Coolest Pinewood Derby Yet!

This is most definitely Michael's last year of Cub Scouts.  While he has a lot of fun at the meetings (mostly from hanging with his friends) it is just ONE MORE THING on the calendar.  Fourth grade has provided a significant jump in homework and responsibility so making time for Cub Scouts is not easy (on top of all of Michael's sports).

Michael knows that a lot of the annual events that they participate in are indeed- his last ones.  The Pinewood Derby is a super fun event.  Some Dads, I mean boys, really get into making their cars (think putting small weights on the bottom of the car, rubbing graphite on the wheels, etc).  Damien and Michael just like to have fun with it.  They get to go to a saw shop and actually shave/cut a block of wood into a race car. 

Every boy, and I seriously mean every boy, made a car.  My awesome son, made a truck.  Oh, and not just any truck.  The ever classy U-Haul truck.  I loved it!  When they brought it home- I thought they were joking.  I thought they would pull the classic derby car out of one of their pockets- but no.  This was for real. 

Michael won a few heats with this U-Haul truck but the most exciting thing was that he won The Coolest Car Award.  What a way to go out on top.  U-Haul trucks are the new black.

We Love The Seiberts

We are so blessed to have such amazing neighbors.  Sam and Sheila are both 92 years old.  Sam is always working in his workshop fixing clocks or building things I couldn't even dream up!  Sheila welcomes my kiddos into her home and keeps a dish of chocolate ready for them to take home with them.  Bottom line . . . they absolutely adore the kids.  So, today as the kids rode in the driveway- they both came out to watch them!  It was so sweet.  We are truly so blessed to know both of them!

The Middle Child

Gina has always felt a special bond with Matthew.  After I had Emily, she made sure every time she was here to pay special attention to him.  Gina and Matthew are both middle children.  While technically Matthew and Claire share the title in the Swendsen family of four kids, Gina is the sole holder in the Sacco family of five kids.  While both are loved dearly, being the middle child isn't always the easiest place to be.  That is why Gina and Matthew have started a little signal that reminds them of the bond they share.  It was a secret signal until I just now outed them on my blog.  Whoops!  Basically, Gina makes an M (for middle child) in sign language and shows it to Matthew.  He tries desperately to position his fingers correctly and he shoots it back to her.  That's it.  Just a little sign . . . that I think will bond them throughout their lifetimes.  I absolutely adore it.

Hanging with Gabe

Jocelyn had a hair appointment this morning and asked if we wouldn't mind watching Gabe for a few hours.  OF COURSE we wanted him to come over!  Matthew and Emily were so excited.  On the other hand, Michael and Claire were bitter.  Being full time students and not being able to hang with your cousin is tough. 

We went to Matthew's parent/teacher conference at his preschool and then headed home- unsure of our plans.  The boys suggested talking a walk and I thought it was a perfect idea!  I decided to take the double stroller in order to have the smallest percentage of walking meltdowns, should they occur.  First stop, Starbucks.  Who likes to take a walk without a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream?  I opted coffee and prayed the caffeine would kick in immediately. 

Two kiddos were always in the stroller while one walked (minus the last ten minutes of the walk when all three were in the stroller).  We looked for dogs, cats, flags, pirate markings (spray paint on the ground), tall trees, dog poop (yes, I said dog poop), flowers, and counted how many times we were attacked by dogs.  As luck had it- we were actually attacked by a polar bear!  Okay, not a polar bear but the dog looked just like one and it was getting aggressive with us!  I was trying to be Brave Lisa, but for those that know me well- brave, dog, and Lisa do not go in the same sentence.  Thankfully, the owner came out and apologized profusely.  'No problem!', I answered knowing very well I would see her dog again in my nightmare later in the evening.

We walked the trail for an hour.  Blue skies, tons of laughter, no whining, heaven.  The kids loved every second of it.  Such priceless moments.  We can't wait for Jocelyn to get her hair done, again!            

