Bedrock City

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

Sometimes you meet someone who makes an impact on you for the most surprising reasons. I start up casual conversations with countless people. It's my thing. I am truly intrigued by peoples' stories. While at "The Flintstone Village" two years ago I met the man who drove the cars around a small track. He proudly gave us all the stats on the car. The first year we rode in Fred's car and the following year it was Barney's car. Both cars are built on the body of a Volkswagen Beetle, which I love! He knew the mileage and how many of those miles he had driven. He was completely joyful in his job despite how mundane it really seemed. He drove in a circle, the same circle, all day long, hauling tourists who probably asked him the same question everyday. After our initial meeting I didn't soon forget our friendly driver. He was so kind and excited. He loved the theme park and seemed genuinely proud to have been a part of the Flintstone's Village for so many years. Fast forward to 2015. We return to the little run down theme park for what may be our last time. Rumors had been circulating for a few years that for many reasons The Flintstone's Village would be closing permanently. After having several theme parks from Canada to Mexico the only remaining theme park was in Custer, South Dakota. It wasn't likely that they would be opening due to the high costs for the licensing rights. Plus, how many kids are into the Flintstones?

We went talked Grandma and Grandpa Halter into coming with us and I'm thinking it was there first trip to the notorious theme park. We went before the hysteria hit the streets and they announced their closing. It was a ghost town. A few nostalgic adults returned who had brought their now adult kids and some others with small kids who played on the 1980's treacherous play equipment. It was windy and almost eerie. The beautiful, mature aspen trees that rustled in the wind seemed to tell the tale of watching kids run and play for nearly 50 years. The buildings with decades of caked on paint and scenes that had been staged years ago stood in solidarity. The deteriorating theater played episodes of the show on repeat while an odor of mold surrounded the viewers. The smell of freshly popped popcorn tried to overcome the smell without success. We chugged along on the mini-train that toured the park. The day felt bittersweet and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. This wasn't a place of importance to my childhood, as I said, I had only been there once before. I had only taken my children there one time so it wasn't something I associated with my own kids. Finally, last night, it came to me. It wasn't the place that has stuck with me this whole, time, but the person. 

The man who drove the vehicles has stuck with me for nearly five months after we rode with him. When we were wrapping up our final trip around the oval he had driven countless times I asked him if he was sad that the Flintstones Village was closing. I think I expected him to be devastated because I handle anything ending so poorly. Anyone who knows me can verify that. The end of any vacation, *sometimes the end of the school year, the end of high school, end of college, the end of the show Brothers & Sisters, and pretty much the end of any show. I don't like ends. I'm more of a beginning type gal. Approaching endings make me incredibly anxious. Even ends that result in a happy beginning bring me lots of tears and turmoil. For example, I spent much of the evening before having Little Brother crying because it was the last time we would be a family of 3! Completely ridiculous! A family of 4 is way better and I've never been sad about not being a family of 3. 

The man's response was so wise that it is no wonder I refer back to it all the time. His response was, "Well...Yes and no, but mostly no because everything has an end." Then he looked at me and flashed the friendliest smile. So I knew he meant it. On top of not loving ends I also don't love the changing of my babies. Most recently I've battled with Little Brother's clothes not being baby clothes anymore. He doesn't wear 24 months, now he wears 2T. Since both of my "babies" are now toddlers they wear the T clothes. It was a tough blow that caught me off guard. I didn't expect that to be sad. I was sad once my babies went off the bottle, and I'm also seeing that our need for sippy cups is dwindling. Items like high chairs that seemed essential for so long have been in the basement for months. Little Brother is still in a crib, but really for how long? Baby Waider is so grown up it is inconceivable. Crawling, walking, playing patty cake, and talking are skills that are mastered in this house. 

