Kids' Christmas Lists for Santa!

Michael:

1.  Call of Duty: Advanced Warefare (make sure it is both campaign and multiplayer)
2.  Destiny (video game)
3.  Kendama
4.  Madden 15- I will be O.K. if I don't get this.
5.  Gerber Apricot things- A TON PLEASE!
6.  A Carlos Hyde 49er jersey that fits
7.  Chocolate
8.  Sleeveless shirts- not loose/drooping down armpits, get ones like my black/neon yellow one plz!
9.  Chocolate (more)
10. Cool Button Down long sleeve shirts.
11. White shirt with a brown "lobster" font "Michael".  (He eventually crossed this out.
Also crossed off was an acoustic electric guitar (cheap)

Claire:

1.  Orbeez Soothing Foot Spa (Just The Beads)
2.  Cool running shoes
3.  SKINNY headbands
4.  No Apricot Baby Food.  PLEASE!!  It's literally disgusting.
5.  Ice Breakers
6.  Life Saver Mints.  The Mint-o-green Ones.
7.  EOS (The little lipstick eggs).  The yellow swirly one, please.
8.  JUJUBEES
9.  A someone/something that can find my iTouch
10.  Mockingjay Part 1 (You can get it for me when it comes out.)
11.  A Fish Webkinz (Just Kidding!) :)

Matthew:

1.  Magnetic Football
2.  Skylanders Trapteam
3.  Legos
4.  Lots of candy
5.  Lego 49er guys
6.  Trash Packs
7.  Avenger Disney Infinity
8.  Football
9.  Home Alone 1 DVD
10.  Batman 3 Beyond Gotham
11.  Lego Ninjago the board game
12.  Lego Minecraft Micro World
13.  Lego Ghostbusters Ecto-1
14.  Boom.co Rapid Madness Blaster
15.  Deadpool Minifigure Lego Compatible
16.  Lego Superheros Batman:  The Riddler Chase
17.  Lego Superheroes Dock Ock Truck Heist
18.  Lego Superheroes Spidercycle Chase
19.  Lego Superheroes Xmen vs. The Sentinel building set
20.  Lego Superheroes Hulk Laboratory Smash

Emily:

Dear Santa:
1.  Orbeez Foot Spa
2.  Top secret journal
3.  Shopkins
4.  Elsa and Anna jewelery box
5.  Twister
6.  Kinetic Sand
7.  (couldn't read it)
8.  Santa's Bubble Tape
9.  Game Operation

Emily's Spring Preschool Conference

"Emily does well in all areas.  She doesn't choose challenging work.  She is very social and chooses jobs where she can socialize.  She needs occasional reminders to stop talking at circle.  Emily always has interesting contributions to class discussions."  -Miss Ellen

Emily received 4s in most every area which means that they are 'A Strength' of hers.  The only place she got 3s were in 'Sits Quietly in Circle', 'Chooses Appropriate Work',  and 'Cleans Up Work/Play Materials'.

We are so proud of Emily and feel she is more than ready for Kindergarten!

Matthew's Pet Penguin

If I had a pet penguin, I would name him Gunter.  On Sundays I would take him to go swimming in my pool.  Just in case I would potty train him.  I would also take him with me to go get a haircut every month.  Oh I forgot I would make him a bedroom with ice wallpapers so he will think he is at home in Antarctica and a bed made out of ice.  Last but not least I would give him krill for food.  This is what I would do with my penguin.
Matthew Swendsen   Age 8 / 2nd grade

Matthew's Christmas Wish

"I'll give a present to the poor for Christmas and I know that the poor will love it and enjoy it this Christmas.  I also wish a happy New Year to the poor this Christmas and I hope Santa Clause visits the hospital and all of those that are in need this Christmas.  I mean every Christmas.  I just want everybody to know that they will have a wonderful Christmas this year."

"To someone special,

I hope you have the best year in your entire life because I will.  

P.S. Please!  Please! Help the poor by giving toys to the people who need them!"

Matthew's Thankful

"I'm thankful for God because he gave me life.  I'm thankful for my parents because they're so nice.  I'm thankful for my teachers because they read to me.  I'm thankful for my cat because she's playful."

I couldn't help but chuckle to myself that there was no mention of his siblings, but Sweetie Pie made the cut.  Maybe they weren't nice to him that morning!  This was just too great!

