The lighter side of parenting

There's no doubt that being a mom or a dad has it challenges, but we've found that there's just as many hilarious moments that make you laugh so hard that you forget about the crappy parts.

Now that Nora can walk, and if she sees that a toilet lid has been left open, she bee-lines for the bathroom. She loves throwing stuff right in. (Yes, I scrubbed her hands after this one. It was actually planned. I knew her strategy, so I turned on the light, opened the toilet, and sat with the camera, just waiting. About 20 seconds later, she burst through the door with her book that she obviously didn't really like.)


Gus is especially hilarious lately. I've been writing down some of his quotes because I'm sure someday I simply won't believe he argued with me on certain points, or that he said what he said. Like how's this for funny - today at breakfast he exclaimed, "Mom, you're embarrassing. I love you." Why, thanks Gus. And I really didn't think I was embarrassing yet. I mean, there's more to come there I'm sure.

He also argued with me the other night after bedtime stories, to the point of tears, because he is convinced that I won't let him choose who he wants to marry someday, and also, by the way, 3 is old enough to be married in his opinion. He worked himself into a delirium on this topic, let me tell you. When I finally gave in and said, "OK fine, Gus, let's figure this out. Who do you want to marry?", he replied, "you, Mommy" (obviously, ha), to which I had to reply, "sorry bud, can't, I'm already married to Daddy." He argued, "not fair! But then I'll marry Grandma Ethel." So pretty cute, huh, Grandma? And then I told him we'll have to see, and he'll ask need to ask Grandma Ethel next time he sees her. He seemed fine with that, and eventually he fell to sleep. All in all, even with the tears, the situation was adorable and I had to hold back my laughter.

But my favorite Gus moment as of lately was Friday, garbage day. We usually get home early on Friday's just after the garbage crew has picked up the trash. It's become a tradition for me to send Gus down to the end of the driveway to fetch the empty receptical and drag it back into the garage. He likes it. It's his first real chore and he's good at it.

This Friday was no different. He took off bouncing down the driveway to fetch the trash can, grabbed the handle, tipped it up on the wheels and started the trek up the driveway. After about 5 seconds he yelled, "Hey mom, this is heavy, I can't do this." And being the sympathetic mom I am, I chirped, "Oh come on Gus, you can do it. It will make your muscles stronger. You can, come on." He went about 5 more steps, and started swaying from left to right, and said again, "but this hurts my muscles mom, I can't do it." Again, I pushed him to 'keep going bud, you are strong I know you can do it, yadda yadda..'. So he kept going, made it into the garage, and when he did, he let out a loud, "phew, that was tough!" but didn't seem too upset. About 5 mins later I went out to position the can in the corner, and when I grabbed it, I realized it was still FULL of garbage. Like, all of our garbage. I mean, heavy. Haaaa! I apologized to him and explained that the garbage crew must be late today. He was proud, and he should have been. This really could have been considered a toddler strong-man competition.

Here's a shot of the smiling strong-man, beaming from ear-to-ear with no clue that his muscles will be sore the next day.

Oh, and who doesn't love a good water gun fight? This is definitely Gus' thing lately, so if you come to visit and end up in our backyard, you've been warned.

And finally, this series of shots started as cute mini-photo shoot, but ended funny.

Nora was swimming with Gus, then decided to head into the sandbox to explore. Here she is thinking this sandbox is pretty neat.


Hm, now what's this sand you guys talk about? Mmm, very nice texture, I like.

Let me just do the signature taste..uh...um

no. No, please tell me I did not just do that..


Uggh I DID! Nasty, people! Get this grit out of my mouth. My delicate gums cannot handle this.

somebody get me my sippy asap.


I stopped taking photos promptly after this shot and rinsed out her lil mouth. She forgot about it like 5 seconds later but really was not impressed at the time.

Ahh, gotta love these moments. Believe me, it's not always like this but when it is, we've got to laugh. Also, please don't call social services on me, the kids are safe. I mean, aside from child labor laws with the heavy garbage can thing, everything else is just one of those things that happen to kids (right?). I'm behind them at all times, and they are always OK!

Crawling is for babies

(And I'll stop posting videos now and return to what I'm comfortable with - photos.)

If you think it, you can do it

No, this blog post isn't my attempt to start a motivational speaking career, it's just an observation. Within 12 hours of Gus attending the RedHawks baseball game, he has used the power of positive thinking to become a baseball legend in his own mind. I mean, his new-found power is legit (no steroids or doping), it's just a pure obsession with the sport. His imagination and swing has really come to life. It's cracking Ross and I up!

Baseball is now his favorite sport, officially

We planned to attend tonight's Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks baseball game, sit in the cheap seats, grab some popcorn, and just see if the kids could stick it out for at least 3 innings. But on the way there, I got a call from a co-worker who said our client (a RedHawks sponsor), could not make it..soooo, they had nobody to throw out the first pitch. Since Gus was with us, and free, could he do it?

Sure!

He had no idea what was going on, and didn't really get it until about 5 seconds before he was scheduled to trot out to the pitchers mound. He looked at me and said, "I don't want to do it, Mom." I responded, like any good supportive mom (right?), "Oh C'mon Gus, you'll love it. I'll come with you. Let's go!" So away we went.

He really did like it.



He did great! We were so proud. He got to keep the ball, he got to meet HawkEye, the mascot, and he received a nice poster to cap off a great evening. It is hanging in his room as we speak.

The ongoing vacation

We took the week of July 4th off and it was the best decision we've made in a long time. Ah, relaxation with no signs of work. Our first stop was Lake Sakakawea for some camping with Gpa Steve and Gma Debi.

