Jamaican Me Crazy

I haven't mentioned it before now because it kind of snuck up on me, BUT on Monday morning I will be headed out on a flight to sunny and warm JAMAICA! Due to my position at LEEP I will be headed to the sunny weather with a group of 5.

I know, I know you are all jealous because you will be dealing with some not so fun temps but don't worry, I will soak up the sun and think of you all here. (maybe?!)

The photo below is where we will be staying, looks pretty nice! I will keep you all posted on what we do and where we go.

Enjoy the winter weather!

Family Christmas- Part 2

When we got back to our house Sunday morning Justin decided it was time to have our Christmas. I am pretty sure Maddox could have waited another day (or 5!) before he opened another gift but we went ahead and did it.

I was beyond spoiled by my boys and I so appreciate it! Justin does a great job pickin out clothes for me so I always look forward to see what he comes up with. I knew Justin needed a new watch so that is what he got.

  

Santa made a stop while we were away and Maddox walked away with some pretty fantastic gifts. Not only did he get a sled, he got some books, and a baseball glove. (it is right handed but we are thinking it may be the "wrong" hand)

Probably the gift I was looking forward to him opening was his new 4-wheeler. I am a nerd and always wanted one so I couldn't wait. He likes it but not as much as I thought he would.

I would say we all fared pretty well and are lucky to have had such a wonderful holiday. We hope you and your family enjoyed your holidays!!!

"Waz zi zit"

Maddox is really starting to "communicate" with words these past few days. Though words are not particularly clear, his intentions are obvious. During our various gift openings last weekend,  he started saying what really sounds like "What is it?!". It sounds more like "Waz zi zit" but it is so darn funny. He looks at us so matter of fact that you just know that is what he is asking.

A few other words are starting to trickle out and he has said and repeated "tractor" and "Mickey" the most consistent. Again, I am not going to pretend he's saying anything overly clear, it is just so darn funny to hear him make the sounds and punctuations when he is speaking.

My dad keeps saying that when he finally does figure out "real" words he is pretty sure it will be on a constant run..... It's lots of fun though, I really feel  like we are having conversations now.

I really thought I caught it on video during our family Christmas but as I look over my attire, I decided not to share- SORRY! Hopefully we can catch it this weekend at one of our celebrations.  

Christmas Eve Disaster

As I mentioned in my last post, Christmas Eve Service wasn't quite the perfect event I was hoping for. I had dreamed of the day I could go to that particular service with MY family, celebrating the Reason for the Season with my son, husband, and myself. I had high hopes for beautiful memories, much like the ones I have had in years past.........

Let's just say it wasn't what I expected......

The only photo I have of Maddox in his
full Christmas outfit. NEVER wait till you
get home from church to take these pics!

Maddox got all dolled up in his cute little navy blue sweater (wonderful accent to Daddy's grey one) and we were off. We got to church, found a spot, (3rd row from the front) and all 6 of us not involved in the service filed into the pew.

Not 2 minutes after we are situated Justin leaned over to ask if Maddox needed his diaper changed. Because (why wouldn't it be disgusting?) it NEEDED to be changed right then.

So, I pick up my darling boy and head to the bathroom. Just my luck the bathroom is full. My arm began to get warm and I look down........... Madman has had a full on blowout..... which OBVIOUSLY was seeping out onto my arm. DISGUSTING.

(countdown 10 minutes till church begins)

Finally the door opens, I run in, pull down the changing table, and on cue Maddox starts screaming and thrashing around. He is refusing to let me pull his pants down.

This is when I really survey the damage.

His pants are covered and there is no salvaging them. I am just hoping I can get something rigged up in order to get him home to be changed....

Never mind the awful smell, this was a scene fit for a movie.

I started stripping him down and cleaning what I could before he rolled away again. As I start to clean him up, Maddox begins to pee. (WONDERFUL Mommy moment!). Not only does it hit the already covered pants he is wearing, it went all over the wall, changing table, and God knows where else...

So, I did what any good mommy would do, I grabbed the first thing I could which happened to be more wipes, and covered what I could! Wrapped up the used wipes and stinky diaper and threw it in the trash. Maddox was still melting down and we have had 4-5 people knock on the door. I had opened the door twice hoping my mom was out there so I could have some help. No such luck.

