Turns out, I had no reason to be nervous. By the end of the week, Ava had been awarded an Above the Line ticket and her name was drawn for a prize at the assembly on Friday.
Both of the girls also joined the other 30 or so new kids up stage to be introduced to the rest of the school. Ava made a new friend at the special table for new kids that day during lunch.
She came home that day just bubbling with excitement and it made me so happy I almost teared up. 

Jaina has been waiting to go to Kindergarten for 3 years. She did well the first couple of days but she's been saying that she doesn't want to go to school because it's boring. Hmmm. I'm pretty sure she just needs more sleep because I ran into her teacher at school and she said Jaina is doing just fine. I'm sure it's just an adjustment and it'll get better. Her cousin is in her class and she says that she plays with him the most.  
The girls were talking about their music teacher tonight and how he's not very old and he has a cool hairdo. I asked them,"Is he cute?" Jaina replied quickly, "Only babies are cute." I laughed and asked, "Ok then, is he handsome?" Jaina answered, "Yup!"

Thursday, July 27, 2017

AVA MARIE [8 YEARS]

1. What's your favorite color? "Pink."
2. What's your favorite toy? "I like coloring with gel pens in a notebook."
3. What do you like for breakfast? "Bagel with cream cheese."
4. What do you like to do outside? "Play with the kitties."
5. What is your favorite animal? "Kitties."
6. What do you like to wear? "I like to wear...well what season? I mean....I like dresses."
7. Who is your best friend? "Sienna W."
8. What do you like for a snack? "Club Crackers."
9. What is your favorite song? "Firework by Katie Perry"
10. What do you sleep with? "Tender my unicorn and Olivia."
11. What is your favorite book? "Judy Moody books."
12. What is your favorite ice cream? "Mint chocolate chip."
13. What is your favorite vegetable? "Carrot."
14. What is your favorite fruit? "Grapes."
15. Where is your favorite place? "Mall of America."
16. What is your favorite thing to do? "Read."
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? "Veterinarian."
18. What is your favorite thing to eat? "Spaghetti and meatballs or pancakes."
19. Why do you love Mommy and Daddy? "Cuz you love me."
20. What do you want for your birthday? "Books and Legos."

Bonus:
21. What makes you happy? "Sunshine and Cats."
22. What makes you sad? "Rainy Days."

Friday, June 9, 2017

JAINA MAE {5 YEARS}

1. What's your favorite color? "Purple and gold and hot pink."
2. What's your favorite toy? "Doll."
3. What do you like for breakfast? "Hmmm cereal."
4. What do you like to do outside? "Play in the snow when it's winter."
5. What is your favorite animal? "Horse."
6. What do you like to wear? "Skorts and tshirts with flip flops in the summer."
7. Who is your best friend? "Umm Ceci."
8. What do you like for a snack? "Fruit snacks."
9. What is your favorite song? "Roar."
10. What do you sleep with? "Rosie!"
11. What is your favorite book? "Berenstain Bears."
12. What is your favorite ice cream? "Chocolate chip caramel."
13. What is your favorite vegetable? "Carrot."
14. What is your favorite fruit? "Grape."
15. Where is your favorite place? "Park."
16. What is your favorite thing to do? "Feed the birdies."
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? "Doctor."
18. What is your favorite thing to eat? "Hmmm cereal."
19. Why do you love Mommy and Daddy? "Because you bring us to the park."
20. What do you want for your birthday? "A watch and a yo-yo."

Bonus:
21. What makes you happy? "Going to the park and Mother's Day."
22. What makes you sad? "Spankings,"

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

FUNNY STUFF I WANT TO REMEMBER

Oscar and I were at the grocery store the other day and he was pushing his little mini cart around. He made a beeline for the donut holes and said, "Hey Mom! I'll get the meatballs!!"

Donald had a guy come over last week so that he could help him with some programming issues...As the guys were in the dining room talking, Ava and I were in the kitchen making supper. She was standing at the counter, cutting strawberries and she said dreamily to herself, "Ah I just love when he says database."

Oscar was on the scale in the bathroom at Mom and Dad's and he said, "Look Mom! It says it's time to go! But it's not."

Oscar: "Mom, are ants good for da erf?" (earth)

I put Oscars coat on him and he said, "Thank you Mom! It's just what I needed!"

Whenever Oscar goes potty he says, "Mooom! I goed! I feel I went pee on my leg." (points to his leg) "It's peetend." (pretend)

"Where does your food go when you eat, Oscar?"
"Umm your large testine and your leg."

We were at Target today and Oscar was sitting sideways in the child seat, peering behind me over my shoulder. Then, in a really soft voice, full of awe, he said, "Ooohh pretty girl!" 
I said, "What did you say Oscar?"
"Pretty girl!"
I glanced over my shoulder and saw a gorgeous girl, probably college age, walking behind us. 
Oh dear....he's only 3!!! 

