Mexican Surprise

So we’ve been planning and scheming this trip to Mexico for a few months now.  Made reservations.  Got passports for the Chico’s.  Secretly packed everyone up.  Packed kids backpacks with every possible thing each could want or need.  Packed the car.  Gave everyone probiotics for a week in advance.  Cleaned the house.  Bought new water shoes.  Snorkels for Christmas.  Charged iPads, verified headphones, downloaded movies.  So yeah, it’s been fun.  And then we told the kids that we had to get up early and run some errands down in Denver all day.  Got going on time (mostly ;), and then broke it to the kids on the car by dropping all kinds of hints.  They were slow to put it all together.  Real slow.  Like you’d expect for young kids I guess.  Anyhow, it’s been great!  Well, actually the first day was an epically long travel day, and we were hearing things toward the end such as: “I hate Mexico, I want to go back home in USA.” -AJ.  But then, that was offset by good feelings today, after spending the whole day at the beach: “This is the best swimming spot I’ve ever been to!” -AJ.  

Blowing their little minds, which was the plan all along.  Muahahaha.  

Ryker

This guy. “Well, Mom I have to get back to drawing. Love you. See you later.”

❤️Momma

Boys.

These boys are so sweet. Their art teacher offered there classes a chance to create a Christmas card, their choice. Both boys wrote their card to me. Guh. Love them.

Warm fuzzies!

Love,

Momma

Christmas Tradition Time

It's 60 degrees and almost Christmas time, oh Colorado how I love you.

It's funny how I say the same things year-to-year but truly forget this.  I just looked at the blog post I did last Christmas time and I could say that almost everything is happening again:  Christmas eve boxes, Staff v Student Basketball game, Christmas Tree, and Zoo Lights to name a few!

This year I'm killing it with presents!  I have them all done, some are creative, some are from Amazon, but they are all wrapped and taken care of. Some even are already in Nebraska wrapped and ready for the kids to open!  We continue the Christmas eve boxes with pjs, bells, and hot chocolate.  This year our kids' school is showing Polar Express, so we've decided to do a new movie this year.  Russell is rooting for Die Hard, and I get it...but I'm not quite sure the kids are going to buy it.

We did something different this year and went to go get our Christmas Tree in Fraser with some awesome new(ish) friends!  We rented an AirBnB, spent the night, played some games, had a massive sleepover, and found the best sledding hill yet!  This sledding hill was so steep and rad.  A.J. was able to go by himself, and the younger two went with Russell and I.  It's so fun to watch A.J. go off and do his own thing! 

The christmas tree hunting was a bit sketchy-the kids got cold really fast, we didn't have food or hot chocolate, and we didn't have the best sleep the night before so the struggle was a bit real.  However, Russell found an awesome tree that stands now (it did fall over the first night!) and it is perfect.  I feel lucky that Russell even went ahead with the tree as I heard, "Why are we doing this?  We aren't even going to be home for Christmas."  #traditionsdamint

Zoo Lights was a success.  Initially when I told the kids we were doing it they made grunting noises and expressed displeasure.  But again #tranditionsdaminit, we went ahead and booked our tickets.  Mandy and I prepared food, hot cocoa, mom hot cocoa, and smore kits to take along.  We were supposed to arrive @ the 530pm timeslot, and we arrived right @ 530pm.  We enjoyed our cocoas and smores along with all the other suckers that dropped $$$, and even got complimented by a fellow Zoo lighter..."Wow-you guys are pros!"  4 times in and you learn some things such as leave my husband at home=don't have to hear "Are we done yet?"  None of our kids complained of being cold-A first!  None of our kids pooped or peed their pants, although it might have gotten close considering all the layers they had to shed to relieve themselves.  Mandy and I stayed calm and nice.  #winning.  AND the next day both the boys told me how glad they were that we went because that was "so fun!"  After listening to this ridiculously sappy commercial on the radio talking about the traditions of the Denver Zoo lights, I actually got a bit weepy.  I realized that even though it can feel like a huge chore to do these things, and alcohol sometimes is necessary (or at least it feels necessary)...traditions are huge and important.  It makes me proud that we do these things, and I love that I have a girlfriend here who rallys with me.  During the Zoo Lights I had Ella and Dempsey in the bathroom and I said, "Cmon sister!" to Ella.  She whipped around and said, "I'm not your sister.  Mandy is."  lol.  So true Ella!

