Weird Wednesday

Today was a weird day to say the least!  I had arrangements made with our neigbor to watch one of her girls, Auni, for the morning as she was lucky enough to be on Christmas break a day earlier than the rest of her family.  She was to arrive about 7:15, by no means early for our household.  So I had my alarm set for 6am to get up shower, tidy up a bit, and finish some unpacking from the weekend.  7 came around and I'm done with my "to do list" so I have a cup of coffee, check email and facebook.....girls still sleeping!  Auni arrives we're watching cartoons and chatting.  Gets to be about 8am and she asks me "when do you think Sydney and Karsyn will wake up?"  I say, "they are usually up by now, so I'm not sure....."  Finally 8:15 I hear "mommy", Karsyn's awake!!  She usually isn't the first of the two to wake up.  Then 8:30 I hear Sydney "mommy!"  Ok, they have slept almost 2 hours past their normal waking time!  Got the girls breakfast and dressed by now its 9:15.  I had planned making cookies for a fun activity for us to do.  Auni was going to be leaving at 11:15, as Sydney had her kindergarten screening at Noon.  So time was running short, which I was not expecting!  Made the dough, cut out Christmas cookies, let them cool and frosted most of them before Auni had to go.  Then my friend Amy was coming over to watch Karsyn while I took Sydney to her screeing, which went fabulous BTW!!  Got back around 1:00, put Karsyn down for a nap.  Sydney and I colored and cleaned up.  By 3:00 Karsyn was still sleeping and I was tired so I asked Syd if it would be ok if her and I "rested" the couch until Karsyn woke up.  She agreed and before I could believe it we were both out.  I woke at 3:45.....Karsyn still sleeping.  Both girls woke up about 4:00!  After supper, a parts run for Patrick, bath, stories and a little Polar Express, Sydney asked if she could go to bed!!!  What!!  She never does that!  Of course you may go to bed!!  Lets go!!!  What a weird day!!    

Becker Christmas

Last weekend we spent some time in WI, where my dad lives.  Every Christmas for the Becker side stay in a hotel, have a present exchange and spend some time in the pool with the kiddos.  Usually in Winona, MN, this year we changed it up a bit and moved it to Eau Claire, WI.  We stayed at Hotel Metropolis, very unique rooms and a fun waterpark to boot.  After arriving late friday night we said hello to Grandpa and Aunties and put the kids to bed.  Woke up early had a great continental breakfast and off to the waterpark it was by 8:30.  Sydney was excited for the waterpark.  Karsyn....well had no idea and due to the loudness of the place was pretty timid.  Not leaving either Patrick's or my side for the first hour we were there.  Once she warmed up a bit it was a different story.  We couldn't keep her out of the water!  They have a zero depth pool with some small kiddy slides.  The girls would have stayed in there all day if the chorine wouldn't have been burning our eyes so much.  By 10:30 we called it and headed back to the room to clean up, snack and nap before the Christmas festivies started.  We had a banquet type room in the basement of our hotel for the gathering, which was attached to "Action City" a go cart, arcade, laser tag, etc....for the "big kids".  So Sydney got her fair share of go cart racing with Grandpa, Auntie Sara and whomever would take her, she loved it!  She is my "go higher", "go faster" girl.  Giggling and screeching with every turn!  After a fun filled day and not to mention a few presents we had the girls in bed by I think 9pm.  Exhausted!!  Got up sunday and had one last dip in the waterpark and it was time to go.  We then headed to my neice Ady's sunday school Christmas program.  Too cute!  Got back to Grandpa's in time for EVERYONE to take a nap before we had supper and more celebrating.  Monday morning woke up and packed up and left just after breakfast due to the winter storm advisories that were issued.  Man were they right!!  It was horrible!  We left at 10am and didn't arrive home til 6pm....usually a little over 4 hour trip.  We did stop a couple time to let the girls stretch their legs and give Patrick a break from driving.  We were glad to be home and off those horrible roads.  We lost track of how many vehicles we saw in the ditch there was so many!!  

Smarty Pants

So I've known for a while now that I have a little smarty pants on my hands.  Just wanted to share with you some of her latest stuff.

