Cookies with Nonna

My Mom is so great with planning fun activities for my kids.  Sometimes I am not as patient or as forward thinking as I want to be.  I am hoping that as the kids get a little older (okay, just Emily) I will have more time to be creative.  My Mom loves making sugar cookies with the kids.  She always makes the dough the day before we fly up there and then patiently rolls out the dough and makes adorable sugar cookies with them.  They absolutely love it.

I love making cookies but for some reason, I think making sugar cookies is just too much work.  Making the dough, chilling the dough, rolling it out, trying to make sure the cookies don't stick.  I sound like Scrooge but honestly, sugar cookies and I aren't friends.  Maybe in the coming year, we will get along better but for now- I'll let my Mom handle it!

Of course, she had tinted it orange for the Halloween season and had all of her Halloween cookie cutters ready to go!  She had the kids make cookies in waves according to their ages so that they were not all at the counter fighting at the same time!  What a smart Nonna!

Emily loved it.  She loves this sort of thing.  She loved that she was a big enough girl to do it on her own and she really enjoyed walking the tray with Nonna to the oven where she was able to watch her cookies bake through the window in the oven.

Matthew was totally into it.  He liked cutting them out with the cookie cutters but loved even more the process of painstakingly hand placing the sprinkles on the cookie.  I have to give him major points for detail!

Claire has always loved the domestic activities Nonna sets out for her.  Like a pro, she cut and decorated her cookies with ease!

Michael loved making the cookies but was more excited to eat them!  That is so totally Michael.  He is and will always be a cookie monster and my Mom loves this about him!

Kyle, Morganday, and Tiernan also make cookies with Nonna!  When all the kids' cookies were baked, they were all poured a tall glass of milk where they sat and ate their latest spooky creations! 

Thanks Nonna for making this so much fun for all of the kids!

Kyle's 5th Birthday at Remlinger Farms

We were so excited to fly up to Nonna and Grandpa's house.  We wanted to hang out with the family, but we also wanted to be there to celebrate Kyle's 5th birthday with him!  We weren't able to be there on his actual birthday, but we were going to be in town when he had his birthday party at Remlinger Farms! 

My kids were really excited to go there.  We have been there many times over the years to have fun on the rides, trains, and to even pick raspberries for homemade raspberry jam!  This visit, the Halloween area of the farm would be open, too!  We were worried that we were going to get drenched, but lucky for us- the rain stopped literally as we got there!  Just family was coming today.  My little family, my Mom and Dad, Jake and his kids Morganday and Tiernan, Jill and Kyle, and Natalie and Laura.  This was going to be one awesome party!

We were so happy to see our Kyle.  We all love him so much.  He was grinning ear to ear because he knew that it was his special day!  We were led to a little corral where there were birthday decorations, pizza, salad, drinks, and cake waiting for us!  Jill and Jake got all the kids unlimited access to all the rides and the kids could hardly eat they were so excited!

Once they had some pizza, we released them for some fun.  They immediately went to the hay maze where they played tag and tried to hide from one another.  Right next to the maze was a hay trampoline.  The haystacks were stacked about four feet tall and the kids got to jump off them onto an area completely covered in hay.  It was so fun to watch them fly through the air and jump around.  I was preoccupied by watching my little two year old leap from the hay and stick the landing  . . . over and over and over.   I was sure that a bone break was coming, but she avoided injury all together!

There were roller coasters, a petting farm, bouncy houses, a giant tee pee, a course where you got to race your friends with giant tricycles (how much fun is that?), rides that made you super dizzy (thanks Nat for taking the kids on that repeatedly), rock climbing walls, and more subdued rides for the little kids.  It was so much fun and a perfect way to celebrate Kyle turning five!  Jill wanted to keep the balloons that they staff gave Kyle.  My Dad carried them around the farm and within minutes, he was tagged as Carl Fredricksen from the movie, Up.  It was hilarious!  We also got quite a few laughs surrounding the last brown bouncy house.  I can't even go into it.