I find that I'm doing much better with all of this because when I start getting near and end and start getting all teary I think back to my friend's words, "Everything has an end." While it is incredibly sad, it is inevitable. My thinking of this person doesn't end here. I also think about how much he enjoyed his work. Even though to others it could be conceived as mundane or boring. He probably wasn't sad that it was over because he enjoyed every moment of it he could. I am doing the same with you. I am coloring to no end and making a ton of play dough cookies. I am reading books about sharks and working on lots of puzzles. Mundane? Maybe. Will it end? Absolutely. Just like everything it will end and before I know it coloring, puzzles, and play dough will end. The advice that my friend left out or didn't have the opportunity to mention was that with every end is a new beginning. I never want anything to end, but most of the time I am completely thrilled with what begins, and in turn do not want it to end. 

This story that is probably long and drawn out so here are the big takeaways I have for you. 1. Talk to strangers. (not the creepy kind.) 2. Listen to old people. 3. Enjoy everything because even if it is or seems boring- 4. Everything has an end. Good and bad. 

I wish I knew where I could find that guy and thank him for his advice. So I guess I have a fifth takeaway. 5. You never know when you will make a difference in someone's life. 

The smile on that guy says it all! 

Such a neat place. I'm glad I went. 

Love Always, 

Your overly sentimental Mama. 

The Waider Family Christmas Tree

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

This past weekend we participated in what is one of my favorite family traditions. We do it every year around this time and it is something I have grown to treasure. We got our Christmas Tree. As mentioned in previous blog posts and Facebook posts this is a tradition that I have taken part in since I was young. I'm not sure when it started, but my family has cut our own Christmas tree for as long as I remember. 

Each year is much the same as the previous years. We have fun, we find a tree that is usually more sparse and bare than we would like, we eat snacks, listen to music, and have general merriment and fun. This year we held on to most of our age old traditions. 

I teach second grade and we have a Christmas Around the World unit. My students study different countries and their various holiday customs and traditions. When we study Germany we learn that that is where bringing an evergreen tree into the house was started. This year I latched onto the theory that the evergreen tree kept the bad spirits out of the home for the entire year. Being ultra superstitious I can really get behind keeping bad spirits out of the house. Plus, it is hard to beat the smell of pine trees. 

This year on our hunt we had a great time. I was shocked at how simple it was to get ready for the trip. For the past four years I have been preparing to go everywhere with an infant or baby. This always resulted in packing tons and tons of gear for even a short outing. This year we were ready to go in minutes. We packed our cold weather gear,threw the toddlers in the car and were on the road. Even though society would probably fault me for my decision I brought a couple of iPads with Christmas cartoons downloaded for both of you to watch. You loved it and we had a very peaceful drive and you didn't get as bored waiting for everyone to get ready to go. 

Once we were on our way it became abundantly clear that Little Brother was not loving our time in the wilderness. We were wrongly thinking that he would be able to walk for the journey and enjoy hiking. Instead he wanted to cry, fall, be carried, and repeat. It was initially frustrating, but then I realized that this is likely (hopefully) the last year he will really be this way. Once we FINALLY found our tree and headed back to our festive picnic his hands got cold, and he began to cry. He didn't stop crying until he was in the car, with the car started, and the heat blasting on his hands. He only wanted mama. Initially I was annoyed, I'll admit it, but it was hard to stay that way. It always hits me on these journeys that next year when we go everyone will be a year older. This year I barely even saw Baby Waider because she was out playing with her cousins. So Little Brother and I hung out in the car. We ate candy sticks, and peppermint spoons. He yelled, "No! NO!" anytime I suggested we go back outside. We also sang the, "A,B,C's" which is about the cutest thing I've ever heard. It was a nice moment, and by the time we left the car a nice fire was going and Little Brother was happier. 

We also took our traditional pictures. I think of all the pictures I have with my family growing up most of them are probably taken while getting our Christmas tree. It is an easy way to look back at how we changed over the years. The crew getting the tree each year varies and sadly this year, we were missing Bob, Pat, and Tom. Their absence ever present. Tom has seldom missed and I don't remember very many times when Bob and Pat weren't with us. It was a sad feeling not having them there, but also a hopeful feeling that they will return next year. Last year, Bob gave me a stark reminder that we need to value the time we are given. We have years to adjust to what we have but it can so quickly change. 

