Mini Van Gogh's

Last night I went to a girls' night out event, and we talked about understanding and appreciating art. One of my good friends gave an inspiring presentation on how to expose children to the arts. She had great resources, books, art mediums and more ideas to make art fun for kids. While she was talking, it was hard not to feel excited about the possibilities. But it was hard to feel motivated amidst the guilty fog that rushed over me as I reflected on my art teaching efforts thus far. I experienced a difficult reality check and realized that I was not anxiously engaged in providing learning opportunities involving the arts!

So this morning, after I skimmed the house straightening things here and there... dusting things there and here... throwing things away way out there... the kids emerged from the play room tired of their Legos and each other. They were literally on the verge of driving each other absolutely crazy, and I knew the peace in our home was on its way out the door. What is the antidote to such behavior you might ask? Easy. The answer was still fresh in my mind. Let's do something creative!

I proposed the plan to the boys, and they were eager to see what I had to offer. We opened up my laptop and googled "famous artists". Familiar names dotted the screen... Pablo Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo... but I was drawn to an image by Vincent Van Gogh. You all know the painting. "The Starry Night". It looked simple enough... 4-5 colors to start with... small dashes of paint amongst swirls of yellow and blue. I was surprised when Josh, my 7 year old offered up this bit of art trivia for the rest of us. "Didn't he cut off his ear?" Gotta love the tidbits that embed themselves into the soft brains of kids! It wasn't until after a somewhat gory question and answer session between Josh and my 3 1/2 year old, Caleb, about the "cutting off of the ear process" that we decided that "The Starry Night" was a good choice for our first piece.

I broke out the never-been used artists' watercolor paints. This proved to be a special treat, compared to the familiar Crayola paints, mainly because of the little tray with all the compartments. They really felt like artists with this "fancy" plastic equipment. I set my laptop on the kitchen table for them to use as a guide, and after a quick lesson on how to first dip the brush into the water and then into the paint, Caleb punctured that paint bubble with his dry brush and then doused it in the water! Typical. But eventually he got the hang of it, and our painting "class" was under way.

Hardly a peep escaped from them! They sat side by side discussing each other's painting technique and color choice. And miraculously, the peace between brothers returned, and not even at the expense of one ear!

Here are the results of our first "Artistic Appreciation 101" class.





Josh



Caleb



Yours truly.

That was close!

Although the weather in Virginia has been rather mild this summer, we still have been spending quite a bit of time at the pool... and I don't know if it's the fact that my kids seem to behaving much better, or I'm suffering from "3rd Baby Syndrome" and so things don't actually seem as they bad as they really are.... but I have managed to trick myself into believing that going to the pool is actually relaxing!

I'm currently in the phase in my life where I spend most of my time in the baby pool with my 3 1/2 year old, and 9 month old sons, while my 7 1/2 year old is just beyond the fence in the "big pool", playing with friends and jumping off the diving board. I am also very fond of a little floatie for the baby that keeps him entertained and safe while he toddles around the baby pool. A few days ago, I was feeling especially comfortable and I stepped out of the pool while he was entertained, and started the "clean-up process". I had allowed myself to get distracted in a conversation, and took my eyes off him for a few seconds. Suddenly, I hear my 3 year old call out, "Mom"... and I look over to see the baby upside-down in his floatie with his little legs (one pool shoe on, one pool shoe off) kicking up in the air!

I bolt across the deck as fast as I could, but my rescue probably would have been quicker if I ran AROUND the circular baby pool and stayed on dry ground. But it's just like me to choose the most dramatic course and so you shouldn't be surprised to hear that I booked it through the knee-deep water, "Bay Watch Style", in time to see him arching his back to reach the top of the water, eyes wide open, feet still kicking! I snagged him from his floating trap, and held him close checking for breathing and signs of life. Surprisingly, there was a wide-eyed sputter, a cough and a little sigh. He was fine! I started sobbing... grateful that he was okay and completely ashamed that I let it happen! Needless to say, our pool excursion was done for the day!

Now, 3 days later, I am the only one showing signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I refuse to leave his side or take my eyes off of him while in the pool, and he continues to show no fear of the water.

Things to be grateful for: An observant 3 1/2 year old, and the under-water instincts of my precious little 9-month old... not to mention, my high-stepping rescuing abilities!

Over Stimulation!