To end the celebration, we all took a ride on the train that circles the farm and enjoyed the scenery.  Emily kept telling everyone that it smelled like poop.  Lovely.  Kyle is such an amazing little guy.  I really feel a deep connection to him and love spending time with him.  All of our kids loved being with him but Matthew felt especially lucky to spend the whole day with his cousin.  Emily adores Kyle.  Kyle calls her 'His Baby' and has called her that since she was born.  Michael and Claire think Kyle is super cool and so funny. 

Happy 5th Birthday Kyle!  We all love you so much!!!

Laura Visits San Jose!

My sister Laura is one of the most amazing people I know.  Laura is so funny, so organized, so loving, so nurturing, so independent, and so smart!  She always knows what is going on around her, what special days are approaching (birthdays), and keeps her life so organized.  I need to take a few hints from her!

A while back, I was talking to Damien and my sister, Gina and telling them how cool it would be to get Laura down here.  We thought that her flying down alone was too much for her to handle (who likes flying alone?) so we brainstormed.  Gina mentioned she would be up in Washington for work while visiting the family and offered to fly her down to San Jose!  Awesome!  My family would be flying back to to Washington four days later for a visit so we would help fly her home!  When Laura heard the great news that she was going to visit California, she started organizing and planning that very day!

Laura was so excited when I picked her up from the airport!  She couldn't wait to see the kids and loved when they ran and gave her BIG hugs!  She told them to "Wait right there!" for a minute and went to her purse.  She had bought them all candy in the Seattle airport.  I thought that was the cutest.  Every candy was hand picked by Laura and actually was their favorite!  Laura is the best.  Have I said that yet?

I had cleared the week so that we didn't have too much going on.  We wanted to enjoy Laura's stay!  We ran errands, went shopping, dropped the kids at school and picked them up, went out to lunch, and just enjoyed our time with Laura to the fullest! 

One night, we celebrated my sister-in-law Jocelyn's birthday party and she was beyond thrilled to be able to see some of Damien's family.  Laura is a lover and she ceretainly loves Damien's family! 

After we sat down to dinner, I barely said a word to her.  She was loving talking with Ali, Heavenly, Mark, and Jocelyn.  She was even more thrilled to be able to meet and hold Heavenly's new baby, Pascale!  Lucky, lucky Laura!!!

We spent the rest of her stay enjoying her to the fullest.  Claire was awesome and offered her room to Laura for the duration of her trip!  I really hope we can get Laura down to our house once a year.  She is such a joy to be around and she makes our life so wonderful and bright!  Love you Laura!!!

Fall Swendsen Birthday Party!

Damien's family is huge.  Aside from his two parents, there are ten children, twelve grand kids, spouses, girl/boyfriends, and a usually a handful of friends at any given party.  It is hard to get everyone together as everyone's social/child/school calendars are packed to the hilt!  While we get to see each other in different scenarios- it is difficult to have everyone in one place at one time.  So we thought why not have a fall birthday bash?  There would be six birthday honorees and it would also be a great excuse to get everyone together!

Jocelyn and I offered to host it in the South Bay.  We planned to have it at my house and then she and I would share the food responsibilities.  When we were deciding on the menu, we thought that for Fall birthdays, we should serve Fall comfort food.  I think the day we decided this was an overcast, gray day.  It just so happened that the temperature on the day of the party was 80 degrees!  We decided to stay with our menu of homemade clam chowder and minestrone soup with a fully loaded baked potato bar. 

We wanted to make all of the birthday celebrants feel special and racked our brains to think of something creative.  I can be dangerous if I am left alone to think for too long.  I start getting ideas that are awesome but difficult to pull off.  Hence, these adorable carved pumpkins.  I thought, "Why don't I just carve every birthday person's name into a pumpkin.  How hard can that be?"  After gutting six pumpkins, carving only one name in one pumpkin- I realized how ridiculously hard this was going to be.  Damien said I had to finish because I wasn't a quitter.  This was the kick in the butt I needed to finish all six pumpkins for the party!  In the end, the pumpkins were a hit.  They survived the hot temperature long enough to shine throughout the party and for a few photo opps!

