To new beginnings and seasons!!

I cannot believe that it is Labor Day weekend, summer flew by! I swear that it was just Memorial weekend and we were so excited to open up the lake, now this weekend we are sadly closing it. Sometimes I don't feel like going to the lake but now that it is over for this year I wish we had another month. We had a lot of big changes occur over the summer. I am ready for the fall season to start.

This summer Anthony learned how to swim w/o his life jacket- he is a fish, somersaults, goggles, swimming is a whole new world. Alex has transformed from a little 4 month old to a 7 month old that is "almost" crawling and eating baby food. He now plays with Anthony and is just starting to irritate him when he rips one of his pictures or drools all over one of his toys.

We had plenty of fun weekends at the lake. Many memorable moments. 4th of July, smores, and me falling off the dock at 4 am- long story. Erik probably playing his worst round of golf in history. In his "defense" he wasn't using his own clubs. Losing Charlie in the middle of the night, unfortunately he figured out which camper we were in. Disney World and Florida was so fun, a vacation that we will never forget. Hopefully Alex will forgive us some day for not taking him.

Erik and I are now getting in the fall/winter mode of updating our house. We got new furniture for the basement (new to us anyways) and it is super comfy. Leslie took our sectional that we had and we are going to transform the basement into Erik's dream hideaway and toy room. So the red walls are going to become neutral- not sure on a color yet, the big TV is being moved to the opposite end, and the Centipede game and toys will occupy the other side. The other project we are going to tackle is our kitchen, I am hoping that we can afford to do that this winter but we'll have to see how many placements I make. Cross your fingers ladies!

Well I hope everyone takes the time to enjoy their long weekend. It is going to be awhile before the next.

Happy Birthday Erik!!!

Today is my lovely husbands 33rd birthday. I am sitting here thinking of all the reasons that I want to celebrate him today so I am just going to list my Top 10.

1. He still makes me laugh every single day.
2. He always opens the door for me.
3. He is the best dad I a mom could ask for. He plays with the boys, changes diapers, gives baths, and steps in when I am about to lose my patience.
4. He makes a mean egg sandwich and breakfast burrito, the "Erik Special".
5. He calls me every morning to see how our day is going.
6. He mows the best looking lawn in the neighborhood.
7. He remembers that a girl never minds getting flowers.
8. He went to prom with me my senior year even though he was 20.
9. He plays Rockband and golf like a pro.
10. He has put up with me for 15 years and tells me (most of the time) that he is looking forward to the next 50.

Last night Erik stayed home with Alex, Anthony was at my Aunt Diane's, and I went out with my friend Holly who I have not seen since I was pregnant with Alex. We ran into Brian downtown and had a blast!! Erik was waiting up for me when I got home to make sure that we all got home safe. That actually shocked me because by the time I roll in after a night with Holly he is usually tucked into bed. It was a nice surprise!

It was awesome seeing Holly. She is getting married in a month at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. It is her second time around but she is marrying her high school sweetheart Garret(who she should have married the first time). I told her that high school sweethearts are the best route to go. Erik and I are both looking forward to her wedding because you can always count on having a good time when you are with Holly.

Today Anthony is off to the zoo for Jack's 3rd birthday party. Tonight Kristi was kind enough to agree to come over and spend some time with the boys well Erik and I go have an adult supper, yay!!! Thanks Kristi! When we get back we are going to end the night with some cake, ice cream, and the birthday song.

You are my friend.

Don't Walk In Front of Me, I May Not Follow...
Don't Walk Behind Me, I May Not Lead...
Just Walk Beside Me and Be My Friend...
~Anonymous

If needed I want my friends to find their path back to happiness, it is not as if my path doesn't have some dog shit in the flower beds. It is how you decide to handle it, do you let it fertilize and make a hell of a pretty path or continuously step in it and always smell like shit!

That is my two cents for today.

P.S. The first pic is of our dog Charlie from Anthony's vtech camera- I think he has a future in photography. The second is our girl Ruby the only other female in this household. We are one.

Definition for those who have forgotten.

Truth
Pronunciation:
\ˈtrüth\
fidelity, constancy b: sincerity in action, character, and utterance2 a (1): the state of being the case : fact (2): the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality (3)often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality b: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true c: the body of true statements and propositions a: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality briefly British : true 2 c: fidelity to an original or to a standard capitalized Christian Science : god-in truth

The reason that I am writing on this subject is because I am tired of half truth's, tired of hearing stories with missing pieces, and tired of hearing versions of what people believe to be true. Is that what we want to teach our children? That it is okay to lie if it is convenient for you.