This year sometime during the pictures Grandma Halter got a little emotional. We are used to this and I also find that I get emotional too. Not necessarily because I am sad, but rather I am just overwhelmed. Possibly I feel overwhelmed with how vastly blessed I am. The family of five I grew up with has doubled in size! Not only do I have a brother and a sister, but I also have a niece, four nephews, and a brother and sister-in-law. My parents are your grandparents. When you think about it we are passing great traditions on to a great number of people. That itself is pretty amazing. Also, a week ago I wasn't sure that Mia would be able to handle a trip to get the tree because she could hardly walk. Boy was I wrong. Mia went and had a fabulous time. I think she even was able to sneak a few treats. ;) 

I treasure our time together as a little family of four. Even when you are crabby and crying. A time when mom and dad are you most favorite people. (Okay, mostly your favorite people.) A time when a Christmas cartoon makes your day along with hot chocolate and a rice krispee treat. The Christmas Tree hunt is always a time for me stop and really treasure what I have and be thankful for the Christmas season. It is a time when time stops for a moment and we just enjoy each other and all we've been blessed with. Because if having kids has taught more one thing it is that time goes far too quickly. 

Love always,

Mama

P.S. One part I forgot to mention was Baby Waider and Grandma Halter hunting for rocks. Amazingly you are both rock hounds and Grandma Halter loves to show Eleanor "beautiful rocks." Not surprisingly you found some beautiful rocks this trip. 

Better Late Than Never

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

Better late than never is an old saying that gave me a little motivation today. See, fall is my "busy season." I could actually change that to "crazy busy season" this year. Our fall was packed with hard work, fun, and blessings. With the holidays upon us I wanted to make sure to update the blog from this past fall. I debated just not updating, but as I read back through the blog I know that there is value in what I report to you even if it is MONTHS later. 

As mentioned in a previous post Dad and I were able to share in Jay and Jeremy's wedding in Omaha. It was fantastic and we had a wonderful trip. You had a wonderful time staying at Grandma and Grandpa Halter's house. You went to a football game, pumpkin festival, out to eat, and got to hang out with Aunt Marliss and Cousin Ryan. I'm not certain that you even missed us. But we sure missed you. It'll be awhile before we leave you for an extended period of time. 

Baby Waider turned 4 years old this year! Unbelievable to me. For her birthday weekend we decided to go camping for the long weekend. Unfortunately mom and dad decided to leave on Friday afternoon rather than wait until Saturday morning. That meant we were late to pick Baby Waider up on her birthday. Baby Waider and Little brother were the last kids at the daycare that day. Thankfully Grandma and Grandpa made sure that Baby Waider had an excellent day. They got her a special big cookie that we ate that night at the campsite. They also got all of her daycare friends cookies for snack. It was so appreciated. Camping was perfect. The weather was gorgeous, and it was the perfect trip. We went to brunch at the Game Lodge, went for a hike, and played around our favorite campground. I think the Waider Family would all agree that the Game Lodge is our favorite place on earth. Campfires, the camper, and the most beautiful scenery around.  

 While in Omaha dad bought Baby Waider a Roly Poly Gym. While we were camping we failed to find any Roly Polies, but Baby Waider captured a stink bug for her gym. His name was Cricket and he lived with us for most of our camping trip. The final morning before we left we released Cricket. He didn't want to leave the gym. It was both hilarious and cute. 

Grandma and Grandpa Halter came up one of the mornings for brunch and for some clearance shopping at the Coolidge Store. Baby Waider and Grandma shopped the rocks and gemstones forever. Little Brother was excited about buying another car and ball.  

Another special event  that we had this past fall was Baby Waider's Witches' Ball for her fourth birthday. It was an amazing time. The pictures are worth 1,000 words. 

It could be said that we have "over the top" birthday parties. I love it. Dad and I plan and love to execute. We of course wish they were bigger and better, but for the most part we are really happy with how they turn out. Truthfully though we have to give huge credit to Grandma and Grandpa Halter because of their immense help. Grandpa Marker and Mary are always game to run last minute errands and help out with decorations or decorating. So I can't say it is mom and dad on their own. WE have lots of help!

