Traditions

This year's holiday seemed to be all about traditions...

Making new ones, hanging on to old ones, and breaking others.

We started with a new tradition of welcoming an elf to our family. His name is Fred. Sometimes Diego. Other times his name is 'Huckenchucks'. No matter what his name is, we always know that elf is watching, often from an exciting new location like the hanging lights or the mantle. One day he rode the cash cow (Jaxon's piggy bank) and he's even managed to perch from the very top of our windows.

It's been a joy to watch Kiley find him every morning- she practically bolts out of bed with an urgent need to find 'Elf'. To which she points and giggles till the novelty wears off. And then she does it again a half hour later. This elf has also been our watchdog for good behavior that we've hung over Jaxon's head just a few times. Which begs the question why there wouldn't be a year-round elf, though I guess that is a parent's job? Can't leave all the discipline up to a 10-inch piece of animated felt I guess.

Grandma and Grandpa Walker also introduced Jaxon to the 25 Days of Christmas... their own made-up Advent calendar. Jaxon received two bags with no less than 25 wrapped gifts, the weekend of Thanksgiving, each with a handwritten card and a special something inside. Often it was something we could make together, decorate our house or tree with, or give away as a special gift to someone he loves.

It's a special piece of grandma and grandpa to keep with him each day when they can't be closer. And while I recognize the thought and love that goes into it, we've decided to modify this tradition next year to 12 Days of Christmas.

I couldn't keep up.

So, finally after all our holiday preparations, we headed up to West Fargo this year on a snowy Friday morning. At least it was white out for a little while!

We made it just in time to catch a game of 'Headbandz' with cousin Zoe. Grandpa was very excited to be a spoon. Scott asked some very thought-provoking questions about pizza, and Jaxon pretty much just told everyone what they were. Kiley was concerned that the blue headband didn't match her red shirt. So she opted out.

And of course, carried on our tradition of making Gingerbread Houses. This is one of those traditions we've decided to modify for next year.

Here's the thing. Those gingerbread house kits are crap. They never seem to turn out the way they look on the box, leaving a child (and their parent) feeling incompetent and hopeless. Kiley knew it right away though, that she was never going to get that icing to stay on the uneven slabs of gingerbread. So she just used some whipped cream, put some gumdrops and sprinkles on top, and called it a day. Smart girl.

So if the folks at Michaels could indulge a frustrated parent and grandma, and get to work on some preassembled houses we can just decorate, we'll oblige by making this our new tradition.  

 

My family tradition has always been to go to church on Christmas Eve. Most everyone opted out of going this year though either due to a great football game on tv or delicious snacks being served on the kitchen counter. Given my parental guilt and recent overwhelming desire to introduce my kids to God and the true meaning of Christmas, I was excited to take the kids to the church service and thought it would be the start of my new resolution to go to church more often.

Or ever.

Well, traditions don't always last. Nor do they sometimes start the way you want them to.

I've realized this and have already let it go.

Jaxon was adamantly against putting on his Christmas sweater and shirt I bought him. And from there it was pretty much downhill and I knew I wasn't getting him to go to church. Not when there was Angry Birds and delicious snacks.

But Kiley was happy to get dressed up and accompany me and Scott to church. We'll try again next year for all of us, and I'm still resolving to go to church more often.

Or ever. Nice sweater or not. With or without my compliant/non-compliant children. 

 

When we got home from church, we took some pictures of the kids. Not sure these are as Christmas-card worthy as the shots last year, but we tried. Too many wiggles and squirms this time around!

Okay, and seriously, is she not so adorable? Look at this girl in her cute little Christmas dress! A mother could not be more proud.

Unless her son wore his Christmas sweater and went to church with her. Then she'd be really proud.

And of course, we even wrote it down on a list- this year we were going to get a picture of the four of us and a picture of all the family.

It was on a list! Did it happen? Not a chance.

Oh well, finally, after a long weekend of too many gifts, too much food, lots of fun, and some good laughs, we headed back home.

We got to celebrate Christmas Day with the Vuongs at our house. There were lots of hugs and kisses. Kiley learned early on, that the more kisses she gave to Grandma Wa, the more gold coins she was able to garner for her new piggy bank.