As the hospital stay drew to a close, the feeling was bitter-sweet. I hated being cooped up in that little room, with the uncomfortable bed, thin pillows, and limited cable TV, but I did thoroughly enjoy the quiet, one-on-one time spent memorizing every feature of his miniature face, the snuggly afternoon naps, and meals being delivered to my bedside each day. Despite the one-on-one Mommy/Baby time that I craved, I was looking forward to bringing this little bundle into our home and introducing him to my other boys, Josh and Caleb.

My mom had flown in from Alaska the night before, and so I hadn't been able to see her yet... so when they all arrived at the hospital to bring me home that morning, I was overwhelmed with excitement. We loaded everything in the car and made our way home.

It was a warm, Sunday afternoon. The house was clean and it was refreshing to breath in the "smell" of our home. It's funny how you get used to it, but you realize it again when you come back after a period of time. It smelled good to me. It also felt good to just sit down and watch my husband scurry to put things away and get everything comfortable for me. I had learned twice before that I had to cherish his efforts while I could because that "just home from the hospital" state wears off way too soon.

Before too long, it was time to feed the baby... again. This was my 3rd time around with the nursing thing, but it takes a little practice to re-learn the art of being discreet. This time was especially intimidating because I had two sets of curious eyes on me... two sets of curious LITTLE BOY eyes, to be more specific. They were inching closer and closer. I could feel boney little knees and elbows digging into my legs and shoulders and side. I felt like my insides were a rushing river, and my body was the dam holding it all in... and with each breath on my cheek, stroke from their hands, and whisper in my ear, it was like one hole being poked into that dam! I felt like I was going to burst! I love all my children... but the state I was in was overwhelming! My hormones were raging, my body was sore, and my emotions were running over! I shot a desperate look at my mom, who hadn't noticed my ragged state of being yet, and whispered very quietly, "I feel like I want to throw them across the room!" She looked startled, as if a fog horn had gone off, and she jumped to action escorting the boys upstairs!

I was surprised, that almost as quickly as the anxiety had built up inside, the pressure had released. Washing away like the tide. What was wrong with me?

Thankfully, I realized I was not alone... and that my mom often felt the same way. And looking back, that "over-stimulation" feeling didn't last very long. The newness of the baby wore off, and I was able to go back to juggling things the way I always did with 2 kids... thank goodness! Life goes on!

Things could be worse... I know.

I know my life is pretty easy. I have heard countless stories of the early pioneers who trudged across this rugged land, over mountains, pulling their belongings in carts, leaving belongings behind, burying family members along the way... trust me, I get it! But one particular day, I wondered if MY life could get any worse.

It all started one morning when the alarm didn't go off. I awoke to my oldest son standing at my bedside asking if it was time to get up for school. I don't know which took longer, trying to see the clock through the slits in my eyes, or my brain processing the time of day. 7:37! The bus was passing our stop at that very moment, so I knew that I would be taking him to school that day. I knew I was going to have to book it like the house was burning in order to get him breakfast, pack a lunch, make sure he was polished for the day and get out the door. The dilemma came when I had to choose between getting him there on time, and getting myself presentable. I chose the first. I put on a bra and took one quick glance in the mirror... long enough to see the mismatched attire I called pajamas, mascara smudges under my eyes, and a serious case of stringy, flat hair! But honestly, it wasn't as bad as it could have been... and it was nothing that tinted windows on my husband's car wouldn't hide. So we were off!

The whole way I was praying that the Parent Drop-Off was still open... otherwise, I would have to take him in the front door and sign him in at the office. Luckily, there were a few cars still dropping kids off. However, he was in kindergarden, and although we were a couple months into school, I had never dropped him off at the Parent Drop-Off before, so I wasn't confident that he knew how to get to his classroom from that entrance. So I tried to forget about my appearance to jump out of the car and walk him to the Assistant Principal who greeted everyone and let her know that he didn't know the way to his classroom. She assured me that someone would show him the way, so I turned back around only to find that the car had stalled and died right there in the Drop-Off lane. I turned the key again, only to hear a faint click... and then nothing. I tried again... click... and then nothing. Again, I offered up a quick prayer and focused all my positive energy onto the key in the ignition. Although I knew nothing of the inner workings of a vehicle, I visualized (I heard this worked somewhere) the motor being triggered and springing to life with a roar. Still nothing. As cars were swerving around my idle car, I realized my defeat and trudged to the door of the school, preparing to face the world in my pajamas!