The other morning I was getting ready and Sydney was in the bedroom with me.  She asks me, "is daddy watching Handy Manny out there"  I popped my head out the door and said, "I think he's watching the news".   She says, "f you checked, why did you say I think?"   Ok.....  She's right, I checked therefore I should know what he's watching!  Geez!! 

On TV the other day there were some kids sledding and I said, "look Syd they're sliding"  she says "no mom its sledding not sliding".  Wow, again she's right its sledding! 

In a hurry to get the girls in their carseats one day I say, "Syd can you hop up in your chair while I buckle Karsyn in?"  She says, "mom its a carseat not a chair."  Again she's right!  I guess I need to really take the advice  give my husband.....think before you speak.  I'm not quite used to someone hanging on my EVERY word. =) 

So unfortunately my household hasn't been the picture of health lately.  Wednesday Sydney woke at 5:15 yelling "mommy, I puked. "  Of course my husband doesn't jump up at the chance to clean up puke so off I go.  Threw her in bed with Patrick while I worked out and got ready for the day.  I prepared myself for a day of Syd laying around and doing my best to keep the girls seperated as to keep the flu germs contained.  After a couple more puking episodes a two hour nap, toast and a bath she was pretty much back to normal.  Still quite pale but eating like a horse and wanting to do "projects".  That same day I noticed Karsyn coming down with a cold, then by Thursday Syd has picked up the cold as well.  Both developed nasty coughs.  By saturday Karsyn's cough sounded like a "bark", and would have coughing spasms, just miserable.  So sunday off to urgent care it was.  After the Dr checked ears, he discovered a ear infection in her right ear.  Then listening to her breathe, ordered chest xrays.  Ok.....  I was getting a tad freaked to say the least.  After looking at those he discovered a small spot that he called "the start of pnemonia".  Wow!!  I wasn't expecting that answer!  I guess I didn't know what to really expect.  He ordered a antibiotic shot and perscription antibiotic to follow.  She is doing much better, thank god!!  I'm ready to  wash my hands of these sickly germs and have a healty household once again, just in time for Christmas!  Wohoo!! 

Kinda Crazy!

Last weekend we ended up staying home, which was nice!  Saturday Patrick was in the garage all day making some kind of contraption for his 4 wheeler to go ice fishing.  So while Karsyn was napping Sydney and I went through the girls crayons and took out all the broken ones and melted them into "cookie crayons".  They actually look more like reeces peanut butter cups.  She enjoyed some "mommy time".  Once that was done and cleaned up, we got the idea from some friends of ours to go to Sertoma Winter wonderland.  Its a whole bunch of Christmas lights you pay $10 per car and drive on through and see all the displays.  At the end, inside, they have a Santa there to take pictrues with.  We went last year and Syd loved it.  Well as the day went on Patrick got involved in is project and we didn't end up going....I was kinda bummed.  We WILL go another day!  Some friends stopped over and we played some Christmas bingo which was a hit because our markers were M&M's.  The kids played and watched "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" while the adults chatted.  A fun night.  Sunday kind of a lazy day, watched the vikings....had some popcorn.  Then Sydney comes up to me and says, mommy we should make something with those "cutters".  So we made some Christmas cut out cookies and the girls had so much fun cutting the shapes and of course making a mess!! The only flaw was I had no frosting and whats a cut out cookie with no frosting???  Well its just not the same, so I searched all my cook boods for a frosting recipe and seemed I was missing at least one ingredient from each one I found...ugh!  So I picked up some frosting on Monday and finally got the cookies frosted on Tuesday.  Which with the frosting and sprinkles was another messy deal, but oh well.  I'm trying to be better about messes and not freak....deep breaths and counting to 10 helps! 

This weekend we are headed to Patrick's parents to process all the deer we got this year.  We make sausage, ground venison, and summer sausage.  With all the little ones now I don't usually get involved too much.  My sister-in-law Sarah and I will be on kid duty, which is just fine for me! =)  Although that can be exhausting in its self....  

