New Year's Resolutions

Last year at this time I decided it would be a great idea to create a bunch of resolutions to make 2012 the Year Of Tina.  (Mitch tries to call every year the Year of Tina, where I finally get my shit together, but last year was FINALLY going to be the year!)  I had to laugh as I thought about this, because here is what I had mapped out for myself:

January: Weight-loss will be a recurring theme in my resolutions. Now that we are done having kids, it is time to get my body into shape. This month, my goal is to record my eating in an online food journal, make healthy food choices, and work out twice a week.  (I did start a journal, which I wrote in exactly one time.  Workouts were sporadic, at best.  Who has time to work out when you have an infant and a toddler?)

February: In my birth month, I have two resolutions: 1) to keep my purse more organized, and 2) increase workouts to three-four times a week.  (Workouts - nonexistent.  Purse cleaning - I think it's possible that I became more messy with purses.  When one got too full, I got a new one out.  And the cycle continues...)

March: This month I will focus on my car, which is always full of old napkins, random school stuff, kids' books, and other crap. I will work on keeping a more tidy car.  (I feel like I did make a little headway in this, but it always seems the messiest when Mitch needs to use it.  Ugh.  I did empty out a few used Kleenexes tonight, though.)

April: I would love to be more organized with my coupon clipping. I will also be admiring my newer, skinnier self by this time.  (Well, I do coupon, but they usually get tossed into a drawer and I rifle through them before I shop.  I did organize the drawer a little today!)

May: I will begin to experiment with new fruits and vegetables in my cooking, trying to incorporate a new one into our food every week. I also plan on running my first 5K.  (I did have grand plans for the 5K, but one of the kids got sick.  Not that I could ever survive running the whole thing.  Did I train?  Of course not.)

June: During the summer, I want to be active outside every day with the girls that the weather cooperates.  (This we did - we were outside a lot.)

July: I will work on being more organized in my bedroom, which seems to be the dumping grounds for the rest of the house.  (This was another disaster area.  Before I cleaned off the desk tonight, it had several layers of crap on it. Right now it only has a little bit of crap on it.)

August: Run another 5K.  (Nope.)

September: As I return to work from the summer, I will work on being more neat and tidy in the house, putting things away as I use them and picking up after myself. I also plan on holding my kids accountable to this resolution. (Mitch is the clean one of the house, I am clearly the messy one)  (Seriously, what was I thinking?  Mitch will attest, though, that I have improved a little on a few things after he nags me about them enough.)

October: Buy Halloween candy that is not my favorite. (This one will be hard, since I have not met candy that I don't like. Let's just say I won't be buying Snickers.)  (I bought Snickers.  I did not eat many, though.)

November: Continue to be committed to my workout routine, even as the holidays near and things at work become busy.  (Lie.)

December: I will be more proactive about my holiday budget - planning purchases, and staying within my means. (This year I was not so successful.....)  (Totally blew this one.  While Mitch and I did have our shopping done early and wrapping completed before Christmas Eve, the Discover bill was quite frightening when it came.  Oh well.)

So, I'm bad at all of this resolution stuff.  

I did have a breakthrough in September.  After frustrated with my weight all summer long, and after looking at pictures of myself from Gizmo's birthday party, I decided enough was enough.  We moved the treadmill into the basement and I started running at 5am 3-4 times a week when school started in September.  It was painful, more so to get up, but I started to love being up and ready before anyone else was, enjoying my coffee in silence after my run, and I really started to like the results I got.  I also signed up for a Zumba class through our community education program in town, and started getting my groove on every Saturday for an hour.  It kicks my ass, and I love it.  I was more careful about portion size, and cut out my nightly glass of wine (with the exception of Friday night).  

I lost 15 pounds, and while I wasn't great at keeping those 5am appointments (the girls seemed to be sick a lot and were up at night, and I'm not about to get up early after being up half the night with them), and things got REALLY bad in December, I'm still proud of that weight loss.  I'm not where I want to be yet, but now that I'm back at work I can get back into routine again.  

So my new year's resolution for 2013?  Stop making resolutions.  Take one day at a time.  Spend more quality time with Mitch.  Watch my girls grow and learn.  Have fun.  

This one I think I can stick with.

Christmas

The series of videos I have is from tonight, when the girls were dancing to "Linus and Lucy" (their new favorite Christmas song), and were overtired from short naps and a trip to church for Christmas eve service.  Add in some sugar cookies for dinner, and you have these three (nearly failed) attempts to wish you all a Merry Christmas:

In church on Sunday, our pastor talked about Jesus' Wish List.  On it are hope, love, faith, joy, and peace.  May you all have a blessed Christmas where you can give these gifts not only today, but all year long.

