We're on TV!

My boys and I (and my mom and sister) went to visit the MOA Santa for the second year in a row. I love going here, as it's worth the drive for me for what you get. You can make an appointment and avoid standing in line, and then this special Santa really gives your kids some special 1 on 1 time.

We had made an appointment for a Monday and were one of the first appointments of the day, as I wanted it to be before lunch and naptime, and also to avoid a crazy mall. Double strollers take up enough room...

When we arrived, we were told that WCCO news station was there taping footage for a story and wondered if we were okay with our children being on TV. We of course said, "YES!" as how fun is that? They didn't know when the story would air, so fortunately some family and friends text messaged me and asked if that would have been our boys they just saw on TV.
Fortunately for the internet, we have been able to watch it ourselves and now I can share it on our blogsite.

Enjoy! It's a really great story about the Santa. Very sweet.

The Big Heart (And Hair) Of MOA’s Santa Claus « CBS Minnesota – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic, and the Best of Minnesota

The Big Heart (And Hair) Of MOA’s Santa Claus « CBS Minnesota – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic, and the Best of Minnesota

The Fox Boys, Christmas 2010

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Simply Exhausted!

It's only at the very end of my day, when my legs are wrapped up in a blanket, and the laptop is sitting on my lap, that I can actually smile and giggle at what kind of a whirlwind day I just experienced.

Today:

• I attempted to locate 2 of our 5 cordless phones. I found one in the diaper pail among the dirty diapers (just wet ones, the stinky ones go outside, but still). The other I found stuffed inside the couch cushions. On a part of the couch that we rarely sit on, so an adult did not place it there.
• In my search through the couch cushions, I found Landon's toothbrush that has been missing since Sunday (we went and bought 4 more on Monday), a smooshed banana crusted to the cushion, and Gage's "favorite" race car, or so he says.
• I found, and had to replace 2 of the register vents that the twins are currently obsessed with. I keep finding the vents off, and toys stuffed inside. Yesterday, I caught them sitting in my room, the vent out of the floor, and both had one leg sticking inside. Last weekend, I pulled roughly 20 Megablocks out of the vent, which curves down and becomes unreachable past a few inches. I have one heck of a scratch on my arm to prove I was digging.
• I found my hairbrush in my bathtub, next to two pantyliners (which were ruined because of the dripping faucet!)
  
• I picked up my pots and pans scattered throughout my kitchen not one, not two, but on three separate occasions.
• I only had to pick up my Tupperware/Rubbermaid containers once today. I think that's a record.

I can honestly say there is a whole lot more to add, but I'm afraid if I keep going, you may not believe me.

I never remember Gage being so "busy". Into everything. Constantly. I'm sure he was, and I'm sure it was just a whole lot easier since he was just one person, and he was my only. But holy crap.

It's a fun phase, and I'm trying my very best to enjoy it as I know it will pass much too quickly.

But I would be lying if I said I don't look forward to bedtime...just for a few hours to myself and some peace and quiet.

20 Questions Meme

Twenty Questions Meme

I haven't done one of these in forever...and I've also been bad at checking blogs on a regular basis. By the looks of the "number of visits" on my own blog, I'm thinking that I don't have quite the following as I used to have, either. I suppose that would be my own fault, as sometimes I go a good month or so in between posts. But, here goes...
and if I tag you-feel free to play along, or if not...that is fine, too!

I was tagged by Leah at "Day In The Life".

RULE #1 : People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 : Tag 4 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.
(Frankly, I don’t care if the tagged ones refuse to take part in this meme. Honestly, we don’t need bossy memes telling us what to do in our lives. I’m also cool if you want to only answer half as many questions. Twenty questions is a lot.)

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
100% members of the family. My husband and I have a hard time understanding why people get dogs and just leave them outside all of the time. I know many people do it, and I do not mean to offend, as I "know" dogs have fur coats and are meant to survive the elements. But I just know how much our animals appreciate our extra love and attention and they give so much back to us that I couldn't imagine them not being in our house and only outside.

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
I have lots of the "typical" dreams....wonderful health for my family and self so that we can continuing enjoying life the way it is without any additional stress, maybe a vacation in the near future.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
Racism. Those who can actually say that they do not "like" or "accept" another for their race, sexuality, income level, etc. I just don't comprehend how anyone can judge another for the way God made them.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Pay off all of ours, and our immediate families' debts.
Set up full college funds for our children.
Donate to charities that are important to us.

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
I tend to just need a little "me" time. I'll call a friend, or go alone to shop, have lunch/dinner, schedule or participate in a girls night out. That usually is all it takes for me to get out of a slump. Oh, and buying myself something usually helps, too!

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Both! I do feel that loving someone is much more painful sometimes. I love my kids and my family so much it hurts...especially when they hurt.