So now Jaxon has a Cash Cow and Kiley has a Piggy Bank. They've already started saving for our next trip.

Or, ahem, I mean college.

I hope you all had a very happy holiday with whatever family traditions you hold dear to you- whether they are new ones, old ones, or those that have evolved along the way. For our traditions are what we make of them and what we remember of our lives, without even thinking about it....

“I don't know much about history, and I wouldn't give a nickel for all the history in the world. History is more or less bunk. It is tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker's damn is the history we make” - Henry Ford

Tis the season!

I'm not sure what it is about the holidays this year...  but I've really been in the holiday spirit these days.

Maybe it's because it hasn't been so bitterly cold this year, leaving me with a smile on my face rather than a grimmace and hunched up shoulders, scurrying to get inside before my tears freeze to my cheeks.

Maybe it's because I feel so relaxed and less stressed about buying gifts... as we've added a few more adults to our non-gifting tradition and are only providing gift-wrapped joy to the wee ones.

Certainly it isn't the lack of snow, because that is something I do miss. I know. Wierd, right? First I don't mind birds, then I am missing snow. It's not so much that I miss playing in it, because I don't do that. Nor do I miss driving in it, because I pretty much ban myself from the road when the flurries fly. I guess I just miss the white, pristine beauty of an early morning snowfall, the trees covered in little white flecks.

Am I going through a mid-life crisis or something? Well I did just book a trip to Mexico, so it's possible.

I could be in the holiday spirit because we have an elf named Fred living with us. I finally put up Christmas lights in the house. And I got my Christmas cards out before New Year's.  Or, maybe it's because I feel like I am in better shape than I've ever been. I don't have cancer (though my love-hate relationship with WebMd makes me think otherwise. Seriously, I need a restraining order.). And I have just finished the Hunger Games series, making me oh-so-thankful I don't live in District 12.

I also have the most amazing little smiles that greet me every day with hugs and sloppy kisses, new craft projects oozing with glitter and half-dried ribbon, and little giggles and squeals of joy that honestly make me want to cry they are so cute. My husband is just as charming, argumentative, and loving as he was when I first met him. My family is all healthy and well this holiday season and my friends are experiencing the joys of new babies, new love, and new adventures.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

Yes, 'tis the season!

4 for Four

Mom, when will I have another birthday? Jaxon asked as he was taking a nap today... not for another whole year kiddo.

It's been an awesome few days for the kid. No wonder he wants to relive it again. I always wonder what he'll remember from these early years. Probably not a lot, if my memory is any indication... but nevertheless, I want it to be special for him in the here and now. And I guess I have the memories here for all the world to see, so even if he doesn't remember anything... everyone else will and he'll know it must be true!

Jaxon's birthday started out about a month ago when the daily mantra was '4 for Four'! I'm turning 4 on December 4th in about four weeks!

Then, there was the cookie decorating party at Nancy's last week on Thursday to celebrate and finally Grandma and Grandpa Walker came into town on Friday and his birthday weekend was here.

And even though we didn't have birthday celebration on Friday or Saturday, pretty much Jaxon got to break all the rules anyway just because grandma and grandpa and Zoe were with us. Sleepovers in the living room, up until 10pm, too many spritz and other treats (okay, that was me too!).

Sunday was the big golden birthday though- we had a party at the Childrens' Museum with all his friends and family.

Of course I hadn't planned any sort of activity for the kids, thinking we probably wouldn't have time and it might be a little chaotic. Both true.

But children are not short on imagination and an activity was not really needed.  The party started out by finding the least safe 'toy' in the room. I'm pretty sure this was actually Scott's idea.

Then, they found the stage and ran circles around each other until they were exhausted. Bet no parent complained about that one (except for maybe the Heils who had to deal with Gretchen's rugburn on her head). Sorry 'bout that. 

After everyone was sufficiently tired, we had cake and ice cream even though it was only 10:30 in the morning... If you can't break the rules on your birthday though, what fun is that?

Jaxon got a little spooked by everyone singing to him and retreated into his own little space... my lap.