Each fall also brings Halloween. We carved our own pumpkins at home and went to a carving party at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Trick or treating was a highlight with the night topped off by watching one of our favorite movies Back to the Future. Passing on some of our favorite movies and shows has been one of the best part of having kids. To our surprise you both watched all three of the Back to the Future movies from start to finish.

You will inevitably look back at your pictures and wondering why each year you had several costumes. Truth is we started this tradition. Actually I want to say I started it because of my older cousins. Each year for Halloween we do a Halloween cousin pic with a theme. As you get older you have different ideas from the cousin costumes that we choose. So this year Baby Waider you were a cheerleader (cousin costume), Sleeping Beauty, and a witch(birthday party costume). The way I see it you really don't "do" Halloween all that much in your life. So live it up while you can! So far you seem fine to choose different costumes for different events. Little brother was two football players. The first was playing for the Broncos and the second was playing for the Jets. You know, like Benny and the Jets, the song, by Elton John. You may have to google that song. Or you will remember it from us playing it all the time. This year the cousin photo was disastrous. Benny got cold and cried nonstop. So each picture you can totally tell he's crying. Very frustrating for the mother of the crier who just wants a decent picture. They are still adorable. Just frustrating. 

November was full of cousin birthdays and Thanksgiving. This year we went to make pies the day before Thanksgiving with Grandma Halter. Goodness did we ever make an excellent pie. It was pecan and coconut. DELICIOUS. You both helped Grandma and I got measurements of ingredients ready. It was such a special time. I signed up for mashed potatoes this year. I was pretty excited this year because Baby Waider wanted to peel potatoes. I was pretty reluctant because I didn't want a trip to the ER on Thanksgiving. Dad thought we should let her try because if she started doing it she probably wouldn't do it for long. We were wrong. She "carved," her word for peeled over 5 pounds of potatoes completely on her own! More than once Baby Waider has mentioned wanting to be a chef and you love watching Master Chef Kids. 

Quite possibly the world's greatest pie.

Not too bad for a four year old. Actually your mom was totally impressed that you could do this and do so well! 

Batgirl carving potatoes. 

We also kicked off the holiday by attending the Light Parade. I promise every year that I'm not going to the Light Parade because it is too cold. This year the only disclaimer I added to that statement was that I would like to go if it were snowing. Of course, this year it was snowing. So dad called me on it and we went. It was beautiful and cold. We got hot chocolate from the hot chocolate stand. The light parade goes on for what seems like forever, but both of you were hesitant to leave. Certain that you would miss something. I was thrilled to go home. 

September-November has really been a blur. I am busy at school, busy at WGU, and busy at home. We planned two awesome birthday parties, went an amazing camping trip, had a fabulous holiday, and had the opportunity to celebrate weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries with people who we love and adore. So often I feel lucky. But, lucky doesn't really cover it. We are not lucky. We are  blessed. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by how busy we are all the time. But being busy means we are living. We have so many people to celebrate with and who want to celebrate with us. 

As the holidays approach I can hardly wait to see the excitement on your faces as you share with all of our family traditions. So far you are thrilled with the return of Lucy, our Elf on the Shelf. She's been quite sleepy this year and has failed to return to the North Pole two times this past week! Goodness! Hopefully she's more rested up and will make it back each night this week. 

Love Always, 

Mama

My Best Friend's Wedding

Dear Baby Waider Little Brother Too, 

Nineteen years ago I met one of my lifelong best friends. You endearingly know him as Uncle Jay and Jeremy. But before it was Jay and Jeremy, Jay was my bestie. We met our freshman year of college. I think we did some weird backward dance at a mixer that was held in the Young Center Gym. The woman in charge of the mixer said, "Look at the person next to you. What if you are sitting together twenty years from now and you are able to say that you met doing the backward dance at the  BHSU new student days?" Jay and I became friends instantly and have been ever since. They say the best friends are those who you can go long periods of time without seeing each other and still pick up right where you left off. That's what I have with Jay. You both are quite fond of Jay and Jeremy and we have a yearly camping trip tradition that is so much fun! They love to spoil you, chase you, play with you, and generally make you wild and crazy. Right after I had both of you Jay was here to greet you. I think recently I've found that friendships take a lot to make them work. Since having two small babies in three years Jay has done 100% of the work in our friendship. He makes trips here, sends gifts, gives us gas cards if we go see him, and gift certificates for food. I value what he has done and hope someday when I'm not stuck in the fog of having toddlers that I can do the same for him. We've been friends through thick and thin and just happen to be the 1999 Swarm Day's King and Queen. 

