Picture It

Picture it. Saint Paul. 2013. 

A mom and dad pack up their two perfect children and drive them to their perfect church. Upon arriving to church, the two children quietly and peacefully get dressed in costumes for their Christmas program dress rehearsal. They look perfect in their perfect costumes and they stand still as they sing beautifully before the congregation. They follow directions and are the envy of every parent. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

This is not a true story. 

Picture it. Pilgrim Lutheran Church. 2013. 

One Isabelle, dressed as a sheep, stands in front of the congregation during dress rehearsal, looking sweet as can be. As the hour drags on she begins to pretend to hula hoop, shaking her hips in a circular motion. Then, her shirt goes up. Then her hands. Scandalous.  A stressed out and embarrassed mom grabs the girl to scold her off to the side. Some chuckle while others give sympathetic and supportive glances. Back in her place, one Isabelle begins to take off her pants while singing and smiling. The same mother removes her again and threatens to cancel Christmas and take away the little lord Jesus from the nativity set. The girls prized possession. Returned to her spot once more, one Isabelle keeps it pretty G rated for the remainder of the time while one very sweet star, who has been completely ignored, begins to use his star as a gun. On the alter. At the church. 

This is a true story. 

So, you can imagine I was pretty nervous about what would happen during the actual Sunday morning performance. Here are a few moments caught on camera:

Where are my perfect children from the first story? In fact, where is Henry?

Let me tell you. Henry was over on the right side of the alter, smiling, singing, looking adorable. He sang his song, using hand gestures, "oh my soul is going to shine, shine, shine," and he was mighty proud. I missed the entire thing because I was hyper focused on Isabelle, worried she was going to flash Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. And she didn't. She did army crawl on the ground, take her costume off, and play with a piece of fur from someone else's costume. You know what else she did? Sang Away in a Manger just as she was told to by her teachers. They were both perfect. Perfectly normal. I just happened to push my OCD, extreme type A personality, and obsession with perfection onto them in a way that made everyone feel crazed. 

I'm upset I didn't see Henry perform. I'm upset that I didn't have more faith in Isabelle. And, I'm upset that I didn't recognize that both kids were doing what they were supposed to do. Acting like happy kids. 

Here's what I learned:

1. Isabelle is going to be an amazing hula hooper. Her free spirit will serve her well and I hope she is always a confident girl.

2. Henry is into the theatrics and seemed to really enjoy himself. I hope he is always a confident boy.

3. I love my children. They make me a bit nuts, but they help me let go of my hangups a little at a time, a little each day. 

--maggie

P.S. Sophia said it was fine to use her story telling line. Don't worry. 

Big Boi and The Love Below

Wanna know something? We have a record player. Wanna know how often it is used? Almost never. Wanna know why? Because I am crazy. True story. 

About 8 years ago, Nick and I purchased a record player. We spent time together at record shops building our collection and stored them in some sort of janky crate. This was fine until I turned crazy. I decided the crate looked bad with our other, now grown up, furniture and made a purchase of a box type thingy from ikea. Nick decided it was too flimsy and would damage the records. He then purchased a piece of furniture from his cousin that I immediately rejected. Crazy. Nick moved the piece of furniture to the basement, along with all of the records. The record player is in the dining room. See how this makes no sense? Nick and I really enjoy music and, in the past, buying records together. Nick certainly has a stronger connection to the records and it seems pretty mean to make him hide his love away in the nasty basement. Luckily, my BFF Sue is helping to calm the crazy so I decided to figure out how to fix this record problem. I researched on the googles what other record lovers use to store records. Many wrote about a shelf from ikea. I bundled Isabelle, we grabbed up one of those shelves, built it and arranged the records. A Christmas miracle for my number one:

It's placed conveniently in the dining room with tons of room to grow our collection. Shoot, you can buy more of the same shelf. Line em up. Stack em high. It's pretty much awesome. We have some great records- Dr. Dre, The Black Keys, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Marvin Gaye, MJ, Simon and Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, etc- and we have been listening to them like crazy.  I walked into the living room yesterday afternoon to find Henry and Nick playing tecmo bowl while listening to led zeppelin on record. I spent that same morning wrapping presents to Outkast, The Love Below:

  

Nick had taken the kids to church and to make advent wreaths while I stayed home to nurse my cold and get some christmasing done. On the record, Big Boi has a song about church- "sometimes life can keep you down, with your face all in the dirt. Now if you feel that left behind, need to get up and go to church." I started to think about church. I have pretty positive memories of the church I went to before my parents divorce. It was old, smelled like a church, had Sunday school, and I met Jessie Jackson one Sunday. Once my parents split I was moved into the catholic religion by way of my father's second marriage. I was baptized, had first communion and was confirmed all in the same day. At age 14. It was totally strange, and I was already strange and teenagery enough. I knew then that the church wasn't for me and I just kind of sailed through my required Sunday morning visits. I learned very little except that I did not love it. Naturally, I married a man with a religion major and a fairly strong connection to faith. It didn't really become something we discussed until our little friends were born. We thought maybe we should look into joining a church. A catholic church was not a choice for me so we started with a non-denominational church. The pastor was seriously the bomb and we thought we were settled there. However, it was not a fit long term as their values did not align with ours. It was not okay with me to join a church where some are excluded and I certainly did not want my children receiving that message. So, we left and tried Unitarian. It was a fit belief wise, but Nick needed a bit more of a traditional church feel. So, we left. 

It's hard to find a church. Driving down Saint Clair avenue one morning we saw a church with a sign that read, "all of god's children welcome here." On the sign was a dove and a rainbow. A promising sign. It's called Pilgrim Lutheran Church and it is the church we decided to join. The kids really love church, which I find odd based on my own childhood experiences. They look forward to service and Sunday school. They have friends. We've met some too. It is refreshing to be part of a community and we have made a genuine effort to attend. The way the kids believe so eagerly is helping me. Isabelle and Henry's enthusiasm and innocence is teaching me how to forgive and how to move on with life in a way that includes some type of god. There is comfort in that as well as a lot of work. But, it is worth it because I know, just like on the record, that when life seems to leave me behind I need to get up and go to church. Sometimes I don't even listen to the service, I just sit with my family and enjoy an hour of peace. I think that's what faith is- my family. And maybe records.

--maggie 

Out with the Minis. In with the Tree.

Thanksgiving. This happened:

And this:

See those mini pumpkin votives? Amazing.

The day was great and nothing was burned, no one puked, and no one fought. An overall success with great company, a warm home and enough food for ten thanksgivings. I was pretty tired when all was said and done and was looking forward to a relaxing evening. This happened instead: 

Nick's feelings toward Christmas match mine for mini pumpkins. That is to say, within ten minutes of the departure of our Thanksgiving guests Nick had hauled up the Christmas tree box. Assembly began and the tree was up and lit shortly thereafter. I was slightly annoyed by this whole situation, but my attitude soon changed when I saw the kids running around with excitement at the sight of our Christmas tree. They eagerly looked through all of the ornaments and we decorated the tree to a little Mannheim Steamroller on the record player. Our home quickly transformed and it is full blown Christmas up in here. The kids are completely caught up in the magic and it is awesome to see. Isabelle is obsessed with the nativity set and refers to the baby Jesus as "the little lord Jesus." She takes him everywhere. He is currently in the car waiting for her to finish preschool. 

The kids are also enjoying Christmas movies, Santa hats, advent tree countdown and the return of Laru, our invisible, not on the shelf, elf. Isabelle and Henry each left him/her a note to take to Santa:

Dear Santa,

Do you like my behavior? Do you think I can get presents because of my behavior or not?

Your friend,

Henry Bruecken 

Ho-Ho-Ho Santa,

My name is Isabelle. Hee-haw! You're very nice for bringing presents. I've been good and bad and funny and can count to three. Mom got out the Christmas decorations like the snow globe and stuff. I love chocolate milk. I love baby things like my ornament. I love cooking ginger breads when I grow up like a mom. I want some pink strawberry flavored milk. I love Christmas books. I love you, Santa. 

