More Hoops

The boys and I (Adam had to go to a class for work) spent the weekend in Newton so that Owen's team could play in a big tournament.  Adam's parents were able to join us which made the boys (and me) really happy.  I forgot my good camera again (one more chance in KC next weekend), so you'll have to take my word that the kids had fun playing ball, splashing a little in the pool, and hanging out with their grandparents and friends.  For whatever reason, Owen's teammates are very interested in Graham.  They love to ask him questions, hold him, take him to the restroom, etc.  Fine by me!  The boys also think Carson (older brother of a teammate) is the coolest kid in town.  Miles was pretty much attached to his hip at every game.  He even bought the same sweatshirt this weekend.

Baby girl...

...no, not in this house.  My friend Lori just had Baby #4.  She asked me to help her decorate the nursery, hence the trip to Omaha over Christmas break.  While the kids played we trekked around town for thrift store finds, fabric, etc. and then holed up in the baby's room and got to work.  I love to do home projects, but this was especially fun since it was for a baby GIRL!  Here's what we came up with in two days' time, without spending tons of money.  We tried to go for something a little vintage, not too matchy, not too babyish, fun colors.  I couldn't share until now since Baby Stella's name was a secret.

Ruffles are popular...bedskirt is from Pottery Barn.  Polka dot sheets (everyone needs some polka dots) are from Land of Nod (matching changing cover).  

We found this little half bird cage on clearance at Hob Lob--it had an ugly bird and quote on the frame which we pulled off and covered with burlap instead. $6!

I'm a sucker for chalkboards and bunting!  We painted the board onto the wall and made our own frame  (complete with distressing) with some trim from Home Depot.  I hope she wrote the baby's name on the chalkboard.

This collage wall is above the changing table.  The most expensive thing was the $9.99 "S".  Everything else was practically free (thrift store finds).  I should have taken some before pictures of these once ghetto frames.

 Burlap lamp from Target.

 Can't pass up a fur pillow, also from Target.

Tissue and felt flowers, also cheap but super cute.  

Thanks Lori for letting me help you get ready for little Stella.  Can't wait to meet her in person.

Snow Day (x2)

The boys enjoyed a snow day and I tried to be patient with all of us stuck in the house.  I actually managed to get a ton of school work done, make a meal (which has been a rarity these days), clean bathrooms, and finish a book.  Only about a hundred of these: "Mmmoooommmm, he's (fill in the blank with hitting me, copying me, following me, annoying me, etc.)."  

Sold!

It's official.  We are out of the house and into the rental.  I secretly hoped, but never expected things to move this quickly.  Rewind.... Adam came home in November and out of the blue said something that can be summarized as, "If you are still wanting to move, then we need to buy a lot tomorrow.  Here are the lots you can pick from, here's the budget, I need an office and a TV, but otherwise this is your project so get working and let's get it over with."  You don't have to tell me twice!  We purchased a lot on a cul-de-sac, lined up a builder, picked out a house plan, and put our house on the market in about five minutes.  We sold our house only a few days after putting it on the market, only to have the buyers back out when it came time to make a commitment.  Of course, I was bummed out since (mentally) I already had us moving into our new house.  The very next day we had another showing and another buyer--and a closing date six weeks away!  We've spent the last few weeks cleaning, repairing, writing checks to plumbers, electricians, landscapers, etc., filling a storage unit, moving to a rental, awaiting appraisals, and filling trash cans and the backs of our cars.  Add in parent teacher conferences, kids' activities, 5 basketball games every weekend, and our full time jobs that seem more than full time right now, and you have a very busy family!  I figured I would be sad to move from Laurel Point, but there just hasn't been time for that.  

It was a great house for us, and the location was unbeatable, but we were simply outgrowing it.  Leaving great neighbors was probably the hardest part (especially for Newman).  But I am excited to get started on the new house--can't wait to pull out my "house ideas" folder and Pinterest boards!  The kids are excited to be neighbors with some of their best friends.  And while I'd like to think Adam is looking forward to his new office space, in reality he's probably only thinking of the $$$!