Recently the Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage. When you read this you will likely think it is crazy that there was a time when people were not allowed to marry the person that they love. But I'll never forget in 1998 when Jay told me that he was gay. I was overcome with so many emotions. First, I already knew he was. Second, I was scared. I was scared for him because there was a time when I was worried someone would hurt Jay because of his sexual orientation.  I am praying that by the time you read this it isn't even an issue anymore. I think there will always be people who are against the way people choose to live their lives, but we live in such a different time than we did in 1998. Third, I told Jay that eventually he would be able to marry. I told him that a few years back. I was right, just sayin'. Fourth, in 1998 I had no desire to marry, but I was already thinking about how ridiculous it was that Jay would not be able to get married to someone he loved just because they were the same gender. I was actually a wedding DJ then. Trust me. I saw all sorts marry so it really bothered me to know that there were even limits on marriage.  (*Mental note. Definitely write a blog about all of the random jobs I've had.) 

I honestly get teary when I think about the upcoming nuptuals next weekend. I am so happy that Jay and Jeremy, who met the same year dad and I got married (10 years ago), are able to marry each other. I'm beyond eccstatic for both of them. Jeremy is exactly the guy I would always hope Jay would find. He is kind, funny, hilarious really, and smart. He is easy to talk to and our family loves hanging out with him. 

I am excited to go to their wedding in Omaha. Believe me. I've waited ten years to attend "My Best Friends Wedding." But at the same time I am leaving the two of you behind with Grandma and Grandpa Halter. :( I'm so sad to leave you. We can't take you with us. It's going to be a quick trip with too many not kid friendly events and you would not have any fun which would mean that your parents would also not have fun. We are so grateful that Grandma and Grandpa can host you for a few days, but it is breaking my heart to have someone else put you to bed for three nights. By the way, it is my hope that you will go to bed super easily for them. 

Planning you staying with Grandma and Grandpa is reminding me of times when my parents would leave us with our grandparents for the weekend. It wasn't very often, but, we. Loved. It. Like had the time of our life. We didn't necessarily do anything that different from what we did at home, but I cherished those times with my Grandparents. It honestly makes me tear up a bit remembering making paper dolls with grandma and having pancakes for breakfast. Grandpa Halter notoriously would sit on the porch while we would play dolls in the yard. I would actually give A LOT to be able to sit on my grandparents' porch while it rained chatting it up with my grandpa. Their porch was so cool. So, despite how sad I am to leave you I know that you are going to have the time of your lives with Grandpa and Grandma. There is something so peaceful about grandparents' houses. As a side note Baby Waider is ecstatic about the upcoming three day slumber party. 

Sometimes I like to blog because it gets my feelings out and makes me feel better. Like maybe I won't be so sad about leaving the two of you behind. It actually worked a little. I have realized that you are going to have a ball and that this is a nonnegotiable event. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Mama loves you!

Love, 

Mama 

Benny is Two!

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

Today as I loaded, edited, and enjoyed the 264 pictures from Little Brother's birthday it occurred to me that this is the last second birthday I will plan. Then I was immediately flooded with the thought that I will not plan another first birthday. I was sad, but then realized that that's just the way it will go. Baby Waider will be my first for everything, and Little Brother will be my last! :'( So I'm glad that we had an amazing second birthday for our amazing little guy and that I was able to soak up every minute of it. We had a family birthday. (Immediate family + Grandparents) Birthday breakfast chocolate chip pancakes.   We also had a friend birthday (cousins+daycare kid) The party was at Old MacDonald's Farm. The day was beautiful. Here is Benny's Birthday Photo essay. 

 

Both parties were so much fun! We are blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family, friends, and tourist attractions. 

