Deer, Unicorn, Pink Booties

It's December.. and I'm ready.
We are reading Christmas books, the kids are leaving the tree alone way better than I thought - even Ainsy.

This week Grady got his tubes taken out! I guess they feel out before but now they are officially out.

I've been busy working on our magazine at work. This is my second issue - the topics are pretty dry - workers comp, gdp, reinsurance, but I'm happy with it coming together.

This past weekend was the start of the holiday stuff. Mom and Dad took the kids to the GRE Christmas party, leaving Matt and I to have a semi-date night. We walked pride of dakota show with Ainsy and then went out to dinner. She came too and was in a relatively good mood and handled it all well. I forgot how easy one kid was and even when I had one kid I don't think it was this easy in my mind! Ha!

We did some of our holiday traditions - we went and got our ornaments from the store. Ainsley picked our her Baby First Christmas Ornament and then we got ones for the olders. As a refresher, Matt and I each pick out one for each kid and they pick from those two. In the past, I'm 2 outta 3 for Eleanor, only missing her second Christmas. I'm 50:50 for Grady, only getting his first Christmas. This year I came out collectively ahead and pulled a win with both girls. G did not pick my elf but Ainsley did pick my pink booties and I almost E. Matt put a bacon ornament up against my unicorn pick and she REALLLLy thought about it!

We also baked cookies - which went pretty well. I think next year may be easier but they enjoyed it and were excited to see them We'll frost and decorate them next week after visiting Santa. Heaven help us!

E also had her first playdate. She's been talking about a friend for some time, Ellyanna. For the longest time couldn't say her name right and I didn't know who Iguana was BUT we connected with her parents and the girls played pretty well... sometimes side by side, sometimes with each other.

We also did something new, that I remember... I recorded all the Christmas specials I could find and the kids have been LOVING it. We've watched Rudolph and Santa is coming to town and Charlie Brown and Frosty BUT the favorite by far... the original cartoon of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
E is completely hooked!!

Lemon CakePie, Air Museum Gin, Pumpkin decor

It's been a crazy week... Policy Summit was this week and it was a flurry scurry at the end. AND we celebrated Matt's birthday. Matt has never been super excited about his birthday but I want the kids to also get that it's important so I bought balloons and got him a special cake - or a lemon pie, and also got a few presents for him to open. The kids thought it was fun to blow out the candles with him.

We also finally celebrated our anniversary this weekend - sure it was last week but we weren't in any place or condition to really take time for ourselves. Michele and Randy came down and spent the night with the kids and we took off for Fargo and went to the Fargo Air Museum's big fundraising event, we were given tickets from Kim and Jon so it was a triple win. Good supper, fun event, and getting to catch up a bit with good friends. We did bid on a few silent auction items to no avail BUT the highlight was Matt buying a ticket to for the Aviation Gin and winning it!

We bummed a bit in Fargo - had brunch at Granite City and also took in Costco (isn't that what all party people do). When we got back, we said good bye to Grandma and Grandpa and decorated the front steps with pumpkins and gourds that we got from neighbor Vern. Here's hoping all the dropped pumpkins will survive!!

ALR and GRR getting ready for GRR to take a nap.
Reading Brown Bear.
Door swings open.
EER: Mama - can I get some books to take to Dad?
ALR: Yes, you can.
EER grabs 6 books and walks back to the door.
ALR: Eleanor, please close the door.
EER sets books on the floor. Door closes.
GRR: Bye, ElNor
Door swings back open.
EER: You have a good nap, buddy.
EER walks back.
EER: High five?
High five ensues.
EER: Knucks?
Knucks ensues.
EER: Okay, you have a good time and I'll see you in a bit.
EER grabs each side of his face and kisses him
GRR: Bye ElNor.
EER walks back to the door.
EER: Okay, I'm going to go check on Dad. You have a good night.
GRR: Bye ElNor
GRR waves.
EER: I'll miss you, Grady.
EER walks back in.
GRR grabs both sides of her face, kisses her.
ALR: okay, okay. Go check on Dad, Grady needs to take a nap.
EER: Okay, I'll see you in a bit. You have a good rest....
Chatter continues as door shuts.
GRR in a quiet voice: Bye ElNor.

