For 33 years my parents have brought me up north..which I know, I know, I am married to a man who is from "up north"...so our cabin is not "up north" to him, but it is one of my favorite places. We go the same week each summer with two other families. People come and go during the week...some miss a summer but return the next. I have not missed a summer yet.

This is up north.

However, our cabin is....hmmmmm...I think last night while we were playing Hearts we decided that the cabin is pretty much a glorified tent. The cabins have been around longer than we have been coming and they have always been dilapidated. The floors creak, the doors slam, everything is slanted, and sandy. The smell you remember as soon as you step foot into the cottage. It is NOT a cozy place. But like my sister said, "If the walls could talk..." they would tell stories of past summers and interject deep belly laughs over ridiculous fun with wonderful friends.

That there is "our cabin."

We have gone from renting a small motor boat, bringing up my dad's sailboat, to now enjoying my dads fishing boat. Both boys enjoy driving the boat and casting their poles out to catch a fish..if they are lucky.


The sand at the cottage is almost like dirt...maybe it is dirt. By the end of a fun, sunkissed day one's four year old face might look like this. My first 24 hours at the cottage are lived cringing at the site of the boys digging, falling, playing in this sand. But after 24 hours I let go of my anxieties about the dirt and grim and just relax...looking at them being boys.






Their journey as brothers has begun here this year. Charley knows this place and is doing many of the same things I did as a little girl. Jumping off the dock, searching for minnows, digging in the sand, eating oreos, laughing with friends, and crashing at night - exhausted from funfilled adventurous days!

Up North Family expands by 1!

So this year our "up north family" had a new member added to it. Eli, Raina and Andy's little miracle, joined us this week at 5 weeks of age! The tiny little bug made the journey up with no problems proving to mama Raina that her first obstacle, the journey north, Eli's first big road trip, didn't need to be a worry. What a nice way to start the adventure.

For me it was my first time seeing my sister as a mom (outside of the hospital). It took 24 hours for me to not turn and smile to myself at them singing to their little burrito and doing all the little mommy things. She disappeared with him when he needed to eat, he rarely fussed, and he was loved up by all around. The tiny guy is now a little over 7 pounds and holding him made me realize that my boys were once this size but at day one of their journey in life. He snuggled right up to people and slept. He looked around with interest. My boys gave him a little attention. Henry can now say 'baby' and came over to get peeks. We even got him to hold little Eli but I haven't gotten those pictures off my camera yet. I also haven't been able to play around with my pictures so I haven't worked on them to make them just how I want them. But I have heard from some friends that they are going into withdrawal from my lack of blogging. So I thought I would get a few thoughts and pictures up. Also for Colleen...since I know you are probably dying to picture the action up here this year.

Baby Eli was a big part of our "up north" adventure this year. Raina, Andy, and Eli left today and it is now quiet. Not sure what the next couple of evenings will have in store for us. I will miss them up here. But heck, they are home in their clean beds, lacking spiders, and dirty floors; loving up their little burrito with all their at home luxuries. I just put Henry down for a nap in the bedroom where they slept and it smelled like baby back there.

Welcome baby Eli! Next year will hold new North Twin adventures...dirty sand, table food, sleep routine disruption, big boy cousins who will teach you the fun, and dirty feet and face....and a new little friend for us all to hold (can't wait Colleen and Matt!)

We are alive...

I will try and post a little something soon.
We are alive though! It is rainy and cold but we are having fun!

Will I survive...

Will I survive without my trusty companion. Ed has his doubts.

I am almost positive that I won't have Internet access...at least not on a moment to moment basis like usual for the next few days. Yes, this will cause me some distress.....but hopefully my boys will keep me insanely busy, cocktails with my mom and sister, snuggling with Eli, chatter with old friends, and the calm of the north woods (I know not as far north as Ed's hometown - but always my up north) will keep me from going into blogging withdrawal. I do plan to blog offline during the week and post as soon as I work out a connection.

I asked my brother if he remembered having Internet access up there last year. He said he didn't think so...and it was a good thing. Hmmm...probably a good thing for people who might get sucked into working on vacation. However, my Internet access isn't for work...it is like having my journal and pen along.

On another note....Henry had trouble falling asleep tonight. We finally got him to sleep and an hour later we heard him shouting. Ed went up to find him standing and talking about something. He did go back to bed but the whole while I was thinking...what are the next few nights going to be like. So we came back downstairs to start up the movie again and I said, "Should be an interesting week ahead of me." and then I laughed. Ed said, "It isn't funny. I wouldn't do it." I asked, "Do what?" He then said, "Take those two up there by myself."