-Isabelle 

This is a wonderful time of year. Nick told me this after we put up our tree: "Not everyone believes. I still believe. There's comfort in thinking someone is out there making all of this happen." Young and old, this household believes in the magic of the season and we are continuing to give thanks for all that we have to enjoy. 

Hee-Haw,

maggie

P.S.

If you enjoy holiday coffee drinks, but not the $4.00 price tag, try purchasing a dark roast and add a little cream and sugar. Next, apply peppermint Chapstick. Boom. Holiday drink. You're welcome. 

Thankful

The panic may have settled in this morning. I began checking lists, running through plans, freaking out. It's cool, we are just hosting Thanksgiving. Some people wait all year for this feast and I really don't want to F up the turkey. So, I may have started to panic. Then, I decided to sit down to write and reign in the ol' OCD. Thanksgiving is a time for family and for remembering all of the ways we are thankful. I've been talking to Henry and Isabelle a lot about the act of giving and the reasons to be thankful. I think it's time to do this myself and stop worrying about that 19 pound turkey in my refrigerator. This is my thankful list, 2013 style.

1. Nick.
I am so very thankful to have a partner like Nick. He is a great father and a committed spouse. He has worked tirelessly to make it possible for me to stay home with the kids and has endured many sleepless nights worrying about how to make our setup work. Nick also puts up with a lot of crazy from me. For example, this morning I told Nick that tonight he really needs to drill holes in our mini pumpkins to make them into votive holders. His response was, "sure, no problem." Also, I may have mentioned our house is a bit small for our growing family. However, being able to share this home with someone like Nick makes it all worth while. Our mini house keeps our values in line and makes us so appreciative of what we do have. We want for very little and that is something to be thankful for all year long. I only want to live where Nick lives so it works. 

2. Henry.
I am thankful for Henry every minute and here is why: his heart. Henry is very good at understanding his own emotions and that helps him to interact with others in a manner that is sensitive and caring. He certainly frustrates very easily and tells us plenty of mean things when he is angry, but he knows his limits and when he has gone too far. Henry is pretty hilarious too. He must get that from me. Henry also surprises me daily with his intelligence and I am certainly thankful that I don't have to worry about his academic readiness or behavior in school at this point. Really thankful.

3. Isabelle.
Isabelle is a laugh riot and I am thankful for the chuckles she provides me with each day. Today we were at Trader Joes and when we reached the checkout line Isabelle asked the cashier for a treat or stickers. She asked politely. The cashier told Isabelle yes, but that she would have to wait until she was done ringing me up. Isabelle stood next to me and started to sing, "I want a treat, I want a treat." The lady told her to stop because that is a rude way to ask for things. Isabelle's response was, "Oh." And then she continued to sing, but this time it was the chorus to an Arctic Monkey song. It goes something like this: "why'd you only call me when you're high." Completely inappropriate, but I started laughing because of the situation. We were scolded for being rude by the cashier and the response was to sing about pot. Great. That just about sums up my choice parenting and Isabelle's mannerisms. And I am so thankful for Isabelle because I was about to cry when the cashier made her remarks, but left laughing instead. Isabelle is good for the soul.

4. The Fam.
I'm talking about all of you great family members that don't live in my home. The ones who support me and our family from near and far. We may not talk each day, week or month, but I know you are there and I hope you know the same of me. I would like to spend more time with you and hope to make that happen in the days to come. I am thankful for your company and thankful for the memories from the time we've spent together.

5. My Therapist.
Sue is her name and she has walked me through some very difficult realizations and life events. It's hard to grow up and it is hard to become a mother. I am thankful for her help as I believe I am starting to come out on the other side as a happier person who is better equipped as a partner and mother. I think Sue may secretly be my best friend even though she asks me to do things that suck. I am thankful for new beginnings and for having the opportunity to live a healthier life.