Pillow. Drinks. FT daycare

So we bought Eleanor a pillow for her bed... maybe I'm too soon with it, whatever. Here's how it went down. We opened the box, she was excited. We put the pillow case on, more excitement. We put it on the ground, still excited... and then she does nothing but wants to sit on it. Sure, she'll grab a blankie to cuddle... sit on the pillow and lay back - which results in cracking her little head on whatever is behind her. To which she thinks is not comfortable. OH my this little girl! We've even tried demoing it with her... hopefully a monkey-see, monkey-do situation. She still thinks it's more fun to sit on.

It's been a crazy couple weeks.... we were lucky to get another visit from Petroffs. They were in town for the sports show and also wanted to give us a Christmas present of a date night out. So they took on all three kids...who are 6 months and 10 months apart and we went out to my friend, Stacy's bar (Thomas and Moriarty's)- which we've been trying to do for some time.

The next weekend we took in the Muledeer Foundation Banquet at the Amvets - hard to believe another date night out. We cached in a Christmas present and had Eric and Amanda stay with the kids that night.

The next week was Grady's official start to full time daycare - bittersweet for me. I love having him with me as I won't miss any moments. Afterall, I saw both kids roll over for the first time in my office on the floor. However, I always enjoy a little bit of free time to myself and the ability to catch up on work.

That took us to the end of February...
Potty training is a bit rough with hit and misses but mostly a lot of sitting and heading books on the potty. But she does think it's fun to help Dad outside.

Grady is getting sturdier sitting up. We'd just wish he'd sleep through the nights a bit better.
We unofficially celebrated his 6 months... hard to believe that it's already here - where has the time gone?

The one where Daycare starts again

WE HAVE DAYCARE!!! WE HAVE DAYCARE! IT IS AMAZING!! NOT JUST THE DAYCARE BUT THE VERY IDEA! To all the part time babysitters who gave their time and energy to watch my hot mess redhead, THANK YOU... but I won't lie, I am so relieved to have some normalcy back into my life. I didn't realize how much I missed having a schedule and not having to coordinate and organize. It's nice. It's also nice that for this first week she was so played out she slept solid/like the dead for the first week back!

The other big news is that Eric moved out this past weekend. He has found a place and his parents brought down his stuff and got him and his dog all moved in. Michele invited us over Saturday night to check it out! I don't know who is more excited? Eric or his dog, Chips. They are together!

So with our basement empty and our guest bedroom empty of babysitters, suddenly our life has returned to almost normal... it's almost weird and has taken a little getting used to. Eleanor seems to sink into normalcy pretty easy. She has liked eating with the big kids in her class in the high chairs. She's getting good at pincher food... she's not an expert and she "pocket gophers" quite a bit BUT it's vast improvement. She's eating all sorts of food but has taken an interest in watermelon lately.

Her other big accomplishment is walking with her little push stroller. Matt discovered this skill this past weekend. She's a bit shakey and has tipped over, tripped, and also pulled the walker on herself BUT it does amazing me how fast she's moving and growing up.

Best meal: Huevos rancheros at the Mandan Mexican Gas Station OR Pizza at Fireflour Pizza. We had a holiday and we celebrated the holiday as well as our return to daycare by dropping her off and spending some time together. Yes, we are the world's worst parents.

MJR: What did you want to do today?
ALR: I don't even know. I'm exhausted. I want to eat, I want to sleep, I want to not worry. 
MJR: I don't think you can be a 22 year old college kid again. 
ALR: It feels like I am, just not hung over from booze but from a little being.

Septenary (sep Tuh ner ee)

So... we had another blizzard... the last one was named Blanche. I don't even know if this one had a name or if this was a continuation of the first one. But the result was more snow, more wind, lower temps. Matt and I had a romantic throw back in this snow... it was like our second date all over again.... I put on my snowpants, he grabbed his shovel and we shoveled snow together. The big difference this time is that Grandma stayed inside with Len in the warmth and I tied the dog around my waist so he wouldn't run off. AND we didn't stay up talking until 3:00 in the morning afterwards! Ahhh, memories.