HA! HA! HA! ...then I sat there for the next 20 minutes freaking out inside my head wondering if I was completely insane for doing this alone. This year is different because both boys will be on the move and will need to be supervised at all times....being so close to the water. But then I also know that we will be surrounded by wonderful family and friends who will help me out. Charley is going to have a fun playmate this year for the whole week. And we will survive. I am very proud that I travel with my boys on my own. I love that I can do it. It is a lot more work than being home. It would be easiest to just stay home. But tonight, when I asked Charley about the cottage he remembered the restaurant on the lake that we can boat to. He remembered paddle boat rides, fishing with Grandpa, jumping off the dock, taking showers, and the little green room. He remembers the Kendricks (and even used "the Kendricks" in a conversation he initiated last week), he of course remembers Paul, and he knows it is my favorite place to be.

I know there will be moments in the next week that I will contemplate packing up and speeding home to a clean house, space, routine, and Ed. (and without my friend Colleen to have my secret breakdown with....) But those moments will pass, the sun will pop out, a loon will appear, the wind will change, and Ed will arrive to find us sandy, tired, sun-kissed, and happy. There is always more worries anticipated and it usually is just a fun filled week and our worries were not needed. So relax little sister - it will be a great week with your burrito. It all works itself out. Let's remind each other to take a deep breath and go with the flow. I am going with the phrase..."It's always 5 O'clock at the cabin" - margarita anyone.

Happy Monday folks!

Finally....

It is MY TURN FOLKS!

In less then two days I will FINALLY have the opportunity to hold this little bundle of burrito! In less than two days I will get to be an Aunt to little Eli...the little man who I prayed for, thought about, and celebrated. In less than two days I get to see my sister flounder at this thing called motherhood at the cottage. However, I will also be floundering with my two boys who will be grossly dirty within minutes of exiting the over-packed van.

But...the point...in less than two days I hope to shush this little ones cries, cuddle with him on the edge of North Twin, and find peace in knowing that my sister is digging in the dirt with my two monsters while I love up her clean little E-bug.

I can't wait!

Oh, the places we'll go!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

-Dr. Seuss
Oh, the Places You'll Go!

For my birthday we invested in a GPS. Charley has been asking for one ever since Grandma Barb introduced him to 'Greta' their Garmin. He loves watching the map while we drive and telling me what direction to turn. I love that I no longer fear not finding where I am going while looking at a piece of paper, passing back a nuk or water bottle, and singing Humpty Dumpty. Not an issue any longer...thanks to.....

Charley and I haven't named ours yet...maybe after we spend a little more time getting to know him/her. This morning we had a playdate at a new friend's house...on the way there the gas light went on...they live quite a bit south and out in an area I have never been. I got nervous and thought-we better get gas. A couple moments later I had several different gas stations I could route us to. Ahhhh! Love it!

We are ready for the road ahead!

Freeze!

Every stage of your child's life is so precious. And you believe that they can't get any cuter...that the next stage won't get any better. I know that every stage is "the best." However, I do believe that Henry's age of 18 months is "my favorite". He explores, cuddles, smells like baby, doesn't talk back, rarely gets crabby, naps like a champ, entertains himself with something as simple as a coaster, can still be carried easily, can walk independently, understands everything you say, and is starting to develop his own speak.

So this.

is the age

that I would love to freeze my boys at!

18 months!

The Foamerator!

One of my favorite monthly parenting resources is Family Fun magazine. A subscription for it isn't very expensive and usually once you order one you can order another one for five bucks...so if you don't get it ...talk to a girlfriend before ordering so you can take advantage of the deal. In the August issue they featured "The Foamerator!" Ed's aunt Katie also let us know that it worked and her daycare kids loved it. By cutting off the bottom of a plastic water bottle, securing a damp washcloth to the bottom with a rope or rubber band, and then dipping it in a shallow bowl of dish soap - you can have loads of fun. Charley is still working on blowing deep breaths for this one but it was a hoot.

The Foamerator!

One of my favorite monthly parenting resources is Family Fun magazine. A subscription for it isn't very expensive and usually once you order one you can order another one for five bucks...so if you don't get it ...talk to a girlfriend before ordering so you can take advantage of the deal. In the August issue they featured "The Foamerator!" Ed's aunt Katie also let us know that it worked and her daycare kids loved it. By cutting off the bottom of a plastic water bottle, securing a damp washcloth to the bottom with a rope or rubber band, and then dipping it in a shallow bowl of dish soap - you can have loads of fun. Charley is still working on blowing deep breaths for this one but it was a hoot.

Made me smile...

Turn off the music on the bottom of my blog by pressing the pause sign. Then enjoy this.