Marlene bought every birthday person their own cake and we had a fun time blowing out candles, eating dessert, and watching six different people open gifts from the family.  Sure, it was a little chaotic to celebrate six people at the same time, but at least we all got together and were able to celebrate as a whole family.  Happy Birthday to Gabe, Claire, Seamus, Haripal, Lisa and Jocelyn!

Delivery Confirmation

You tell me.  If you walked into your kitchen and saw a certain someone, looking cute, in a box, on the counter . . . would you be mad?  I have a rule (that Emily thinks doesn't apply to her- just the rest of the world) that you don't stand on tables or climb on the counters.  My oldest three completely abided by it.  Emily . . . not so much.  Even though it frustrates me, I continue take her down and tell her no.  I feel that even though she pushes the limits on everything- it is important for me to keep the limits firm and existent.  The next time you see me, please bring me coffee.  I need as much caffeine as possible to keep up with my little lady!

fore·shad·ow

verb
To show or indicate beforehand.

Should have known.  Found this picture of Emily from when she was nine months old.  The word foreshadowing should have blazed through my mind.  But it didn't.  I just thought, Wow, look at what my little nine month can do!  She literally HASN'T STOPPED SINCE!

"Wedding Reception" Party

For years now, we have supported our friends and their amazing charity A Third Party.  Their charity supports and helps fund a school for children of homeless people.  Think about that for a minute.  What about the kids of the homeless?  We as a society don't think of that much.  These poor kids are subjected to their parents unfortunate situation.  The wonderful thing is that these homeless parents want more for their kids than to spend their days on the streets.  They want to educate them in the hope that they have an easier life than their own.

A Third Party has had many fundraisers to support this amazing cause over the years.  We've played in many chairty Softball Games, danced at 80s Parties, and now have attended a "Wedding Reception" themed party all in them name of philanthropy!  It is a wonderful feeling to go somewhere, have fun, and help people at the same time!

The theme this year was to wear something that you have or would have worn to a wedding.  Bad bridesmaid dresses, wedding dresses, or any other item that would fit the description.  I was in a bit of a bind this year as I can't wear heels due to my ankle injury and would have to wear my air cast the night of the event.  Lovely.  To most, not wearing heels wouldn't be a big deal but heels/wedges are a way of life for me!  I knew I had to wear either running shoes or flip flops to the event so I came up with the idea of being a Runaway Bride.  Think wedding dress, sweat band on my forehead, running shoes.  Great idea, difficult execution.  I looked at at least eight Goodwill Stores.  No wedding dresses that fit or weren't $200.  So, I decided to switch to hideous bridesmaid dresses.  Still, after much (and I mean much) searching, no dice.  So, I wore a regular dress and flip flops.  Total flop but I tried my best!

While brainstorming ideas for Damien, we came up with a priest.  I mean, who has a Catholic Wedding without a priest?  A good family friend- who also happens to be a priest, loaned Damien his shirt and collar for the big night!  Damien was a hit.  Seriously, I could barely look him in the eye.  The funny part was that we would be walking through the hotel and people thought he was a real priest!  It was amazing.  We drove to the party, which was held in Modesto, with our good friends Dan and Christina who clearly won best dressed for the evening.  How awesome is that dress???  Dan's sister had that in her closet from a dance she went to in the eighties!  Classic!!!

It was great to see many of our college friends, dance the night away (in an air cast), and help the less fortunate.  In my opinion- it is the perfect combination for a feel good night.  Can't wait to find out the theme for next year's event!

Hide and Seek?

Damien was playing hide and seek with Matthew and Emily.  He gave them thirty seconds to hide anywhere in the house.  We have a lot of good hiding places here.  Lots.  Despite the plethora of choices, this is where they chose to hide.  How long can you act like you don't see them when basically they are hiding in plain sight?  It was so good, Damien had to come and get me so I could help him.  Aren't these ages the best?