This week's hero was Michele - she came and saved the day by spending the week at our house. It was so wonderful to know that she was safe and sound at home. That we didn't drag her outside in the cold and snow and that she wasn't being shuttled anywhere. I'm anxiously waiting for daycare to say when they are opening again but this week's saving grace was Michele.

Aside from putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree, we did a few more things... I put up a few more decorations, we bought a few gifts, and we even started to make some of Len's Christmas presents. She needs a bit of help this year but I anticipate her to take over more as she gets old.

Len had a couple big updates this past weekend... Matt walked into her room and someone was sitting up and ready to go... that forced us to drop her crib and pack and play down. Now she's even more of a jailbird! She's also celebrated her being 7 months this past weekend. Another reminder that my baby really isn't a baby but a toddler in training. Some days I feel her growing and developing like sand slipping through my fingers. It's so bitter sweet for me... I love seeing her grow and learn but it's almost scary how fast it happens.

 

We also had a picture hanging party and gave my Grandma her Christmas present. Instead of items, I take her out on the town for a night... we go to dinner and then to a show. This year we started the night off with Johnny Carino's as a family and then her and I went to the ballet. It was a lovely night and a beautiful show. Act II was my favorite, seeing the dancers with such grace. I got home that night and Matt busted me trying to go on pointe.

On Sunday, we headed out to the farm to check on Mom who had facial surgery. She hasn't been doing well but then again she's never had a surgery that's been a breeze. 

Update on the protest: They are blaming the ND government for creating the storm... geoengineered weather warfare, which according to them has been going on for years citing examples like Occupy Wallstreet and Woodstock. They also say that China has been doing it for years and this was likely created by weather balloons or drones. It's awful coincident that they day they were told to leave was bookended by storms.

Best Meal: Matt and I had a date night out Wednesday, we went to JL Beers. We didn't do anything out of the normal... had our usuals. We always enjoy their burgers... from there we went to Target and Scheels. Awww, the lives of young parents.

MJR: I think my mom is disappointed in us.
ALR: What? Why?
MJR: Because of all the places, we went to JL's.
ALR: But we never get to come here, because we can't bring in Sassafras.
MJR: I know.
ALR: And it's just not the same to pick it up and bring it home.
MJR: I know. 
ALR: Well, I don't want to disappoint her,
MJR: I know.
ALR: I don't feel like you are listening to me.
MJR: I know.

Waning (weyn ng)

August is almost over... I'm trying to figure out where it went and also with it, where did all my plans go? The garden hasn't gotten the attention that we like to give it. We have had a few harvests and my favorite thing is to do is sneak in a garden walk and check out the progress. Beans are coming to an end. Carrots are coming strong. Peas are over. Zuccs may still be a surprise. Peppers are happening as they please. Tomatoes are slllloooowwww. We have had a great run of herbs, which we did last year too but this year, I'm taking full advantage of them and dehydrating them. I've got the chives done as well as the oregano and a run of basil. 

Someone has had a big week, she's had a few milestones worth noting but there's also the Mommy milestone that I've hit. I was rocking her one night before bed and it hit me that only a couple months ago, she was laid out across my chest sleeping. Now I'm filling a second box of clothes that she can't fit in anymore. This realization worked itself into a conversation with Matt that started with "our baby is growing so fast"
 and ended with, "And what will I miss when she's at daycare?"

We had her three month pics too this weekend. This wasn't as intensive as her newborn shot... We only had 2 outfits. I'm so excited to see what she's come up with and was able to capture. That's how we started our Saturday and had a wonderful day together - not doing too much, just getting stuff done together as a family. 

