Weekend project

After visiting our friends in Traverse City, I've been on a mission to build us a bar for the basement. Unfortunately, Ken didn't share in that excitement, and he's the expert on all of our tools. So while that dream is briefly on hold, I decided to take up another project: Rearranging the basement playroom.

When we finished the rest of the basement, we placed the couch so it has a small view of the playroom. But the view was of the guest bed. So nearly six weeks ago, I began talking about moving around the playroom furniture so that the play area was in this view. This weekend, I spent many hours doing so.

The results are good. However, it wasn't the moving and shuffling of furniture that made the difference. It was the sorting and organizing of toys that did. (As a bonus, I also sorted through Kelsey's room.) I now have three bags of toys to take to Salvation Army this week. Our children are incredibly fortunate to have so many toys, but perhaps there were a few too many. (My creative inner self dislikes throwing away toys because I think of the 20 ways my kids might use them other than their intended purpose.)

Next up: Cleaning out the boys' bedroom. I recently went through their toys, but I think there's room for improvement. I also hope to add a hanging lamp to a dark corner in the playroom, and add hooks for costumes and other dress-up clothes and hats.

Eventually: A new bar.

Our star

Brendan was delighted to be the Star of the Week in his first-grade class today. As part of this honor, he had to create a poster with information all about him. We spent most of Monday, which he had off for the MLK holiday, finishing the poster. Brendan chose to draw boxes, with each box dedicated to a specific topic. For example, a box with the word "Grandparents," and a photo of him with his four grandparents.

Today, he unveiled the poster to his classmates, then took the seat of honor -- the teacher's chair in front of the class. The children gathered around on the floor and began interviewing Brendan. The highlights, as I can gather from his spotty recap:

• Brendan was thrilled that he chose which students could ask him questions.
• He reported that everyone loved his poster. He should be proud. He did every bit of it except print the photos from our computer. (The entire process was actually harder on me! It's difficult to sit back and just watch.)
• Some of the questions: What's your favorite Pokemon? Asked by Noah, who Brendan thought was being funny because Noah knows which Pokemon Brendan likes best. What's your favorite color? Yellow. What's your favorite TV show? Spongebob, which we both found humorous since we don't watch the beloved sponge in our house!
• Brendan explained everything on his poster to his classmates. They enjoyed his drawings.
• He also said that his poster was bigger than any other poster so far this year. Now, I bought standard poster board. The kind I used in every school project. So I'm not quite sure how this could be ...
• We were asked to write something about Brendan as part of the presentation. This was a surprise to him, as I didn't mention it to him at all. Still, he didn't say anything to me as he told me details from class. Tonight, as I was putting him to bed, Brendan was pleased that he had helped us to avert a major meltdown with Ryan. Then he chimed in, "After all, Mom, I know how to make everyone smile." Indeed, and we agree. Those were our written words about our sweet, charming boy.

Up North

We've only made it as far north as Grand Haven, Mich., which isn't really that far. Everyone raves about "Up north," as Michigan is truly a beautiful state.

So this weekend, we finally made the trip to Traverse City, still on the lower peninsula but up north, to visit our college friends Nate and Lindsay. They have two beautiful and sweet sons, Everest and Quinn, who happen to be just about the same ages as Brendan and Ryan. Their family moved to Traverse City last summer and we've been planning to visit ever since.

What a treat it was! Nate and Lindsay live in a house that literally has a ski slope out the backyard. We truly felt as if we were visiting a ski chalet with our private ski resort out back. If you've ever met Nate and Lindsay, then you know it doesn't take much to connect with them and feel as if you've known them your entire life. We are so fortunate to have them as friends!

The weekend was mostly filled with watching the kids play, gazing out the windows at the gorgeous view, and commenting on how it was snowing, again. We relived the old days with numerous stories. The kids played so well together, which made the weekend even easier. (Luckily, Nate -- and his two boys -- love Legos. So Brendan was in heaven!)

Ryan, Ken and Brendan with mounds of snow in the background

Ryan, Everest and Quinn are bundled up, ready for the snow. Ryan and Quinn, who are both 3, didn't last too long. It was in the single digits, with some blowing snow.

Ken was eager to hit the ski slopes and did so Saturday and Sunday. We debated sending Brendan out, but ultimately decided this wasn't the weekend. The weather was extremely cold, and we knew he'd need to commit a couple of hours to learning, rather than just a few minutes. Next time, we'll do it. Instead, though, he did enjoy tubing with Everest, Nate and Ken. I opted not to ski. Logistically, it's hard with little ones for everyone to get out and have fun. Again, perhaps next time. (Though I'd be learning with Brendan as I have never skiied before!)

Saturday night, after the kids were in bed, we hung out in the Noyes Tavern. Yes, they have quite the setup in their basement, complete with a bar built by Nate and various other accessories. Bored with the conversation? Play darts or challenge someone to Galaga. We enjoyed every minute of it.

Lindsay and I hang out in the Noyes Tavern. She beat me at darts, quite easily.

Sunday, Nate took the boys out for a very special treat. He gave them a tour of a Coast Guard helicopter. Wow! The boys were thrilled and loved pretending to be the pilot and to carry out rescue missions. I'll be hearing about this for weeks!

Brendan with the Coast Guard helicopter

Nate, Brendan, Everest, Ryan and Ken in front of one of the helicopters.

We're already looking forward to our next trip to Traverse City and to enjoying another weekend with our friends.

Cool Crocs

I'm not a huge fan of Crocs. They don't bother me, but I don't buy or wear them. I know many people love them.