Grace in Small Things #14

1. Honey Oatmeal Bread from the Washburn IGA - toasted and with butter. I could eat the entire loaf.

2. Watching Henry take Grandma's hand.

3. My boys both have a twinkle in their eye but they also can sit for an 80 minute play. Love that!

4. Anticipating good times with friends and family next week!

5. A night out with 10 fun gals - laughter, chatting, margaritas, and chimichangas!

We were off to see the wizard...

the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Yesterday for Grandma Charlie's upcoming birthday we treated her to an outing. We attended the performance of the Wizard of Oz. It was great. Both boys sat through the play wonderfully! No intermission. 80 minutes! Henry got a little restless the last 15 minutes but other than that it was great. In the last week we have worked on reading the chapter book with Charley and then watched most of the movie. It was a perfect adventure!

In my next 33 years....

So today I turn the horrific age of 33...just kidding! I look forward to my 33rd year of life. Today I celebrate a great first 33 years of life. As my boys grow older I realize that my birthday has to be a bigger deal because of them. Charley gave Ed a list for Cub Foods..."Party hats, blowers, etc." He accepted that maybe party hats were for kid parties...but he cried when I said I didn't need the blowers. He claimed that "Henry needs to be able to try those things." Ed arrived home with all that was on the list. Charley baked a cake with chocolate frosting with Grandma Charlie and he has done a great job of keeping the whining to a minimum. Having Grandma Charlie here has given me a day to take it easy. I got to have lunch with my girlfriend and ran a few errands. Tonight we will feast on fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and broccoli and some chocolate cake. After dinner tonight Charley couldn't wait to play party games....however, we distracted him and did not have to play Duck Duck Goose! Yikes!

I was wished Happy Birthday by many friends and family, was given time to relax, yummy food, and time with my family. It was a perfect day. Charley insisted at dinner that "This is your best birthday ever. Isn't it mama!" He also informed me, "You get to eat as much birthday cake as you want because you are the birthday girl." Thank you to all that made my day special.

Happy 7th Anniversary!

7 years ago Ed and I made a commitment to become a team in this thing called Life. We celebrated with many friends and family. Our day was awesome...I know I am biased but really, I do think it was. Today I opened albums and boxes of pictures looking for a few to share and was overwhelmed with memories of that day...that week...that month. That month before the wedding I moved home to my parents. I could, I was teaching. For a month I enjoyed hanging out and living with my parents...of course we were in the crunch hours of planning the wedding but found time to attend a Cher concert and do many other things. The day or two before our wedding much of our wedding party showed up to extend the celebration. A grill out at my parents, lots of rounds of golf, and relaxation. Girls got their hair and nails done. Drinks were enjoyed...and it became real that two families were going to join together to start a new family. My sister, along with some awesome girlfriends stood by my side. Ed was surrounded by some handsome guys in tuxes - all ready to have a great time. The ceremony was perfect, in my heart. The time spent on the trolley was my favorite time of the day. Dinner was good...I think. And the dancing and celebrating afterwards was the best. We kicked off our marriage surrounded by people who had faith in us and love for us.

By marrying Ed I have gained friends and family that have become so important and vital in my life. His friends I now consider my friends. I anticipate seeing his family and spending time at his parents. I think I might even spend more time there than he does. His mom has taught me so much and has listened to me babble and work out things.

The last 7 years have given us times of enjoyment, challenge, children, excitement, growth, quiet, and content. We have moved from an apartment, bought a town home, and have made a house our home. I have worked as a third grade teacher, first grade teacher, and now am a stay at home mom. Ed has moved up in his company and taken on new roles and responsibilities. We have enjoyed trips to Florida, Vegas, Maryland, Georgia, and other nearby areas. We have driven trucks, cars, SUVs and now minivans. We have gone from single to married to family of four. Life keeps moving and we keep tackling it together. Together.

Happy Anniversary Ed - it has been a great 7 years. I can't wait to see what the next 7 have in store for us. I love you!

The Zoo

This morning we (Grandma Charlie and I) took the boys to the zoo. We had the intention of exploring the new park area and checking out the butterfly garden. Charley runs, bounces, and show so much excitement...however, barely pauses at each exhibit. Henry is also such a joy to watch as he looks and explores...and then suddenly he sees "IT". It clicks and he realizes that inside the exhibit is a turtle, monkey, duck...etc....and he oohs and ahhs! Such a joy he is at the zoo. The butterfly exhibit was awesome. It was our first time there. Not sure why it was our first time. The boys also enjoyed the new park area at the park. I was very impressed. It was a beautiful day for some time at the zoo and a picnic with Grandma Charlie.