6. The Friends.
Not the ones on TBS. Or the Golden Girls. Or the gang from 90210. Although I really do love them. I'm talking about the actual humans who provide great company, laughter and give my life additional meaning. I have some really great friends to confide in, drink with, get pedicures with, and share parenting stories and struggles. Life would be very dull without each of you. I'm also thankful for the opportunity to get to know new friends at schools and church. We have shared in some meaningful get togethers and I'm very thankful. 

Here's the bottom line: I'm thankful for the ability to feel thankful. Life provides us with so many opportunities to be thankful and I think it's important to take the time to recognize them. I wish you all a very happy thanksgiving filled with love, good company, food and thankfulness. 

Gobble, Gobble

--maggie 

Friends

We had the wonderful privilege of spending time with friends this weekend, both old and new. Henry was invited to a play date on Friday as he didn't have school. Our whole family was then invited to dinner as a continuation of the play date. It was a real treat to be invited into Henry's social scene and Nick and I made some new friends as a result. At one point I went to check on Henry and his buddy. They were laying in his friend's bed just chatting about school and their friends. He is no longer just mine- he has a whole world outside of our home. I think that's amazing. 

Saturday was Isabelle's first solo birthday party. No Henry. No mom and dad. She was invited to a tea party where they made bracelets, crowns, painted nails and had a dance party. My kind of tea party. Isabelle had a lovely time and informed me that she doesn't need me to stay with her at parties now. She is no longer just mine either. 

While Isabelle was at the party I went to lunch and read magazines. Alone. For two hours. It was amazing. Nick had Henry and they spent a productive morning together. Henry earns an allowance each week- one buck for completing various chores on his chart. If he does them all, along with good behavior, he can earn a bonus buck. He puts 50% in a spending jar, 25% in a savings jar and 25% in a giving jar. He left with his savings and giving jars that morning. With his giving he bought a toy for toys for tots and with his savings he opened a savings account. He was seriously pumped: 

I wish I was as enthusiastic about saving money. I'm proud of him for going along with this plan with such joy. Save it up, homey.

After all of the morning action we headed to a second birthday party for a little buddy of Henry and Isabelle's. We've known this family for several years and just really enjoy spending time with them. They are the kind of friends who always make you feel welcome, meet you where you are, and never judge. Not you. Not anyone. No gossip, just fun and laughing. It's really refreshing and we are grateful to know them. 

We headed home for the evening as our dinner plans were cancelled due to the host having sick family members. Henry was hanging out with Nick and I was dorkin it up with Isabelle, thanksgiving style:

Ya know? Just tying fall ribbon on pens so guests can write what they are thankful for. I bet the guests are going to LOVE this activity...

While we were tying ribbon the doorbell rang. It was the friend we had dinner plans with. He had a full meal for our family- kindness at its best. It was such a surprise and something I will never forget. I mean seriously. That is some nice stuff right there. 

We ended the weekend by inviting one of Nick's former coworkers and her family over for dinner. We spent the evening getting to know one another while the kids played. It can be difficult to make new friends as adults, but this family made it so easy and we will look forward to our next gathering. 

It seems that the moral of this tale is: 

call your old friends and make some plans.

meet a new friend and make some plans.

Both are good for the ol' heart. 

--maggie 

School Days

Today families were invited to first grade for a small moments publishing party. The kids were placed in groups of three and each had the chance to read their story aloud. Then, the parents and students in the group wrote nice words about the story on a post it. The kids had been practicing reading their stories aloud and each student read with confidence and pride. It was pretty much awesome. 

Henry's story was about a soccer game from the fall. It ended with the sentence, "it was the best day of my whole life." I like visiting his classroom. The kids are so eager to participate and when I work with groups they are sweet and engaged. The time I spend with them reminds me of the goodness that exists in people. 

When I returned to the school at 3 to pick Henry up he told me he wrote me a letter during class. I asked to see it, but he had left it behind. He could, however, recite the contents that went something like this: 

Dear mom, 

I want you to give me money. I would like to buy soft pants and a football team.

First, I'll buy the kid some pants. I had no idea. Second, I asked him how much he thought a football team would cost and he said, "maybe 20 bucks for the gophers." 

I think we are going to have to discuss the market value of a college football team. I don't know much about the footballs, but I bet it costs more than 20 bucks. 