We all relaxed, expect for Gus. He could only take Nora's pestering for so long.


Trying to be patient,but I can't! Get away, Nora!

She was happier walking around with Ross, anyway.

Twins! (or so I think.)
Nora had way more fun playing in the pack-n-play than she did sleeping in it.

Grandma Debi, you're hilarious.

You may think Gus was relaxing here, but no. He sat down just long enough for me to take this photo with his Gpa Steve.

Who need a professional photographer when you can get a glorious family photo such as this while sitting around a campfire? Just kidding. I'll be scheduling an appointment for us for August.

Gus liked tormenting Belle with his new water gun. Thankfully, she has the heart of a dove and tolerates anything.

Nora liked sitting in this chair by Gpa.

After camping, we headed up to Minot to see Gma Vickie and Gpa Dave. Which brought us to the next pet my kids tormented while on vacation: Lily the cat. See why we do not have a pet.

Sofie came over for a visit and luckily, brought her baseball glove. Gus and Sof actually played catch for a few minutes. Like real catch. I was impressed!

After Sofie had had enough, Gus coaxed his Aunt Patty into being the pitcher for a few innings.
This kid is gaga for baseball.

He's so gaga, that later that evening, Gpa Steve and Gma Debi made a full-fledged baseball field in their back yard. We all played.


And the vacation does not stop there, oh no! When we returned to Fargo, we got out of the car, used the bathroom, changed into a new pair of swimming trunks, and off we went to the Holiday Inn!

Our friends, Jaime, Paul, Carson, and Ashton were in town from Mpls. Also in town, all the way from LA, was another dear high-school friend, Sara, and her 5 delightful kids. What an amazing mom! I'm in awe, and promise never again to complain about the trials of having 2 kids.

Here's Gus enjoying the pizza party with a smiley Townes and a tired Evelyn.

Jaime and Carson had mixed feelings about this picture.

Gus and Owen played foosball. I bet Owen let him win.

Here's Ashton and Evelyn.

The party and water activities continued the very next day when Gus played outside with Ashton, Carson, and his best GF, Ava! She came all the way from Omaha to visit. It was a day for sun, fun, and friends.

And finally, I ask you, what vacation would be complete without baked beans? 1 out of 2 kids in our household recommends Bush's Baked Beans for every meal.


Can we please take 10 days off every month? I would be so much more productive at work if I could. Vacation is the best!

Watching the flood from afar

We are glued to the KXNews live stream, and although we've heard and watched all of the latest details, it still does not seem real. It's hard to believe this tragedy has happened in Minot and we are so sorry for everyone who has been affected by this flood. We want to contribute to the recovery and rebuilding efforts as much as we can, to a city and to people who we love. We'll start here in Fargo at a charity event planned for next week.

While the cities of Minot, Burlington, Velva, Sawyer, and so many others, and their residents were scrambling to protect their homes and businesses, we were standing by in Fargo.

Ross and Gus had their first campfire at home. It included roasted marshmallows, of course.


Gus has been driving by Thunder Road for 2 years, and asking about it nearly everyday. We finally made the trip and it did not disappoint.

Gus had no clue what he was getting into when he jumped into the go-cart with his dad. Here they are, just barely pulling out of the garage. They were not pedal-to-the-metal at this point. I wish I would have taken video of the acceleration, because when Ross gunned it, the look on Gus' face was hysterical!


Holding on! I couldn't tell if he liked it or not.


Still going, and at about lap 4, I figured it had to be good since he hadn't asked his dad to stop yet.

Turns out he LOVED it, and went again with his Uncle Josh.


We also had a lovely visit from cousin Laura, and her new handsome little guy, Cooper. Nora was fascinated with him, and just wanted to get her hands on him. We had to protect Mini-Cooper.

Ok, that's close enough, Nora, thanks.

Minot, we're cheering for you.

Pre-flood graduation party

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Minot. My cousin Maren graduated from Minot High School. Congratulations, but what?! Wow that went fast. She is a gem and she's on her way to UND next year, where she will do great.

The official cousin's photo is below, but it's not really official because we were missing Stephanie. (boo hoo, we miss you, Steph).


Look how big Will is getting!

After Maren's party, we spent some time at Great-Gma Betty's house where Gus was introduced to gambling. I'm happy to report he kinda freaked out when the machine cashed out because it was "too loud".

Speaking of cha-ching or bling, while Nora was sitting on her Gma Betty's lap, she was doing her normal baby thing and reaching for anything within an arms length. The first thing she saw was her Great-Aunt Nancy's ring. Um, yeah, and it's not a small ring. She grabbed and thought, "well this is gorgeous. I must eat it."

Luckily Gma Betty was quick and grabbed it before it went into her mouth.

She did get to try it on for size, however. It was too big. Waay too big.

Great-Uncle Leo and Nora.

We also hit up Gma Debi and Gpa Steve's house. Gus helped Gpa plant some flowers.

He continued the yard work later that night with Gpa Dave, too. For like an hour. Or until the tractor ran out of gas.

We were also happy to spend some time with Ross' cousin, Anita, who was visiting from Billings, MT. Nora loved her! Cheese!

The day we left Minot, everything was fine. Only 24 hours later, the flood fight of the century began for thousands of people in the Minot community. Although the forecast was grim, it seems the grave danger has passed, and now all the poor families who scrambled to move everything up and out of their homes, can go back. To a dry house. Thank God! Can we have summer now please? KThanks.