Thursday, May 18, 2017

OSCAR : 3 YEARS {20 QUESTIONS}

1. What's your favorite color? "Ummm orange."
2. What's your favorite toy? "Hmm monster truck."
3. What do you like for breakfast? "Umm ketchup."
4. What do you like to do outside? "Throw snow at people."
5. What is your favorite animal? "Cows."
6. What do you like to wear? "Monster truck ones."
7. Who is your best friend? "Umm Grant and Sophia."
8. What do you like for a snack? "Fruit snacks."
9. What is your favorite song? "Ro-o-o-o-oar."
10. What do you sleep with? "Nuffing."
11. What is your favorite book? "Alligator one."
12. What is your favorite ice cream? "Rainbow."
13. What is your favorite vegetable? "Mmm Rice."
14. What is your favorite fruit? "Umm snack fruit"
15. Where is your favorite place? "I want to go to da hotel."
16. What is your favorite thing to do? "Play in the ball pit."
17. What do you want to be when you grow up? "Mmm a dragon for Hawoween."
18. What is your favorite thing to eat? "Poptorn"
19. Why do you love Mommy and Daddy? "Because I drawed you Balumtimes and I love you. ALOT"
20. What do you want for your birthday? "A digger"

Bonus:
21. What makes you happy? "Um you tiss me?"
22. What makes you sad? "A panking."

OSCAR DEAN {THREE YEARS}

Oscar, you are 3. I wish I could hold you and snuggle you forever. I think it's safe to say that I'm your favorite person, although you have told me occasionally that you'd rather live with Grandma and Grandpa. 
Sometimes, when you meet new people you them that your "Oscar the Brouch and that you live in a garbage can."
I think the thing that drives me the most crazy is that every time we get after you for doing something naughty, you cry and say "Can you be nice now?" Even though it was you that was naughty, you want me to be nice. (insert eye roll)
Your favorite songs to sing are "Roar," "Dry Bones," "Tell Me the Story of Jesus" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
You are continually silly. You talk with your hands and act goofy 80% of the time. 
I think the thing you say the most often is, "This is boring!"
Sometimes you get really mad and you scowl and stomp your foot. 
Aternum = Aquarium
Baputer = Computer
When I put you to bed you don't want me to leave so you hold on to my arm and say, "Mom, ask me fuestions!"
I love it when you ask me to hold your hand when we cross the street. 
Maybe you'll go to preschool now that you're three. I know you're excited but I'm just not ready to let you go yet. You do claim that you go to Superman Tool. (school)
Your favorite toys are Legos, Magnatiles and anything with wheels. We have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 years of your life and I'm looking forward to the year ahead. 
When I ask you for a kiss you turn my head and kiss me on the cheek to avoid all lip kisses. Sometimes you get mad when I kiss you and you say, "Mom! No juicy tisses!!"
Happy Birthday, Oscar. Mommy and Daddy love you more than all of the cupcakes in the world. 

Monday, April 3, 2017

MY LAST HURDLE

Oscar will be three next week. He showed absolutely no signs of being ready to potty train. In fact, he was afraid to sit on the toilet. 
I just kept telling myself that boys take longer to train and they usually train late. 
A couple of weeks ago, on a whim, I told Oscar that in the morning his diapers would be too small and so we would have to pack them up and give them to Baby Finn. He was actually excited about the idea and told his sisters at supper that we were going to pack up his diapers. 
The next morning, I got a bag and started loading them up. He ran over and hugged his diapers, not wanting to let them go. 
Well, we packed them all up and I prepared for the worst. I got a stack of underwear and pants, hauled all of his toys into the kitchen, filled a jar with jelly beans and waited. I didn't let him leave the kitchen. We got comfy and just laid around playing Legos.
The first time he went in the toilet was earth shattering. I was so happy!!!! 
We haven't looked back.
He's had maybe 3 accidents and he wakes up every morning with a dry Pull-up. I'm not quite ready to trust him in undies all night but he's doing so well!!
I'm actually shocked by the fact that he potty trained almost instantly. 
I feel like it was our last big hurdle to escape life with babies. :)
Yay.

A RELATIVELY HEALTHY WINTER (KNOCK ON WOOD)

Last winter, we were sick all. winter. long. It seemed to never end. Ava had started Kindergarten and brought home every bug possible. 

This year has been much better. (I hope I'm not jinxing all of us right now). While it's impossible to avoid all sickness, there have been a few things that we've done this winter that I think have made all the difference. 

-Everyone has their own cup in the bathroom and each one holds their own toothbrush and toothpaste. No more sharing. 