Happy Hollow with the Uffelmans

I've been making a conscious effort to do more fun things with Matthew and Emily on the days where Matthew doesn't have school.  Today was a gorgeous day.  Warm enough to wear a tank top and even get a little color from the sun!  Lucky for us, we had planned to go to Happy Hollow with Karen, Luke, and Brinn.  Luke and Brinn are both the same age as Matthew and Emily so going places with them is a breeze. 

The kids were so excited to go and have some fun with their friends!  Happy Hollow is so much fun mid week.  There are very few people there so the kids don't have to wait in line for any ride.  They started pretty fast and fierce on a huge playset which is incredibly awesome!  Cargo nets, swirly slides, tons of structures fo climb and jump on.  The boys took off up the net to get to the top of the huge structure.  I was surprised to see Emily so agro on catching up to them.  She went full force into the cargo net and made her way up in a short few minutes!

She did get scared to go down the long swirly tunnel slide.  After a few trips down- she deemed it too dark.  So what did her big brother do?  He climbed up there and sat his forty pound sister on his lap and slid down with her.  What a guy.  She gave him a hug at the bottom and said, 'I love you because you are so awesome.'  He barely had time to listen because he was getting ready to chase Luke somewhere. 

We went on a really fun roller coaster that I have to say- was even fun for me!  I rode with Emily while the boys rode behind us.  I managed to get a fantastic video of the two of them screaming their way through the ride.  I have probably watched it fifteen times.  There is something about their sweet faces, high pitched voices, and the pure bliss they are experiencing that does my heart well.  I just love it.

After many many rides, we found a picnic table in the warm sun and enjoyed lunches that we brought from home.  Matthew and Emily helped me pack their lunches earlier in the morning.  Neither of them has ever really brought a lunch anywhere so this was a huge thrill for them.  Miraculously, all the kids shared and were well behaved which enabled Karen and I to actually have an adult conversation.  Go figure!

After lunch, we were off to the zoo portion of the park.  The kids absolutely loved this.  They were sprinting right and left trying to guess the names of the animals.  I think their favorite was a tie between the parrots and the bees.  Yes, there is a big bee hive that is on display and there are thousands of bees flying around you.  I personally think it's a little freaky.

We ended the day at the goat pen.  We all loaded in, bought a few dollars worth of goat food (which in my opinion looks way too much like goat poop), pet, groomed, and fed the goats.  It was a blast . . . until Emily tried to enter a goat only zone.  Between trying to go in areas that were prohibited or picking up what she thought was goat food from the ground- it was clear it was time to end our wonderful day at Happy Hollow and say goodbye to our dear friends. 

What a fun day.  I honestly can't wait to do it again!

Hostage Situation

It's 7:05 a.m. I've been up for 5 minutes. I've started the coffee, used the bathroom, and frisked Emily for Matthew's missing Lego guys. After a brief search inside her zip-up footie pajama, I recovered the missing persons. Three to be exact. Turns out Emily saw Matthew coming into his room and wanted to create a hostage situation. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day.

I Love You More Than . . .

Today, Matthew and I were playing Candy Land.  After he made a move, he looked up at me and said, 'I love you.'  My heart melted as I smiled and said to him, 'I love you more than Super Mario Brothers.'  He responded,    'Well, I love you more than that pretty girl in Indiana Jones and that is saying a lot!'  And so it begins.

Look Who Has A Crib Mate!

Some feline found a comfy place to nap, where most of the time- no one spots her.  That is until Emily retreats to her crib and wakes Sweetie Pie from her dreams!  Emily is in love with this little kitty and she loves that her kitty chose her bed as her special napping place!

Monkey See, Monkey Do.

Claire's Lady Bulldogs!

Claire has had such a fun basketball season!  She looked forward to every practice and game and gave it her all every single time.  Once again, I was able to coach her and I loved every minute of it!  We were a team of all third graders playing in a league of third and fourth graders.  We were challenged every single game and I have to say the girls rose to the challenge!