Thankful

We here at Fifty Below Zero might have had one of the most perfect holiday weekends to date.  We had a lovely Thanksgiving meal at Boston and Katie's house, where our children were well-behaved and enjoyed meeting Boston's parents, as well as playing with Mitch's side of the family.  It was a relaxing, wine-filled day (with a nap for Gonzo at Katie's, too - bonus!), and when we got home we were again able to put the girls to bed early and I was able to do some retail therapy Black-Friday style. (Side note - holy hell, Target was crazy-busy on Thursday night.  I have never shopped on Black Friday before in my life.  I was truly shocked that I had to wait in line to purchase my one doorbuster gift.)

Mitch and I had the day off on Friday, and so we took the opportunity to take the girls to the Children's Museum, something that we have not done ever as a family.  It had been since the summer since I had taken the girls, and so both were excited to see the new exhibits, which highlighted castles and science through golf balls (and giant exercise balls, which Gonzo loved pushing through a maze).  While Gizmo was sad that "George is gone" (they had a Curous George exhibit all summer long), both had a great time climbing through a giant anthill, learning about the life cycle of frogs, painting with feathers (and their own faces, too), and climbing through different habitats.  As a bonus surprise, we took the girls to Panera for lunch, where they were well-behaved and entertaining to both us and the people around them.  

While the rest of Friday and Saturday were spent in the house doing a major cleaning of the house and sanitizing of toys (we are hoping the germs are FINALLY out!), our family still had fun playing games, listening to Christmas music, and getting out the Little People manger in preparation for Christmas.  Gizmo has discovered the beauty of the Charlie Brown Christmas CD, and so if "Linus and Lucy" wasn't on repeat in her room, we were playing it on the piano upstairs.  Mitch put up Gizmo's tree in her room, but it is still waiting for decorations.  Mitch and I did some damage on Black Friday online.  We even watched a movie(!) Saturday night.  (Side note #2 - "Magic Mike" sucks.  Terrible.  Even with all of the almost-naked men, it was a disappointment.)  Katie was kind enough to bring out leftovers Friday night and unwind with a few beers.  

Today Mitch and I divided and conquered - I took Gizmo to church and Sunday school, he took Gonzo to the mall to shop.  We were able to build a fire in the fireplace this afternoon, and relax while watching football.  Gonzo learned to say her whole name this weekend, as well as sing "Happy Birthday" by herself.  I have food ready for part of the week, the house is clean, and Mitch is finishing the laundry as I type.  

We have a new visitor at our house until Christmas - Emma the Elf showed up the day after Thanksgiving on the mantle, and she has since watched over the girls from various locations in the house.  Gizmo was skeptical at first, asking me after a few moments of staring at her, "Mom, did you put her there?", but has since embraced our tattle-tale visitor who tells Santa of her naughty or nice status daily.  She loves wondering where Emma will be the next day.  I can't help but wonder if the greatness of this weekend was partly because of that Elf.  After one day, Mitch declared that Emma was coming out of her box after Labor Day every year if this good behavior is to keep up.  

There were countless small moments this weekend with the girls and Mitch that filled me with such contentment and gratitude for  all that I have in my life.  I am thankful that I have two beautiful, healthy children who amaze me every day.  I am thankful for a husband that I can still laugh with and still makes me feel special.  I am thankful for our jobs that are stable and provide, our house that keeps us warm on these colder Minnesota days, and for weekends like this, which make me feel truly blessed.

I

We're Off to Trick or Treat

I first asked Gizmo what she wanted to be for Halloween in August.  At the time, she was just starting to watch "The Wizard of Oz", and she said without hesitation, "I want to be Dorothy!".  I figured that by the next day she would change her mind, but she never wavered on her Dorothy decision.  It was official when Grama Poke was enlisted to make the costume.  Grama JG got the rest of the must-have accessories - Toto with basket, blue hair ribbons and socks, and of course, ruby slippers.  (Big props, by the way, to both Gramas for taking care of the whole thing!)

She made one adorable Dorothy, if I do say so myself.

Gonzo, on the other hand, had no interest whatsoever in wearing any sort of costume.  Gizmo deemed her worthy of dressing as the Cowardly Lion, and I had found a cute costume at Target, and then borrowed another lion costume from a friend at work.  The night before Halloween, I tried one of them on, and Gonzo cried the entire time.  We even tried to have her wear Nemo, the cute costume Gizmo had sported a few years ago, but she cried, "No Nemo!", and so we took that off, too.  She was happy enough to hold Elmo and pass out candy.  So much for coordinated costuming.

