Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Survey

My sister-in-law sent this survey to me, so I thought I'd fill it in and post it here.

Two Names you go by:
Beth and Buffy

Two things you are wearing right now: Jammies and makeup

Two of your favorite things to do:
Read and go on long walks

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
sleep (Hunter woke up at 1 a.m. and we haven't slept since) and money (who doesn't want more money?)

Two favorite pets you have had/have:
Duchess and Bruiser

Two things you did last night:

Went to kickboxing and drank a beer after kickboxing (I'm sooooo healthy!)


Two things you have eaten today:

Oatmeal and a cookie (yep, I needed some comfort after being awake all night)


Two people you last talked to:
Mitch and my mom

Two places you have been in the past year:
Beulah and Duluth (we're wild and crazy people, I tell ya)


Two favorite beverages: Blue moon and diet coke

Monday, December 29, 2008

Here's hoping

One thing I failed to mention in my previous entry is that Hunter did get sick on Christmas eve. Over the past 2-3 years, Hunter has gotten sick on every major holiday or family get together. Here's hoping that he does not get sick this New Years Eve. Fingers are crossed. Sending a prayer up as I type this very brief entry.

Proud of myself- I graded ten essays this evening, just as I promised myself I would. Trying to grade in small doses. I'm trying to avoid that overwhelmed feeling I get before I head back to work after a break.

Today we played at Edinborough Park with my sister-in-law Doreen and her kids, Anamaria and Henry. Clare stayed home with Joe.

Tomorrow, we are heading to the pediatrician at 8:45 am. Mason has been a bear for the last few days and I fear that his most recent ear infection did not clear up.

Tomorrow, I get to visit the LifeSpa at Lifetime Fitness! I will have "new" hair for the new year!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas in North Dakota

Hunter, as a baby, was a wonderful traveler.... He slept often and amused himself with books and toys. Mason and Hunter do NOT have this quality in common, much to our dismay! If Mason had not mastered his high-pitched, blood curdling scream before our trip to Beulah, North Dakota (eight hours west of the Twin Cities), then he definitely did so during this particular car ride. What is typically an eight hour trip became a ten hour trip easy because of our frequent stops. We actually stopped in Fargo, North Dakota and let the boys run free for about an hour at Dinosaur Land at West Acres. About a half hour after we left Dinosaur Land, Mason was screaming once again.

We did make it to Beulah, in time for dinner, thank goodness. We also knew going into the trip that my mom had purchased a Wii play system for my father. Hunter knew this as well and headed straight to the downstairs television for bowling and boxing, etc. Hunter was so excited to play with his cousin Hudson, who is a year younger than Hunter. They got along swimmingly this year. I think I can say with confidence that there was only one crabby exchange between the two boys.

We decided not to attend the Christmas Eve church service as it was at 7:30 p.m. which is an hour past Mason's bedtime and Hunter's actual bedtime. We did not think the boys would really appreciate having to sit still in dress clothes for over an hour. I was sad to miss church but also felt like we made a wise decision (for the sake of the little ones). After the three little boys fell asleep, the adults exchanged gifts! We were given very generous gifts- gift cards, pajamas, Chanel perfume, a North Face fleece, Vikings sweatshirt, etc. I truly felt spoiled.

Christmas morning was very special. Because Hunter was highly aware of Christmas and Santa this year, I really went overboard in the gift department. I was so excited to see his excitement. On top of that, my family also treated the boys very generously. The highlight for Mason was his fourwheeler. The highlight for Hunter was pretty much everything he opened! He truly reacts the "right way" during gift giving. He is very thankful and excited.

My two sisters left with their families on Christmas day and traveled to their in-laws. We stayed and enjoyed a dinner of Prime Rib and lots of wine (for me) with my parents. I sat on the floor pretty much all day with the two boys and played with toys. So much fun!

We played a ton of Wii at my parents' house. I was actually sore the next day, after having played tennis and boxing. Hunter built his first snow fort. My parents have drifts as high as their back windows!

We left mid-day on the 26th for Wadena, Minnesota. Mason screaming started about a half hour into the trip....

Coming soon- a post on our "Christmas at the Farm and Golf Course House"

Monday, December 22, 2008

My own personal hell.....

....is an hour-long wait in a 3x5 room waiting for the veterinarian with two screaming boys and a pissed off and freaked out dog. Mason might as well have been licking his hands after touching the floor and garbage can, etc. and Hunter was basically throwing himself off of the exam table. To top it off, I took the boys to McDonalds following this disastrous trip....what kind of a mother am I?