The kids are down in the basement right now coloring as I'm writing. Moments ago Henry brought me another letter that says,

Dear mom, 

I like your coking. 

He meant cooking. It was also dated. He's awesome. I think I'd better start dinner, though. 

--maggie

p.s. Bachmans (no relation to crazy Michele) has minis. Get some! 

The R Word

I don't love football. It's mostly because I don't understand what's happening in the game and I'm okay with that. I don't find the uniforms compelling, the yelling and fan aggression makes me uncomfortable and sometimes the games get in the way of my regularly scheduled programs. 

Here's the thing-- my husband and boy kid love the game. Did you know you can watch football on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday? It's intense. When games aren't on, ESPN is so that Henry can watch the bottom line. Here are the positive aspects: he's reading, he's following statistics, he's using a lot of math to determine how a score was acheived, and he finds the games truly entertaining and fun. So, I go along with it even though the violence, recent bullying, inappropriate commercials that we have to turn off, and the hyper focus on toughness and masculinity makes me queasy. I have to try to find the value because it's not going away. 

Henry pays very close attention to things, especially when football is the topic. Sometimes I think he is just reading the bottom line when in reality he is listening to the ESPN program. He recently caught a segment on team names and mascots. More specifically, the redskins. After watching the program he asked Nick some questions and concluded that he would call the redskins the r word because it's not nice to say. Just like shut up or stupid is the s word. I'm sure some of you think this is crazy or dumb. But, you probably don't belong to the group being marginalized by such a name. There are loads and loads of people who argue that the team names are just names and to leave it alone. But, they aren't just names. They are words that hurt and we teach our kids to choose their words wisely. Words hold a lot of power, especially the ones that exist to hurt others.  I'm really proud of Henry. We didn't tell him to do this, it was his own choice. Tonight, it's the Vikings vs. the r word at our house. 

--maggie

Gobble, Gobble

Well, the fire department was at Henry's school when we arrived this morning. I've had a few encounters with the fire department lately so I wasn't alarmed to see them, though maybe I should have been. Standing outside of the school waiting for entry or information, something like the game of telephone took place. We were at the end of the line so I guess I'm still not totally sure what happened. This is the information I was given: someone was smoking in the elevator, the elevator was on fire, or someone was stuck in the elevator. When we got inside there was no power, but school was in session. Henry was super unsure of the situation and suggested we just go home. I walked him down the dark hallway where everyone was acting like nothing was different. Maybe Henry and I were the only ones experiencing this? When we got to the classroom I gave him a hug and a kiss and he said, "I guess I'll stay, but I'm calling you if the lights aren't back on by lunch. I'm not eating in that cafeteria in the dark!" I haven't heard from him...

Here's the thing. If all of this hadn't happened I would not have seen this:

I wish this was mine. I'm not kidding. I almost went to the door to find out where he/she found such a splendid fall decoration. Look, we are hosting 16 people for thanksgiving and I think a friendly turkey pumpkin, rather than a mum plant, would be a fabulous way to greet our guests. I'd like you to tell me if you know how I could get my hands on something like this. While we are on the subject, trader joes is all dried up on the mini pumpkin front. Can you believe they had this many just last week? 

That's a shitload of pumpkins! Where did they all go? My entire thanksgiving table scape revolved around minis right down to drilling holes in them to make them votive holders. It was going to get crafty up in here and now I've got nothin. I'm going to need you to go ahead and contact me if you come across any minis, okay? 

I'm going to leave you with a few solid quotes from my little friends:

"My favorite part of boating (voting) was marrying the woman with the stickers." (Did any other saint paulers notice a person called dirty kurty on the ballot?) 

Me- "What are you doing, Isabelle?"

Isabelle- "Licking my tongue."

Me- "What did you put in your mouth, Isabelle?"

Isabelle- "Just two boogers, mom."

"If you take any of my Halloween candy I'll tell on you to GOD!" -Henry 

I've taken a lot of Henry's candy. Please don't tell him. 