#traditionsdamint
Love
Momma

When a social worker and mom collide

I've shared this story with a few of you, and I thought I'd share it on here to remember the struggle.  With the new money system we have, the kids put some of their allowance into a donation fund.  As the holidays were approaching I asked the kids if they'd like to use their money to get presents for kids that do not get presents for Christmas.  They were agreeable, and AJ stated that, "Actually, Mom, every kid gets at least one present from Santa."  I'm already conflicted with lying about Santa but I especially did not want my kid thinking that every single kid out there gets a gift from Santa for Christmas.  That is wrong in so ways at so many levels.  So all I said to him was that his statement was not true, that not every kid gets a gift from Santa.  He didn't want to discuss it more.

I've talked to some people who support the idea that kids need to understand reality, and appreciate what they have.  Other people shake their head and tell me to let my kids be kids and not have them grow up too soon. 

I don't know.  I guess I feel like we are very privileged on so many levels, and I feel that it is my duty to at the bare minimum help my kids understand this privilege.  We have an upcoming surprise trip for the kids, and Russell and I are stoked to show our kids that there is a WHOLE other world out there then our comfy place on Harlequin Ave.  There are people that aren't able to drink their water, who live in buildings that resemble the forts that AJ and Ryker create in our backyard, and that NOT every kid has the toys that they do.  I'm looking forward to discussions we will have about all of our observations and experiences as we explore this new place.

So I'm not trying to rob my kids of the magic of Santa, or expose them to the harsh realities of life too soon--but I am playing a balance game to try and raise my kids with an understanding of the realities of all people.  It's tricky!

Love,
Momma

Hey Ryk

As I walked upstairs after my workout I heard AJ ask Ryk, “Hey Ryk, when do you think we are going to die?” Ryk responded, “2030, maybe?” Then they realized that they’d only be 20ish years and thought that was too soon.

Fascinating convos.

❤️momma

New Hobby

Mandy and I have talked about how we wanted to make soap for presents for awhile now. We decided to throw a date on it and just do it! We had a blast! It’s so important to remember certain things like: new hobbies are fun, friendship is key, and you don’t have to measure everything! I was able to use my dry lavender plants that have been waiting patiently downstairs to be used. We also used coffee grounds and fruit rinds. With a little under $50 we made A TON of gifts!

❤️

Me

Intentional Parenting

Meg and I have been trying to intentionally spend time with each kid on the weekends a bit.  It feels necessary since our weeks are so busy.

Today I spent an hour or so with each of them.  AJ and Ryker each wanted to play TrackMania on the Xbox and so we did.  Dempsey wanted to play a little of LEGO Movie game and so we did.. but the boys were both being a little too helpful at offering their advice to us.  So then we went up and played some My Little Ponies for awhile.

Cheers 

R

Boys cuddling

A little cuddle after a long first day back to school/work.

And then Ryker farted and we all had to move because it was so stinky.

“5 year olds don’t hold hands.”

In the few days post birthday Dempsey has certainly shown us just how different 5 will be.  The other day she went to her 5 year wellness check at the doctors and “celebrated” with 5 shots. Eeck! 5. Anyways the day after she wasn’t feeling too good and puked 1/2 in the toilet and 1/2 on the carpet. Winning. But then it got better. She was chilling on our couch with a bowl and a little bit later she hollered at me, asking if I could clean the bowl a bit more. I told her it was already clean, but she said she puked again and went ahead and dumped it down the sink! Score!!!

On the walk over to Target today she informed me that “5 year olds do not hold hands. They walk closely.”

Dempsey has developed an amazing front kick that she uses during wrestling wars with the family. 

She is such a great blend of her brothers and her own awesome self. She loves her new play kitchen, she enjoys playing stuffies and animal/owner games, and of course wrestling.  Her love of all things sweet and carbs makes for picky eating, and potentially a lack of iron which could be causing this ridiculous teeth grinding that she has been doing for months. Worst.Sound.Ever!

As my parents say. She’s quite the contrarian.  I hope this translates well the older she gets!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Oh Demps Snow!

Love you,

Momma

Kitchen

We found Demps a better kitchen and new fake food.  She’s a great chef, just ask Anna!