-Bedtimes are s.t.r.i.c.t. Call me crazy but the kids go to bed at 6:30 almost every night of the week (during the school year) so they get a full 12 hours of sleep. Believe me, they need it. :) 

-Clorox wipes are amazing. 

- Humidifiers are filled and running 24/7. Every bedroom has one and there's one in the living room too. We just learned the other day that the reason people get sick more often in the winter is because the air is dry so their mucus is more dry and unable to catch viruses before they get into your body. So, humidifiers it is. 

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

2017

Winter. It's -8 degrees and the wind is howling. The weather app says it feels like -32 degrees. The windows are beautifully laced with frosty fingers and the heat is cranked. I'm wishing I didn't have to leave the house today. I need to go take a double dose of Vitamin D. 

I feel weird this New Year. You know that feeling of renewed "I'm going to make my life awesome" feeling that people seem to miraculously feel on January 1st? I'm not feeling it. So what am I feeling? (I know, there's a lot of feeling going on here) There's been a trend the past couple of years of choosing a word to define your year. Words like joy, quality, pursuit, present, purpose, contentment, intentional and peace. What I'm wondering is why we just pick one? Wouldn't it be great if we could live out all of these words? That's how I'm feeling this year. 

That being said, I do have some goals for 2017. The first two are to get to my goal weight and run a half marathon. When I reach those two, I want to take guitar lessons. Something I've been wanting to do since I was 18. If there's one thing I've learned about myself is that I suffer from goal paralysis if there is such a thing. Set too many goals and I don't know where to begin and nothing gets done. Another thing that is very clear is that I'm the only one that can achieve my goals. No one else can lose the weight for me. No one else can run that half marathon for me. No one else can learn the guitar for me. Here's to 2017!

Just a little kid update. 
Oscar has had a growth spurt and is barreling his way into 4T clothes. 
He finds the letter "O" wherever he can and says, "Mom! There's mine O!!"
He's getting pretty good at singing the alphabet. 

Jaina is growing too. She's the same height as Ava was when she turned 6! 
It's hard to believe that she'll be going to kindergarten this year.

In the blink of an eye, Ava has gone from dressing up like a princess to friend drama at school. How does this happen?!

I'm going to combat the winter blues today by cleaning the house and I don't mean just pick up here and there. I mean really get in and get rid of stuff kind of clean. 

Or maybe I'll take a nap.

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

THE DAY MAMA LOST IT

Look at those kids. Aren't they just a bundle of cuteness? Yes, they are and I love them to death. But......

Today, mama lost it. 

Jaina has pushed every button and tested every limit lately. It's a constant stream of, "But I don't like that! Who do I play with? What should I do? I want to do something FUN!!!!" She's been crabby, whiny, negative and obstinate and all the while she wants to do something FUN! 

Believe me....I like fun just as much as the next guy but....

All of a sudden, I had a revelation and my kids heard the speech of a lifetime. 

"It is not my responsibility to give you fun. It IS my responsibility to love, nurture, feed, clothe, teach, shelter, comfort, heal and listen to you, but it is NOT my responsibility to give you fun. You have plenty of toys. Go use your imagination. I am not here on this earth to make sure that you have fun!"

Does this shock you? Maybe.
Does this make me a bad mom? Maybe.
Did this speech given at 6 decibels too loud change behaviors and attitudes almost immediately? Yes.

There's a saying that moms get paid in hugs and kisses. It's true. 
But being a mom is also a thankless job. 

I'm sure my mom is reading this and just laughing out loud because of these lessons that I'm learning ever so slowly. 

So, this is just a little drop in the bucket THANK YOU! to my Mom (and Dad) for loving, nurturing, feeding, clothing, teaching, sheltering, comforting, healing and listening to me. Thank you for putting up with all of my nonsense and for even making sure I had a little bit of fun. :)
I hope you have the consolation of knowing that I appreciate everything you've done for me even more now that I have my own rugrats to take care of. :)

Is it bedtime yet? 

Friday, October 28, 2016

HODGE PODGE

This is just kind of a hodge-podge of life right now...a roller coaster of emotions....ups and downs...the stresses of life and raising kids.