--maggie 

The Halloween Post

I really love Halloween. Dressing kids up, mini pumpkins, candy, mini pumpkins, decorations, mini pumpkins, pumpkin carving, mini pumpkins, turning normal food into a Halloween surprise, mini pumpkins. It's buckets of fun. 

We have a long standing tradition of trick or treating with some fab friends in Woodbury. It's nice to share the trick or treating task with other adults and our kids get along just fine. Henry gets seriously jacked up about trick or treating with these friends and talks about it year round. Isabelle is really getting into it too. Sadly, Isabelle fell victim to the flu (see fire station post) and had to stay home. When I broke the news to her she was royally pissed. I promised to take her to a few houses in our neighborhood and let her watch great pumpkin. Here was her final reaction to the evening:

Not too shabby. Henry still got to trick or treat with his buddies and all ended well. However, it's unclear if the sugar has worn off because this is how the kids traveled to school this morning: 

Solider

Super Belle. 

God bless their teachers, and all teachers who have to deal with kids the morning after Halloween. (Isabelle punched a kid in her class, but that's a story for another day. I blame Halloween).

When I dropped Henry off at school and removed his soldier gear he asked what I was going to do today. I told him I had to go to the store. He said, "Could you pick up some bacon? I feel like bacon?" Bacon as an afternoon snack? Done. 

--maggie 

Just go to the Fire Station

Today started out pretty okay. Isabelle climbed into bed with me this morning and whispered in my ear, "I just had a dream about sparkly toilet paper." After breakfast Henry drew a picture of a person who transforms into a bathroom plunger as his superpower. I was optimistic about the day.

Then, Isabelle barfed in the car after we dropped Henry off at school. I was calm and reassuring, I think. I got her home and inside where I changed her clothes into too small for her pajamas and got her set up on the sofa. She immediately started singing and dancing, clearly not too sick. I figured she was fine and I went outside to remove the car seat. I removed the belt and one of the clips. The seat didn't budge. Starting to panic I dialed up Nick, who was traveling to Des Moines with two other people for work. He explained that there are two metal clips on each side of the seat that have to be removed. I gave them a try, but no luck. I had hung up the phone at this point to try to get some leverage without falling into the puke covered seat. No luck. I started crying. That didn't  help. I started bawling. That didn't help. I called Nick and yelled at him while in the car with coworkers. That really didn't help.

Finally, I decide to go inside to cool down. Moments later, Nick calls to check in and says, "Firefighters can help in these situations. You sound pretty stressed, just go to the fire station and ask them to help you. Or, cut the seat out."

I considered my options and whether Isabelle would puke again and decide I better just go. To be clear, I am totally freaking out so you should not be surprised to learn that I leave Isabelle in pants that are capri length, allow her to wear open toe sandals and a spring coat. It's 35 degrees outside so that's pretty cool. I put her in Henry's car seat with a bowl and drive one block to the fire station. We get out, ring the bell, and wait. Two firefighters come to the door and they are super handsome, of course. I'm sure glad I took the time to brush my hair before getting out of the car. Not that it matters. As soon as I open my mouth to explain why I am there, I start crying. Again. The two awesome firefighters help me out and remove the barf covered seat. They had to use a tool so it was totally worth it. But really, firefighters are rad and helped me restore some sanity.

Until I went to target. I figured there was a small possibility I might not be able to reinstall the seat once it was clean so I drove over to target to buy one of those low back boosters. We've been meaning to get one and I couldn't really take on any more stress. I took one look at Isabelle as I took her out of the seat and knew she wasn't dressed for the weather. I went in anyway, hoping people would grant me a little grace. Nope. I grabbed up a 20 dollar booster and was headed for the milk because I had concluded that the milk in our fridge had made Isabelle sick. What? Probably not. As I was  heading toward the correct aisle a woman looked at Isabelle and said to her, "oh, you must be so cold!" I quickly turned the cart to run away because I was about to start crying. Isabelle, still looking at the woman, did not notice I'd changed directions. She turned around and ran her face into the cart. Now she's sick, hurt and bawling. And I'm crying. Again.