He moved on pretty quickly though and was able to get after his presents. He came home with quite the loot. Lots of fun stuff though that he has been really enjoying the past couple days, including several really loud obnoxious games like Hungry Hungry Hippo and Wack-a-mole. Thanks to everyone who gave him nice quiet things like books, puzzles and money that sits in his piggy bank. You've obviously done this before.

 And before you know it, the scene turned into chaos, and chaos turned into fun...

 We even gathered everyone for a family photo and got most everyone looking!

The after-party was at McDonald's for lunch. What can I say? Kiley had a good time. She was lovin' it and auditioning for a McDonald's commercial.

And as an after-thought, we ended up with a family photo of everyone exhausted, leaving the museum.

Then, today, I took the day off, prolonging the inevitable end of the birthday festivities! I decided I wanted a day with Jaxon without having to work from home, or feed Kiley, or plan around anyone else. Just me and my little boy who doesn't seem so little anymore.

We went to the Mall of America and went on some rides at Nick Universe. At first, I don't think Jaxon really understood why daddy was going to work and Kiley was going to Nancy's... I had to tell him a few different times and a few different ways, and then he seemed to figure it out.

My hope is that it made him feel loved, and so so special, with our undivided attention and focus on him. Scott was able to meet us for lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and Jaxon was SO excited to see him. I think he just thought this was the greatest day ever.

After our rides, we stumbled upon a high school band that was playing holiday music. We sat next to a couple and I chatted with them about their son who was playing in the band. They seemed so proud, and had obviously driven a ways to see him and taken off of work. They were beaming when he did his solo (even though he was a little pitchy).

And I had a flash forward.

In ten or twelve years that will be me sitting there, clapping and taking pictures of my teenager in the band... or in the stadium bleachers cheering on the soccer forward... or watching him in his championship tennis match... or any number of things... and it made me just think what a special thing I have and how precious little time we have each and every day...

so I held Jaxon a little closer, told him I love him and how much fun I was having... because you never know what they will remember...

Happy Birthday Jaxon. We love you more than you'll ever know!

gobble gobble

Well, after having turkey three of the past five days, I am officially on a vegetarian diet for the next twenty four hours. Okay, okay, I am having turkey rice veggie soup for lunch tomorrow for lunch. And dinner. And the next two days...

The past several years we have hunkered down at home over Thanksgiving, not wanting to travel in the snow with small children and wanting more quiet time to enjoy the long weekend. But this year, we thought, what the heck? Let's continue with our world traveling and head up to Fargo. 

It wasn't too long before Jaxon and Kiley made themselves right at home at grandma and grandpas house. Jaxon and grandpa crafted a matchbox car ramp out of an apple pie box. It's no Hot Wheels sky jump, but it will do.

Kiley made herself at home with Grandma's jewelry stash and the dog toys... though it took her a little while to warm up to that Sammy (one of two dogs) and Maggie. By the end of our visit, she was intensely focused on Maggie of all animals- the cat who doesn't really do anything. Sorry Mags. Kiley just followed her all around saying screetching 'Kitty!!'.

On Thursday afternoon we headed over to the Geurin side (my mom's side) for a turkey dinner, lefse (actually one of my favorite parts!) and some awesome too much football.

We snapped a few photos in the backyard- yes, it really was 57 degrees in Fargo in November. I know, unheard of. No, it wasn't a dream. Yes, we lived through the blizzard of 91 and no they don't talk like that movie Fargo.

Oh yah, you betcha they do.

The kids got squeezed by grandma and grandpa...

I got squeezed by the kids...

The four generations of women (and Jaxon)... (no squeezin')....

And then lo and behold, a Thanksgiving Miracle happened.

Jaxon asked for a carrot. He not only wanted to see the carrot, he wanted to dip it in ranch and eat the carrot. It was truly a miracle--he even went back for more. Mark this one for the record books.

Kiley kept grandpa busy by taking the salt and pepper tops on and off. For a long time. Welcome to our world dad. The joy of doing nothing and being really excited about it.

On Friday, we went to the Walkers, where we had another turkey, ham, some other yummies... Kiley really enjoyed herself.

Hey dad- I'm gonna need some more of those beans.

And then Saturday we spent the morning just hanging out. I love moments like these.