7. What is your bedtime routine?
Wash face, brush teeth, crawl into bed and sleep.
My kids are my alarm (twins at 6-630).

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
College.

9. If you could watch an creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
Seriously?
I'm blown away and impressed with ANYONE that has a creative bone in their body. I do find that I love to watch people make pottery on a spinning wheel, and when I've had the chance, I love to watch people blow glass. Very interesting the amount of concentration and skill involved in both. I also love to watch a skilled pianist play the piano.

10. What kinds of books do you buy?
I don't buy books. I rent. I have bought a few of my favorite reads though, in the hopes to either read them again in the future or share with my kids and friends someday.
I have the entire Harry Potter series, as well as "The Red Tent", and "The Kite Runner".

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
I hope to have a job, maybe even a career, outside of the home. I do not plan to be a stay-at-home mom until my kids graduate, that is for sure. I'm hoping once the twins are in kindergarten (5 years from now) I have something that I am doing that is important to me.

12. What’s your fear?
Serious illness and death of my loved ones.

13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?
Never. I am actually annoyed with NASA as we just keep spending billions of dollars to keep sending satellites to the same places to see the same things. Yes, we have a moon. And yes, there is Mars. Get over it and start spending money on things that could actually help the human race, such as cures for Cancer and AIDS.

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
I would live with my husband and kids in a cardboard box before EVER giving that up for a lot of money. Money is overrated and we've become too focused on what we think we need, rather than what we have.

15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Put on my glasses, roll out of bed and tell myself, "Today is going to be a good day?!?!"

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?
Tim overreacts a lot, and even though we are 14 years into our relationship, I tend to allow myself to get sucked in too much. I just wish he could take a step back sometimes and breathe...it's NEVER as bad as he tries to paint it out to be in the beginning. But, this is why we balance one another out. (If you take the time to read this, hun, I Love ya.)

17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be? First name is fine, but if you’re feeling imaginative, you can do the whole thing.
I never used to like my name, as I thought it was boring. I always wanted to be an Andrea, or Alyssa, or something I thought was more sophisticated sounding. However, I really cannot see myself as anything but Jill. And I love my last name. Couldn't have gotten luckier falling in love with a Fox!

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
As of right now, I say yes. I truly believe that anger and the inability to forgive will eat away at ones core, and destroy a person. I know that when I see someone on television that can say that they truly forgive the person that harmed or killed their loved one (especially a child), it is hard to believe one can do that, but I really think that is the only way to heal yourself.

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
Pizza.

20. List 4 people to tag
Diana, Jaci, Sarah, and Jenny

I needed that.

I was in the process of my normal Monday morning routine at the gym, which consists of unloading 3 small children, a large double stroller and several bags, when an older gentleman in a large pickup pulled up and started to talk to me. Quite honestly, I expected to hear my "normal". "My, you have your hands full!" or "Wow, look at you! All that for a work out!" But instead I heard, in a most genuine and gentle voice,

"I just can't believe all that you mom's go through. You do such a wonderful job, and I just don't think many of us men realize what a great job you do. Keep it up, you are doing good things".

I gave him a very genuine smile, and I even fought back tears when I told him a heartfelt "Thank You" and that I really appreciated his kind words.

God has worked in very mysterious ways for me recently. On two mornings in the past month I have been shown that he really is watching out for me. One morning he sent someone to purchase my coffee through the espresso drive through (which is something I literally treat myself to once a month or less!) and then the kind man today. It always seems to happen when either I'm already having a rough morning getting everyone out the door...or like today, when the morning was fine, but the afternoon turned sour when Bronson vomited all over himself in his crib at naptime.

Love. That is all I have to say.

Being Silly

My boys are goofs. Not quite sure where they get THAT from, but they are all very silly little boys.


Landon is a HAM. I actually call him "Ham Sandwich", b/c the kid is always doing something to grab the attention of others. He loves to yell "Hiiiiii" as loud as he can, and always to complete strangers. He also loves to yell "Da-deeeeeee" to every.single.male that ever walks by, which makes me look like a floozie. His new thing is walking backward, so he loves to work on that skill, and just laughs out loud as he's doing it.
He also really loves me. I thought that Bronson would tend to be more of the "momma's boy" I prayed so hard for, but I think it's going to be Landon. I usually cannot walk away without him running to find me, and the reaching his arms up for a hug, only to squirm and want to be set back down again. He is also having a very hard time separating from me lately, which for a stay-at-home mom, I leave my kids A LOT. So, I still go, and he still cries, but he gets over it within 5 minutes I've been told. At least the babysitters have been coming back...