Best meal: Matt made a crab boil for me to celebrate three months. I've been dealing with the Pupps rash since before Len was born and was told that until we were done breastfeeding, it would keep flaring up. The crab boil was a celebratory meal. He did such a nice job making it for us! We let Eleanor watch the meal happenings as a encouragement for meals in the future!

Second runner up was our Friday date night where we started off at TJ Maxx and followed up with La Carretta shrimp cocktail and dinner.

MJR: I need shampoo. I've been using your Paul Mitchell stuff.
ALR: I replaced it already, and you've been what???!!! 
Glares at him.
ALR: You've been using my Paul Mitchell stuff?
MJR: Uh, no, not at all.
ALR: I only use that stuff sparingly. I've had that bottle for over a year.
MJR stares back sheepishly.
ALR: I use it for special stuff when I need to have a good hair day.
MJR: Well, I didn't think it was that great.
ALR fumes.
ALR: And I suppose you've been using the shampoo and now the shampoo to conditioner ratio is off.
MJR: No, one day I used the conditioner because I didn't realize that it wasn't shampoo.
ALR: Quit. using. my shampoo.

Tertiary (ter SHE air re)

It's been a crazy week! For everyone in the house! 

On Wednesday, I participated in United Way's Day of Caring. I helped the local animal shelter set up for their rummage sale fundraiser. Holy crap - there was so much stuff. I was in charge of holiday items. I'm proud to say that I didn't acquire anything despite some light shopping on my end. They raised over $5500 just the first day, before end of day too! 

While I was busy, Len went to work with her Dad. This was his first time and for the most part I think she was on her best behavior. I gave him the schedule run down, packed the bag, let him pick out her outfit, had everything set out... and he and her had a wonderful morning. 

About 11, I texted and asked how it was going, this is the picture that I got back. It brought a smile to my face. Later he told me that it was her idea for the bowtie because she moved her hand across the screen and in doing so selected and placed it.

At night, we also swung into canning/harvest mode. Matt and I have canned a few pickles including refrigerator/fresh pickles, a few waterbathed pickles, and due to our beautiful jalapeno crop, he has also pickled some of these to be used later on. I think he was looking at beans too. The hard part with our garden is that we don't get a huge patch to can but little batches. We've been enjoying cherry tomatoes too as "Rapunzel" our cherry tomato bush, doesn't disappoint.

During the weekend, we had our first "date" sans Eleanor. Matt and I went to the Northern Neighbors Air Show. We dropped her off with Randy and Michele- who were excited to babysit, and then we headed to the base for the show. I always love the smaller war planes and Kent Pietsch's runs but this was the first time I saw the A-2 and the fighter planes. I loved when the quick zoomed air show center and broke the sound barrier. The only bad thing about the time was the amount of energy we wasted in the food truck line!   

On Sunday, Matt and I split up. He headed out to the farm to help Dad and Mom get the place ready for the All Breeds Tour and I busted behind to clean the house that has quickly gotten away from me! I felt very productive and touched pretty much almost each room in the house! And when Matt came home, my work was noticed too!

The other big thing that happened this week was Eleanor turned 3 months. It's hard to believe how much she's changed over the past 13 weeks. She's gone from the little lump that would fall asleep cuddled on my chest to this sassypants spitfire that is quick to give me a smile at 4:00am and still scream like a siren when she's hungry. 

We are starting to see her personality bubble out every once in awhile but know that it's going to show itself more and more now.

Best meal: Sunday night, I got so busy in cleaning that I didn't even make supper... Matt took me to Qdoba and I scarfed up street tacos!

While grocery shopping...
ALR: We need bread.
Turn down the bread aisle.
MJR stops in middle of aisle and stares
ALR: Use your words, is there a kind you specifically want?
MJR: That kind, right there.
ALR: Well, I'm not a mind reader.
MJR: You should work on that.
ALR: Can you read my mind?
MJR: Yes, you are saying "Explicit"
ALR: Yes, you are right.
MJR: See, I work at it.

How Christmas sneaks up on you...

So I looked at the calendar and realized that we were almost halfway to CHRISTMAS! AHHH! I don't know how it sneaks up on me!