Next weekend is my family's Christmas (the Becker side).  We usually go to a hotel and spend the weekend with my relatives.  Its a fun time!  We do a gift exchange where each person brings a gift then we draw cards and each gets a turn to pick a gift.  Then it gets interesting....at each persons turn they get a chance to steel someones' gift that's been open.  Its gets kind of wild sometimes. This year we are staying at a hotel with a waterpark in Eau Claire.  It should be fun!  We head down friday and stay at the hotel til sunday.  Sunday afternoon we head to my dad's and celebrate Christmas at his house.  We head back to Brainerd monday and spend Christmas Eve at our house.  Christmas day night we go to the Frericks' Christmas.  We spend the night at Grandpa and Grandma's (Patrick's parents) as it gets to be a late night.  Get up and celebrate Christmas with them.  Its alot of running....kinda crazy but I wouldn't change a thing!! 

Thanksgiving Weekend

With my girls weekend behind me, I come home to my girls who I missed very much.  Its great to get time away but also great to be back in the routine of things again.  Laundry, cleaning, and of course resuming mommy duty.  =)  We stayed home for Thanksgiving this year, being Patrick had to work.  I made ham, (Patrick isn't fond of turkey) green bean cassarole, squash, mashed potatoes, and ruhbarb dessert.  It was pretty good! 

Thrusday night, my sister-in-law, Rhonda came up to our house for the weekend.  We went black friday shopping in Brainerd for the second year.  Which I never though I'd do in a million years!  I was always the one saying I'd never go shopping on black friday, those people are crazy.  Not being a fan of crowds and not a big shopper myself, I'd just assume stay away from all the chaos.  Just watching the news of the aftermath was enought to keep me away from the madness.  Well some how I got talked in to going last year and have found its kind of exciting, hunting down the deals, getting up early....kind of a nice change of pace for a few hours.  We got up a 2:30am and were to Kohl's by 3:00am, where I got some awesome memory foam pillows for myself and Patrick and a couple gifts for people on my Christmas list.  Then it was off to Target where I picked up a digital camera and some 700 tc bed sheets (for myself) and some more people got crossed off my Christmas list.  After that off to breakfast at 371 Diner about....6:30ish.  A couple more stops just to brouse and we were back home by 9:30am.  By the end of the day I had most of my shopping done!!  Woot Woot!! 

Saturday, Rhonda, the girls and I put up our Christmas tree!  Played a lil Christmas music and had a blast!  Sydney asked me a couple of times later that night when we were going to take our tree down.  She thought it was a one day thing, too cute!!  Trying to explain time to a 3 1/2 year old in weeks or months is impossible.  She counts everything by days or nights lately. 

Sunday we were off to a couple of Thanksgiving celebrations for Patrick's side.  Spent more time on the road then at the celebrations, but we're used to that!  Karsyn had her first outing in undies, I was kind of nervous about it.  Deciding to go the diaper route or undies.  She did great!  No accidents all day, except later that night at Grandpa and Grandma's when she had to go poo.  Still working on that......very excited to see the end of diapers nearing!! 

Today the girls were in daycare and I went to St. Cloud with some girlfriends and did some more Christmas shopping.  Ate lunch at Olive Garden!  Yum!!!  Just a couple little things left on my list and I'm done!!  Then time for wrapping all those presents....Yikes!!! 

Crazy Week!

After our exhausting weekend at Grandpa and Grandma's for the annual deer opener and of course the lovely daylight savings time, our week was starting off rough.  Our group ended up getting five deer last weekend: an 8 point, 6 point, and three doe.  That meant butchering deer before we left for home.  The hunters hunted in the am, then after lunch they were all at it. Taking a break about supper time to have an early Thanksgiving dinner as November is hectic with hunting taking up most weeknds.  Two in MN and to in WI, so might as well have it while we're all together.  Anywho, we were warned that it was goint to be a late night, probably not leaving before 10pm...  Ended up finishing around 9ish (which was really 10ish) so we didn't arrive home til 10:30 (which was really 11:30).  =) 

It was hard getting up monday morning, the girls and I were up and out of the house before 7 as I have to work at 7:15.  Then after a busy work day and a little Christmas shopping I picked up the girls made a couple grilled cheese sandwiches and after Patrick got home, and Sydney and I were off to school from 5:45-7:30.  Get home put Syd to bed, then start unpacking from the weekend and off to bed it was. 