Saturday, December 20, 2008

First Haircut

After listening to Mitch complain about the length of Mason's hair for months now, I finally agreed to the first haircut. I almost cried as she snipped his curls... Mitch tried to assure me that they will grow back, but I agreed with the hairdresser who told him they probably will not. I was sure to take a ton of pictures- befores and afters, etc. Mason was a good little customer. He sat very still and looked worried but did not cry. He was fearful of the blow dryer and reached out for me as she did that.


We do have an envelope of curls from this first trip to Kids Hair.

Congratulations to Mason, the boy with the "world's softest hair" (this fact confirmed by multiple teachers at daycare).

Friday, December 19, 2008

C'mon Lady!

Before you continue reading, please note the title of this post........... So, basically, Hunter yelled this earlier in the evening, followed by the comment, "just learn how to drive." Now the signficance is this- Hunter overheard me say (forcefully) this yesterday when we were driving to karate. Kids really do repeat everything you say. I need to be more careful.

Last night we attended Mason and Hunter's school Christmas program. Mason was quite the performer. As he walked out on stage, he did a little dance and started clapping. He was described to the crowd (by the narrator/coordinator) as an "extremely silly" boy with "the bluest eyes" and "the world's softest hair." Mitch overheard the people behind us commenting on how cute Mason is. I couldn't agree more.

Hunter also performed at the program. He knew all his moves and sang (yelled) and at one point, gently moved a piece of hair away from the face of the little girl next to him. She elbowed him. I have a feeling we might have a little ladies man on our hands! :)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Our Christmas Letter 2008

I composed a Christmas letter that did not actually make it into the Christmas envelopes I purchased for our cards. Hunter wouldn't let me on the computer (yes, sometimes he is the boss of me and I didn't feel like arguing) so I gave up and decided to post it here and send it out via e-mail (I'm just THAT lazy)! Today was filled with Christmas cookie baking and Christmas present wrapping (all me). It's a winter wonderland outside and I'm enjoying the cozy warmth of our home!

Here's the letter if interested (it's a bit lengthy):

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

On the day after Thanksgiving, our family decorated our home with Christmas decorations. At the end of that day, Mitch and I rejoiced, as it was our first experience in eight-and-a-half years of marriage where we did not get into a fight putting up the tree. Yes, I begin this Christmas letter with a healthy dose of honesty. We sometimes have our bumpy times as a family but, at the end of the day, we feel incredibly blessed to have each other and our many experiences, whether they are good, bad or something in between.

Hunter turned four-years-old in 2008 but, when asked, he will tell people that he is five-years-old. Hunter has grown up a lot this past year. In July, Hunter began karate at National Karate in Edina. While the start was a “bit” bumpy, he now excitedly enters the room and proudly shows all of his moves. He participated in his first tournament this fall. At first he was hesitant to go in front of the judges, but eventually did and earned his first trophy for doing so. The trophy is taller than he is! At this point, Hunter has earned a white belt with two gold stripes. We are very proud of him! Hunter also taught himself how to play Guitar Hero. He has shown that when motivated, he will just figure things out himself, which I think will serve him well in life, but can be a little frustrating when we don’t want him to do something. Hunter truly is a music lover and chooses Rock as his favorite genre by far. Hunter also loves drawing pictures of garbage trucks and can write a few words, including his name and the word As, which happened by accident but was exciting nevertheless. Hunter will begin kindergarten in the fall of 2009. Amazing!

Mason is a little man! He began this year as a baby and has grown into a walking toddler with attitude. He already speaks a few words, including Hunter, Bruiser, ball, and NO (which is certainly his favorite). He absolutely loves cheese sandwiches, cereal bars, bananas, and graham crackers. He is content to play with toys, especially balls and cars, but is not the most enthusiastic napper. He points and waves and also knows where his feet are. When prompted to do so, Mason will put his feet up so mommy or daddy can put his shoes on. Mason has also been quite intrigued by our Christmas tree this season. Much to Hunter’s dismay, Mason pushes the train below the tree off its track and pulls the ornaments, especially the ball shaped ones, off the tree. Mason has kissable cheeks and loves to snuggle. He is also a tank, weighing in at nearly thirty pounds…all muscle of course.