Back to cleaning I went as I mopped up the pee and tried to calm Maddox. His dress pants were ruined and I had nothing else to put on him. I stood him up, set him down on the floor and started to pack up.

Big sigh of relief......... (5 minutes to service)

I flipped up the table and WOOOOOOOOOOOOSHHH- pee starts dripping down the wall. Not just a little, it was like a freaking faucet had just been turned on... who knew Maddox had that much in him!?

Needless to say, I couldn't believe it. Maddox began screaming again, running in circles around the bathroom, and was headed to the toilet for some "play time". (Why does a toilet attract the young ones!?) I got him pinned between my legs and started thinking, what the heck am I gonna do now?!

I dug in the utility closet for a garbage or plastic bag (of course I used all my stinky diaper bags the day before) to hopefully mask the smell till the service ended. I then emptied the garbage and put it all in the closet to pick up afterwards.

I grabbed handfuls of towels, sponged up what I could, wiped everything down, regained what I had left of my composure (NONE) and picked up my screaming child... With my head held high, I walked to the front of the church where I told JR Maddox needed to go home.

(2 minutes till service)

Thankfully he understood what I meant and took him home to change his pants and had him back before the sermon was over. you would think I would have learned by now that the best laid plans never really work out the way you hope they will. Though it wasn't quite the Christmas Eve Service I was hoping for it worked, and it is a night I know I will never forget!

Oh and no worries, I got the garbage taken care of and thankfully no one was the wiser!



Our Family, post-drama. I'd say it worked out in end!

Family Christmas- Part 1

Well, to say Christmas 2010 didn't quite go as planned would be an understatement! My sister and her hubby made it back to my parents house on Tuesday and I really wanted to make it back with enough time to actually spend some time with her. So, April, Maddox and I packed up and headed down Wednesday night.

On our way down Justin gave me a call and said he wasn't feeling too well.

Rewind to Sunday evening.... Maddox wasn't feeling the greatest and from what we can tell, he had the flu. Obviously at the time, we didn't know or we probably wouldn't have went on as though it was something he ate. He was fine by Monday morning.


Here is my family, you wouldn't know by this photo we were all dropping like flies from (or just getting over)
the flu. NOT a fun way to spend the holidays but a memorable one!



Fast forward to Thursday, 5:00 am. It hit ME! I was down for the count and I can honestly say I haven't been that sick in YEARS! Even when I was pregnant and sick all-the-time I didn't feel as terrible as I did that day. It was AWFUL! Thank goodness Maddox and I were down in Iowa 'cuz I would not have been able to care for him on my own. I couldn't move, stay awake, anything!

Friday (Christmas Eve) I woke up and it was like a whole new world. Justin was better as well and he headed down to Iowa to be with us. I was really excited that all of us would get to be at Christmas Eve service together for the first time (which is another story!) We started the service with 8 of us in the church and at one point we were down to 5.... Thank you flu bug!



My parents have changed the farm set up quite a bit these past few years so they gave all 3 of us girls a photo of our farm place from 2010.  The funniest part of this was that JR and I had kept a photo from my  grandma's house after she passed from 1988 and decided to give it to  my dad this year for Christmas.Funny how things work out! 



After church we were able to open most of our presents before my mom had to call it quits. Both she and Trent had been struggling (Trent most of the day) so we called 'er good and headed to bed, hoping they would feel better in the morning which thankfully they did! We were able to open the remaining gifts and even enjoyed a nice warm meal.

  

Justin is a big Leinenkugels Beer fan. He has wanted an oar (novelty item) from there for years but they were always way too expensive...

Earlier this month on our way to Green Bay for a game my parents, sister, and I stopped at the brewery and took a tour. I decided to take a look and see if I could find one. The store actually had 1 in stock and it became MINE!  After talking with the beer sample bartenders, I found out that the brewery owner, Jacob Leinenkugel, would sign it and ship it in time for the holidays. I, of course, jumped at the chance and had it signed with the typical inscriptions with a little twist....

It reads" Enjoy life with Leinies, Go Pack Go!" OK, so maybe the Packer jab was for me, but the rest is just for Justin!
 