Then tuesday I had to work in Staples to clean up after our clinic last week wednesday, took all day (longer than I had expected).  Pick up the girls, make supper, then my friend Amy was coming to watch the girls as I had bowling and Patrick was working another long day in Bemidji. 

Wednesday I spent most of the day working on things for my bosses Pequot Lakes office after that one more Christmas gift pick up for Sydney and I think my shopping is done for the girls...YAY!!  Pick up the girls and to my amazment Karsyn is wearing big girl undies!!!  I was told they were starting potty training this week for the little kids, I can hardly get Karsyn to go on the potty for me at home anymore so I didn't think much of it.   I sent her in a diaper and did NOT send any undies along.  So my first thought who's undies is she wearing??  Oh, we have some extra pairs here for emergencies and what not, don't worry they are nobody's, they assured me.  (Which were about 8 sizes to big) She loved them and kept trying to pull her pants down for everyone to see!  She was so proud and kept saying "unnies, unnies" (undies).  I was absolutely shocked!  So I had to send her in an old pair of Syd's today.  So tomorrow off to Target to get Karsyn some new undies of her own.  To tell you the truth it really snuck up on me, but I'm not complaining! =)  I just hope she keeps it up, she tends to say the no word alot when I try to get her to go at home.  We'll see how today went and how tomorrow goes with the girls home with me.   

So with the crazy start to the week there is a light at the end of the tunnel for us this week!  My girls are growing up so fast, can't believe it!! 

Trick or Treat!!

For Halloween the girls and I headed down to Mike and Sarah's house, while the guys were hunting at Camp Ripley.  So after Sydney and I got our flu shot/flu mist saturday morning we were on our way.  We got there just in time for lunch.  Fed the kiddos and put the little ones down for a nap and let the Sydney and Kayden play.  (Its weird that they are too big for naps now)   Sarah had made arragements for her sister Amazih and a friend to watch the kiddos in the evening while Sarah, Rhonda, Amy and I went our for supper at the Fuji Sushi & Steakhouse....YUM!!  We sat around a Hibachi grill (where they cook the food in front of you) so yummy and entertaining.  My new favorite place! ;)  

 Sunday morning all the kiddos slept in except for little miss Sydney, she was up around 6:45.  Not too bad though, she used to get up much earlier.=)  Sarah, the kiddos and I hung out at her house til it was time for Trick or Treating!  We grabbed an early supper from Mcdonalds and headed to Grammy Kitty's house to eat.  After everyone was cleaned up and costumes on we were off! Thankfully Autie Rhonda and Grammy Kitty came along to help!  Much apprecited!!  It was really fun to see the kids have so much fun.  Sydney actually said Trick or Treat this year!! (which was huge) Of course Karsyn said it in her language. (which was actually pretty close!)  She always wanted her "buttet" (bucket) of candy and actually ate a sucker right through the wrapper as we driving from house to house.  So after about 5 stops or so we were spent.  Cleaned up the sticky hands, faces and hair stuck to faces....changed into jammies and headed home.  The first half hour home the girls didn't sleep, lots of giggling and goofing around.  And then finally peace...Ahhh!!  We had a great time and made some great memories!  Now what to do with all this candy! 

Halloween Party!

Today the girls and I made a stop at our daycare for the Halloween party.  We arrived and couldn't get the costume on fast enough for Sydney. Karysn on the other hand couldn't wait to get hers off!  Right away we played Bingo, then musical pumpkins (plates with pumkins on them), toss a spider in a bucket, and lastly we "trick-or-treated" for practice.  Each kid had a chance to hand out a treat that they'd brought.  Sydney was very excited that I was staying there with her, always waving at me during the activites.  Karsyn on the other had wouldn't let me put her down.  Very unusual, I think she was afraid I was going to leave, which I usually do. =)  So she didn't participate in the activities very well. Lots of fun costumes; rainbow brite, strawberry shortcake, batman, football player, minnie mouse, a star wars guy, giraffe, bumble bee, ironman, kitty cat (Syd) and a skunk (Karsyn).   After all the activities time to head home for lunch and a snooze.  What a fun time!  I'm bummed I forgot my camera, would have been some fun pics to share!  I have to hand it to our daycare, they do an amazing job!  We're so lucky to have them! 