I (Beth) greeted the new year by returning to work after a four-and-a-half month maternity leave. The transition back into my professional life was challenging. Not only was I leaving my new little baby, I was also entering into a teaching situation where I was perceived as the substitute instead of the teacher. I continued graduate school and spent spring break composing my final paper anxious to bring that experience to a close. I proudly announce that in June 2008 I graduated with a Master’s degree in Education. I entered the summer looking forward to nothing other than spending time with my boys and enjoying some free time for the first time in two years! I am currently teaching at Edina High School and have enjoyed being the only teacher in my classroom this year. Also, while I did say in my Christmas letter last year that I planned on participating in a triathlon in 2008, I now vow that 2009 will be my comeback year! We’ll see!

Mitch had an excellent 2008. Professionally, he has experienced great success this year, which has, from my perspective, reignited his passion for fitness and personal training. Personally, Mitch has been able to enjoy some hobbies that he has had to put on hold in the past. Mountain biking has become his new thing. Mitch is anxious to introduce his friends to this new passion and will talk about his biking experiences to anyone who will listen. Mitch has also really loved being the father of two little boys. Hunter is his father’s clone, thus Mitch has enjoyed nurturing Hunter’s interest in four-wheeling, biking, and rocking out! Mason, while a more sensitive soul (perhaps more like his mommy), thinks that Mitch is the best and loves to use him as a jungle gym.

Bruiser continues to live a life of leisure. I wish I could get that much sleep! Currently, his favorite hangout is the area around Mason’s highchair. Mason has already learned that giving Bruiser scraps is super cool.

We hope that this holiday season and the coming year brings you happiness and fulfillment. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Until next year!

Mitch, Beth, Hunter, Mason, and Bruiser Mohs

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

We Still Like Each Other

Yesterday, Mitch and I "played hooky" from our jobs- I requested a compensatory day and Mitch took the day off (sort of- we both went to the club for about two hours- I worked out; Mitch made a sale) and went on a day-long date. I am always amazed at how well we get along when it's just the two of us. Of course, I would never begrudge my children the time we spend with them (or anything for that matter), but it is nice to revisit, every once in awhile, why Mitch and I are together. There was a point in time when it was just the two of us and we were together because we "liked" each other :)! It was nice to see each other as human beings rather than the other parent. It was nice to have a day to see that we are actually more than two people raising children together. We are friends, among other things. We went out to lunch at Pei Wei, which Kelly recommended, and then went to "Quantum of Solace," which I reluctantly agreed to but enjoyed nonetheless. Man, Daniel Craig is one "bad ass" James Bond! He's my favorite Bond by far (I'm losing focus here). We did a little Christmas shopping and then the day was done. The time went too fast but I really had a fun day with my husband. I love you Mitch!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Go Steelers!

My Steelers won! No one can beat the Steelers's defense! Sadly, I did lose in the first round of playoffs (Fantasy football). My team put on an admirable performance, but "Show Me the Money" (my opponent) beat "The Buffs" (my team) 120 to 97. Mitch will head on to the second round of playoffs. I guess I should cheer for him now.

Hey Santa

After church this morning we headed to Southdale mall to purchase the boys their Christmas outfits and to see Santa. There was a line when we arrived but it actually moved fairly quickly. I was able to run up to the Children's Place while Mitch waited in line with the two boys. Hunter was so excited to see Santa but refused to smile for a picture. Mason was intrigued by Santa and spent most of the time looking up at Santa's face instead of toward the camera. The boys will match this year at Christmas- white and blue sweaters and khakis.

We are now watching the Vikings play pathetically. We will be cheering on the Steelers later on this afternoon!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

One Mommy Irritated

I want Mitch to come home. Just wanted to add that detail to my most current posts.

Second Little Dude at Home

At 1 p.m. daycare called with news of Mason- 101.1 temperature. So, if you see the post below, my efforts to protect Mason from illness were in vain. He is currently sleeping and Hunter is climbing the walls. Why can't little kids just sit still when they're sick.

Little Dude Home today

Hunter was running a low-grade temperature yesterday when I picked him up from school. I walked in and saw him lying on a mat in the "library" of the classroom. When Hunter stops moving and proceeds to lie down, you know something is not quite right. After I gave him ibuprofen, he perked up a bit; however, he entered our bedroom this morning at 4 a.m. with news that he did not feel well. He wanted, in his words, "medicine." Because we're never quite sure what to do in these instances, we opted to keep Hunter home for the day. Better to live on the safe side than risk it and have daycare call mid-day, which makes things difficult from all angles. So, he's enjoyed a morning of toys, hot chocolate, and some holiday shows and snuggling with mommy. Mason is at school today. We'll pick him up around four o'clock this afternoon. If Hunter is contagious, I'd like to keep their contact with each other minimal. When one gets sick, we usually ALL get sick.