Lisa's Early Birthday in Healdsburg

"Moms, just practical Mom, I love you!  I hope you have the best birthday in your life.  I think you are the best mom in the world.  When I am sad, you are my sun.  I love you Mom.  You are the best mom ever.  Love, Matthew"

"Mom, Happy early birthday!  I love you and I'm so happy and grateful you're mom.  I'll give you more things on your birthday but until then, I love you!  Love, Claire"

Swendsen Family CYO Camp

4 hr drive
Cabin #21
Campfire
Archery
Gaga Ball
Archery
Canoeing
Night Hike- Damien scared by deer

At the last campfire, Emily looked up into the sky and saw a falling star.  She then whispered out loud, "I wish I may, I wish I might have a mermaid tail and be able to swim in the ocean."  It was so sweet.

Back to School Night

Matthew left us this sweet note on his desk.  Now that the older kids are flying through the upper grades, I have such sweet perspective on this previous age.  2nd grade should be full of wonder, not stress.  He is just too sweet.

Emily Loses her First Tooth!

First fact.  Emily has just newly turned five.  Second fact.  I had no idea that Emily takes licorice eating so seriously.  Third and final fact.  My last baby has lost her first tooth!

Yesterday while enjoying dinner on my parents patio, we all turned to see Emily walking up the backyard stairs eating licorice.  I actually didn't see her eating the licorice but my Mom and Natalie saw her really biting the licorice hard and then ripping it out of her mouth.  Apparently she did this about four times before she came over to me with tears in her eyes.

I knew the tears meant that she had done something she deemed, 'not good'.  She said through tiny tears that she thought her bottom tooth was loose.  For months she has been joking that she has loose teeth.  She wants so badly to be like the other kids who are all losing teeth seemingly by the week!

Sure enough, when I felt her tooth- it was so loose that I thought it might just fall out.  She cried at what had happened and I just assured her that everything would be okay.  She didn't want Damien to pull the tooth out so she slept on it.  When she got up today, she complained while eating oatmeal that it hurt to chew with her tooth.  I asked her if she wanted her Daddy to pull it out and she said, "No."

A few minutes later, she walked over to me and said she was ready.  She went up to Damien and asked him to pull it out.  She might right then!  She wanted it out and at that moment found the bravery necessary for him to be able to pull it out.  It took one tug and the tooth came out! 

And then, my sweet baby cried.  Losing a tooth scared her.  She didn't like new way her mouth looked.  I can't blame her.  She never even got to have a wiggly tooth and go through the whole process of wiggly, to more wiggly, to super wiggly, to having the tooth come out.  In true Emily fashion, that tooth was wiggly for just a few short hours before she knew it- it was out.

A big congrats to Emily on the loss of her first tooth!  Although it was a bit traumatic, she made it through.  Now let's see what the tooth fairy brings her tonight!

Emily's 5 Year Old Favorites

Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Drink: Pina Colada in Hawaii
Favorite Color: Pink and Blue
Favorite TV Show:  Cake Boss
Favorite Movie: Frozen
Favorite Vacation: Disneyland
Favorite Candy: A long licorice
Favorite Ice Cream: Bubble gum flavored ice cream without bubble gum in it.
Favorite Disney Character:  Elsa and Anna
Favorite Book: Red Hat, Green Hat
Favorite Song:  Katy Perry ROAR
Favorite thing about Dad:  I love when we go on a date together.  I really love him!
Favorite thing about Mom:  I love snuggling with my Mom.  But not after she works out and is sweaty.
Favorite thing about Michael:  I love that he plays basketball with me.
Favorite thing about Claire:  I love that she makes Rainbow Looms with me.  She always plays with me and I love that.
Favorite thing about Matthew:  Matthew is nice to me all the time.  I like playing Cheese Touch with me.
Favorite thing to say:  Run for the hills, pork chop!
Favorite thing about your birthday:  I loved that my cousins came and that my Mom and Dad bought me an Elsa dress.  I also loved the Frozen pinata and blue jello that looked like ice!
Cheeseburger or Nuggets: Cheeseburger 
French fries or salad:  Salad with lettuce, croutons, no tomatoes.  No anything.  Just ranch, lettuce, croutons.
If you could go one place in the world, where would you go:  Raging Waters. (Yes, that is a waterpark ten minutes from our house. )

Emily-isms March 2014

"It is hot as a cucumber in here!"