I have been catching Anthony lying lately about the silliest stuff. The poor thing does not realize that right now it is nearly impossible to pull the wool over my eyes but he definitely puts forth the effort if he thinks that he may keep himself out of trouble. Currently his famous line is,"just kidding."What I am not kidding about is it is so refreshing to have a conversation that is truthful. For those who know me most are aware (sometimes painfully) that I pretty much call it as I see it. Granted there maybe a good sized opinion involved but I do not beat around the bush. To me there is no point in living in the gray area when the world for the most part as I see it is black and white. It is frustrating for me to be witness to people who cannot just come clean and be who they are. Life is too short, shout it out and be done with it. The truth will set you free...all lying does is make life difficult for the rest of us and puts poor Anthony in unwanted time outs.

1...2...3....

Start!! (All your answers must start with the letter W) and you have 60 seconds to answer-don't cheat!

1. A boys first name.
2. U.S. City
3. Body of Water
4. Type of Spice/ Herb
5. Name of a Professional Sports Team
6. Famous Person
7. Type of cold blooded animal
8. An item you would find in a purse.
9. School Supply
10. Terms of Endearment.

What is a girl to do?

Okay so before I forget for the 10th time I have an announcement. My little Alex's modeling career is in full swing. Remember that my friends' Kris and Holly opened up a baby boutique in Fargo called Pout (http://poutbabyboutique.com). If you have not been there it is a must! Everyone that I have sent in so far absolutely loves it. Anyways Big Al (as we call him here at home) was one of the chosen few to model their very cool wears for babies. Ria Lee Photography (http://www.rialeephotography.com/) did the amazing pics (Ria I couldn't resist downloading this pic). He was also lucky enough to be selected for their advertisement in On the Minds of Moms (http://www.onthemindsofmoms.com/), a very cool new publication offered in the FM area. Kris and Holly are featured in an ongoing section of the mag called "Momprenuers". Seriously how cute is that? So ladies thanks for launching Big Al's modeling career, I can hardly keep up with all of his bookings :). You are going to do awesome!!

On another completely opposite subject, I am clearly having issues. When I am stressed out I tend to get cold sores, styes, and gain weight. Well let's see... I have a huge cold sore, a stye that I think may lead me to blindness, and have gained 7lbs. What is up? I have been teasing our friends that are having some troubles right now that apparently I am taking it just as hard as them. The only exception is that they have both lost weight and I have gained. Figures!

Leslie sent me a card yesterday via JibJabs cards. It is hilarious, if you are looking to get a good laugh out of a loved one it is a must.

Check out the card that she sent me http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/HERXIhO3kR559FYS.

Erik, Anthony, Brian, and I watched it at least 4 times and could not stop laughing.

Well today I am off to the FM Zoo with the boys and my aunt. We are also going to hit some Indian Food for lunch. I figure I might was well make it a solid 10 lb weight gain before I put forth the effort to lose it. Swing by Pout for Alex's book signings and help a friend move. A full day is ahead of me so I better get to it!

Watch out Michael Phelps!

Yesterday was a fun and relaxing day. The boys and I went to Hornbacher's and bought Auntie Leslie a cake, balloons, and cards from them and Stuart for her 30th birthday. We went and picked up Mr. Oberg from daycare early and surprised her. Stu was so cute, he was really excited to bring her the card he signed for "My Mommy's Birthday". We sang to her and all enjoyed a good piece of cake.

After we were done we headed to the pool. Anthony absolutely loves swimming without his life jacket. On the shallow end both him and Stuart can touch so they jump off the edge until they are both water logged. Anthony can do somersaults- front and back so he thinks he is the man. Les and I decided to put Alex in because the water was nice and warm. He loved it! At first he wasn't too sure but 5 minutes into it he was kicking and giggling. I swam with him close to half an hour. It was fun, I think he is going to follow in his big brothers foot steps and love the water. We are lucky to have our lake and Leslie's pool so they get year round practice.

I think we will start training for the Olympics within the year :). I read that Michael Phelps eats 12,000 calories during training. If I would have known that I would have trained right along with him. Here I thought breast feeding was good for burning calories.