They sure do make all the fighting, bickering, toy stealing, walloping on the head, and general misbehavior worth it. Maybe they were just putting on a show, but it sure seemed to me that Jaxon genuinely loves his little sister. And I know Kiley looks up to Jaxon in every way possible. Just today, she saw him going 'pee-pee' and she started saying 'potty-potty', pointing frantically. So I set her on the potty just for fun. She loves to be like her brother... in many ways they are the best of friends.

I so love watching them grow up together. Though I have to say I am getting a little nervous... I think the older Kiley gets, the more in cahouts she will be with Jaxon. Scott and I don't know it yet, but we have trouble on our hands with these guys!

Nevertheless, I am so very very thankful for the blessings of family, friends, children, good health, and most of all, simple moments- the joy of doing nothing and being really really excited about it.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving...

hummingbirds and Tootsie pops

four airplaines, two shuttle trains, six people movers, 6 Tootsie-pops, 8 chocolate chip cookies, a box of cheese-its, 17 fruit snacks, two applesauce squeezes, lots of 7-up, five fruit strips, many unsuccessful organic crackers and yogurt drops, and a few stops at McDonald's....

we made it to Sacramento and back...

with two kids...one who can only sit still for a maximum of 17 seconds and the other who asks more questions than Alex Trebec on Jeapardy...

we arrived on a Wednesday afternoon to surprise the birthday girl Carol- I wish we had photos of this... the look on her face was priceless and she didn't miss a beat... just gave us all hugs, welcomed us into her home for the next five days, and offered us a beer... only a true friend or family does that... she certainly is both.

on Thursday, we woke up and decided to go to the park--there were lots of ducks, a doggie snack break, and a very wet playground... there was also a little boy who had to stop because he had a hangnail....

Carol and Jaxon managed to do some digging, despite the hard sand...

 On Friday afternoon we ventured out to the Sacramento Zoo--across from FairyTale Land. We all remember the incident at Fairy Tale Land (click here if you do not remember the incident at Fairy Tale Land). So, we were hoping we didn't have a repeat of the incident at FairyTale Land. Especially since Carol had just been insulted at the admission window when the clerk asked her if she qualified for the 65 and older discount. Absolutely not!

Jaxon put his charm to good work as soon as he saw this camoflauge stroller. Even though we had a perfectly capable stroller to push Kiley in, we rented this one for $8 and then just pushed an empty stroller.

 I beleive this is our only family shot from the whole trip... and we are standing next to a giant monkey. Fitting because Kiley kind of sounds like a monkey sometimes when she shrieks.

And this is one of my favorite photos... what would any loving father do when his daughter cries because he took something away from her? Laugh in her face. I mean, sometimes you just have to. Really. You would know if you lived with her.

It was all good though since Jaxon had a map and could tell us where we were going (and that we had yet to see that pointy-nosed-animal).

We also did an interesting thing while we were in California. We drove to Lodi, about 40 minutes from where we were, to see cranes.

Yes, cranes.

Now, most people who know me, know that I'm not particularly fond of birds. Especially being in an open field with them flying over your head. (I've had far too many close encounters with 'the birds' and often imagine myself in that horrific scene from 'The Birds' when she gets pecked to death by birds.)

Too much for a kids' blog?

Okay, so anyway... we drive to this big open field, and arrive about ten minutes before sunset. Interestingly, there were other people there too. Lots of them actually for it being in the middle of nowhere. All of them armed with cameras way more powerful than ours. We figured something might happen... and Carol and Jeri promised hundreds of cranes would show up, each making their craney sound... and they were right.

All of a sudden, around 5pm when the sun had just set, like clockwork, these cranes just started coming out of nowhere. Apparently they do this every day. They fly out to work and then fly home to nest... (or something like that). Pretty amazing sight actually, even for someone who fears birds in open fields. This picture doesn't really tell the whole story- you had to be there...

 Put it on your bucket list the next time you're in Sacramento.

  

Saturday was the big party. We sure missed the rest of the Hoods- Laura, Janet, and Jeff- but we had so much fun celebrating with those who were there. Fun to catch up with everyone and Kiley got to make a new friend too- baby Ella. She is a little sweetie.