5 Year Old, Unicorns Galore

This girl had her 5th birthday party today!  It was super fun.  At the Rec center gym.  Obstacle course.  Hungry hungry hippos.  Tons of cars and trikes and scooters and balls.  All sorts of great friends.  And like 12 unicorn-themed gifts.  Seriously.  It was great fun.  It was the first time she invited friends from school, other than our family friends. So fun to see her come into her own. (Disregard the fact that at least twice before the party I told her that “Only nice people go to their parties.” Kicking and slamming her brother’s hand in her door is not exactly stellar behavior. Ooooph.)

❤️🦄,

Mom & Dad

Halloweeeeeen

This year we went with a huge group friends! We had food and drink at our house to pre-game and then we headed out. It was such a fun time!!! Love the community we have built with our friends and love meeting new people!

And before the actual day we had a big party the weekend before! It included the pumpkin patch & shenanigans at our house.   We did it up this year for sure!!

❤️Mom

Steamboat

Meg surprised me with an overnight trip to Steamboat Springs a couple weeks ago.  It was super great, especially since work has been quite stressful so this trip away from the world was perfectly prescribed.  

Highlights: 

• randomly found a cool bar and an amazing band!  Pixie and the Partygrass Boys.  Had a super great time there.  
• Searched for and found a wild hot spring right on the banks of the Colorado river!  “Radium”
• Had a zen experience in the Strawberry Hot Springs while the snow was falling.  Amazing.

All the while, Meg laid out TONS of options for things to do at every leg of the trip.  I am definitely a man who likes having options.  Meg, you win my birthday this year.  And every year, let’s be real.

The Times

Ryker was cuddling on me and Megan yesterday morning.  True Ryker: “I wish I had 6 arms so I could give 3 hugs at a time.”

In other news... They’re actually pretty good friends much of the time. Well, some of the time.

Bedside Chats

I’ve learned that the best time to chat with Dempsey is after I’ve tucked her into bed. She asked me about my day today. She asked if I was a teacher. I said, “No, I’m a counselor.” She said, “Oh! So you help people make great decisions and help people play with each other the right way.”

I never told her that. Clearly she’s learning something at school and I love it.

❤️Momma

A little Friday dance party

Homework!

Dempsey just learned that she has “homework” and doesn’t want to quit until it’s done. I hope it is always this easy🙃

AJ’s Brain

A couple weekends ago the boys were playing a card game with Granny Barb. Noticing some weird rule, she said “Who taught you guys how to play this game?”  They replied, “Grammy.” Not really listening Barb said,”Well, I need to talk to her.” One of the boys said, “Well you can’t because she’s dead.” AJ then said, “You could give a message to a carrier pigeon and then kill it.”

Can you freaking believe that???? 

That beautiful brain.

Momma

AJ

Picked up AJ from school. “Oh by the way Mom, I know 3 girls that have a crush on me.”

As he bikes off...

Lol

Momma

Being Brave

I had my first client tonight for my private practice. I was terrified and excited.  Midway through I had the thought, oh my goodness what am I doing! I have 30 minutes left. And then I chilled myself out and before I knew I had 5 minutes left. My client wants to come back. I made it, and I’m actively celebrating the joy of being brave while keep the self-doubt at bay.

We both took a big step tonight, and how amazing that we did it together.

-Megan

11 Years

This anniversary is best summed up by this post.

Sometimes words are hard, and emoticons are easier.  We had a choice on how to celebrate. Dancing/dining in Denver or hiking in the mountains. We ate in Denver and then hiked some 14ers. Aka. We didn’t make a choice, but rather did it all except the dancing . Typical Fruvellhoffs.  Unbeknownst to us we ended up bagging our 10th and 11th 14ers, on our 11th anniversary. Serendipitous, I think so. It was beautiful up there and spiritual too. 

Love you ❤️!

Here’s to 11 more!

Meg

Tattoos and Birthmarks

AJ has this birthmark on his arm that has become more and more pronounced. I think it resembles a Jonathon Livingston seagull, Russell thinks it’s an X-wing, and AJ think it kind of looks like a dragonfly. Either way it’s pretty cool!

❤️momma 

Dad and Demps

She really likes practicing riding her bike.  Still can’t really slow down or stop, but she’s working on her confidence.  She loves to take breaks and play at the school playground.  Swings, climbing wall, pull up bar, and we just made a Mickey Mouse cake for my 5th birthday.

Deck: Finished

Finalized Deck.  We like it.