Landon

Gage is also a ham. The kid is not shy, and never has been. His thing right now is being a huge Vikings fan. Whenever he sees someone with a Vikings shirt or jersey on, he has to make sure they know that "They are my favorite team, too". And when we walk past the green and gold? "Yuck. I don't like that team, mom!" as loud as he can say...
He has recently started a "Learn to Skate" program in which he is preparing himself to be a hockey player. Sigh. We'll see. He really does love it though and asks every morning, "Is today a hockey day, mom?" He is doing really well in school and is constantly reciting letters that he sees, and is now sounding them out and trying to read! ARGH! We are still pretty sure we are holding him next year, so that he will be an older kindergartener, rather than one of the youngest....but I still struggle with whether or not that is the right decision. We'll see this spring...

Gage

Bronson is my stinker as of late. Whereas he used to be a little more reserved and quiet, he is now the one that I have to keep a close eye on, as he tends to be the one getting into things that he shouldn't (toilet, dog dish) and then when scolded, he will either look at you with this serious face and turn around and do it again...or he'll scrunch up his face and start to fake-cry...which is really cute and kind of melts your heart a little. He LOVES Gage, and says "Daaaage" whenever Gage comes into the room or is near, and he also loves the kitty, "Day-dee" (Daisy) and likes to chase her around the house. I've started putting his nuks up on a shelf during the day, trying to only keep him to having one at nighttime or nap, (as they will be gone before he's two!) but the little turd reaches up high on his tip-toes to get it off the shelf, then cries when I take it away from him. He's a honey.

Bronson

Bronson

Landon (naked) developed a HORRIBLE diaper rash about a month ago due to antibiotics he was on for an ear infection. The doctor suggested that several times a day I let him run around naked for awhile (yes, he peed on the glass of my mom's french door!) and then use a blow dryer on "cool" to really dry his bottom before putting the diaper back on. So, this is what I am doing here.

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Last but not least, here is Gage showing Nana and Aunt Tee-Tee, "Look, I can even cut vegetables with my eyes closed!"

Nice.

Goofball.

Fall 2010

As the twins are getting older, we of course are finding that it is getting easier to get "out and about" as a family. Yes, it is still a lot of work, packing an extra-large diaper bag to include snacks, extra clothes, etc., and then there is the double stroller that cannot be forgotten...
however as compared to last year when we didn't do ANYTHING (it seemed), we were quite busy this fall, which was very nice for us all.

Here are pictures from a few of our adventures.

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Our yard has "baby" trees, and therefore very few leaves. So we've made it a point to rake a big pile of leaves at Nana and Bumpa Shoe's house every year since Gage was little and let the kids jump in the leaves. The twins reacted the same way Gage did at the age of 1: NOT HAPPY. We took a couple of quick pics, and then they were much happier walking around the yard and climbing Nana's steps. They had JUST started walking here...in fact, Bronson wasn't fully walking yet, so it was quite interesting to watch the "stumbling".

Landon, Gage, Bronson

Right before the tears

Bronson, Landon

Landon

Bronson (so proud he pulled himself up to standing!)

Bronson, Landon

Gage

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Halloween was very fun this year. Gage had stated early-on that he wanted to be a Fireman this year. I had two hand-me-down Elmo costumes that I had planned on using, however a brilliant (ha) idea popped in my head one day that I should make the boys Dalmations and pull them in a firetruck (the wagon with some cardboard "help"). Long story short, I stumbled upon exactly two Dalmation costumes at Marshall's completely by accident, so I knew I had to do it. The week before Halloween, Tim was gone for work the entire week and I came down with a terrible cold and laryngitis for two days. Needless to say, I didn't get a chance to make the cardboard "firetruck", although I did purchase the spray paint...

Bronson

Landon

Gage

No matter how hard we try...it's too difficult to get a great shot!

I'll take this one, however. Turned out great!

Our town always has "downtown" trick-or-treating on an afternoon around Halloween. This year it was from 1-5pm on Friday prior to the holiday. It works out great for families with small children, and the kids had a blast and came home with lots of candy.

There was even a jumpy castle set up on a sidestreet that Gage jumped in and the twins watched happily.

Nana and Bronson

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Our family (including my mom and Ken) took our first train ride on the scenic Ossceola railway this October. It was a very nice time, and highly recommended to my friends and family to try with your families! It runs weekends and some special weekday events May-October and the price is very reasonable. The train goes very slow, and you can walk from car to car freely. There is a concession car with treats for sale, and the very last car has a little "porch" that you can stand on and stick your head out the side and feel the breeze! (Gage is covering his ears as the train had just let out it's "whistle" and he is very sensitive to loud noises...so he's covering his ears in case it goes again, even though we reassured him it wouldn't!)

Here is our family right before getting on the train. The two people in the photo are the "conductor" and the lady taking the tickets. The entire railway is ran by volunteers.

Bronson and I

Daddy and Landon (Tim has been scolded to start smiling in photos and stop looking so damn grumpy all the time!)

Landon

Being silly with Bumpa...in the backseat of the van! (On the way home from the train ride).

