9 posts tagged “max”

We went to the MN History Center today. It's one of the kids' favorite places to go. We can have a beautifully, sunny summer day and the kids will want to spend the day inside History Center. Jaycie has been itching to go see the new exhibit Minnesota 150. It's the 150 people, places, and things that shaped our great "fly-over" state. My personal favorites besides the obvious (Humphrey, Wellstone, MN State Fair, and Dan Patch) were the Greyhound Bus, Seymour Cray (who I thought belonged to Chippewa, but I guess MN claims him too), and Bob Dylan (never was a big fan, but I might become one now) exhibits. The entire thing was pretty cool--they had Prince's famed purple suit there too. Anyway, on our way out, the kids begged for reproductions of the Declaration of Independence (Maxwell) and Bill of Rights (Jaycie) from the gift shop. We paid the $1.50 for each of them and you'd think we bought the real things. They were both so freakin' excited. And they totally understand they are not real. It's hilarious. Even 3 hours later, Jaycie will look at her document and say, "I can't believe I have the Bill of Rights." Only my kids would go into a gift shop and beg for reproductions of historical documents. 

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This is the best present I received this year. Jaycie and Max both made some wonderful gifts, but this candy cane from Cade is my favorite. It's been two months since I've seen Cade, Nolie, and Liam, so I was very emotional going to Christmas dinner. I spent most of my time there successfully holding back my tears in silence watching the boys. I've missed them more then anyone can even imagine. Tracy quietly brought the present over to me. She set the candy cane down and said, "Cade wanted to make sure you got this." I can't even write this without crying. I told Cade I would proudly display it on my refrigerator along with the gifts Jaycie and Max made. He wanted to make sure it went in the middle. I promised him it would. He'll never know how much that candy cane means to me.

Today is a day filled with mix emotions. Nine years ago today, I brought forth young Maxwell into this world. And by the way, Maxwell has rebuked cake and opted for one cherry and one blueberry pie in celebration of his birthday. And on the same day and that same year, Jodi let my cat, Jasper, jump out of the window. I never saw Jasper again and it's all Jodi's fault. Then five years ago today, my hero, Paul Wellstone, died. So today is a happy day for Maxwell, but we always remember Paul and Jasper as well.

Afro

Me, Paul, and Ben

Max (between spoonfuls of Cheerios): Was Dr. Seuss born in Massachusetts?

Me( distractedly trying to read about green tea): I don't know.

Jaycie to me (irritatedly): Look it up!

Me: Oh. (quickly google Dr. Seuss). Yep, he was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.

My kids are never going to know the feeling of not being able to know the answer to something right away.

Today is Max's Birthday! Wow--8 years old. 

Conversation in the car (we were teasing Max about wanting to kiss Jaycie's friend):

Max: I know what people do when they kiss. They turn off the lights and shut the door and have S-E-X.

Me: Yep, that's what they do.

Ben: Do you know what happens then?

Jaycie: No

Ben: That is how a baby is made.

Jaycie and Max: Gross

Max: You need to use protection.  Mom, do you remember when I was telling you about AIDS? You need to use protection so you don't get it.

YIKES! They are growing up way too fast!  I wonder if he knows what "protection" means.

Max & Snuggle Bear

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So, the first day of school went off without a hitch. Well...except for one. Max refused to get on the bus home! His teacher told him what bus he was supposed to ride, but Max doubted her and didn't want to get on. I realized shortly before this that I forgot to tell the kids about the new bus. Jaycie, the good little girl, listened to her teacher and got on the appropriate bus. When she got home, I asked her where Max was and she said, "He doesn't ride my bus." Then the phone rang. "This is Max. There has been some confusion with the bus." So, I picked him up without incident. He said he had a good day, but was deeply disappointed that the Snuggle Bear he bought on ebay hadn't arrived. Better luck tomorrow.

Take a picture of something that someone put a sticker on.

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Max created a picture using Krispy Kreme stickers. The donut balls are diving into the glaze.