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.

Tulsa

Aimee and I spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in Tulsa, OK for my third marathon (and her 21st--amazing!).  We had a great time shopping, eating, chatting in the car, and completing the race.  Both of us ran our best times so far.  For me, I came in under four hours which I had not done before.  I guess if I retire from marathons, I will have met my goal.  

If you are considering running Tulsa in the future... 

Positives:  pretty course through neighborhoods, downtown, and campus, nice shirts and medals, organized and prompt, Diet Pepsi at the finish line!

Negatives:  course was hilly for stretches (particularly the second half), not as many locals out and about (cheering) as other races I've done.

Pre-race and my welcome home/good job signs that Owen and Miles made for me.

Thankful

The boys and I trekked to Atwood on Wednesday morning for five days of fun with the cousins, aunts/uncles, and grandparents.  Adam had to work Wednesday and Friday, so he didn't come out until Friday night.  The kids each have a cousin (or two in Graham's case) the same age as them that they pal around with.  The older they get, the less we adults see of them.  

Mike and Rosie rented out the Atwood "convention center" for whoever needed to get away from the madness created when 15 people and 4 dogs are living under the same roof.  The big kids (meaning anyone 6+) liked to think of this as their special hang out--evidently they were able to watch however much iCarly, Dog with a Blog, etc. as they wanted in this joint.  

Michelle brought Apples to Apples Jr. which was a huge hit with all of the kids.  They actually played very well together with only a few accusations of cheating--mostly laughter.

Rosie prepared a fantastic Thanksgiving feast.  Even after a day full of snacks and at least 4 bowls of Lucky Charms (each), my kids cleaned their plates.  Once again I am reminded how I hope to never have to prepare the turkey for anyone :)  Very thankful for family, friends, health, job, safe travels... the list could go on and on.  Hope everyone had a great holiday!

To Grandmother's House We Go...

After one last long run (before Tulsa) we headed to Lebo for the weekend.  Our timing was great as we were able to see my parents, brother/sister-in-law, Don and Carolyn, Uncle Dale, the Kentucky Guys (long-time hunting friends of the family), and Sharla/boys.  It was a fun, relaxing weekend for everyone, except maybe Newman who had to fight off the "moves" from his dog-boyfriend Barney.  As usual, Grandma Jean made us all eat like pigs--good thing I have a long run coming up.  Graham finally got to visit some cows again, and he was in heaven.  I think he would have stayed all day.

Enjoying a KSU victory (and probably Alabama loss) with pizza and pop--and ice cream, chips, cheese balls, Starbursts....

Three men down!  Four if you count Newman sleeping in the back.  Of course, I'm up front slaving away on school stuff :)

Football

Adam and I were able to enjoy the KSU vs. OSU football game this weekend (courtesy of some birthday tickets from Rosie--thank you).  The big boys finally got to tailgate after being gone or having other plans several of the past few games.  They got in a couple hours worth of parking lot football.  We also had a perfect view of the Fred Phelps crew across the street.  Definitely an interesting conversation with a 6 and 9 year old. 

And speaking of football, Owen's team had their end-of-season party tonight at Pizza Hut.  What a fun group of boys and great coaches too.  All of the boys received a personalized trophy for the season.  Something about a medal or a trophy for a kid...  Now it's full force basketball!

Hawaii, (the end)

Finally...this is the whole reason we trekked it to Hawaii in the first place, Casey and Liz's wedding.  The ceremony took place on Hamoa Beach (a black sand beach) right near Hana.  Adam was a best man in the wedding--you can see that he really had to dress up for the role :) 

Adam and Andy enjoying the wedding ceremony.

One of the beaches you can see from the Hana road.

Casey's sister, Aubrey (who was ordained online :) prepared a really great ceremony, both funny and serious at the same time.

Coastline on the east side of Maui.

We spent a little time (on the way to and from Hana) in a fun little town named Piea (or something like that).  Lots of fun shops and restaurants.

Lots of surfers on this beach, even some kids.  We were up quite a ways up on a ledge and could still see a pair of turtles the water was that clear.

The second tallest waterfall we saw on our trip.  The tallest was 400 feet!

And this is me getting beat around in the waves.  I actually did have some success with the bogey board!  Hard to believe it's been two weeks ago already.  Fun times, even if the whole island sells Coke products :(