Landon snuggling with mommy

Bronson

Exactly One Year Ago

As I was uploading photos tonight (for a post I'll probably get to in another month or so!) I found myself looking over past photos. I realized that these photos were taken exactly one year apart from one another.

Landon, Bronson. October 18, 2009

October 18, 2010

Everyone-Please take time to read.

Being "Real".

Weighing heavily on my mind...

Shortly after getting up this morning, we received the phone call that we were expecting for the last couple of weeks. An extended family member and close family friend, Cheryl, passed away this morning. Cheryl has been fighting a very courageous battle with cancer for nearly 2 years now. After realizing a few weeks ago that the chemotherapy would no longer work, she was able to move home and receive in-home hospice care and spend her last days with her family.

All day long I have had a heavy heart. The sun was shining, and it was just the perfect fall day. Part of me feels like it should be raining on a sad day such as this, yet knowing that Cheryl is now in heaven, with her mom again after 12 years of separation, I know that it truly is a joyful day for her. She was such a religious person that today was finally her reward, as she gets to meet her God. However for her family it is just the beginning of a long road without her present and they will now have to wait to see her again when they rejoice together in heaven.

I tried really hard to soak in all the moments of my day. They are so stressful and so busy sometimes, and I have so many moments of just plain overwhelming feelings of "Will my life EVER be calm again?" Then I tell myself, "YES! They are only this little once and life will slow down and get just a little bit easier"...yet it's something I have to tell myself over and over again, day after day. I don't want to take one second of my life for granted, yet it seems like I struggle with just wanting it to be naptime, or bedtime, so I can just have a few minutes to myself. I know this is normal, but I can't help feeling guilty having these feelings. I know that Cheryl would have done anything (and she tried!) to have even one more minute with her children and grandchildren. She didn't want to go yet; she wasn't ready to say goodbye to her life.

It's just so unfair...
yet those that truly believe in God and heaven know that dying is the true gift. It's just so hard for us here on earth, those of us left to say goodbye and stay "behind", to understand and believe.

A visit to Canada

Over Labor Day weekend, Gage and I took a "Mommy and Me" trip up north to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to visit our dear friends, the Dube's. Yvonne and I met in a "Baby and Me" class through ECFE in when Gage was about 10 weeks old, and Gabrielle was about 6 weeks. Even after our move to Wisconsin, Yvonne and I kept in close touch and got together at least once or twice a month for visits and playdates. Gage and Gabi grew up together, and both are missing one another since the Dube's moved back to their home country of Canada last fall, 2009.

Ever since Gabi moved, Gage will ask at least once a week, "Mom, can we go to Canava to visit Gabi?" No matter how many times I've told him to say Cana-DA, he still pronounces it will a "V". I finally decided that we could make it work, and we left the twins home with Daddy and took a 4 day trip over Labor Day weekend.

We had a BLAST. It was so easy to be free of the twins (is that bad of me to say?) and just enjoy being a mom of one again. I had forgotten how easy it is to travel with just one child, which included one small carry-on bag, no stroller, no bottles or diapers, and just hand-holding to where we needed to go.

We spent most of the time at Brian and Yvonne's house, as there are plenty of toys and fun to be had by all. Gage especially liked the trampoline out back, and the kids were usually out there jumping in their pajama's at the crack of dawn. We took the kids to a wonderful kid amusement park, "Tinker Town" one day where the kids were able to go on rides all day long. Brian was also kind enough to allow Yvonne and I not one, but TWO times out...just the two of us, to shop and go out to eat. THAT was heaven within itself!

Since our return, Gage has asked me every couple of days when we can go back to visit Gabi again. Kind of breaks my heart, as I don't know when our next visit will be, but I hope within the next year that they can either get to WI for a visit, or we can get there...

But until next time, we have the photos, and more importantly the memories, of our wonderful visit, with wonderful friends.

Yeah. Um. The kids were gone "playing" quietly for awhile, and since we had just gotten there a little while before, Yvonne and I were deep in conversation and didn't know how long the quiet play had been going on. Thank goodness for washable markers, eh?

Another side note: These are Gabi's underwear. When the kids were jumping on the trampoline earlier, it was wet on the grass due to Winnipeg getting so much rain. Gage's pants and underwear were soaked, so Yvonne just gave him some of Gabi's!

Lil' Sophie. She's such a hoot. That is dirt on her face, and why I took the picture!

Making hot cocoa for breakfast!

The kids found a cool frog on our way home from the park. They named it Mr. Hopper Toad! I thought that was a cool name. They kept it in the fishbowl for a few days and then I made them put it back in the grass so it wouldn't die. I'm such a softie.

All of us on the Tilt-a-Whirl. Yvonne and I were both very ill for a good half hour after this ride. Very nauseated and fighting bad headaches. We realized we are getting older...

Little Miss Sophie

Brian and Yvonne