"The past is in the cast!"  (Instead of the past is in the past.)

Badunka-dun

St. Joseph's Day 2014

Dear St. Joseph,

Please take care of my family.  Also, make sure my sister gets the movie Frozen.  Also that my brother has a great birthday party at paintball.  Also, take care of my Mom and Dad.  Also make sure Claire invents a new Rainbow Loom braselet.

Love, Matthew

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2014

"This is how to catch a Leprechaun.  First, you get your money and put it all around your room.  Then, a leprechaun will come in your room for the money.  Then you lock your door.  Finally, you lock him in a jar."  -Matthew, age 7

"If a Leprechaun granted me three wishes, I would wish for Super powers because I could fly to Disneyland every day.  I also would wish for ten thousand minions because I don't have to do anything.  For my last wish, I would have ten guard dogs because I wouldn't have to be robbed."  -Matthew, age 7

The night before St. Patrick's Day, someone in San Jose went around and painted a lot of medians in the city green.  Damien and Emily noticed this on the way to getting Damien's haircut (which of course Emily needed to go because she can't miss anything).  When Damien asked Emily who she thought might have done this and she simply replied, "The leopards."  She meant leprechauns but it was really funny!

Emily's Spring Parent/Teacher Conference

"Emily is a bright student.  She remains focused on her jobs and has good work ethics.  Her energetic approach is a wonderful quality and she's an excessively diligent student.  It's been wonderful having her as a student.  Keep up the good work, Emily!"  -Miss Naheed

'Brennan and the Zombies' written by Matthew

Once upon a time there was a human and his name was Brennan.  He lived in a forest.  He was lonely.  One day he was walking in the forest and he heard a noise.  It was three Zombies.  Then Brennan ran away, but the Zombies got him.  When the Zombies were going to cook him, Brennan saw a quick sand pit.  Brennan quickly threw the Zombies into the pit.  Then the Zombies grabbed the grass.  Brennan ran away.  Later, when a Zombie was up the pit, another Zombie grabbed the Zombie's hand.  Next, all of the Zombies fell into the pit.  At the end, Brennan was safe and lived happily ever after.  -Matthew, age 7

Matthew's Poem about CLAIRE

• C - Caring for me
• L - Loves rainbow looms
• A - Always nice
• I  - I play with her
• R - Rides rollercosters
• E - Eats ice cream

Then there was a little picture of Claire at the bottom eating ice cream from 'Bascin Robins'.  I love the bond these two have.  They are so similar and find so much comfort in one another.  Siblings are the best.

Matthew's Magic Mitten

We limit Matthew's screen time to 30 minutes a day.  If we let him, he would play all day.  He loves to jump around and sing songs while he plays and generally, just loves it.  Hence the 30 minute limit.  We keep seeing him writing about his Disney Infinity, Skylander chararacters and his overall fascination with the XBox 360.  We have told him to dial back his writing about video games because his teacher probably thinks that is all that he does.  I thought I had gotten through to him until I got today's piece of writing about his Magic Mitten.  

A sweet little cut-out paper mitten came home day, complete with yarn stitching on the outside that Matthew had done at school.  It had lines on it so that they kids could write about what they would do with their magic mitten.  Matthew's read, "If I had a special magic mitten, I would go into it and play my XBox in it."  Honestly.  His teacher must think our parenting style is just the best!

Matthew's Funny Valentine

Matthew came home today with a Valentine for me and Damien.  On the front, it read:
"I would die for you.  Okay, maybe not.  Yeah!  You're still alive!"  -Love, Matthew

Okay, on the other side it read:
"Dear Mom and Dad,
You are the best Mom and Dad.  I love you.  Happy Valentine's Day."  -Love, Matthew

Might be my favorite Valentine card to date!

Happy Valentine's Day to you, Matthew!!
Love, Mom and Dad

Matthew's 100th Day of School

In school, Matthew was asked to write about 100 things he wants on his 100th day of school:

• I would like 100 Hex Bug Nanos because they can climb.
• I would like 100 Disney Infinity Characters because they are fun.
• I would like 100 dolors (dollars) because I could mostly buy everything.
• I would like 100 friends because we would have fun.
• I would like 100 candys because they are yummy.
• I would like 100 dogs because they would keep me company.
• I would like 100 food because I wouldn't get hungry.
• I would not like 100 snaks (snakes) because I would die.

