The Throne

Shhh - don't tell the kids, but AP and I are going on vacay in February.  We are going to Belize, and we will tell them eventually, but not this far in advance.  I'm super excited, and of course, have things that I must get done prior to departure.  Previous trips, I have began a strict training program to prepare.  This trip is no different, however, I'm not training to get in a swimsuit, I'm training Harps to get out of diapers.  My plan is to have her diaper free by the time Grammy and Grampy come to babysit the first week of February.

Getting the boy to use the bathroom was so easy - take off his pants - let him see how things work - and viola! he's trained.  I was pretty sure that was not going to be the case with the girl.  I tried the same strategy, and it was an epic failure.  I tried again, and tweaked my plan to include M&Ms.  Still a disaster.  When all else fails, leave the training to the experts. 

My expert (yet again), is Ms. Kelli - reason #458 she is the best child care provider on the planet.  She had Harps whipped into shape in no time.  Later the following week, I was giving all my diapers away to Boo (really, Orin.  Boo's pretty well trained.).

ding dong

New Year's Eve has been a huge party in recent years.  When I say "huge party" what I really mean is "the kids and I order pizza,  watch TV, and fall asleep long, long, long before the ball drops in any part of the world".  I was pretty sure ringing in 2013 would be no different.  Until, Nicole had the best idea - bring the kids to the city, reserve a suite in a fancy hotel, and celebrate in style.  I was so in for this experience, and began convincing myself that I would be able to stay up until midnight.

Our party began as only an awesome day does, with a stop at Fletcher's to see Daddy.

 We met Colie, and drove into the city.  Getting dressed in our NYE best, we went to an early dinner.  The kids were great, and especially enjoyed their very first trip in a real taxi.  "MoM!!!  I'm not buckled!!!"

 Another short cab ride, and a quick walk to the Grand Hotel, we arrived for phase II of our party.  (it was c-o-l-d, that night.  like -25 below cold.)

 We played games, and popped poppers, and champagne.  Oh, and we danced ~ Safar-Prose Total Dance Party style. 

 The children did their best to stay up, but were sent to watch cartoons around 8pm.  As they crashed from their sugar high,  I promised Bennett I would wake him for the countdown.

 As they slept, snuggled up in their bed, Colie prepared her delicious local Wisco food and spirits.

 As promised, I woke the boy for the countdown.  He lumbered to the couch, with a twinkle in his eye. 

10-9-8...

 7-6-5-4...

 3-2-1!!!  Happy New Year!!

 Is is possible to think 2013 will be even better?  Probably be the best year ever.

(While the above story is an 100% accurate depiction of how our NYE went down, it is missing a small element.  How AP rang in his new year...  His plan was to close the bar, and meet us at the hotel.  I left him a key, at the front desk, and a plate of food on the table.  There was a "situation" at the bar, which made him leave an hour later than planned.  His drive was diverted due to main roads being closed down.  He did have a key, but the deadbolt was turned (how'd that happen??), thus he couldn't actually get in the hotel room.  He knocked, and knocked.  Shockingly, we didn't hear.  He called my phone - it was on vibrate.  He called Nicole, who answered his ring.  No champagne dreams for that guy.)

Freddie

Freddie returned this year, just as expected.  Bennett and Harper anxiously awaited his arrival, and then his pesky adventures each night.  Our scout elf kept a close eye on those two kids, and reported their behavior each night to Santa.  Freddie had B and H reminding each other to make good choices, and Mom and Dad pondering what his next shenanigans may be...

The Saturday Morning List

I was raised with a Saturday Morning List.  Every weekend, Nicole and I each had a list.  That list included dusting, vacuuming, cleaning a bathroom and some other chore (burning the garbage? folding some laundry?)  Growing up, this list irritated me, because I usually had to rush so I could call Renae at 10:45am.  But, I always got it done, and made the call in time.

Thirty years later, on the the last Saturday morning of 2012, I got up and made the list - and it was long.  I was not even close to done by 10:45am, and again, I was irritated.  I had a lot to do, so when Andy came and asked if I wanted to go sledding with the kids, my initial response was "Are you kidding??  Have you even seen THE LIST??" and I'm pretty sure I stormed off.

Then, I had one of those moments, where you make a life altering decision, and I dug out my snow pants.

The Saturday Morning List got done, but I'm not really sure which day that week.  When my kids are older, I hope they learned from their mama what I learned from mine.  Make a list, and be sure to get it done.  But, when a good sledding day occurs - take full advantage.

Safar Family Christmas

Somewhere in the shuffle of the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5, I lost all my pictures from Christmas 2012.  I think I have them at home (shhhhh.... don't tell I'm blogging at school...), and will insert them in this posting when I find them.

Yes, we went home.  Of course, AP came with.  And, Santa stopped by.

ho ho ho.

Barbie & Stacie

 The FedX delivery man arrived with Christmas from the Jacobsons.  In typical T & T style - there was no ordinary socks and underwear in the packages.  Bennett unwrapped the ginormous box to find his very own, big kid, basketball hoop!!!!  Yeah, he can't wait until the snow melts, but until then  plays in the garage.  His very own hoop, and the upcoming Saber basketball camp, he will master his ball skills before then...

 And dear little Harps?  Well, she got her very first Mommy and Harper dolls!!  I have tried to convince Harps that their names are "Barbie" and "Stacie", but she is pretty sure I am wrong.  Harper just loves her Mommy and Harper.  And who wouldn't? Our hair looks incredible.

Prose Family Christmas

 While the pictures of our Christmas tell part of the story, I wish I had taken more.  I wish I had taken a picture of the beautiful table, adored with red ornaments and pine cones.  Picture the enormous turkey and stuffing and wicker bowls of fresh baked bread.   I wish I would have captured Papa and Grandma and all their grandkids.  I wish I could have taken a photograph of the giggles, and chatter, and whispers between cousins.  I would love to bottle the noise - it's the best sound in the world.

 Fortunately, we have the memories locked down - and the Cinderella princess dress - to remind us of this Christmas.

We missed Matt and Steph and the boys, due to illness.  There was something missing...  The year of 2012 marked the last Christmas on the River.  Wes and Rita have graciously decided to pass the turkey to the kids. 

I am honored to invite the Prose Family to celebrate in Sartell, December of 2013.