Having boys is "Toad-ally" awesome!

I love having my two boys. I experience life through their eyes on a daily basis. Today Charley held his first toad- Mama is proud. Grandma Charlie found him in our sandbox. Both boys were intrigued for quite a long time with this little guy.

A treat...

I am pretty sure my mom introduced me to the pedicure. It is a treat every woman should give herself...from time to time. I remember going to this little place by our old town house when I was VERY pregnant with Charley. The ladies remembered me when I took friends or family there. Then after Charley was born I took Charley with me and he would sit on my lap in awe of the whole adventure. Not many 2 year olds would sit on their mom's lap for 45 minutes. I was blessed. I don't find time much anymore but every year before the cottage I make sure to get one. It is a gross sand at the cottage so often times your feet are black...but to have clean feet going into the week...to have some pink toes to dangle off the dock...makes it all okay. So I kicked off my weekend away with a quick pedicure and they STILL remember me there....

Totally worth the 25 bucks...at least that is what I pay :)

Back to reality....

It was a delightful weekend. First a pedicure and then plenty of time to enjoy my husband. As I waited for him to arrive at the hotel I enjoyed this glass of wine. We saw movies. Ate at all our favorites and some new restaurants. We read books and enjoyed conversation and quiet. At lunch today it hit me that I really enjoyed my time with just Ed...and I wasn't quite ready to race home to reality...even though I missed my boys dearly. Neither of us had watches this weekend and at one point Ed's phone was dead and I left mine in our room. Time irrelevant...we weren't watching for nap time or bedtime...we slept late and ate early. It was just us. Thanks for a wonderful weekend away.

Look what I can do....

The life of a 18 month old...

7 years...

People always said, "Once you have kids you won't remember what you did with yourselves before kids." For a long time after Charley was born I would sit there and think really, really hard about what I did with my summers off from teaching, our weekends, and our evenings. What in the world did I fill my grocery cart with and did I ever go to Target?

Almost 7 years ago Ed and I chose to get married. It was just us - and ALL of our FABULOUS friends and family who celebrated all day and into the night (July 20, 2002)...yes our wedding reception ended at 1 am! On this day we had many hopes and dreams. We had a plan for children....someday. But we knew we wanted time for each other first. We had that time..but we don't remember much.

So, Ed and I thought about going somewhere to celebrate 7 years of ups and downs and all arounds. Crazy, Cozy, Calm, and Content. We brainstormed Vegas....one of our favorites....and other quaint or touristy areas around the mid west. But we finally realized that what we wanted was, "Life before kids...for two days." And what better place than good old Edina. This was an area nearby our first apartment. It is still a place where we prefer to go to movies and eat out. They have a new hotel, The Westin, situated within walking distance of some of our favorite restaurants and the movie theater. At first we thought it was silly to stay so close to home, to not explore unique new restaurants or challenge ourselves with a crazy white water rafting trip. But we decided that to totally relax meant, familiar. To go to Edina meant we wouldn't waste an entire Friday kid-less evening cramped in the car. So we made a reservation and anticipated a weekend "Of what we did before kids". Even though we know we will still mostly think and talk about the boys.

Before kids...

We believe we dropped what we were doing and went to movies (without having to pay for a babysitter).

We believe if we didn't feel like cooking we went out to eat and ordered a glass of wine (not a kiddie meal).

We believe we slept in, read quietly, went for a walk, or sat at a bar and talked about where life would take us in 7 years.

So this weekend - we get that. Thank you Grandma Charlie for loving up our boys so we can have this time to remind ourselves that the decision we made 7 years ago was absolutely the best decision. And that in 18 years when our little guys grow their wings and fly away from our nest...we will be okay. We will remember time with just us...and look forward to it.

Happy Friday everyone!

Grace in Small things #13

1. Clean floors...even if it lasts one hour.

2. Working hard all day to clean up around here. Using my time wisely.

3. Time spent with friends...chatting about life...on the same page...laughing and being happy. (Thanks Sherry, Lynelle, and Paula!) Looking forward to next weeks outing!

4. Shopping just a wee bit....I got two everyday skirts this week that I am excited about.

5. Henry is starting to talk...bug, bird, book, more, please, all things he verbalizes in his own way.

I am...

A friend (Kelly), shared this blog with me. Loved it. Thought I would try it since my day has been all about cleaning toilets, washing floors, and folding laundry. Nothing exciting to blog about.

For Today...

Outside my window... rugs drying in the breeze.

I am thinking... that I have a fantastic week ahead of me. Get away with Ed and time with Grandma Charlie!