My sister-in-law found a reason for us to love them:

She stumbled upon these at a store in Colorado and snagged the only two pair she could find. These are certainly the coolest Crocs ever made, and Brendan and Ryan totally agree. (Kelsey, too, though she is settling for wearing her brother's around the house!)

The snow keeps on falling

It has snowed since yesterday afternoon, and there are no signs of it
stopping. At least the boys finally had a chance to try out their new
sleds!

Tooth Fairy makes 2nd visit

Brendan's second loose tooth has been loose for quite some time. Some of us thought it would be very cool if Santa and the Tooth Fairy visited on the same night. It wasn't meant to be. Brendan's tooth held out for a new year before falling out when he went to bed on Friday night. Brendan was ecstatic and came running out of his room at full speed.

We could barely contain him in the bathroom long enough to hold a washcloth on his gums. "I have to get to bed before the Tooth Fairy comes!" he explained. He made it in plenty of time and the Tooth Fairy generously left him $2 for such a fine tooth.

Break time is over

Our holiday break is coming to an end. I'm happy Brendan returns to school tomorrow morning, though we've had so much fun the past two weeks. (Actually, Brendan's break started three days early because of a stomach bug followed by a snow day.)

On New Year's Day, Grammy and Papa left after spending a week with us. We loved having them and the kids enjoyed the endless attention. Needless to say, Papa spent most of his time playing the kids in air hockey.

Grammy and Papa with the kids on New Year's Day

The kids spent the rest of New Year's Day playing in a small tent we set up in the basement. They were eager to put their new sleeping bags, gifts from Aunt Jenn and Uncle Kenny, to use.

On Friday, Ken took the boys to The Fridge, a refrigerated toboggan run in Oakland County. It was Ryan's first time. The boys absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, devoting 90 minutes only lends itself to two rides down the run. Think of it as any amusement park ride: long lines exist and patience is required as it takes quite a while to move the equipment from the bottom of the run to the top again.

Ryan loves wearing the ski goggles. The toboggan run gave him a real reason to do so! Ken reports he didn't take them off once in the 90-minute visit.

Today, it was my turn. I opted for bowling instead. Brendan first bowled at age 3 as part of a preschool field trip. I thought it was time Ryan try. The Super Bowl offers smoke-free bowling until 5 p.m. each day, yet it still smelled of smoke. Yuck. We worked our way through it, though. The boys had a good time. Thank goodness for bumper bowling! I managed a few strikes and a couple of spares. The first game was better for all of us!

Brendan celebrates his first spare!

Last night, Brendan invited his friend Luke for a playdate. We ran around outside briefly (it was still cold yet sunny). The boys played before dinner, then enjoyed watching The Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Brendan has been asking to see this movie since it debuted last summer, but we weren't so certain we were ready. We've tried hard to make sure the movies and shows our kids watch are truly age-appropriate. (Did you know that kids don't grasp the difference between fantasy and reality until age 7?) Though we both love Star Wars, we were a bit concerned it may be too violent for our sweet Brendan, who often gets scared by intense movies.

He seemed ready for this one, though. We have two Clone Wars books, so Brendan was thrilled and surprised that he already knew the storyline. He loved every minute of it, and now he'll be playing with his action figures and Lego Star Wars ships for days and days. I wasn't keen on the violence, but at least it's not of the bloody and gory type. And having a friend next to him to laugh about the whole thing gave it all a lighter feeling.

MWC

We're so psyched that Mountain West champion Utah ran over Alabama last night. Way to go, MWC!

Happy New Year

I'm looking forward to 2009 bringing hope, change and solutions.

In 2008, my New Year's resolutions were to organize, simplify and exercise. I made strides in each:

1. Organize: I went through several boxes in the basement and made numerous donations to charity in an effort to clean out junk and organize what we need. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go! I still need to find better solutions for some of our day-to-day needs. I'll work on that this year. (The addition of my iPhone in August has certainly helped in keeping our family calendar organized, too!)
2. Simplify: Maybe I could do better here. I have tried eliminating tasks that were once a priority but just don't need to be on my list anymore (or only seldomly). But I think there's room for improvement.
3. Exercise: I completed another half-marathon in October, so that's a check plus plus to me! Still, I'd like to work more on toning in addition to maintaining my running. I look forward to more exercising in 2009.

I'll keep all of these themes for 2009 and add one more. I'd like our family to pick one theme to focus on this year, whether it be "going green" or doing good deeds or making more time for church. We'll decide together.

No matter, I know the year will be filled with more joy, happiness, a few challenges and lots of learning as we continue to understand our three, complex and sweet children and learn the fine art of parenting.

Holiday review

A Holiday Q&A with Brendan

• What was your favorite activity? My favorite activity was waking up in the morning and seeing my family [on Christmas morning].
• What Christmas present were you most surprised to receive? Star War Legos. I didn't even ask for Star War Legos.
• Did Santa bring what was on your list? Everything except army [toys].
• What is your favorite Christmas tree ornament from this year? My Iron Man ornament [which was a gift from mom and dad].
• Have you missed school? Yes!
• Any other memorable moments? Having my grammy and papa come over and being with my family for the holidays.

A Holiday Q&A with Ryan

• What toy did Santa bring you? The Batman cave.
• Have you enjoyed playing with it? Yes.
• What happens to Piggie in your new book? He gets a snap-and-broke toy.
• What's your favorite Christmas tree ornament? Spider-Man [also a gift from mom and dad].
• What is your favorite candy from Christmas? Chocolate!
• Anything else? I really like my spacemen and Happy New Year!