The Last Weekend Home....

So last weekend was possibly our last weekend of the year with nothing planned.  So we (after I persuaded Patrick) decided to shampoo our carpets.  Keep in mind the reason I really wanted them done was because a certain someone can't seem to remember to take of his boots when he comes home.  So there was a horrible path up the stairs that lead into the kitchen that was obvious of that.  So after many many hours and a few blisters on my hands the job is mostly done for now.   My husband has vowed to take off his shoes everytime now.  We'll see how long that lasts, he already caught himself a few times and its just been a couple days. 

Starting this weekend hunting comes in effect full boar.  Patrick got drawn for the Camp Ripley hunt this year and he's so looking forward to it.  Then after that its two weekends in MN hunting then two weekends in WI hunting at my Dad's. Oh and Thanksgiving gatherings in there somewhere.=)  Then before you know it December is here, Christmas shopping, holdiay parties and....well its a bit blury but everything usually seems to work out and fall into place amazingly.  Living out of a suitcase becomes the norm.  Ahhh, the holidays!!  Can't believe I'm going to start my Christmas shopping on Thursday already!   Wowza!!  I'm exhausted just thinking about it. 

On the road again!

                               Not sure why the sad face on Syd...she prolly wanted to drive! =)

                                             Two little monkeys!  Sydney and Adyson!!

Last weekend we were at my dad's to hang with the family, as my brother Kris is home on leave from the navy.  The girls and I packed up and headed down friday night.  We picked up Kris at the airport, the girls we facinated at all the people and lights.  We never even left the car!!  Since my brother had trouble finding his luggage we had to make a couple loops around the airport.  Went smoother than I thought. (not knowing what to expect)  We arrived at my dad's about 11 pm,  after seeing Grandpa for a bit the girls headed off to bed about midnight.  I had the honors of sleeping with Sydney the whole weekend!  It wasn't terrible but after the 4th night of being kicked in the ribs and other places I was glad to be done with that! =)  We spent most of the weekend playing outside, the weather was amazing!!  We made a long weekend out of the deal and stayed until tuesday, being that would be the only time for us to see Kris on this leave.  Grandpa made his fair share of four wheeler rides, the girls really enjoyed that.  Its hard to get them off!!    Monday Sami, Ady, the girls, and I packed a picnic and headed to a park in town for a change of scenery.  Grandpa, Kris and Sara made their way to the park too.  After playing on the playground for a while everyone got hot and was ready to head back for a cool down and a nap.  The girls and I headed back after lunch on tuesday.  They were ready to see their daddy, as he had busy weekend of work and was unable to go with us.  

A Maze n Pumkins

Today we went to a pumpkin patch called "A Maze n Pumpkins". We went with my friend Katy, and her girls, Madison & Lauren, and Grandma Doris. We were unsure of when they opened and decided to just wing it and got there about 10:00. We were the first customers of the day, which was nice. We visited the cornbox, which was a big box filled with....yup, corn. Then we decided to head into the corn maze. There were some interesting stops along the way. There was a haunted grave yard, a creepy spider hang out and many grave stones along the walk path. Pepper, a friendly dog, took to Karsyn right away. Karsyn kept throwing her ball and she'd bring it right back for her to throw it again. There was lots of screeching and giggling thanks to Pepper!! Very cute!! Then it was time to pick out pumpkins. Sydney picked a very interesting one. I think the lady said it was a "Blue Moon" pumpkin or something. I must say its not a pretty one at all, its grayish and sick looking. But its the one she wanted to along it came!! Karsyn liked the miniature cute goard pumpkins just her size! Its was a great time! Then it was off to home for lunch and naps!

Fall begins!

Well our usuall fall is underway. Patrick's busy time! Today marks the 3rd day in a row that he hasn't seen the girls. He's been working in Bemidji. He gets home about 10pm and leaves in the morning at 5:30/6:00am. The job should be finished today. Sydney hasn't asked too much about it. Except for when she is heading to bed she asks "will daddy be home tonite?" Karsyn has been more vocal about it. Pointing out daddy in our pictures around our house and in books that he's not even in. =) She usually wakes up yelling "mommy", today she woke up yelling "daddy" luckily he was still here and she got to snuggle daddy for a couple minutes before he headed out the door. I'm not sure who its harder on the girls or Patrick....or me?