Maybe next year, Gonzo!

Gizmo's Birthday Weekend

Oh, Giana.  People use the words "spunky" and "spirited" when they meet you.  That is certainly true.  I fear you take after your aunt Kate a little too much at times, as you seem to love drama almost as much as her.  But you are kind and polite, sweet to your sister, and are smart beyond your years.

We had a get-together with family on the day of Gi's birthday, complete with tacos, presents, and cake.

(Yes, she did almost set her hair on fire.)

The following Saturday, we hosted a "snack bag" playdate, where you and a few of your friends played outside on your new swing set built by Papa and your new bounce house, among other things.

Happy 3rd birthday, Giana!

SPRING BREAK! The Rest of the Story

The rest of the week kept us busy, and I'm not sure who was more worn out - the girls or myself. We colored Easter eggs (complete with a dye spill all over my hand and shirt - that poor Rose Bowl shirt didn't see what was coming),

we played outside,

we had a picnic lunch at the park,

and celebrated Easter with a trip to church, an Easter Egg hunt with Aunt Katie and Uncle Boston, and a massive sugar high and crash.

Gonzo was oblivious to the whole thing,

but was very angry when she learned that the egg hunt was done during her nap. If looks could kill...

Something tells me that I'll see that look very often in the coming years.

And now, things are back to "normal", with me at work and the girls happy and content at home. Grama Poke and Aunt Cathy are in town this week to watch the girls while Grama Jersey Girl enjoys her vacation, and they are off to a very fun (and exhausting) start!

SPRING BREAK! Thursday

After a fairly uneventful Wednesday (a trip to the doctor for Gonzo and a few hours at work for mommy do not a fun day make), we were ready for our great adventure of the week. Auntie Al and Mr. Fix-It got Gonzo a family membership to the Children's Museum for her birthday, and it could not have been a better gift for two active little girls. Aunt Katie joined us for the trip, and brought her camera along to capture the morning. (Thank goodness Aunt Katie is better about remembering her camera than I am. She takes better pictures on her fancy new camera, anyway. If I could hire her to follow me and the girls around and just take pictures, I would. She wouldn't mind, as long as I paid well and offered benefits, I'm sure.)

Gizmo was true to her personality today, taking things in quietly and timidly, almost afraid to explore and interrupt other kids' fun. She did, however, have fun walking on the over/under circle,

hopping on one foot,

playing with turtles and blocks (in a room that was enclosed and quieter than the rest of the museum - this is where we spent most of our time this morning)

painting our own face (and Aunt Katie had some face paint, too - I wonder what the office thought of that when she returned to work!)

pressing pennies into discs, then adding different textures,

and building model train cars.

Gonzo got to enjoy her gift, too - she had a great time walking around in the blocks room and trying to climb this incline, which she was unsuccessful in doing. There were tears at the end, but she was easily distracted.

The poor kid was a trooper, since she had a runny nose and was well overdue for her nap when we left.

Today, as I was working in the house and enjoying the quiet when the girls were napping this afternoon, I, for a brief moment, wished I could be a stay-at-home mom so that the girls and I could have this type of fun all the time. Because we did have fun this morning.

The icing on the cake? Meeting Daddy for lunch at one of Gizmo's favorite restaurants, since Mitch's building is adjacent to the Children's Museum.

Life is good when McDonald's is the highlight of the day!

SPRING BREAK! Tuesday

Today started with baths and a trip to Kohls to purchase some new clothes for Gizmo. Today she and I went through her box of spring and summer clothes, and she really has only a few things left that will fit from last year. She was pretty OK with boxing her small things up and "saving them for Gen", but she would just not take off this awful puffy vest that was a hand-me-down from a neighbor. Barely fitting, she squeezed the buttons shut around her body and would not put it in the box. She and I made a deal that she could wear it for play in the house only, and not outside. We shook on it, so it has to stick.

We then went to the library for story time, which was the first time the girls visited this event. It was small and fun, and we then went into the main library to play and pick out books.

After lunch, it was by far the most calm of the day - the girls watched "Super Why" together.

Who says TV isn't good for kids?

After naps and a snack for Gonzo,

we headed over to Grama and Pomps for Lil' Missy's birthday dinner. She picked the menu, which consisted of pizza, broccoli, and strawberries. (And cake and ice cream, of course!) Gizmo's comment about the best part of the night? "The cake was the best part for sure!"