I ordered a pack of yoga cards on Amazon and the kids have had a lot of fun going through them! 
Ah, Weight Watchers. I hardly know what to say about this journey but I do know that looking at these pictures side by side is motivated, encouraging and uplifting. It's so easy to get dragged down by everyday failures when it comes to diet and exercise but I've proved that I can do it....now I just need to keep going!
Anyone tired of making supper? Me!! I'm excited about this new cookbook....maybe it will inspire me. I hope. 
I never imagined the things we would encounter as parents. Sometimes it seems like the emotional burden is heavy...when kids are sick, when things go wrong, even when things are good and right....there is always something in the back of our minds. We are trying a new trick to keep little hands busy instead of biting fingernails and other nervous habits. We are hoping that early intervention will lead to a healthier, happier, less anxious life. More than ever I'm so thankful for family and friends who support us in our efforts. 
"You have to be able to love yourself before you can love anyone else...yet marriage will not tolerate selfishness." 
I'll be the first to admit that marriage takes work. Even the best matched people probably run into glitches once in awhile. 
I love this book. It explains things like communication so clearly that it's hard not to apply its advice. I highly recommend it. Oh, and P.S. Don't worry. We're fine :) 
My friend Jen sent my this awesome shirt. Seriously, it fits me to a T!! How do I explain my relationship with Target? I would say it's thriving. How many packs of diapers, gallons of milk and bottles of dish soap have I purchased? How many times have I hauled all of the kids from the back of the store to the front, just so one of them could go potty? How many times have I walked through the aisles, pushing the cart with a screaming toddler while nursing the baby? How many times have I left the store feeling like it was the best workout I had all week because of the kid juggling and running around? And what is it about Target that makes you so hot!? How many times have I had free time and found myself just wandering the aisles and enjoying the peace and quiet? How many times have I gone to Target just for the simple reason of wanting to go simply because I. Love. Target? More than I can count.
I never thought I would be a Lego mom. I swore I would never buy Legos. Seriously, I love Duplo Legos!! They are awesome! Lesson learned. Never say never. 
I'm a big fan of baby teeth. Ava's front tooth is so loose so I snapped a picture just so I could have one of her baby teeth. :)
If anyone is wondering, we still paint in our undies at our house. :)

Ever heard of Bill Staines? He's my new favorite musician. 

And now it's the weekend! 

Saturday, October 15, 2016

MY LITTLE OSCAR

I thought it might be time for a little Oscar update since every time he says something cute I'm like, "Man, I need to remember that! Maybe I should write it down!" :)

He loves his "ABC's" but to him it's "ERD" When he sees letters and wants to tell me what they are he says, "Wow, Mom! E R D!!"

"Peeew!! Deena (Jaina) stinks"

He counts to 11 on a good day but some of his numbers get mixed up.

"I love meetings, Mama."

"Tell me a story, Oscar."
"Ummm...Ruuf (Ruth) and Jesus."

"Can I help you, Mama?"

"You makin me sad, Mama."

He really, really, really wants to go to school.

"I cared (scared) mama."
He gets scared at night of anything that makes a shadow.

"Do it mineself!"

He loves to sing song with his sisters but he's always a few words behind. :)

"Oscar can you pick up your toy's please?"
"Eeeee....sure!"

Friday, October 14, 2016

ERIC + AMBER {SEPTEMBER 24TH}

Congratulations Eric and Amber!!! Wishing you many, many years of love and laughter!!!! 

10 WHOLE YEARS

Ten years. It's seems like yesterday that we stood by the lake and said our vows. Life together has brought so many new experiences. How do you sum up 10 years in a few words? All I can say is that it just gets better. 
I'm so thankful that we were able to take a few days to celebrate our anniversary. Mom and Dad took the kids for the weekend (thanks a million times a million!) and we headed up the north shore. We managed to score one of the last rooms at Lutsen Resort and had the best. weekend. ever. 
We hiked Eagle Mountain (the highest point in MN), rode the gondola and the alpine slide at Lutsen Ski Resort, played mini golf and explored Grand Marais, sat on the beach, drank lots of coffee, toured Split Rock Lighthouse and enjoyed a few precious days of no diapers and car seats. We loved every second of our weekend away. 
How about a little time travel to when we were just babies? :)

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

I was surprised when Ava came home on her first day of 1st grade and told me that she had had a bad day. She came home on her second day and told me she had another bad day. She didn't like her teacher, she didn't like school and she didn't want to go. It broke my heart because this wasn't the Ava I know. The Ava I know loves school and loves to learn. Over the course of the week, I found out there are 31 kids in her class. That's a lot of kids. I also found out that she had been getting in "trouble." Trouble?! I had a minute to talk to her teacher one afternoon and I was assured that all of the kids were in the same boat....learning the rules and discipline of the classroom. 
It's been about a month now since school started and she's been having good days. Her teacher isn't quite two thumbs up but it's not because her teacher is horrible. She's actually quite good! I think it's just been an adjustment to stricter discipline which is good for Ava. I think overall, she's going to have a really good year. 
Little miss Jaina loves preschool. She has the best teacher and I love that she has this opportunity to go every morning. My hope is that this will be her last year of preschool. Kindergarten, here she comes!!!