Just a few more days Maddox, a few more days.............. (:

Mickey Mouse

Maddox has a MAJOR love for "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". I can admit it has become a crutch for those times I need to run and switch the laundry and want to make sure he isn't getting into trouble. (yep folks, I am a bad mom- HA!)

If he sees those bright colors, hears that "Mickey" voice he gets really excited.

Thought I would share that with you. Hope you got a little laugh out of it!

Friday Fives- 12/18/10

1. Do you regift...and if so, do you have a regifting horror story?


I have done it once I think...Thankfully it was a success and no one was the wiser!
2. Do you know what you are getting for Christmas this year?

No, I really have no idea!! And I like it that way :)
3. Who brings the most gifts in your family, you or Santa?

We do. I love Santa but I think it is more fun

4. What store do you love to by jeans from?

Typically Maurices but I am def. in need of a new hot spot.
5. Christmas meal: Big, All Out Meal or Snacks and Apps?

I like it either way! Snacks and Apps are easier though in my opinion.

It's Santa!

I have been looking forward to the day that Maddox would finally meet Santa. Last year I didn't feel it was uber important to wait in the 45 minute lines for a newborn to be held for a photo op. THIS year however, I was all over that!

Last night we ventured to the mall and lucky for us, NO LINE! Maddox did great! He wasn't sure at first  but I gave Santa a high five and then he warmed up. He gave Santa a high five and it was game over. He sat on Santa's lap for a perfect picture.

What a great memory!

Tantrums

Not something a mother really WANTS to write about but I suppose it is a part of life that everyone gets to enjoy....

Maddox has been throwing "tantrums" for a few months but they have surely increased over the past month or so. They aren't the crying, kicking and screaming types... These are more of the calculated plop-on-my-behind-throw-my-head-back-and-yell (not scream) once or twice. Stop, maybe lay there for a minute and then possibly pound his head again or, he might get up and go about his business.

Last night however I was at my whits end. We ignore him (to the best of our abilities) but he was REALLY rambunctious. He probably repeated the cycle 5-6 times and when I had finally had enough, I put him in his crib and shut the door.

From what I have read it is very common for kids around his age to do this because they want to communicate but can't yet. We have worked on some signs for simple things but he isn't all that interested. I do know he really, REALLY wants to be talking but just can't yet and I think it is frustrating to him. He points to things really well and does understand what we are saying to him but can't really respond with his words...

I don't know what else to do at this point.... I have done the ignoring, calmly talking to him, (but I mean really, a 1 year could care less) and a few other things I have thought of.

I am hoping this phase doesn't last too much longer..... It is hard to deal with because he is otherwise a very well behaved and fun loving little man. Hopefully as time passes and he can communicate better things will turn around.

Blue Suede Shoes

Madman LOVEs to dance. Anytime he hears music he starts to bounce or spin (TOO cute if you ask me!) so I have been trying to catch some of it on video and finally I got bits and pieces. Of course he didn't pull out all his tricks but he did share some of his famous moves.

Oh, So Tired

The other day Maddox just didn't want to give in during nap time. Justin went in a few minutes later and this is what he found!

Friday 5's- 12/10/10

1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

The past few years have been different with all the different schedules we have had to work around but traditionally it was Christmas morning at my parents house. We usually spent Christmas Eve at my Grandma Larsen's home and Christmas Day afternoon at my Grandma Gunderson's house.

2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)?

Cookie would be my my mom's frosted sugar cookies, not the typical cut outs though. My favorite Christmas candy is by far peppermint candy canes. They would be the death of me if I let them!

3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?

Coal from my mom who thought she was SO funny. GRRRRRRRRRRR otherwise I would say I have been very lucky and always received rather nice gifts!

4. Christmas song that you love?

To sing: Joy to the World or Silent Night
To listen to: Carol of the Bells

5. How many trees do you put up?

Depends on the year (and the house!) but always at least one. Sometimes 2 or 3 if we have room.

The Many faces of MadMan

As we enjoyed a yummy lunch today Mommy decided to grab her camera and capture my crazy faces. She tells me I am a bit of a character but I am not sure I believe her. What do you think?!

What did you say, Mommy?!

I'm a little devil

I'm gonna see what I can get away with.... how much food do you think I could
 put on my lap before my mom says something?

Apparently not too much longer....

But Mommy...

Fine.............