Hoops

Another weekend filled with basketball games:  Little Dribblers, Wildcat League, St. Mary's tournament, and KSU vs. Baylor!  Owen's team continues to rack up the wins.  They are playing great ball right now--it's a lot of fun to watch them.  They finished league games today and have two tough tournaments left.
Miles is having fun with Little Dribblers, even if it is a little boring to him (no defense outside the lane). He had a whole bunch of rebounds, a basket, a steal, and seemed to be rolling on the floor after the ball much of the game (no wonder he has so many bruises).  He was excited that Grandma Jean and Aunt Nancy came to watch him.

 Bad pic, but needed to include something...

 Still don't have a picture of the whole team smiling at the same time.

Graham is actually really good at the boys' games.  He has his own buddies to hang with.  If he isn't playing with Bodyn, then he's following 7th grade Carson around.

Will Pee for Starbursts

I think he's getting closer to being potty trained... he definitely likes his Starburst rewards.  Needs some work putting his underwear back on (by himself).  

Did Someone Say Basketball?

One first grade basketball practice--check.  Five fourth grade basketball games--check.  One KSU game--check.  Good thing we all enjoy basketball.

Graham was excited to watch the band--and search the arena for Willie.  We have a deal that he gets to stand on my lap and dance every time out.  

Weakness

It seems that as soon as Christmas is over, the shelves in stores begin to fill with Valentine's candy.  I'm not a sucker for anything chocolate, but I could eat Sweet Tart hearts by the bag.  This dude seems to have inherited the same trait.  He's pretty easy to bribe with a couple of "hearts."

2012--Check!

Okay, I just wrapped up my 52 weeks of Pinterest projects post, let's reexamine my other 2012 resolutions.  I think I passed.  Will have to think on my 2013 resolutions.

1.  School--Finish revising all my units (first semester done) and decorate my new room.  Yes and no.  I started over on this goal this summer and really went into detail for all of my units this year.  One semester down, one to go.  LOTS of time and effort, but really pleased with how everything worked out.  I moved rooms again in May, so my once "new room" was now my "old room."  I love my "new-new room" although the decorating part is still in the works.  High school rooms aren't nearly as conducive to fun decorating as elementary.  My kids are packed in!

2.  Fitness--Run five races (10K or longer) and incorporate other types of exercise to hopefully help my knee last longer :)  Already have Nashville booked for April, with a couple of others in mind.  Yes!  Ran the 5K Color Run in KC, 10 mile trail run in Manhattan, 10K Brew to Shoe in Manhattan, half marathon in Nashville, and full marathon in Tulsa.  Worked in other types of exercise too, thanks to Kitra's and Angela's morning workouts.

3.  More organization in the kitchen--I love to organize anything, except for meals.  I hate planning what to eat as well as grocery shopping.  But I'm going to work on it.  Maybe if my planning is better it will make the shopping more bearable and less frequent.  This was a little streaky.  When I made a plan, I was better, but I didn't always have a plan.  I liked making things from Pinterest, but just once.  Everything lost its appeal the second time around.  Maybe I will change this goal to "quit buying clothes and hire a chef."

4.  Pinterest--I've pinned a bunch of things, but what good does it do if I just "like it"?  Considering all of the recipes, tutorials and tips I've collected, I'm going to make myself make one thing each week.  Maybe I'll even post what I've tried.  Exceeded!  

5.  Date Night--We are so busy that it's very easy to let this slide.  Doesn't have to be just us, just no kids allowed.  Fail!  Although we did squeeze a few date nights in here and there.

6.  The maybe's:  Might be the year to go short (hair).... Or pierce my ears.... Or both?  Yes!  I got my ears pierced--finally.  Not sure why I waited so long as I love shopping for earrings-- and I don't feel so lame wearing my hair in a ponytail now.  Short hair?  Getting closer.  

Pinterest #41-50

#41--Saw this book pinned and knew it was a perfect gift (from us lovers of all things Apple) for Adam's cousin's new baby.

#42--Bought this dress (exactly) in Nashville after seeing it on Pinterest.

#43--Lindsay showed me how to make this scarf (crocheting).  I need to try it again with thinner yarn since mine "grew."