I walked as quietly as I could, but my heavy flip-flops echoed through the empty hallways. Thank goodness for empty hallways, although, every now and then I would pass a teacher or administrator. After all, I was an adult just like they were. The only difference was they were dressed nicely, hair combed, with a touch of make-up, and I was none of the above. So I had to force myself to walk purposefully with my head up, rather then hang my head in shame. With my head up and a slight hunch in my posture, I finally reached the office, to use the phone to call my husband. I called the house phone, but no answer. I called again... and again. I tried his cel phone... again and again. When they saw my predicament, the secretaries in the office were so sweet and offered me their cars to get home, but I just couldn't accept it. I had to figure this out for myself. So I walked back through the entire school to where the car sat in the Drop-Off lane. I tried to start it one last time, before I starting walking home.

We live fairly close to the school; it's only a 5 minute drive. I was sure if I cut through trees and parking lots, I could get home much faster. The sun wasn't completely up yet, so it wasn't that hot, but the air was thick with humidity. Water literally hung in the air and clung to my hair making it even more flat and more stringy then before. The grass was wet and my flip-flops were larger then most causing my arches to ache as I struggled to keep from slipping, and the straps rubbed growing blisters on the tops of my feet. All the while, my temper was rising as I thought about a comment he had made a few days before about his car battery acting up. Why hadn't he gotten it fixed? Why hadn't he answered the phone when I called. I was preparing my argument and revving myself up for a fight.

Eventually, I made it home. I walked in the door to see all three phone handsets in a congregation on the kitchen counter. I walked upstairs and found my husband and second son snuggled up in my bed watching morning cartoons. I told him the story of where I had been and how I had to walk through the school in my pajamas, and then walk ALL the way home. I turned to walk into the bathroom, and the only thing he said was, "You walked all over town with that hair? Check out the back!" he said.

I grabbed a mirror and held it up to see the back of my hair. The humidity had completely flattened the front and it was sticking to my face in places. But the moisture hadn't even affected the back of my hair... It was sticking straight up and could have housed a small bird! How could I have missed this? I stood there horrified, picturing myself as I walked through the school not realizing the mess I wore.

I know what you're thinking... the pioneers had to deal with much worse. And I feel terrible about the things they had to endure... broken wagon wheels, sick children, no food or water. But one thing for sure... at least they had a bonnet!

When did it begin?

I can't remember the exact moment... maybe it happened when I found myself favoring the color blue instead of pink. Maybe it was when I mistook the interior decorating term, "accessorizing" to mean little green army men and matchbox cars. Or perhaps it was when I found myself uttering the words, "You should get a kleenex instead of wiping it on the wall." But no matter when it happened... it's really not important now... the truth is, I can't imagine my life any other way. I LOVE BEING A MOTHER OF BOYS!

Not long ago, I babysat for a friend who had a son and a daughter. Both children came with their backpacks of treasures to keep them busy, but it was literally 1.5 seconds before the boys disappeared to play some version of kung fu star wars. Most days I rarely feel that we have a shortage of toys, and would rather kids not bring toys to our house, because it's one more thing that I have to keep track of and make sure it returns to its rightful home. But on this particular day, I was grateful for that little pink backpack of wonders, which bore hidden treasure of Polly Pockets, princesses, in essence, all things girly, for lack of a better word. It all felt very familiar... like I had strangely done this sometime before. But it all seemed so very long ago. Before long, we were talking about favorite princesses, and the color of her toenail polish, and about the different and distinct shades of pink and why they were all her favorite. I think we even spent time discussing her best friend's favorite color, which was no doubt, some shade of pink or purple. Honestly, I think I blacked out for part of the conversation, or rather pinked out. My head was spinning, and I found myself at a loss for words in the company of this innocent little 4 year-old girl.

What had happened to me? I expected that this "play date" would have filled a void for me. That it would quench the desire for things I thought I missed out on by having only boys. But to my surprise, I suddenly became very aware that I had surrounded myself with "men" who had very little to say, and I, likewise, had become comfortable with doing the same. My husband of, at the time, 8 years, spoke only when he had something truly worth mentioning, which on normal days was something that annoyed me. But on this particular day, I found myself longing for the silence.

This epiphany was welcomed, because I knew I had been trained or maybe even been created to be the mother of boys... my boys! Sure, I feel a knot in my stomach when I think of them branching out on their own, eventually in search of another woman to take care of their needs. Yes, I still cringe at the thought of them not needing me anymore... but, as I continue on day to day, I try to listen to the sounds that fill our home, and it's soothing to me to hear teasing and joking, rather then non-stop chatter; and jumping and wrestling, rather then twirling and spinning.