Luckily, we made it back home without further problems. One of my fav pals Kelly stopped by for lunch and helped everyone (me) calm down, provided some top notch car seat cleaning tips, and brought me candy. Thank goodness for good friends and firefighters. I truly hope you are having a better day than myself. I'm optimistic about tomorrow.

--maggie

A Bit Cheesy

October 26th marked 11 years of marriage for Nick and I. We decided to stay in for the evening this year and Nick took charge of the planning. We put the kids to bed and exchanged gifts. The gift I received was rad and contained our evening activities. Nick made a puzzle out of photos from our summer cabin trip and included a new Miles Davis record for our listening pleasure. 

He also included a bottle of Moët Chandon champaign. This is not because we are fancy. It's because we really value hilarious things and think that the bit on SNL is too much. You know, the two ex porn stars who make commercials to get free stuff? The one about Moët Chandon is hysterical and you should look it up. It really was the perfect addition to the gift and evening. 

Before all of this took place we spent a lovely day as a fam. Henry is a wee bit obsessed with the footballs so he watched a few games on and off and spent the rest of his time doing this:

This is a game he created (redskins vs. rams) and then played out on paper, counting up by touchdowns and field goals to get the final score. I mean, he's using some serious math skills. So, I may hate on the sports, but I really love this math work he does and all for fun. He also wanted to do math problems at the restaurant on our anniversary evening: 

Things are pretty great. Sure, we complain-- our house is too small, we don't have fancy cars, funds can get a bit tight, the kids make us feel crazed. But, you know what? We hang out together and are close. In our spare time we imagine up football matches complete with scores, dress up as ballerinas multiple times a day, play baseball in the backyard, and put together puzzles on our anniversary. I think we have just what we need. 

--maggie 

Hicabog

Nick has a rather solid memory of watching The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad circa 1950 something. I do not have any memory of this flick.  So, Nick went online and ordered that baby up so as to pass on this great tradition to our offspring. We watched it last night. If you don't know the story I'm not going to give you any real information except for this: a guy with no head rides around on a horse at the end. Easy with the judgy, judgy now. We probably should have just put a puzzle together. But, we didn't and this was the fascinating result: 

Also, both kids call the Ichabod character hicabog, which I think is awesome. Have a lovely evening. 

--maggie

Not About the Kids. Just Kidding.

Today on the way to school Henry attempted to figure out how long I've known Nick. He thought Nick was an adult when I was born. We worked through this issue and got to the time in life when Henry was born. He was talking about being in my belly and how he knew  how great it was in there. When we were just about to the school he asked how he got out. I told him the truth. I figure I better always answer such questions with truth as he will eventually stop asking me. I'll spare you the deets, but I am not sure right before school was the ideal time for this conversation. A lot of first graders may be getting some new information right about now. Kind of a parent fail. 

Here's another from last night. About a year ago Henry and Isabelle were upstairs fighting about a puzzle. It's a Melissa and Doug alphabet train floor puzzle. I'm sure you've seen it. Instead of helping them resolve the issue I just marched upstairs, packed the puzzle up and threw it under my bed. It has been under there for a year. Isabelle found it last night and asked if we could get it out. I dusted it off and helped her put it together. She was so dang proud of herself as she talked about the letters and animals. What the heck? Of all things to take away (sword, light saber, figures that promote body image issues) I took away a puzzle. Not to mention, I taught them nothing by just taking away the puzzle. 

Here's the upside to both stories: the puzzle is back and Henry knows where babies come from. Parenting is hard. We learn lessons at their expense and have to admit we are wrong way more than we admit we are right. 

It's going to be okay though. Henry gave me a hug and a kiss this morning after getting out of the car. He was almost to the school door when he ran back for a second hug. He's a good boy. 

Lastly, and not so related to the topic, Henry told me the Vikings lost last night. He wasn't mad though because he said our loss gave the other team (?) their first win. Like I said, he's a good boy. 

--maggie 

Fall

Fall is a great time of year and is one of my favorites. I have a few reasons. Settle in. 