Today

Well I have been busy importing pictures to my laptop to only be refused like 1600 times to download them on my blog, it is infuriating to say the least. But I think that I finally figured it out. Today Alex is almost 7 months, he will be on the 19th of August. Anthony is 4 years and just short of 5 months on the 15th. Here are some fun recent pics of "My boys" and I could truly not be prouder. They make my life so fun and crazy. They are both my little buddies and I love being witness to their different personalities. Do not get me wrong at times I am ready to trade them in to the farm :). I think the feeling at times is mutual. After all they have feelings too and need to be allowed to share them SOMETIMES. But at the end of the day our love is unconditional. That is why I love to go through our family pic's as often as I can to remind myself what life is truly about.

Sanity

I swear to you the only thing that is keeping me sane lately is this blog. I joined my family for lunch yesterday (my dad's entire family). We were getting ready to eat and my aunt suddenly disappears. About an hour goes by and you can start to feel the tension in the room, my stomach feels really icky. A short time later the children are told to go to the backyard because we need to have an adult meeting. At this point I am wondering if I am considered an adult or child. I am reassured the I am an adult and should stay. They break the news, it is not as if someone has been hurt physically but I see my family fall apart. I have made a decision today that it is time to "detox" my life. I cannot take anymore unnecessary drama, life is too short. I will not pose judgement on people's decisions and actions. Things happen for reasons that are out of your control. As you grow up it is okay to say your peace but then get over it. I feel like bad energy is circling around me right now and I choose to not become part of it but learn from it. My family has always seemed to be an area in my life that I considered to be "untouchable". I now realize that nothing is entirely sacred but it is up to me to try keep it that way.

On a very exciting side note Anthony can draw all of the letters of the alphabet now, he just ran up and showed me a picture of Mickey Mouse that he just drew. Pretty darn cute. Alex is constantly saying,"da da da da da." I respond with, "ma ma ma ma." He is sitting up very steady now. Over the weekend Erik said that he tried to pull himself up on the couch. He is really solid and I am curious to see if he walks earlier than his older brother. He is definitely laid back. My relatives thought the two were so fun to watch. Anthony is charming the crowd with his usual antics and Alex just smiles at each new face.

Overrated.

Well I am back from my girls weekend and unfortunately it was a bit overrated. Don't get me wrong I had a good time but was questioning whether it was worth it ALL day yesterday. I cannot keep up like when I was 21 that is for sure but I tried my best. Most of the ladies were feeling the same way on Saturday so unfortunately our weekend was cut short. I do think that we managed to show our buddy that there is life after the big "D", so that mission was accomplished. The other mission that was accomplished was my husband realizing how much work it can be taking care of the boys on your own some days and he had a new appreciation for me when I walked in the door. He hugged me for 10 minutes straight after I got home, he is one good husband and dad. I am a lucky girl!

The time has come!

For me to rock-n-roll right out of here. Please pray for me...woo hoo!! It is going to be our annual summer weekend 6 girls and a broken hearted guy, time to have some fun.

Yay Girls Weekend!

This weekend I am heading down to the lake with a group of girls to celebrate Leslie's 30th birthday. I am so excited to have the entire weekend to MYSELF. No husband, children, or dogs. Granted I love them all but will love them all more after a small break this weekend. No one needing milk, a diaper changed, or a partner to play Rockband (my husband's latest obsession). I think it is so important to have alone time to get in touch with yourself as an individual again. I encourage Erik to do the same. If a person doesn't take the time to do this it is very easy to get lost in being a wife or mother. By the time I return on Sunday I will be ready to tuck away my crazy self and happily read 3 bedtime stories and get up at 3 am with Alex. Because being a wife and mother is who I am, but it is always nice to visit the crazy ass Melissa who is going to party her tail off this weekend. Cheers!

I am so sad....

Erik and I have been fortunate enough to find a couple that has alot of the same interests as us, have children the same age as ours, and that we have alot of fun with. Right now my heart is breaking because I am not sure that they are going to be sharing in the future things that we discussed like taking care of our grandkids together and growing old together. We have experienced celebrations and commiserations together. Dating, Engagements, Weddings, Funerals, Pregnancies, Births, Vacations, Marriage Difficulties, Birthday Parties, Baptisms, and countless sleepovers and dinners together. We have shared laughter, tears, and madness together. When I think of family they are part of it.