Last year, Claire was one of the oldest and tallest girls in the league so she could do whatever she pleased.  This year, playing against girls as tall and taller- she needed to adjust in order to be successful.  By the end of the season, she had developed a whole new side of her game in order to be successful against taller, older, and quicker girls.  It was awesome to watch and be a part of!

All season long, the goal was to have fun.  Trust me, I am pretty darn competitive but when it comes to kids, you have to keep them in a positive place in order to keep them interested in the sport and move them forward.  Too much pressure and they will likely crumble.  We had tons of FUN!

Our last game was the best of the season!  The team we played was pretty well matched with us and the game was really exciting.  Claire did great!  She certainly saved the best for last and made me so proud!  My most favorite moment of the game was when Claire's teammate Isabella scored her first basket ever!  Up to this point- she had never made a goal in soccer or a basket in basketball in four years!  You can only imagine the energy that gym felt when she scored.  I about jumped out of my body!

We had a frozen yogurt party for the team after the game and when it came time to talk about Claire, I had a lot of wonderful things to say about my little girl.  Of course, I talked about how well she did this season and how she is an amazing teammate.  But what I said that I hadn't really thought about before was that Claire was amazing at having a Mom for her coach.  When we stepped on the floor, she allowed me to hang up the Mom title and really be her coach- no strings attached.  We never had an argument, she respected my knowledge of the game, and because of that- the season was a huge success.  Great job, Clairey!

Michael's First Reconciliation

Today, Michael received his First Reconciliation.  He woke up this morning completely nervous about what was coming.  We tried to tell him that everything would be okay and that the priest would make the whole process easy and comfortable.  He wasn't sure what to ask forgiveness for.  Should he say that he sometimes isn't the nicest to this siblings?  Should he say that he doesn't always listen to his parents?  We told him that it would just come naturally to him and urged him not to worry!

Mrs. Bordenave and Michael.  She wasn't smiling here but is the most delightful teacher!

This sacrament is an intimate affair.  It is not big like the First Communion where everyone comes to the church in support of you!  The school said that it was mostly for the children receiving the sacrament and their parents.  Heavenly came over to watch the kids and Damien's parents, Michael, Damien, and I headed over to the church.  During the ceremony- my little guys shed some nervous tears.  He feels so deeply and can't help but just feel everything.

Soon it was time to go and receive his sacrament.  He wanted to go first so that he could get it over with and stop being so nervous.  He looked so angelic sitting with the priest.  He listened intently and it was clear he was taking this very seriously.  As each child sat with the priest- each set of parents were to write their child a special letter. 

Our letter to Michael read, Dear Michael,  When you were born, we asked God to give you life so you would be able to continue down the spiritual path we wanted for you.  Seeing you receive your First Reconciliation brings us such joy.  We pray for you today and know God has a special plan for you.  You are our miracle, our most amazing Michael.  We love you and thank God for you.   Love, Mom and Dad.

When he was finished with the priest, he came back over to us looking relieved.  We don't know what he asked forgiveness for- we figure it is his experience and we didn't want to pry.  We all knelt down to pray and Michael did his penance.  After he was done, he stood up and gave both Damien and I the most amazing hugs.  Seriously, it was the best hug I have ever gotten from Michael.

Before heading home where Damien's whole family was waiting for brunch, we stopped at the reception and picked up his certificate.  We couldn't be prouder of Michael.  He is so loving, so spiritual, so caring, so talented, so insightful, so inquisitive, so strong, and makes us so proud.  Congratulations to you, Michael!

Pink Bathroom Remodel

I can remember walking through our house when it was on the market.  Our house was on my usual run and for some reason- I always looked into the bay window as I ran by.  You could imagine my delight when I ran by one day and saw the house was for sale!  We were open to looking for a new house but not totally in the must buy a house mode. 