#44--Tried this "4 minute workout" that is supposed to be as good as a much longer workout...not sure I'm buying that, but it was fine.

#45--Tried several different circuit type workouts with 100 of this, 80 of that, etc.  I don't think there's anything really special about any of them, and have figured out that I don't need to keep pinning them when I can just make it up myself--and who am I kidding?  I'd rather be running :)

#46--...Although I did buy a kettle bell (after I used Kitra's this summer and saw this workout) at Dick's with some rewards coupons that I needed to use and couldn't find any clothes I wanted.

And I'll conclude with some of my favorite school things.  See if you "get them."

#47--Shannon, this one's for you.  Just kidding.  I didn't actually use this (felt too mean) but it is a mistake worthy of a poster!

#48--Offering pick up lines in math class...

#49--Fractions...

#50--New seating chart day... 

#51--And I'll save the last two for later...  

Pinterest #34-40

Before I write my new year's resolutions for 2013, I had to finish off the resolutions from 2012.  One of them was to make something every week from Pinterest.  While I'm certain I am waaaayyyy over 52 (some posts have more than one pin referenced and the school resources I've used in some way are too numerous to count), I still feel the need to see #52 in the heading so that I can mark it off my list :)

#34--Homemade payday bars:  HIT

Payday bars

I took these to school for a Friday lunch.  They were popular with everyone (unless you don't like marshmallows like me) and easy to make.  

#35--Tried this hairdo, cute but not as easy to create if your hair is thick or too long.

#36--Bought this nail polish straight off the Target shelf after noticing it on Pinterest.  

#37--Tried to publish blog using Blurb but it was going to be really ugly if I didn't do some customizing.  I was hoping for a "push to publish" button and it would arrive in the mail all nice and colorful.  Not going to happen with the effort I was willing to spend.  Maybe next year.

#38--Made fake canvases for the boys' rooms.  One of my favorite projects--cheap, fast, easy, big impact.  

#39--Made a lot of these bracelets for myself and others, including making some at a crafts and cocktails night.  Jeanne and Aimee even asked for some as gifts/favors. So fun!

#40--Figured out how to make these as well, but could never find just the right type of string and they were never quite right.  Who sells Chinese knotting thread???

Christmas Break, Part 1

Although we've been fairly "Grinchy" this Christmas season (no lights, no tree, no Christmas cards) we made up for it with a fun-filled first week of break.  We started the holiday break with a 4th grade basketball tournament in KC.  I always have visions that these tournaments will include shopping for Mom, but so far all we've managed to shop for is new glasses and a haircut for Adam.  Oh well, there's always another weekend.  Owen's team took first place (won their last game by just one point after being down 9 points).  Miles managed to score an extra shirt from Ky.

In Lebo we took the kids to the Burlington Rec Center to burn off some energy since it was so cold outside.  They enjoyed a couple of hours of basketball and trying out racquetball for the first time.  Grandma Jean was brave enough to allow Miles and Graham to decorate cookies on their own--lots of sprinkles and some of the cookies must have weighed a pound after all the M&M's Graham piled on.

The boys and I stayed in Lebo an extra day to meet up with my friends, Sharla and Amy, and their kids.  It's unusual for us to all be back at the same time, but glad it worked out.  My boys always have fun with Sharla's, and all the kids enjoyed little Ali (who is about to have a baby brother).

And then (to end this saga), the boys and I trekked it to Omaha to spend a couple of days helping my friend Lori decorate her nursery in anticipation of Baby #4 (I'll show you pics once her bedding arrives).  My boys always have a great time destroying the Boudreau house.  

Whew, that concludes the first week of break.  We made it home in time to catch some friends/family in town for the KSU basketball game on Saturday.  I guess that means this week it's time to get work done!

Under the Weather

The little dude isn't quite himself.  We suspect another ear infection and will visit the doctor in a little while.  Not the flu, just lots of drainage, a cough, fever, and congestion which means he can't suck his thumb!  I couldn't resist a picture of him with his hair like this.  I should have videoed him saying, "Don't wipe my boogers!"