And when those tender, heart-felt moments occur, they are much more memorable because it doesn't happen every day. In fact, I cherish... and often search for... those precious rarities in our life. Thankfully, I have found some. Contrary to what the song says, I truly "thank heaven for little *boys*"... the boys in my life give me purpose, and for that I am truly grateful!

"I Spy" Trentadue Christmas 2008

Find the following items to see what we’ve been doing this year!


- Lion – This was Josh’s first school project crafted from styrofoam and pipe cleaners.
- #3 – Caleb turned 3 this year! He is quite the character and keeps us all laughing!
- Pacifier – Brooks was born October 3, 2008. He weighed 9 lbs. 11 oz, 21 inches long!
- 3 GI JOE guys – Mike is reliving his childhood by getting the boys into GI JOES!
- Key – KaLisi is in the Relief Society Pres., and finally got her own keys to the building.
- #7 – Josh will be turning 7 in January… he is a great big brother and helps out so much!
- Curious George – The theme of Caleb’s first “kid b-day party”.
- #2 – Brooks is in his 2nd month so far! He’s smiling, cooing and even laughing!
- Candy bar – Mike teaches Sunday School at our church and uses candy to bribe the kids.
- Vampire teeth – KaLisi’s recently read the Twilight Series… who knew vampires would be so interesting.
- Quarter – Josh has lost 2 teeth this year… and loves those visits from the tooth fairy!
- Paintbrush - Caleb loves to paint... he’s getting to be a pro at water colors.
- Watch – Brooks is sleeping through the night… 8-10 hours straight, and Mom feels great!
- CTR ring – Josh is a CTR in primary and is memorizing all the Articles of Faith.
- Sunglasses – Caleb will be entering Sunbeams in primary this January.
- #1 – Josh is in 1st grade this year with Mrs. Burke! He is reading, and loves school!
- Toothbrush – Caleb’s first visit to the dentist! He did great, and charmed the hygienists!
- Baseball – Josh did machine pitch baseball this fall and never struck out!


We have had a wonderful year and feel very blessed to have three
happy, healthy, boys that keep us busy!

We have loved hearing from all of you, our friends and family, and
hope that this finds you all happy and safe! And know that we
appreciate your love and friendship!

But most importantly, we’re grateful for this time of year to celebrate
the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the holiday season!

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Love, The Trentadue’s
Mike, KaLisi, Josh, Caleb and Brooks

Christmas 2007

This year we thought we would give you a "minute by minute" account of 2007 in one minute or less.
Hope your year was as eventful as ours!

2,190 diapers changed
71 days of Kindergarten
7 days at Hilton Head beach
365 bedtime stories
1,420 minutes riding the School Bus
185 hours playing at the pool
74 hours playing in the sprinkler
32 hours at T-Ball Games
32 hours coaching T-Ball
17 hours packing lunches
40 days in Alaska
10 hours at Soccer Games
175 hours at play group
590 hours at the gym
439 hours of playing cars
379 hours playing "guys" (army guys, superhero guys, pirate guys)
997 hours playing ball (throwing balls, dodging balls, getting hit by balls!)
189 trips to the grocery store
2,537 hours selling houses
1 hour writing this Christmas letter
5 attempts to take Christmas photo (funny how we ended up using the one in the chuch parking lot after the Ward Christmas Party)

8,760 hours thinking of each of you... You're always in our thoughts!

We hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas!
We love you all!
Love, Mike, KaLisi, Josh and Caleb
TRENTADUE

Christmas 2006

Dearest Family and Friends,

It's that time of year to give our report,
But you're busy... so your time we won't waste!
A lot has happened in 2006,
But don't worry, we'll give only a taste!

Mike and KaLisi have been working out,
Mike has even lost a ton of weight!
KaLisi ran in her first 8K race,
Needless to say, our pants fit really great!

Josh loves going to pre-school,
He's bummed that homework is a must.
But he's looking forward to next year,
When he can ride the big yellow school bus!

Caleb turned one in August,
And we all cater to his demands.
He's pretty busy and gets into everything,
We call him "the boy with a million hands!"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Love, Mike, KaLisi, Josh and Caleb

Trentadue Trivia 2005

CROSSWORD PUZZLE CLUES

Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to put the actual puzzle on here... so you'll just have to pretend!