Kiley showed her where all the tupperware was and how to be silly by putting it on your head. She's got some real leadership qualities, that girl. Especially with her ability to be vocal about what she wants.

 

Kiley says, 'later Ella, I will show you how to put a shoe in your shirt and make people laugh.'

Skills for a lifetime. 

 Jaxon made Carol a leaf. He sure was proud to show it to her. He was also quite proud of his ability to eat apple cake (below). Good stuff. I can attest.

 The chefs were doing their thing in the kitchen and they wowed us with risotto, ribs, chicken, pasta salad, and something else I'm sure. I can't say for sure, because I didn't do much, but it really seemed like a lot of work. Probably a good thing not all of the Hoods were there!

Again, for someone who's not really a fan of birds, one of my favorite things about spending time at Carol and Jeri's was the hummingbird feader out front. We'd be talking or sharing stories, and out of nowhere Jaxon would exclaim 'the hummingbird is back!' and we'd all watch him feed, along with all of his friends. They're pretty magical little birds- they've always somewhat fascinated me.

I think this quote about hummingbirds (from wikipedia) sums up our time spent in California, with dear friends and family...

'In Native American culture, a hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy and the Nectar of Life. It's a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.'

I know it seemed impossible to us to fly across the country with two little kids, our luggage, a stroller, a laptop and an HP touchpad... but we found our joyful living in Tootsie Pops, playing Oh Hell and 31, and watching cranes swoop in from afar.

Thanks Carol and Jeri (and Margaret!) for a wonderful trip, lasting memories, and hey- did you ever find Kiley's fork??

A spooktacular day.

Since becoming an adult (a few years ago), I've been a little annoyed by Halloween. It's always so much work to figure out just the right costume... one that nobody has thought of, is clever, and doesn't cost a fortune in time or money to put together. I can't remember the last time I dressed up in costume- clearly I don't get invited out to Halloween parties anymore. And about the only memorable Halloween costume I can remember is when I went as static cling to my aunt's wedding many many years ago...

But. There's always a but.

Having kids changes things.

For better or worse, I am learning to love celebrating silly holidays like Halloween. Who even knows why we celebrate it? I sure don't. Neither do my kids.

But they love it just the same.

When I asked Jaxon what he wanted to be this year, I was silently hoping it wouldn't be something too difficult... something I'd have to piece some fabric together or glue on emblems, find swords or other props to finish it off. Because while I am occasionally crafty, I just didn't have it in me this year.

So I was pleasantly surprised when he said, 'I'm gonna be a cheeseburger.' He doesn't know yet that people don't usually wear the same thing two years in a row. Just like women don't wear the same dress to more than one wedding. And so, I delighted in the fact that he doesn't know these things yet. He's not tainted with the need to have more and more and more.

Well, that was until the Sunday ads started coming wtih 'Toy books' for the holidays... but that's another post.

And so in the spirit of using what we already have, Jaxon was a cheeseburger. And perhaps you'll recognize Kiley's costume... our little kangaroo. She doesn't quite fill it out the way Jaxon did when he first wore it, but she adds a little grace to the outfit. Especially with the pink ribbon in her ear (had to let people know she was a girl somehow!.

And inching myself a little clsoer to a costume, I wore an orange turtleneck and black pants to work today... for whatever it is we celebrate, we sure had a fun night carving our pumpkin, having a pizza party, trick-or treating, and handing out candy.

Hope you had a Spooktacular day too!

An apple a day... or two, or three...

Hopefully the old saying is true for us this winter.

I have dreaded the winter for as long as I can remember, but I dread it moreso now with kids. With the cold weather comes the inevitable colds, flu, ER trips, and endless calls to the Nurseline.

So, here's hoping our stock of freshly picked Honeycrisp can get us at least a few weeks into the season without too much vacation time used up for frivolous fevers and runny noses. 

I look forward to our apple orchard visits each fall. It's always such a fun time to spend with family and something I didn't necessarily grow up doing. Not too many orchards out on the prarire. 

So I love to pack everyone up, venture into the country, and breathe the freh crisp air, the smell of apples and cinnamon, and just walk through the orchards, taking photos and enjoying each other. This year was especially fun because it was a gorgeous fall day, the sun was shining most of the time, and everyone was in a good mood.