My Little Couples

I am so blessed to have both boys and girls.  I love the differences that each gender brings and I think it is good for all of them to be exposed to one another!  When Michael and Claire were small, they were a like a little couple.  They were the best of friends and also at times- each other's enemy.  Now Matthew and Emily are the resident little couple.  They are really starting to play with one another and of course, fight too.  I took a few pictures of Matthew and Emily wearing sunglasses and it reminded me of a picture I took of Michael and Claire around their same ages.  Lucky for me, I was able to dig it up and see the similarities.  I thought I had to share these because they are JUST TOO GOOD!

Claire's Life Shield

Claire was given an assignment in school to divide a shield into four sections and then illustrate the four most important things in her life.  As with most in-class work, the first I hear about it is when they bring it home to me!  I loved what Claire drew.  Truly a wonderful depiction of my little girl! 

1.  MUSIC:  I totally agree with her one this one!  Claire loves to sing and play songs on the piano.  We constantly have music playing here and she loves to sing and dance to the beat!

2.  BASKETBALL:  I think that this picture of basketball could represent all sports for Claire.  She loves to go out and play a good game of basketball and soccer.  A big change for her this year is that she wants to practice at home to get better!  She loves to run and be creative on the field/court and I fully support her in that!

3.  HOME:  For those of you that don't know- we live on Willow Street.  Two houses down is a huge willow tree and Claire drew that to symbolize her home!  I thought that was so cute!  Claire loves our house.  She loves to be home with family and is so comfortable in her home, like most of us are!

4.  OUR KITTY?:  So, here is where I have crazy guilt.  All the kids, but more specifically Claire, have been asking for a cat for over a year.  It has actually been years but we kind of told them last Christmas that we could get a cat.  And still, we have no kitty.  How am I supposed to feel when my daughter brings home a shield showing the four most important things in her life and one is make believe?  Long story short, a small furry, four-legged animal will be gracing (destroying) our house either during the last week of December 2011 or first week of January 2012.  I am trying to be excited but I don't think I will be excited until we actually get the cat!  All I know is that the kids have already settled on the name Kevin for the cat and they know we will be getting a girl cat.  At least the name is funny! 

So stay tuned, folks.  The Swendsen household may gain a furry friend soon!

"I Am Michael Swendsen"

Michael had an assignment in school to write a poem entitled "I Am".  He brought it home today and I was blown away.  No matter how in touch I am with my kids, sometimes it takes an assignment in school to shed more light on their lives.  This poem makes me happy.  I love my Michael.  He is an amazing kid and is going to do wonderful things that will affect this world in the most positive of ways.

"I Am Michael Swendsen"

I am a ten year old 4th grader who loves soccer, baseball, and basketball.

I wonder if my year will be spectacular?

I hear screaming and yelling on the blacktop at recess.

I see very concentrated students.

I want people to be nice and caring on the playground.

I am a ten year old 4th grader who loves soccer, baseball, and basketball.

I pretend to be L. Messi at soccer.

I feel nervous when I receive a math test.

I touch the soccer ball and score at recess!

I worry about getting questions wrong.

I cry out loud G--O--A--L--!

I am a ten year old 4th grader who loves soccer, baseball, and basketball.

-Michael Swendsen, 4th grader.

I love this guy.  If I went to school with Michael, I would want to be his best friend because he is caring, funny, strong, sensitive, and creative.  Not to mention extremely hilarious!!!  I love, love, love your poem Michael!

Claire's Girl Scout Campout!

I was so excited to be able to join Clairey on her first ever Girl Scout campout!  Usually, I am the one stuck at home with the kids on these types of events so Claire and I were beyond thrilled to be having this experience together! 

In the weeks leading up to the campout, Claire and her troop practiced some life skills that would help them out when the big camp arrived!  They practiced lighting matches, washing dishes, and cooking.  I had to laugh a little because this was so gender specific.  I am pretty sure that Michael's campout prep skills would be about very different things like whittling or wood chopping!  But in all honesty, this is why I am loving Claire's experience in Girl Scouts so far.  They are all about empowering the girls and teaching them life skills that will help them in the future!