Damien's 38th Birthday

DAMIEN.,word for amazing.
DAMIEN.
You can't spell Damien without "ien".
DAMIEN.
My inspiration.
DAMIEN.
Everyone's Idol.
DAMIEN.
Man, Myth, Legend.
DAMIEN.
An amazing father.
DAMIEN.
My hero.
-Michael

I once had a Dad,
That when it came to being good, he was bad.

Your favorite color is blue,
And most of the time the things you say aren't true.

Roses are Rainbows,
Violets are Llamas,
This poem doesn't make sense,
Guavas and Pie.

Happy birthday from your favorite crazed weirdo,
Claire

I love my Dad because he takes care of me!!!!!!!!!!
-He plays video games with me!!!!
-You are the best Dad in the whole entire world!
-I love when you hug me!
-I love you because you buy food for me!

Love, Matthew

I love you.
You are the awesomest Dad.
You're the coolest Dad I've ever seen in my whole entire life.
I love you very, very, very, very, very much.
You are my awesome Dad forever!
Love,  Emily

"How does your family cook a turkey?"

Matthew was asked, "How does your family cook a turkey?" in class today.  It was a class writing assignment. Damien and I loved his response:

My family cooks a turkey for Thanksgiving.
First, My Dad puts the turkey in the oven.
Then, He turns it to 12.
Third, He takes it out of the oven.
Last, He cookes it.
Finaly, We eat the turkey.
It was good.

What Gives Matthew Energy

Today, Matthew brought home a neatly written paper from Science class.  He told me that they had to write down things that give you energy.  These cracked me up.  Damien and I adore the way Matthew spells things phonetically.

What Gives Me Energy:
By:  Matthew Swendsen

Egg
Nectren (nectarine)
Egg Nog
Reses Peses (Reeses Pieces)
Graps (Grapes)
Yogert (Yogurt)

How Old Am I Up Here?

Emily was dropping off Claire at her basketball practice, when they were walking back to the car. Emily asked Damien to put her on his shoulders, and as soon as she was up there, she asked:

"Daddy, how old am I up here?"

Not to miss a beat, Damien said "About 14." In reply, Emily said "Hey, that's how old Jackie (our babysitter) is!"

She felt very cool the rest of the way to the car.

Typical School Morning Snapshot

Emily's Parent Teacher Conference

So far, Emily has been loving preschool.  She loves the new friends, recess, and snack time- but isn't a huge fan of all the homework she has to do.  Oh, Emily.  If you only really knew how much homework is in your future!

Miss Naheed has had great things to say about Emily and I trust her evaluation whole heartedly.  Today were Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Earlier in the week, we received a review of Emily in her new preschool class.  It read:

"Emily is a very bright, loving, and cooperative student.  

She takes a keen interest in all her class work 
and enjoys music and movements.  

She is social by nature and easy for others to include as a friend.  

Emily is a wonderful girl and I'm happy to have her in my class."  
-Miss Naheed

Emily has a big personality.  At home she is very colorful and loves to push boundaries and test the rules we set for her.  I can't say that I wasn't the same way when I was a little girl.  The thing Emily has to deal with, on top of her already fun personality, is that she is the baby of the family.  Emily is constantly trying to lose the title of 'Baby of the Family'.  She tries to do things that Claire and Michael do.  She literally wishes she was 11 and honestly, I think that she things she's 11.  This makes it hard for her to just be a kid.  Just be okay with being 4.  We were so excited for her to start school so she could be around other kids her age and focus, well, on just being a kid.

Miss Naheed had wonderful things to say about Emily.  She is following the rules, being nice to other kids, and is very helpful to her teachers.  She has the occasional chatty moment at circle time but is doing so well!  We couldn't be prouder her of her!  Good job, Emily!

My Two Fur Balls

Since Michael, Claire, and Matthew are now back in all day school- I am just home with these two sweeties.  Emily and Sweetie Pie.  How can I complain with these cute faces staring at me?  It's going to take some getting used to the quiet house, but I know the three of us can figure it out!  