I am thankful for... a friend who comes to my rescue too often. Thank you Lynelle for taking Charley so I can do some cleaning. I HAVE used this time very wisely.

From the kitchen... my last job to tackle...the pile of dirty dishes....besides our bedroom and bathroom....not sure if I will get there.

I am wearing... a new bra! LOVING IT! and.....cozy black pants and a gray t-shirt. It is a cool summer day.

I am reading... nothing right now- otherwise I wouldn't get any cleaning done.

I am listening....to the sound of our damn washing machine that is soooo loud and moves across the room. I am waiting for the day that it actually explodes into outerspace.

I am hoping... to get a walk in with my boys today.

I am creating... a clean cozy house for my mother in law so that she can enjoy the boys while we are away.

I am praying...that everyone stays healthy so we can enjoy the week up north coming up.

Around the house... you will no longer find several toys...I tossed a big bag in the garbage! WOO HOO! Although as soon as Charley arrives home I know he is going to ask where they are. No doubt about it.

One of my favorite things... having the windows open.

A few plans for the rest of the week... grocery shopping...nothing else I HAVE to accomplish.

When asked...

When I asked Charley what he wanted for lunch today. He responded with this:

"Something I can eat with a fork!"

Hmmmmmm....the possibilities are endless!

Wednesday Mornings Summer 2009

Being a mama doesn't get much better than this!

Grace in Small Things #12

1. Tonight for dinner Charley had his salad in a "big" bowl...one the same size as Ed and mine. When he saw this he was excited. His salad consisted of 1/2 mix of spinach and 1/2 mix of regular lettuce from the bag. Sprinkled with some sunflower seeds and croutons...with lite Caesar dressing (his choice). Not only did he devour his salad but he wanted more. He did use one piece of spinach as a fan while repeatedly saying "fan! fan! fan!" in which Ed replied, "Charley, we don't play with our food." Then I responded, "Hey, he is eating spinach. Can't complain about that." Which Ed then said, "True." Charley has always been my eater. One of the many things I love about him!

I multiply this by 5 to make my Grace in Small things #12 complete!

Grace in Small Things #11

1. Watching Henry try and make me disappear....by closing his eyes for several seconds. I am pretty sure that is what he is doing.

2. Mama School time with Charley. We talk, we learn, we have moments together.

3. Motrin: After some Motrin Henry napped for an hour this morning and 2 hours this afternoon! Making the 5:30 am start to our day a little more acceptable.

4. Anticipation of my get-away with Ed. 7 years of growth, love, and evidence that July 20, 2002, was a great decision!

5. Meal Group - We had our monthly exchange and once again my freezer is full of yummy meals that require heating the oven or crock pot and opening a bottle of wine.

Early mornings...and the world spins madly on...

Henry has gifted me with early morning rising the last few mornings...5:30AM - COME ON! I am trying to have a really good attitude about it. Today we snuggled under a blanket and watched Sesame Street...I know, he isn't two yet, but what else are we going to do at 5:30 in the morning. If my husband wasn't such a hard worker I could get a good walk in with my little guy...but he is- so sitting cozy is what we will do this morning.

And my world spins madly on...

Yesterday we had some free passes to the Mall of America Amusement park. One of the passes was a lucky one and scored us 100 points. Normally the pass is good for one or two rides. But 100 points is worth almost 30 some rides! So we rode as much as we could handle...or maybe as much as mama could handle. Ever notice that young child rides all go around in circles...at varying degrees of speed. Mama was spinning and dizzy all morning. And then we passed it on to some random stranger that was looking to buy some tickets. Since you have to use it the same day you redeem it. That felt amazing!






Henry has no fear of the rides. But our last ride was a hot air balloon type ride. Where you slowly move up and down in a relaxing manner. It was the highest ride we went on...not the fastest, but the highest. And I noticed this face on Henry for most of the ride. There was a noise he made too...kind of an ewwwwwwwwww! It was kind of his disturbed face. This morning, during the wee hours of the morning he came to me with a toy that had come apart. He had this same face on. So I am pretty sure it is his disturbed face.



I might be making this face by the end of the day...storms predicted - up since 5:30am - and still have to make my freezer meals for meal swap today at 11! Woops...forgot that one yesterday! Happy Tuesday!

Note: The song that plays...often on my blog is a favorite. The words don't necessarily have meaning. But the instrumental in the song I love. I know it starts : I woke up , wished that I was dead....and that is NOT the case. Sometimes I wake up and really hate that it is 5:30 and I can't get another hour and a half of sleep...or more... like my friend Lynelle. However, I wake up ready for a new day, excited to be a mommy to my two boys...and heck, with two extra hours to love them up, fold laundry, and get things done.