Happy 9th birthday, Lil' Missy!

SPRING BREAK! Day 1

On Saturday I took Gizmo to an easter egg hunt in our district. Even though my friendly weatherman told me it would be a beautiful day, it was cold enough for Gizmo to wear her winter coat and hat. (She elected not to wear her mittens so that she could grab more eggs and candy.)

The drive to the soccer fields: 15 minutes. Waiting in the cold for the air horn to blow? 10 minutes. The time to actually "find" the eggs and pick up the candy? 5 minutes. Waiting to leave the parking lot to run errands? 20 minutes.

She didn't care. Look how proud of her loot she is!

In other spring break news, we bathed the children together for the first time, and both kids and parents survived. Today we had a fun day of our ECFE class ("Mommy! You get to take me today!") and a not-so-fun nap time battle, which I am proud to say that I won.

Happy 1st Birthday!

She came into the world right on time, calm and happy, and has maintained her cheerful demeanor throughout her first year with us. She is a perfect mix of Mitch and I, easygoing and lovable, but with a (not so) quiet determination when she wants something. Her smile and snuggle make me melt every day, and I can't imagine life without her. She loves her sister more than anything in the world, and I love watching the two of them develop their lifelong bond.

Happy birthday, my dear sweet Genevieve. Our lives are complete with you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A bag filled with stickers, M&M's, and Starburst Jelly Beans for Gizmo......

An empty bag of Starburst Jelly Beans for Gonzo.....(I may have eaten hers on Sunday night. Hey, it's not like she could eat them anyway!)

A box of dark chocolate caramels with sea salt and nonpareils for Mitch.......

A box of dark chocolate caramels with sea salt and a Shamrock Shake for Tina......

Lots of cards from family and friends......

Waaaaaaayyyyyyy too much candy/cookies/cupcakes at school today.......

Steak, shrimp, potatoes and salad for dinner.....

The girls in bed at a reasonable hour......

I love my life. And I love the people in it. Happy Valentine's Day.

Out With The Old....

Tonight I sit in my living room (with my new beautiful MacBook Pro) with a margarita in hand, a fire roaring in the fireplace (it might only be the second time we've used the fireplace so far this winter - it has been unseasonably warm), my children tucked in for the night (I hope Gonzo stays there all night!), and the Bridesmaids DVD ready to launch for viewing. As I reflect on 2011, I am grateful for many things this year:

• My loving husband, who puts up with my complaining, works hard for our family, and is a great father.
• My two healthy, happy children, who make life worth living.
• Our wonderful parents, siblings, and extended families, who go above and beyond for us every day.
• Our health, even though we don't do enough to take care of ourselves.
• Our jobs, that provide for us.

I look forward to both the joys and challenges of 2012. Happy New Year!

Because I Promised Granny I Would Get These Online....

...even though it took me a few extra days. Sorry, Granny. Between wiping the noses of sick kids and a slow computer (I really need to bite the bullet and buy a new one), it's taken me forever to put Halloween pictures up. And even tonight, the darn computer doesn't want to cooperate.

In any event, happy very belated Halloween from all of us at Fifty Below!

The Birthday Girl

I wanted to capture Gizmo on her birthday so years later we could look back and marvel at how wonderful she was at this age. And make fun of her hair, of course.

Here's what she had to say during breakfast on her birthday.

Happy Birthday, Gizmo!

Gizmo turned two! It is hard to believe that just two years ago she stubbornly entered the world.


Every day I am equal parts amazed at how much she can do, and annoyed that the Terrible Twos are full-on at our house.


While it took a while for Gizmo to get used to her little sister, she is now fiercely protective of her, and loves to make her laugh.


She has an extensive vocabulary and speaks very clearly for a two-year-old, and just tonight as we were painting her toenails she "reminded" me how much she does actually listen to me, and how I need to watch my language all the time.


Now that she's two, there are lots of changes at the house - Gizmo's been promoted to the "big table" and no longer is using her high chair; tomorrow morning we are going to try our first run at big girl panties; tomorrow night the "Nuk Fairy" is visiting to redistribute her Nuks to the new babies in the world, and hopefully bringing a toy. (I have no doubt the Nuk Fairy will deliver.)


While there are definitely times I need more patience and time to deal with my persistent toddler, no one makes me laugh harder, smile bigger, or give warmer hugs than my Giana. I'll take your "too much" any day. I love you, sweet girl. Happy Birthday.