Anyways, Karsyn has always been very chatty. I'm starting to decode her blabbering, here's a little of Karsyn lingo for ya. Book is boop, blankie is bebe, drink is rink, potty is poppy just to name a few=) Karsyn is showing interest in going on the potty, only when she feels like it. If I ask her if she has to go she gets a little bucky and usually frowns at me. Be patient....right?? I can see the end of diapers nearing and I can't wait!!!

We took Karsyn in for ther 18 month pictures the other day and decided to do a famlily picture, since our last one was when Syd was 1!! Time flies!
I thought doing her pictures alone first would be better, get the good smile out, right? Well that didn't work, she wouldn't leave Patrick's arms. So I guess family ones are first=) In the family shots we didn't get one smile out of her. But thankfully for hers she was warmed up and turned out to be quite the model. Sydney did such a great job trying to get her to smile, helping the picture lady, very sweet!

Today Sydney and I got our fall decorations out. She was very proud to help me decide where they should go. I have a fiber optic scarecrow that is a hit for both the girls! Syd was so excited to find out that he changes colors!

Thats all for now! I know...pictues! I'll get our family ones back of friday so be patient!!!

It's been a while

Its been brought to my attention twice this last week that I haven't updated my blog since July 6th. Well sit down and get cozy because here comes a novel:) I don't know where the time goes.... Its already mid August and I feel like the summer just started. My girls are growing like weeds, keeping me busy. I am home with the girls most days and we spend most of our time outside in the girls little pool or on the playset. The sandbox, I would have to say, gets the most use. They would be in there day in and day out if the mosquitos would leave them alone. Making mud pies is their specialty. When we have to be indoors the girls play babies, color, read books, and of course follow me around like my shadow.

Sydney is making sure I follow up on my every word, that girl doesn't forget a thing. She got a "big girl" bike this summer and rides like a pro (with training wheels of course). We've had a few camping trips and she absolutely loves camping. We are hoping to have our own camper by next summer, we'll see.... Sydney loves playing teacher and dolls. Karsyn is usually the "baby" and does, for the most part, obey her commands. I find her on a daily basis telling Karsyn what to do and often very sternly. Wonder where she gets that from??? ;) She is always my big helper!!

Karsyn is saying new words everyday, along with a new facial expression to go with them. She has overcome her fear of pools. Every pool we have ever tried to get her into she cried and screamed if we tried to put her in it. Even the small blow up pool we use everyday. July 10 was the big day she went in the pool and loved it. Now I can't keep her out. I catch her climbing in with her clothes on everyday. I'm so glad we overcame that hurdle....would have been a long summer:)

Well, I'm sure I have only coverd a small fraction of what our summer has brought us, but there will be more another day....right??? Lets hope I don't let so much time lapse between blogs in the future. No pics today, sorry, but there will be some nextime.

4th of July

We went camping at El Rancho Manana in Richmond for the 4th. Sydney and karsyn had a blast playing with all of their cousins there. 15 kids under 5, I do believe!! Of course Sydney loved all the babies and was always "helpful" with them. Karsyn was happy just following all the big kids, but mostly had fun playing with the bean bag boards with Tyler. Who knew those could entertain 1 year olds for hours! A great weekend to visit and relax!

Karsyn's class

Today was Karsyn's first ECFE class, Time With Your Toddler. We had to first drop off Sydney at sibling care (which i was more worried about). When we got to class Karsyn went into panic mode and thought I was going to leave her there. When she realised I was staying she jumped right in and could have cared less if I was there or not. Karsyn colored a dragon fly and made a leaf with contact paper and colored tissue paper. She had a great time and loved it! Had to tear her away from the snack table....not surprising! Then off to pick up Sydney...who was in tears when I showed up:( All in all a good day! Sydney starts her 3 year old class tomorrow. She goes all by herself and Karsyn gets some mommy time!!