fred

Last year, we welcomed Fred the elf to our family. Tonight, he returned to our house from a long year at the North Pole.

I have never seen two kids so opposite.

One scared to death, clinging to me for dear life (Kiley) and the other bouncing off the walls with wonder and excitement (Jaxon) and a million different questions about how he got there, can he turn his head and see us, how does he watch us when we're at school, can he hear us, and on and on and on...

Let the month of Elf on the Shelf (and a few hours of good behavior) begin...

bedtime

Many families have very specific bedtime routines for their kids. I'm not sure how ours compares, but I'm willing to bet that someday in the not so distant future, I'm going to miss ours. I can't imagine not spending time before going to bed, reading books and watching music videos with my kids, talking about the day... it's one of my most favorite times of the day. And also the most chaotic.

As Scott said tonight. It is both the worst 20 minutes and the best 20 minutes of the day.

Here's a quick rundown of the 20+ minute routine...

Step 1: Set the timer. We started this with Jaxon when he had a hard time listening and now we use it for everything. We set the timer for bedtime, leaving the park, sometimes eating dinner... it's a tangible timeframe that he can theoretically understand. Though it always comes with 5 more minutes....

Step 2: Watch a show and have a snack. Unless of course you lost one or both of these throughout your daily events via poor behavior. If there weren't any consequences, one could expect to have a fruit snack, popcorn, fruit, or if you've really been good- fruit rollups or Gushers. I know. Don't scold us! We're doing the best we can!

Step 3: The race. In our old place we had quite the runway to race through the living room, through the kitchen, and to the bathroom. Here, it's straight up the stairs. Still a good race. But if Jaxon doesn't win, then it really wasn't a race (he currently makes up all the rules- we just follow them).

Step 4: Brush teeth, go potty. This usually involves Kiley and Jaxon on the same stool battling for positions at the sink. Most recently it has involved them brushing with two toothbrushes at the same time. Better coverage, perhaps? Probably not. At this point it's just difficult to argue.

Step 5: Kiley finds something to play with- usually something 'pretty' and reads us some books.

 

We usually give Jaxon the option of books or videos. The rock star that he is, he always chooses to watch music videos.

Occasionally he will perform for us too...

And let me tell you... it is very difficult to find appropriate music videos for this kid. He's got the words to the Kesha, Gonna Die Young song memorized and likes to rock out to this. We let him watch the version that just has the lyrics pop across the screen with the music. We've approved most Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson songs and many of the Train songs. Carrie Underwood's Blown Away has been banned ever since Jaxon had nightmares that we were all killed in the 'tomato' (tornado). To this day, if there are thunderstorms, he asks me about 'tomatos'.

 

 

Step 6: 'You cuddle me mommy'?  

And so the process begins... hugs and kisses, gobbles and tucks... blankets and books in bed... choosing which stuffed animal is going to make the cut today (sorry lamb/puppy-you have really gotten the shaft lately!)... and the water. Oh my goodness, who would have known something so simple could cause so much strife. If it's not in exactly the right spot, somene throws a tantrum. And every other night Kiley decides if she wants ice or doesn't want ice. And if you did it wrong, boy does she let you know!

 

Step 7: Turn on the fans, turn off the light.

 

Step 8: Leave the room.

Me: "I'll come check on you guys in ten minutes."

Kiley: "Don't check on me mommy. Just Jaxon."

 

Step 9: Wait for it....

 

Step 10: Jaxon either has to tell me something, has to poop, or needs more water. Inevitable.

 

and then...peace and quiet are a beautiful thing...

i do. again and again.

this weekend, my sister and law said 'i do' to her best friend allen.

what a great couple.

 

they remind me a lot of two people i know from long ago.

about seven years to be exact.

 

nearly 18 years ago, i met and fell in love with my best friend. i'll never forget that high school football game at Eden Prairie- I'm sure we lost but I couldn't care less.

 

I had just asked a five year old to ask my future husband to the Sadie Hawkins dance for me. I thought it clever and cute. Never did I think i'd be marrying my date and calling his five year old brother an in-law!

 

but i digress.

 

we've been through a lifetime together in 18 years of friendship and 7 years of marriage. never a dull moment in our house it seems. through all the ups and downs though, i'd do it all over again. how can you really go wrong when you marry your best friend?

 

especially since he gave me these bright shining stars...

 

 

 

i love you honiez. happy anniversary! hugs and kisses to you and best of wishes.

 

jenny and allen- we wish you both an eternity of love and joy, happiness and laughter. you're certainly off to a good start!