1. It's dang beautiful. Seriously. Sometimes I forget to enjoy it because I know what follows is a frozen version of hell for many, many months. But, this year I'm making sure to enjoy all of its glory. One Albert Camus said, "autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower." Preach! 

2. Every October 26th I get to celebrate my marriage to Nick. This year marks 11 years. He is seriously rad and I hope you know him. Nick gives everything to our family and he never thinks twice about helping a friend. If you want to know a real good person, know Nick. 

3. MEA- Two days off of school in mid-October. When I was teaching it was a great break and now that the kids are school age it is such a nice treat. Yesterday we went to the Minnesota zoo. A few things to note. One, I bought the kids three 59 cent animals each. They were seriously jacked up and couldn't believe their good fortune. It was like they won the lottery. I think I cracked the code: never buy your kids anything cool so that they think 59 cent plastic animals are the bomb. Keep that one in your back pocket, parents. You're welcome. Second, I overheard a woman use the phrase, "too blessed to be stressed." I've heard rumors of this phrase, but never heard it used. She was the most interesting animal I saw that morning. 

Today we are going to an indoor play structure with some friends. I hope they will be occupied for hours so I can dish with my girlfriend. Lastly, MEA is great because you can take time to make breakfast together. We made chocolate chip pancakes. Isabelle got down on those cakes and noticed she got chocolate all over the table. She said, "it's okay, mom. I'll just lick it up." No you won't. I will. 

4. Mini pumpkins and gourds. If you have visited my home lately you have likely left with multiple mini pumpkins. I'm obsessed. Trader Joes has the best mini pumpkins, if you're in the market. I drive by this store to take Henry to school and I stop most days to pick a few (20) up. When children are little it is surprisingly easy to get them to like what you like. Isabelle is totally on board. If we are going to visit a friend, she suggests we get some minis. If we are going to the gym, better get some! Catch the fever, Isabelle! 

See, fall is great. I hope you a have a wonderful day and that you get out and enjoy this short, but lovely time of year. 

--maggie 

Girlfriends.

Today is Wednesday which means I'm headed to volunteer in Henry's classroom a little later. Henry knows this and thought he should prep me with some information. The following conversation happened while driving to school:

Henry: you know what, mom? I already have two girlfriends.

Giggles 

Me: oh yeah. Who? 

Henry: Sidney is one, but she doesn't know. The other is Nayla. 

Me: how do you know you are her boyfriend? Do you hang out together?

Henry: I don't go anywhere near her. 

Giggles

Me: okay. So how do you know she's your girlfriend?

Henry: she told me. 

Me: what did you do?

Henry: I said, "oh great!" And then I smacked myself in the face. 

What? 

On an unrelated note, a wild turkey tried to give me a heart attack by jumping in front of my car. On Lexington Parkway. 

Hope your day is wonderful and full of great stories. I'm enjoying coffee at a bookstore while listening to Simon and Garfunkel's "America." I can think of very little to complain about and that is peaceful. 

--maggie 

Facebook

This morning I posted something about my kids on Facebook. Again. It's a habit I can't shake. I'm pretty sure I have been unfriended or hidden based on my posts, as charming as I believe my kid stories to be. So, I'm starting a blog. I don't know what I will use it for at this point. I am thinking it will be a great spot to post funny, sad, frustrating, endearing stories from my family. I think they are just great. Maybe I'll post some dope recipes I try or fun crafts. But then again, maybe I'll just write about my kids as that seems to be all I can do at this point. My name is Maggie, and I'm a kid oversharer.

Here goes one:
Last night we had some friends over for dinner. They have two children and Isabelle refuses to go anywhere near them. During dinner she pushed one of the boys as she was generally annoyed that he was in her space. Nick placed Isabelle upstairs on a timeout. Instead of crying or carrying on, she pissed all over the carpet. For real.

Some days my kids bring me undeniable joy and make me feel like I am the greatest mom that ever walked the earth. Other days I feel like I am being defeated by a 6 and 3 year old. Over and over. Balance would be great. Until then, I think I will write. And post pictures. And tell jokes. Have a good one, friends.

-Maggie