 Mommy caught a little of the action in a quick video, check it out!

Sledding 101

When we had our first real snowfall a few weeks ago, we realized we were very ill prepared. I hadn't gotten any snowpants or boots yet so he had to miss out on the fresh snow. JR and I made a quick trip to the store to pick up some up but by the time we got home it was nap time and then it was too dark to go out and play.

Madman loves to be outside, he actually stands at the door and just stares longingly at everything out there. Fortunately for Madman his parents enjoy the snow just about as much as he does. Because of this Justin thought it was never too early to get out and enjoy what was left of our snow. These pictures are about 2 weeks old but I couldn't resist and had to share them with you all!

I think he loved it!

Green Bay 2010

As I mentioned before, we made it out to Green Bay. I always look forward to these weekend getaways and this weekend was no different. I was sad my boys weren't able to come along but it was also kinda nice not having to worry about chasing a VERY busy 1 year old around 24/7.

Madman was in very good hands and split time between 2 great friends that really helped me out. With the big snow storm that hit Friday afternoon/evening it made it very iffy but we stuck it out and headed outta town Saturday morning.

On our way East we stopped along the way for a brewery tour at Leinenkugels Brewery. It was a lot of fun to see how everything worked and the best part, sampling the different kinds of beer on tap. WHAT FUN! We had some photos but unfortunately the first round were deleted (my bad!) Don't worry we got some on the way back so read on!

After our tour we grabbed some grub at a new restaurant in Chippewa Falls, WI. The picture below is the 3 of us sitting on an actual tailgate. They cut it off of a truck and hung it on the wall. Pretty cute and ingenious if you ask me!  We thought it was pretty sweet!

When we arrived in Green Bay we checked in to our hotel and then headed off to get our party started. A family favorite is always a stop at "Fuzzy's Bar" which Fuzzy Thurston (#63) once owned. We have been there many time in the past and it is a hot spot for Green Bay alums.

It was karaoke night so we rocked the night away for sure. April belted a few songs and I even joined in for a few.

Part of our crew at Fuzzy's

During the karaoke party we enjoyed a nice rendition of "Strokin". All of us had to get up and dance!

We got up Sunday morning and headed out to meet the McConnell's for some tailgate action. The weather was COLD but we braved it all the same. 

Sisters

Last game was a "throw back" game where the Packers wore the old ACME Packers colors and retro uniforms. To be honest, it was very difficult to read the numbers. The announcers were struggling for the entire first quarter (and even some later) so that was distracting. I liked the colors but the numbers sucked.

 Fortunately the game wasn't too cold. I was actually pretty comfortable till the middle of the 4th quarter. People started to leave so it was leaving lots of holes for the cold air to get through.

awww such a cute couple!

 Since we had lost our original photos from Leinie's we stopped again on the way back through. I love this picture!!

We all tried the majority of the samples. I think my favorite was the Sunset Wheat
with Berrywise coming in a very close 2nd. Either arevyer yummy! 

Snap shot of the brewery. I must admit, it is much smaller than I imagined but still, VERY neat!

The weekend was great! It was lots of fun to get away for a few days. Thanks again Mom and Dad for asking me to go! I had TONS of fun!

We Made It!

Thankfully this past weekend worked out and we made it to Green Bay. I have lots to share, just no time to get it updated quite yet! Thanks again to those that helped us out in a pinch and made it work for me to get away for a few days.

Now it is back to reality. Time to get Christmas shopping caught up and finished, plans organized before the holidays and hopefully, lots of time spent with family and friends. I'll get my weekend activities updated soon! (if not tonight!)

Stay Away Frosty!

This weekend was supposed to be my little get away. I was going to spend some quality time with my parents and sister, just the 4 of us. We were (are?!) planning to head over to Green Bay for a Gunderson Family favorite (except for the one we dropped,  the VIKING fan-ICK!) of Green Bay Packer Football.

I say supposed to because now, out of nowhere, there seems to be a nasty snow storm a'brewin. They are saying 8+ inches by the time it is said and done on Saturday. Those that may not know my dad do not know his determination that NO ROAD is so horrible you can't travel it. We shall see.........

I am hoping it holds off just long enough so we can get outta dodge (and Grandma Jo can get here!).

Ah the luxuries of living in Minnesota......