And, everyone was old enough to eat  apples! Kiley has taken a special liking to them, although she sometimes bites off more than she can chew and almost choking herself. I think she just gets so excited to be doing it herself. She is becoming more and more independent, which is a little crazy and scary. She's definately moved right into toddlerhood.

I just had to dig up this picture of Jaxon from his first orchard trip. Any similarities?

Swiper, no swiping!

Jaxon has taken a liking to going to bed and then coming out of his room "to tell us something". Usually several times.

Some of the better nightime excuses of late...

"Mom, I have to tell you something. My pecker is goofy." (Yes, he calls his penis a pecker. and yes, apparently these things start this young??)

"Mom, I have to tell you something. I found a feather in my bed."

"Mom, I have to tell you something. I had a dream. And it was about a dinasaur and my baby sister. The dinosaur ate my baby sister."

Me: Go to sleep Jaxon.
Jaxon: "I don't know how."

"Mom, I have to tell you something. My finger is goofy. I have a hangnail."

Jaxon: "Dad, I have to tell mom something. Mom, I can't find my pillow and blanket."
Me: "You mean the one that is in your bed. You can't find it?"
Jaxon: "Yeah. I couldn't find it."

And the very best... was the other night, Jaxon came running into our room in the middle of the night- "Daddy, daddy. I'm scared. Swiper the Fox was in my room and was swiping stuff."

And now... almost every night, Jaxon is concerned about Swiper coming in and swiping stuff. Though I think we have him convinced that I e-mailed Swiper and he is in South America so it is too far away for him to get to Minnesota to swipe anything. Whew!

the good, the bad and the ugly

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly... I experienced them all this weekend...

The Good:

My niece, Zoe, spent the night with us on Saturday. I don't get to see her very much, so when I do, it's always a treat. To hear what's new in the 9-year old world (how to make an electic circuit from a battery), and what never changes (still likes cheese pizza and cookies).

On Sunday morning (today), we went to the Minnesota Zoo. I had gotten the free pass at the library again for the second time this summer (so lucky!).

  

We had a ton of fun even though it was quite hot for mid-October and the bees were swarming our sticky stroller like they knew it was thier last feeding of the year.

The Bad:

Scott 'forgot' he had a fishing trip this weekend. We really missed him. And we didn't get to do some of the things I had wanted to do this weekend, like Harvest Fest and Apple Picking.

Also bad- the movie titled 'Adventuers of a Teenage Dragonslayer.' Next time Jaxon wants to pick, I think I'll need to exercise a little more oversight.

The Ugly:

Saturday night.

I had a baby shower to attend on Saturday afternoon, so my brother watched the kids with Zoe. Jaxon easily convinced Cory that he did not need a nap and apparently Kiley followed suit. Needless to say, I had some crabby kids on my hands.

A few slices of pizza, a fun dip full of sugar, and 18,000 germs from the most disgustingly crowded Chuck E Cheeses later... and we were on borrowed time. The kids were falling apart and so I quickly tried to move us along on the bedtime routine.

What ensued was not pretty. It was downright awful.

My niece on the couch watching her shows on TV. Jaxon screaming at me and hitting me. Kiley shreeking rather loudly. It was all too much for this tired, slightly emotional, somewhat selfish (?) mom. Was it so difficult to just go to bed?  Couldn't they see I needed 'my time'? Didn't they know I just wanted to sit down for a minute and maybe eat a snack or drink a cold beverage in silence? And why does this always happen to me? Scott never has a problem putting these kids to bed.

After it was over (and kids were soundly asleep), I laid on thier floor and cried...

I hope I never lose my temper like that again. Though I know I might. (Don't worry, I didn't do anything too crazy!)

I hope I can always try to see the world through my kids' eyes, instead of making them see through mine. Though I know this will be tough.

I hope my children know, that no matter what they do, how mad they make me, and how much they push my buttons; I will love them unconditionally. Though I know they won't always understand.

I hope I can always take a step back from my 'madness' and say, 'I'm sorry.' and 'I love you.', even when it's hard because I might still be mad.

I really, really hope that we can get back on a good sleep schedule. Though I know I am probably doomed for a good decade or two.