We met Claire's troop in the parking lot of St. Christophers and then carpooled up to the Watsonville Mountains!  There were eleven girls and five Moms going on this trip and we were all prepared to have some fun!  After an hour drive to the campsight, we all settled in and got our tent assignments.  We were paired with another mom/daughter combo and got to work putting up the tent.  Part of the girls job was to be VERY hands on with putting up the tent.  It was awesome to watch Claire hammer in the stakes and feel very important.

After we had set up camp, we set out on a hike.  I guess we could just call it a long walk as the terrain wasn't too mountainous where we were.  I was happy to hear this because I was still wearing my air cast and didn't want to do too much to my ankle.  Fun times.  Our walk was super fun.  The girls marched and sang and just had so much fun!  We literally stumbled upon an outdoor amphitheater where the girls put on an impromptu show.  I loved seeing them all in a new element.  They were away from school and away from all the other outside pressures that normally confine them.  Here, they were free to do as they please and express themselves to the fullest!

Next, we were surprised to find a field of white reindeer.  The girls LOVED this.  After admiring the deer, we met a park ranger who was so informative!  She answered the million questions the girls had with a smile and reassured them that there were no rattlesnakes around.  She promised to come to our campsite after dinner and show the girls different animal pelts and other fun items!

On our walks, we encountered many a banana slug.  Some of the girls were kissing them and it was making me cringe.  Claire turned to me and said, "Mom- if you love me, you will kiss a banana slug."  She was joking but I knew that she would absolutely love it if I did kiss the smooth, slimey, and disgusting creature.  "Okay, I will kiss a slug if you guys can find another one,"  I said.  Sure enough, ten steps from where we were- was a yellowish green nasty slug.  The girls started chanting Mrs. Swendsen, Mrs. Swendsen and I knew I had to do it.  I bent down and after a few seconds of postponing my disgusting encounter with this slug, I kissed the nasty thing.  Claire screamed louder than I have ever heard her scream!  She knew how hard that was for me as I am not most creature friendly person you've ever met!  This was a sweet moment for us.  So what if my lips were tingling for thirty minutes after kissing that slug.  Claire loved it and that was all that mattered!

We returned from our hike and started making dinner.  Half of the girls were on food prep duty while the other half were on fire starting duty.  All the girls wanted to be on fire duty but were happy to find out that they could be on fire duty for breakfast if they weren't chosen! 

Claire and her group on food prep- sliced watermelon, opened cans of beans, and prepped the hot dogs for roasting.  The girls like calling them wieners and then laughing about it.  Classic third grade humor.  We had a lovely dinner and then the girls washed and hung the dishes in their mess kits to dry!

Our campfire was so much fun.  The girls sang songs, told stories, and then got to go in a circle and tell jokes.  Everyone got a round of applause after they told their joke and all of the girls felt accepted and embraced by their friends.  We also had smores with the BIGGEST marshmallows I have ever seen.  Yes, of course Claire and I each ate one each.  And yes, we both felt sick afterward.  But we don't regret a thing.  Right, Claire? 

Bedtime in our tent was a breeze, we all got bundled up and settled in for the night.  I think our tent was asleep by 10:30 p.m.  According to the other moms, this was early!  I heard voices in the campsite around 7:15 a.m. and we were out of our tent and ready to take on the rest of the morning!  I was so happy to see that one of the Mom's brought a french press with some freshly ground coffee.  What a lifesaver!  Claire finally got to be on Fire Duty as she helped start the fire for breakfast!  She loved lighting the matches!!!  We had cinnamon rolls baked in a homemade camp oven, scrambled eggs (Claire and my job), bacon, and orange juice. 

I loved camping with my Claire.  She is so amazing and isn't afraid to hug, kiss, and sit with her Mom in front of her friends.  We bonded so much this trip and I can't even begin to imagine how much I would've missed  if I hadn't come.  I will never forget this amazing experience with my daughter.  I look forward to doing this much more in the future . . . minus the banana slug.