Love,

Mama

Bye Bye Paci

Dear Little Brother, 

Well, you are growing up. Sometimes faster than I would like. Two days ago you turned two. I've been dreading your two year appointment because I didn't want Dr. Lynn to ask the dreaded question, "Does he still have your pacifier?" As of 24 hours ago I would have had to sheepishly answer, "yes." Then last night happened. I of course couldn't find your pacifier at bed time. You were crying and saying, "I want PACI!! I WANT PACI!!" Then I said it. "You  are two now so paci went bye bye." My heart broke a little bit. 

See that paci was as much MY friend as it was YOUR friend. Your sister never liked her pacifier. Not even a little bit. Which made her more difficult as an infant. You and your paci were a different story. It was love at first suck. I loved that paci too because unlike your sister when brother woke up in the night all I had to do was pop that paci in his mouth and we were both off to la la land. I even had glow in the dark ones that I could see in the middle of the night. I LOVED PACI. Baby crying in the car? No worries. All he needed was his pacifier stuck back into his mouth. Loud at church? No worries. Paci. In fact if I really needed you to be occupied while I was getting something done all I had to do was hand you paci and chicken and you would tots around for hours as happy and as quiet as can be. 

But last night. Last night out of terror for telling Dr. Lynn that despite what she had told me six months ago I had made NO progress towards taking paci away I said it. "You are two now so paci went bye bye." A little stunned you looked at me. Clutched chicken a little closer and said, "Okay." You then promptly laid down. Stunned myself I looked as sister came into the room. Devastated she said, "Why is paci gone???!!! My brother loves his paci!" I think she had experienced what I had with paci. It was a tool to distract and make brother happy. Then, completely on her own she ran to her room and grabbed the most coveted Baby Giraffe. She then told me, "Benny loves Baby Giraffe so I'm going to let him sleep with her since his pacis are all gone." See, sister loves you!

AAAAnnnnnndddd, you slept through the night without paci. This morning you didn't even ask for paci. Then came naptime. You immediately wanted paci. I said, "Nope, paci went bye bye. The faries took them because you are a big boy now." (Heartbreaking as I say these words.) This time you fussed a little, but it wasn't long until you said, "Okay," and laid right down to sleep. 

I think I'm coming to terms with the no paci, but I have to say it was much more abrupt than I expected it to be. I thought this would drag on forever. Knowing how stubborn both of you darlings are I can hardly believe it would be this easy to break you of paci. So I guess time will tell. 

For now I'll just be glad I can see more of your adorable face! Without a paci in front of it. 

Love, 

Mama

 

222!

Dear Baby Waider+Little Brother Too,

It was just about two years ago I had two kids under two. For good reason I was terrified. 

Wasn't this just yesterday?

Two kids under two. When I see mom's embarking or getting ready to embark on this journey I cringe a little. It's tough. It was tough and some days it is still tough having kids so close in age. Then something like this happens. 

Okay, this picture didn't just happen, but when I told you two to take a picture together this is the pose that you automatically went to. You are the best of friends. Whatever big sister does little brother does too! This morning we were TRYING to leave for the park. Naturally Babay Waider needed to bring a Baby Pterodactyl, stroller, and a notebook. For what reason, I'm not sure. The reason I was given was that Baby Pterodactyl didn't want to walk so we needed to bring his stroller.  As Baby Waider was getting her shoes on Little Brother was gone for awhile. It wasn't too long and out came Little Brother with Baby Giraffe, a shopping cart, and a notebook. I cracked up as we loaded it all into the Subaru and headed to the park. 

Two years has gone by so quickly. I'm loving Little Brother's age right now. He sort of talks, gets super excited and YELLS, runs around, and is just a little guy. The last time I had a little this age I also had a newborn. Since I didn't really get to soak Baby Waider in during this time I am going to soak in Little Brother! I'll try to say that to myself over and over when I start to get sad that I don't have a baby anymore! 

So happy birthday, Little Brother! You make our family complete and keep us on our toes. You amaze us everyday with everything that you can do. You are so strong and can throw the ball like no other! You can even catch now. We are so proud of how amazing you are. I do miss cuddling you, like when you were a tiny baby. But I will admit when you see me and yell, "MAMA!" It pretty much melts my heart. 

Love always, 

Mama <3