Claire's 11th Friend Birthday Party

Claire invited seven of her closest friends to her 11th birthday party today!  The plan was to have the girls meet her at Bucca di Beppo for a birthday lunch and then head back here for a viewing of The Hunger Games.  

The girls were so excited to have their very own room at Bucca di Beppos.  They were put in the Pope Room which is super cool.  It has a giant lazy Susan in the middle of the table with the Pope's head on it!  Random but fun, too!  I told them that if they behaved and were reasonably quiet, I would let them stay in there without an adult!  Damien, Michael, Claire, Matthew, Gina and I were at a neighboring table where I could see their every move!  No adult in the room . . . yes.  Adult watching their every move . . . yes!

We ordered yummy pizzas, pastas, and salads for them which they thought was awesome!  Then came the ginormous ice cream sundae for Claire's birthday song!

After that- we went back to the house for more fun!  They loved the movie and Claire loved all of the gifts that her friends gave her.  She got a life size cut out of Katniss Everdeen which was really cool.  She also got some other cute Hunger Game themed gifts!

She loved her party and is really grateful to have such great friends!  Once again, Happy Birthday Claire!

Claire's Birthday Gift from Gina

Just had to post this because this gift to Claire from Gina was just too cute.

Claire Turns ELEVEN!

Happy 11th Birthday to my sweet big girl, Clairey!  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, supportive, intelligent, capable, funny, and amazing daughter!  She was so excited for her special day!  Today is a school day.  It's not always fun to go to school on your birthday but we started off the day with doughnuts, so not all was bad!

Today was a 12:30 dismissal day so we showed up to get Claire, her friend Bella, and the other kids.  Damien gave her a dozen roses which was really cute!  We grabbed the kids and headed to Red Robin for her birthday lunch!

While at lunch, she asked to hold my phone so she could watch the clock to turn to 1:51 p.m. which would make her official!  It was cute.  She and Bella counted down the seconds and then cheered when Claire was finally 11!

For Claire's birthday, we gave her Adidas sandals, Nike athletic flip flops, and some great new boots (along with some other treats)!
For her birthday dinner, we invited the family down and had Nothing Bundt Cakes for dessert.  Claire's favorite flavor is Red Velvet so we made sure she got it!

Another high light of the day was Auntie Jocelyn's gift to Claire!  She wanted to give Claire money but didn't want to just put it in an envelope.  She wanted to do something crazy and she sure did!  She put the money in a ziplock, taped into the bottom of a bowl, filled the bowl with whip cream, put a hairnet on Claire, and then told her to get her gift . . . but she couldn't use her hands!  It was awesome!  Messy, fun, and eventually- Claire got her money!!!

Happy birthday, Claire!  We love you and can't wait for your friend party in a few days!  Have a great 11th year!

E and Papa's 40th Anniversary

We were so blessed to celebrate E and Papa's 40th Wedding Anniversary!  Their anniversary is the last weekend in August but we decided to postpone the party so we could all be there to celebrate them!  We were able to all come together today to celebrate this wonderful marriage!

We all met at a crepe restaurant in Santa Rosa and practically rolled out the red carpet for them.  We included many of their original wedding elements into our celebration and it was so moving to see Mark and Marlene go down memory lane.

Part of the luncheon included everyone telling Mark and Marlene something special that we felt about them.  It was especially wonderful to see the thirteen grandkids pay tribute to them.  It was so sweet.

Happiest of Anniversaries to you, Mark and Marlene.  Here's to 40 more!

Happy Saint Matthew's Day

Now it's Matthew's turn!  Today we got to celebrate St. Matthew's Day!  It is so funny that St. Emily's Day and St. Matthew's Day are only two days apart!  Lots of celebrating in September!  Matthew was so excited for today and literally woke up at the crack of dawn.  I had to tell him to go back to sleep because we weren't going to celebrate with Grandpa until the afternoon.

We face-timed Grandpa and started the celebration!  Matthew chose to get clown ice cream cones from Baskin Robbins as his dessert which everyone loved!  Then, the best part.  The presents!  Grandpa got him the Disney Infinity game and Mike Wazowski!  He was literally beside himself!  He had no idea that Grandpa could get him something so cool!

Thanks again Grandpa for making my kids feel extra special one more day out of the year!  We love you!  Happiest of Saint Days to you, Matthew!!!