When we walked in, I immediately saw the potential of this property.  The kitchen was definitely going to need to be redone, the family room needed some work, and the pink and gray bathroom HAD to go.  In fact, before we moved it- I proclaimed that we would would need to remodel it immediately!  Little did I know that after moving in, the kitchen would be the thing that needed to be remodeled the most.  It had little to no function which didn't work for this stay-at-home Mom who loves to cook!  Claire was happy we didn't remodel it right away because she loved the pink bathroom.  It was the biggest selling point for her!

Our pink and gray bathroom has been patiently waiting to be remodeled.  Other rooms have screamed louder for an upgrade and the bathroom just waited and waited.  Being that we only have two full bathrooms in our house for the six of us- the pink and gray bathroom just wasn't doing the trick.  It had a separate bathtub and separate shower which was really a waste of space.  The colors really turned me off.  I do like pink- but not the mauve and gray combo.  There was only one sink and it made me cringe every time I had to see all four of my kids fighting for position at tooth brushing time.  And that gauze window treatment?  It came with the house and I have hated the bathroom so much- I left it there for four years.  Gross.  Also, the storage was terrible.  My girls hair items were always hanging out of the basket and would fall into the bathtub.  There were so many things about the bathroom that just did not work!

Well, the wait it over!  We broke ground on the bathroom on February 2nd and we temporarily crammed ourselves into the only other full bathroom.  Remember how we just got a kitty?  Well, all six of us got to share the other bathroom with the kitty and her litter box.  I won't even elaborate on that one.   For the remodel, we used a company called HRI Construction.  Let me just say that they were amazing!  In one month, we completed the project on time and on budget.

Here are some before and after pictures.  We absolutely LOVE the new bathroom.  Double sinks (thank you God), a new linen closet for tons of storage, a deep bathtub, gorgeous tiles, and an overall feeling of happiness.  Function, function, function!  It is so wonderful and we couldn't be happier.  We are all thrilled. 

Claire's Girl Scout Cookie Sale

This is Claire's first year as a Girl Scouts and her first year where she is selling Girl Scout Cookies!  Could she be more excited?  Every girl in the troop last year had to sell 85 boxes of cookies.  This year, they upped the number to 100 boxes per girl.  Hooray!  I was nervous.  100 boxes sounds like a lot of cookies for one girl scout!  We started out one day by going door to door in our neighborhood.  With Emily in tow, a heavy bag full of cookies, and an envelope of change- we headed out.  I personally don't like asking people for money.  It makes me nervous.  Claire wanted to go out so bad but slowly realized that this was going to be a little nerve racking, too. 

In a little over and hour, we sold 24 boxes of cookies.  Not bad, but it was a lllooooonnnnngggg hour.  Of those 24 boxes, our neighbor down the street bought 16 of them.  What a guy!  After calling all family members and close friends, who we consider family, we had just over 50 more to sell.  Another night, Claire wanted to go to a park after church and ask people in the park to buy cookies.  40 minutes later, three frozen kids, and only 4 boxes sold.  Lots of fun.

We woke up this morning and Claire wanted to go to the park to sell again.  Knowing how unsuccessful we were there, I quickly asked her if she would like to make a sign and sell in front of our house!  We live on a busy street.  There are down sides to living here and there are up sides.  The up side- on the weekends we get tons of people walking by our house.  We have great street visibility!  Let the selling begin!

Claire got a little card table and two chairs out front.  She taped her sign to the front of the table, turned on her MP3 player with speakers, and started selling!  Slowly, people started coming by and buying cookies!  Woo hoo!  Emily was so into the whole process.  She slipped back into the house and came back our wearing her Toy Story Jesse costume.  She started dancing on the sidewalk and I swear- people started stopping non-stop!  Emily was Claire's little mascot!  At one point, even Matthew came out to help!