Merry Christmas

It was our year to spend Christmas in Lebo.  The kids managed to eat everything on their lists (see last post) and Graham trashed the house too many times to count.  Santa managed to find the boys, and enjoyed his cookies while his reindeer ate "all but 20 of the like 2,000 pieces of corn." (according to Miles).  

Santa brought Graham a basketball goal, a flying saucer, a matching game, and the book, "Owl Babies" (a book he loves to read at school).  He also got some Under Armour, KSU clothes, and a Batman prison/car/bad guy set from family.  He actually spent most of the time in Lebo playing a 30 year old Willie Nelson guitar that Quint had as a little boy.  

Miles was really wanting Bay Blades this year, so Santa brought some of these along with Skylander Giants which both boys ended up playing a lot.  Both big boys scored some new Under Armour, KSU clothes, and Nike Elite socks (nearly impossible to find in Miles' size--thanks Grandma!).  Santa had a little trouble finding gifts for Owen since he only asked for clothes--and a laptop, not yet dude!  He ended up with new slides (much needed), a Wisconson hoodie, and neon yellow Nike tennis shoes that he asked for in August--mom vetoed them back then.  

We were able to get together with my aunts, uncles and cousins on Christmas day.  The boys took turns holding baby Maggie.  Graham enjoyed playing with McKinley's sick doll that says things like, "I have a fever," or "I need some medicine."

Grandma = Great

The kids received these menus in the mail a couple of weeks ago.  My clever mom (who actually grocery shops in advance) made a list of all of their favorite snacks and told them to circle anything they wanted to have on hand over the Christmas holiday.  As you can see, they are allowed only healthy snacks :)  Looks to me like she will have to take out a loan to feed the pigs!

Owen--very efficient while filling his out, choosing only the items he really loved.  No pondering or second guessing.

Miles--debated everything, and in the end even added some items that Grandma left off, including Pepsi (Pepcey)--maybe for me??

Ballin'

We are officially in basketball-mode.  Owen's team played seven games in seven days--five of those this past weekend in Wichita.  They've got some work to do, but are looking good.  He loves to play basketball and really likes all of the boys on his team, as well as the coaches.  The highlight for him was making a free throw in a tie game with a half second left.  Whew!

We stayed over Saturday night and the kids enjoyed going out to eat with some teammates and parents, a little swimming, and lounging in the hotel.

I thought it would be nice that Graham doesn't need a pack-n-play anymore, but having him sleep with us wasn't cute and cuddly.  He is squirmy and likes to sprawl out spread eagle style.  I ended up sleeping at the foot of the big boys' bed to get away from him (and stinky blue blanket).

Pinterest #33

This was the only Halloween pin I used this year.  Since we weren't assigned to help with the school parties, I made bags of this for the teachers in my hallway.  My family liked the white mix the best, but still chowed down and polished it off in a day's time.

Pinterest #32

I made a vegetarian meal for Shannon's family after she had Lennon this fall.  Here are a few recipes that got good reviews.

Jello Popcorn

The jello popcorn was good (I only made two flavors), and while it wasn't hard, there are lots of super easy popcorn recipes that I'd probably stick to.

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwiches

I had made this before for my carnivore family and we really liked it.  Oddly enough, all three boys like garbanzo beans!

Dill Cucumbers

If you like cucumbers, I don't think you can go wrong with any vinegar/oil type dressing.  This is version I had not tried before.  

Pinterest #31

Need to catch up on my Pinterest trials if I'm going to accomplish my New Year's resolution to try (and document) something once a week.  Actually, I've far exceeded my once-a-week quota if you count all of the school resources I've used/adapted/passed on.  Anyway, let's start with a huge failure...

Strawberry Yogurt Pretzels

These look good (on her blog), and I thought my family would really like them.  If you read the recipe and comments you'll see it calls for lots of powdered sugar.  I kept adding more and more powdered sugar thinking the coating would thicken at some point.  Not so much.  They ended up gray and soggy, as though they'd been soaked in water.  Will stick to store bought yogurt-covered pretzels.

Party Popcorn

On the other hand, the popcorn was as easy and tasty as the recipe describes.  The kids devoured it.  I used microwave popcorn which was fine, but I'm sure it would be better with "real" popcorn.