Across:
5. Josh's favorite flicks (hint: you'll have to use the force for this one)
6. Josh was this superhero for Halloween
8. Color of Caleb's eyes
9. Number of hours Caleb sleeps at night
10. Theme for Josh's next birthday party (hint:"Finding ...")
11. Mike's trade
12. Caleb's birth month
15. Caleb's latest triumph

Down:
1. Josh's age in 2006
2. Caleb's approximate weight in December
3. Trentadue's residence
4. Josh and Mike's winter construction project
5. KaLisi's favorite thing to do with 2 kids!
6. Mike's church calling (hint: "don't feed the bears!")
7. Trentadue's are currently hunting for a _____
8. Mike's further course of study
13. Mike did this when he was trying to pound his sign into a seller's yard (FYI: no injuries)
14. KaLisi was almost attached by a ____ (FYI: no injuries)



ANSWERS:
Across:
5. Star Wars - Although he still doesn't understand that Anakin turns in Darth Vadar, Josh loves to watch them with his dad. We especially love it when he makes an entrance humming the "Vadar theme song", all while wearing mask and cape, with accompanying light saber!
6. Dash - In case you didn't already know, Dash is the speedy little superhero from "The Incredibles"
8. Blue - As of now, Caleb is still sporting blue eyes like big bro Josh! We're still wondering if he'll inherit the same curly blonde hair!
9. Nine - For just over 3 months, we think he's doing pretty good to sleep through the night!
10. Nemo - Josh has already informed us that he wants a "Nemo" party, complete with a "Bruce" (the shark) cake!
11. Real Estate - Business is booming even during the winter months! We definitely feel blessed!
12. August - Caleb R. was born August 30th at 5:06 p.m.
15. Rolling over - Although we have yet to see it in person, we know he's done it because he wakes up on his back once in awhile.

Down:
1. Four - Josh will be turning 4 on January 25th and is already looking forward to his birthday part!
2. Nineteen - Yes, our little heavyweight weighs in at 19+ pounds... and still growin'!
3. Virginia - Hope you got this one right... as we gave it away in the "return address"
4. Snowman - The snow was so wet and heavy that they couldn't even make a big snowman, so it was only about 1 1/2 feet tall. And the snowballs were so hard that they actually had to drill holes for the eyes, nose and mouth!
5. Shopping - Could you sense the sarcasm? Not that lugging around a large diaper bag and piling groceries on top of Josh doesn't have it's perks... but let's just say, grocery shopping is something that KaLisi would rather do alone.
6. Denleader - However, Mike always refers to himself as the "Den Mother", since he does more babysitting then scouting.
7. House - We have been on the lookout for a bigger house for months... but we're in no hurry to move and so we're being picky and attempting to find the "perfect house". (Question: does the perfect house really exist?)
8. Broker - Mike is in the process of taking Broker's classes and should be official in a few months.
13. Fell - Since the yard was sloped, the sign had to be pounded in at an angle. As Mike was jumping on the sign to drive it in, he slipped and landed right on his back!
14. Dog - The neighbor's dog was running loose and cornered KaLisi between the house and car! She was jumping around screaming until she made a mad dash for the house. Then had to use a folding chair as a weapon to get to the car again!

"What a glorious and wonderful season of year this is... Our hearts change. Our attitudes change. Our way of thinking changes. There is a little more forgiveness in us. A little more kindness. A little more love. A little more patience. Thanks be to God for the gift of His Son, and thanks be to His Son for the gift of His life.
How grateful we are for this Christmas season."
~~ Gordon B. Hinckley

We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas season, and know that we continue to think of you always!
Love,
Mike, KaLisi, Josh and Caleb

Postcard from the Trentadue's - 2004

It's that time again to give a report,
We'll really try hard not to bore.
But it's especially tricky to sum up our lives
For the whole year of 2004!

We'll try to keep this nice and short,
And definitely not too wordy.
And oh, by the way, Mike's not so young...
In fact, he just turned thirty!

Mike played baseball this summer,
He hit doubles and caught balls on the fly,
KaLisi keeps busy staying at home...
She loves it and NEVER asks why!

When we asked Josh what he wanted to share,
He didn't think very hard,
He said he liked "to play in slippery mud,
And ride his bike in the yard!"

This year has been great, we have to admit...
We have lots to be thankful for!
With family and friends just like you,
We feel like we have even more!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Mike, KaLisi and Josh