After just one hour and ten minutes, we completely sold out of cookies.  EVERY LAST BOX!  It was incredible.  Claire was so happy and more importantly- we were done!  Claire wanted to sell just the 100 boxes.  She had zero interest in selling any more or requesting more boxes.  Mission accomplished.  Claire is happy, my waistline is happy.  Curse you Tagalongs and Samoas!  We are done!  Congrats Clairey on meeting the goal set for you and thank you to all of you that helped support my little Girl Scout!

Carmel by the Sea

I have heard the sweet little city of Carmel mentioned as Carmel by the Sea.  Funny- every time I have gone to Carmel, I have never gone to its beaches!  The city is best known for its quaint streets lined with little shops and restaurants.  It's a wonderful relaxing vacation spot with luxurious hotels and little bed and breakfasts nestled in it's lovely streets.  With Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Capitola near by- beaches aren't what you think of when you go to Carmel.  However, after visiting Mission San Carmel, I thought it would be fun to try and find a beach so the kids could run around for a while.

Wouldn't you know that just below the streets of fun shops is an amazing beach!  We decided to just park and walk to the beach and stumbled upon an awesome and popular beach!  We took our shoes off on the top of this giant sandy hill.  The kids could hardly wait to run down the hill and onto the surf! 

All of them were enjoying it but Emily was a bit uncomfortable with the feeling of sand between her toes.  She got over this in .2 seconds and soon we were all having a blast.  I had to set the ground rules because a certain two year old has absolutely no fear when it comes to giant waves that could swallow her in seconds and bring her out to sea.  I let them roll up their pants and get their feet wet.  Michael and Claire certainly pushed the boundaries with this and Matthew and Emily followed. 

The kids built some sand castles, Claire dug a whole in the sand that must have been two feet deep (she hit water), they wrote their names in the sand, played freeze tag, laughed constantly, enjoyed the sun (it really was sunny- despite how it looks in these pictures), collected interesting rocks and sticks (Matthew found a stick that seriously looked like a gun.  I had to do a double take.), and loved chasing the seagulls. 

I tried to steal moments of serenity between my frantic sprints to retrieve Emily from the approaching water and telling her to 'Please stop throwing sand.  It will get in your eyes  It will get in your siblings eyes.  Then we will have to leave.'  She looked at me and threw sand at Matthew.  Oh, time outs were never so much fun as at the beach!  'No, you can't get up.  You have to sit there until you promise me that you will not throw sand anymore.'  She promised me and then went next to Michael and kicked sand on him.  How does a two year old know how to then turn to me and say, 'You said throw, not kick.'  Mama mia. 

Despite the unsuccessful attempts at curbing bad behavior at the beach with time outs, we had a blast.  I need to do this more with them.  There are so many wonderful beaches, so many new and exciting things we can discover on days off from school. 

On the way home, we tried to figure out where we were going to go to lunch.  McDonalds, Burger King, and Sushi were screamed from their little mouths.  We finally decided on getting burgers but I refused to go a fast food restaurant.  I tried to explain that a Mom and Pop burger joint might have an amazing burger that they might never forget!  They were excited that we were on a mission to find a fun, hometown burger joint!  We drove around for about ten minutes and even I was ready to just go to McDonalds.  And then we saw it.  Phat Burger.  It was a little place tucked away between hardware stores and other little shops.  We ordered and the kids could hardly wait to see how it tasted.  IT WAS AMAZING!  I got a mushroom swiss burger that was out of this world.  The kids got little sliders that they practically inhaled.  The onion rings were gone in under a minute.  The M&M milkshake that Matthew and Michael ordered was fabulous!  They couldn't believe there were real pieces of M&Ms in it! 

My kids are still not done talking about Phat Burger.  It has whetted their appetite to explore new places for little restaurants that might have the best food they have ever tasted!  I am glad we persevered and found Phat Burger because not only did we have an amazing lunch, the kids learned that sometimes being patient and looking for what you really want is well worth the wait!