Sunshine & Fresh Air

So, as crazy as this might be, the Hubs and I have decided we are finally taking the boys camping. I think they are old enough to enjoy themselves outside all day, sleep thru the night, and in strange places. We haven't had the best results with Bugger sleeping in a Pack N Play ever, so finally when he is in a big boy bed and stays in it when he knows it is bed time, it's time right? Boogah has found a new love of fishing, since last summer, and they know at least to stay back from a fire pit. So, it's time, right?


I have fond memories of camping with my extended family when I was young. Summers spent in a lake, bathing in sun, sleeping in hammocks, toasting marshmallows the way my Grandpa patiently taught me. My grandparents had a camper that we took advantage of. I bunked with my older brother on the loft. The actual beds taken up by adults. Tents and campers strung all together, and my favorite was waking up early with Grandpa sitting at the picnic table waiting for the world to wake up around me. Bird chirping, and the quiet of the world makes you love the outdoors. Also.. it makes mosquitoes a tiny bit more tolerable in the evening.


The Hubs has always told me of his memories of camping with his family. It makes time before we are "ready" to go tick by so slowly. I want to create awesome memories with my awesome boys. Staring at bugs, painting rocks, hiking somewhere beautiful. Getting away from t.v. and video games. Altho, finding a projector for a movie night under the stars would be pretty fun in my book. We will see, obviously with my high hopes, this won't be a one time thing.

I'll learn..

My life has become "busy" without me even realizing it. It might be these beginning months of summer, tho. Mother's Day was nice and relaxing, I must say! Gifts made by your kids are seriously the best. Who knew a first grader thumbprint would bring me to tears so easily! We aren't the traditional do everything for Mom kind of people tho. Mostly, because it is MY kitchen. The hubs has burned mashed potatoes.. and minute rice. Yea, my kitchen. So I got up and made eggs and bacon and hash browns for my boys. As tradition. I guess it is just a day that I am extremely thankful that I am a mother. I may get extra hugs and kisses, sweets and cards, but why would that change what I do for them? We went to The Avengers, again. And the little Bugger sat, snuggled on my lap the entire movie. Seriously, it makes my heart nearly explode with love. Enough gushing? Ok.

The cake was a hit, by the way. Not quite as perfect as I had hoped it looked, but they were happy. And that is all that matters.

Syttende Mai is this weekend. The seventeenth of May. In good ole Norwegian heritage. We will travel to my home town Westby, WI and eat fried cheese curds, Hub Fries, melt in your mouth donut holes, and Gyros. Can't forget at least one cup of Rommegrot. Probably my favorite, maybe one day I will attempt to make it myself and not have to wait a year. Did you catch the Gyros? Yea, not sure why they make their appearance there in that little Norwegian town, but they are definitely a hit. And coming from a big city, moved to a smaller town, without access to a restaurant I have to make them at home, and it just isn't as enjoyable as forking over the cash for one wrapped in paper. The kids enjoy the lefse polska.. and I think it's the Hub's favorite too. If only they knew I just always forget to grab stuff to make them at home. They can wait a year too, right? The parade is big tradition now too.. I think it might be Bugger's first year to collect candy.. It's just something that gives me the heebee jeebees watching toddlers run into the road to pick up candy off the street. But I can't deprive them of that joy. It's not like they eat any of it anyway. Good old Syttende Mai.. not sure how I will be able to sit still not knowing the daily clues for the troll hunt, but I think I will survive.

Weekend after that will be Boogah's 7th birthday!! How, seriously, do I have a seven year old?! Of course, it will be Avenger's themed. Duh. And I have learned my lesson with all the "fresh ingredients" from Bugger's 3rd. If it doesn't sit in the fridge overnight well, I'm not making it!! I don't want to get up at the crack of dawn and be cooking until it is time to feed everyone. Live and learn right? I just hope I have enough serving bowls. Ha. But I do seriously love being the hostess, as stressed as I get. Not sure why I have waited this long to attempt it, and I am sure I will get better at it. Eventually. Right?!

May Day!

Not that I have ever celebrated May Day, I figured might as well throw it out there for those that still do. I guess, once upon a time people actually celebrated what it actually meant. Now all I see is Strike posters. I won't get into politics, obviously, but really?!


Anyways.. I am starting a new cake today. First time making a topsy turvy one. Let's hope it turns out, because it's for someone super special. Her and her family are people that you never, ever want to lose. Thankfully they are family as well. But with this bunch of yahoos, one can be easily cast aside. I treasure my relationships. Especially this family. Great kids. Role model parents. And the babies?! Probably the cutest, besides my own of course.


This weekend will be busy for us. It's the release of The Avengers! Each night this week, we are watching one of the previous movies. Hulk, Ironman.. 1 and 2. Thor. Captain America. Ironman is a favorite in the house. I lean towards Thor.. only because of the Norwegian heritage, but Ironman is a extremely close second. There has  been sound effects galore so far this week. Boogah can mimic the energy growing sound of Ironman quite well. "Hulk SMASH" is a favorite from the wee one.. also.. I think it's just because of the similarity of dinosaur and Hulk roars. I think I need to invest in a Nerf Hammer just to join in the fun. So what if we mix G.I. Joe, Star Wars and Marvel. We're nerdy that way.

As a mother with two boys, technically three, I guess. We are big fans of super heroes. Duh. Isn't that a given? We promised Boogah, the oldest, if he was super well behaved at school we would all go see it in the theater. So what if I bribe a little bit? I'm hoping it creates in him some good work ethic. You work hard, you can have nice things. Easy. We of course are a little tougher than most. It isn't just a stay quiet while Mommy is shopping and I will buy you something. It's do things right, first time, or without being told. Listen, and be polite. All day. All week. I won't allow myself to have spoiled children. I can't stand to see snotty little children with iPhones. Sorry. Maybe I'm old school in that manner.


Also, it's "opening weekend" for Bass fishing! Finally! That's all we seem to be catching is Bass. Good sized, at least. But we aren't a catch and release type of family.. it's disappointing to a certain 6 year old. And a Daddy. Ok, fine. And Mommy too. Bugger, the youngest, doesn't hold interest in fishing yet. He has his little pop up tent, dinosaurs, snacks and sand toys and he is good for a few hours.

Personally, I can barely wait until Friday!