I started getting out all the Christmas totes for decorating. I love the feel that the decorations bring and even though I told Matt, I won't be buying any Christmas decorations this year, I'm not sure that that is an honest response. Let's be serious. The only difficult thing is the "help" that I get around the house with the decorations. Two little helpers that wander around while I continue to yell, "Stop Eating Christmas!"
Each year I try a few new things...leads me to be creative. I had more ideas for this year... but I'm thinking it may not happen, shoot, the tree is barely decorated!

This week I gave my Grandma Dar her Christmas present. This is a tradition I kicked off last year, what do you give a woman that has everything? Time and memories...so in a sense, it's a Christmas gift to me. Last year and this year, we pick a show or a concert and make a date night out of it. This year it was Cirque Dreams Holidaze. It's a variety acts of sorts where the Christmas toys and ornaments come to life. It was amazing and had jugglers, acrobats, balancers, roller skaters, comedy/audience involvement, tumblers, dancers, singers, contortionists... many times I didn't know where to look because there was multiple things going on filling the stage. It was a wonderful night and I was so glad to spend it with her.

On Friday night, we held the second annual Moser movie night. Despite some communication bumbles, we had great apps and Matt and Dad went off to a movie that they both deemed terrible! Mom and I and Alaina watched netflix Christmas movies! Alaina was in and out as she had her tonsils and adenoids out, leaving her to be a bump on a couch while she dealt with the pain! Was a nice night to kick off a busy weekend! 

Grandma Dar wasn't the only grandma that I spent time with this week. It was a two-fer as Matt and I headed down to Morristown so he could turkey hunt and I could make sugar cookies with Grandma Elaine. What a good day! Matt did end up getting his turkey, I didn't realize how ugly they were in person. He also went coyote hunting and pheasant hunting with my cousins. Matt probably had the best weekend ever because the day before he was impromptu invited to go duck hunting with our neighbor, Bob. By the way, TonyDanza's new favorite thing is when Matt cleans birds. He sits and purrs and patiently waits for scraps to drop. It's very sad.


Back to Grandma's house, we made cookies and had a little trouble, which I admitted to her that I was glad to see as I thought all her cookie turned out like a dream (She informed me that I didn't know all the words that she said!).  In the end, they turned out pretty well. We got them frosted and decorated, with the help of supervisor Grandpa and and head sugar sprinkler, Matt, who ate just as much frosting as the rest.  

I wanted to take a picture with her and our cookies, but she was not having it!

At the end of the weekend, we decorated the tree. It's only been up and naked for a solid week but Matt got the lights and star on, I pulled out some of the decorations and we snacked a bit. I may be actually ready for Christmas when it comes. I got some baking done on Saturday inbetween friend visits both, Kay and the Noes made it to Bismarck.   

Best meal: Sure we had a lot of good ones like pizza at McKenzie River but my favorite is grandma's chicken, with gravy, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, and dessert. Always a hit.

MJR: What’s for supper tomorrow night?
ALR: Chicken Fajita Pizza.
MJR: No, I don’t like Chicken Fajita Pizza.
ALR: WHAT?
MJR (backtracking): I don’t want new recipe night, you’ve never made it.
ALR: Yes, I did! I remember us having it.
MJR: Okay, I didn’t like it when you made it.
ALR: What!!! You ate it! You didn’t say anything!
MJR: Because you made it when we were dating.
ALR looks down at TonyDanza: It’s all lies, TonyDanza, all lies.

Additional story of the week

MJR and ALR getting ready to head out the door for Morristown
MJR: I've never hunted turkey a day in my life.
ALR: What?
MJR: I don't know what to do, 
ALR: What?
MJR: what shot to use,
ALR: What? 
MJR: And I've never cleaned one either.
ALR: Are you serious.
MJR: Yep.
ALR: Why are we just finding out about this now?
MJR: I think I should have done more research.
ALR stares at him.
MJR: If I don't get one, it's not really a big deal. It's just about the experience. See, me telling you that, wasn't worth about the $15 price of the tag?