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birthday

Penny Hockey: A DIY Birthday Surprise

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Sometimes creating, or building, or making a gift for a friend is the best way to show how much to care. The kids’ friend, and fellow hockey lover, recently turned 7 and we decided to build him his own Penny Hockey Game Board.

 

Now, I bet you’re wondering: What is Penny Hockey? (Because I didn’t know either). It is a table top game board similar to a hockey rink with holes (or goals) at either end which you can slide pennies (or pucks). Brian built one when he was in his first junior high shop class. The kids still play with it, and decided to build a larger version for their friend.
This post is long, but by the end you will be able to have an idea of how to build your own Penny Hockey game board. We think we are going to build another soon, but paint it green, with white lines and make it a soccer field.
The first thing we did, we of course go online and look at some photos. We used a few different ideas as a kind of example for how to make it like this one here.
Materials
1/2″ to 3/4″ plywood cut into a 24″ x 16″ rectangle
1″ x 2″ cut into 2 – 24″ chunks and 2 – 16″ chances for rails
Wooden pegs (found at Michael’s, but you could easily cut a thin dowel)
1″ x 1″ cut into 4- 1 1/2″ chunks for feet
Nails
Nail gun (optional)
Screws
White craft paint
Red and blue paint pens
Paint brushes
Stain (optional)
 
The kids helped us do a bit of measuring.
Then, Brian cut the lumber into the desired sizes. This allowed us to begin sanding, painting and staining. Since this is a toy for kids, we wanted to make sure that everything was super smooth to the touch, so we sanded every piece of wood very carefully.
Once that was completed, we started painting the board. I taped the edges to avoid dripping as I had some helpers.
We painted the board with three coats of white craft paint.
Then, carefully measuring and using a photo of a hockey rink, I drew out the regulation lines using red and blue paint pens.
 
NOTE: I did this BEFORE drilling the holes for the pegs (players) and the goals. I thought it would better determine where the pegs and goals would be placed, and would it was easier to paint over a smooth surface rather than over digits created by a drill.
 
Next, we stained the rails and the feet. This step is optional, but we thought it added a nice look to the overall product. We really didn’t let our kids stain, but here is a picture of my middle guy wiping off some dust.
Now, it was time to put everything together. First, using some screws, Brian attached the feet in through the top of the game board. Then, with the help of some clamps and the use of a nail gun, he attached rails through the bottom. This way you didn’t actually see any screws or nails.
Next, Brian drilled the holes for the pegs and the goals. He used a 1″ spade drill bit for the goals and a standard drill bit for the pegs.
The kids decided where they wanted the pegs to be.
Once we vacuumed up the mess…
Brian gently hammered in the pegs (gently is a relative term).
Then it was time to find some pennies and give our gift to our buddy.

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Just a Reminder: It’s Better to Give Than to Receive

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With the week that we have all had, I thought it might be nice to remember there is good in this world. Sometimes, we just need a reminder.

A few months ago, Russell turned 5. As part of his birthday celebration, he asked to collect glasses for those that cannot get glasses themselves. You can read more about Russell’s birthday and collecting glasses here.

Over the past few months we have been collecting glasses from everyone we know. We got the word out to our parish in the city, and even the kids’ babysitter asked her sorority sisters to help out. Meema was able to gather quite a few pairs from her friends.

Well, over the course of 4 months, Russell (with the help of our wonderful family and friends) was able to collect hundreds of pairs of glasses (if I could guess it would be in the 200 to 300 pair range). Every time we wanted to send them on there way, people would give us more and more glasses. It was amazing to us how many people wanted to help. It was also so wonderful to see Russell get so excited to put the glasses in the box every time he received a pair.

A few weeks ago, we thought it would be a good time to box them all up and get them ready to send to New Eyes for the Needy.

The kids were so happy to help.

 

 

The kids very carefully put them in some boxes with bubble wrap.

 

These two HUGE boxes are ready to go, and give so many people the opportunity to see.

I’m so proud of my children I cannot even explain. I am always proud of them and their accomplishments in school, sports, and as they achieve developmental and personal milestones, but I have to say to see my kids willingly and excitedly showing compassion and wanting to help people has been the most rewarding accomplishment of all.

Sometimes we just need a reminder of all the good there is in this world.

 

Happy 4th!

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Last week was my George’s 4th Birthday! When your kids’ birthdays fall around holidays like my kids, a lot of celebrating happens. We celebrated a little bit with all of our extended families on Easter Sunday, but on his actual birthday, we tried to make the day special.

He started the day wearing his favorite baseball jersey he got from Nana. After school we played lot of baseball in the yard and colored some pictures. When Daddy got home we had George’s favorite dinner of all George’s favorites: chicken nuggets, grapes, carrots, and cucumbers.
His wonderful Godmother dropped off some allergen free red velvet cupcakes and as you can see, he couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Next up, was present time. For those of you that know George, you know he LOVES anything equestrian. We have books, toys, movies, and clothing. So he received lots of gifts with this kind of theme.

 

Russell, however, decided to go against the grain, and buy George a limited edition Lighting McQueen. That too was a hit!
I cannot believe George is four. When he was born, I remembering feeling scared about going from one child to two in such a short span of time, but we quickly fell into a wonderful routine. Russell loves playing with his baby brother, and Caroline calls him her Georgie. We cannot imagine our family without this wonderful, rambunctious, cuddly, considerate, smart, and hilarious boy.
Happy 4th, Georgie Boy!

Cake for Breakfast: Russell’s 5th Birthday

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I kind of use this blog as an online scrapbook sometimes to share pictures of what we do around here. Maybe someday when my kids have access to the internet they can check out what their Mom wrote about our family and them. I will always have a real scrapbook for them, but this is more immediate. Let’s face it real scrapbooking takes a lot of time, and I might get around to finishing Coco’s baby book before she is three.

Anyway, last weekend my oldest turned 5! 5, people! That is practically a teenager… I kid, I kid. Still, we are sailing in unchartered territory here. He is entering the realm of big kid. It is definitely weird that it was 5 years ago I delivered a 6 week early 5 lb 6 oz munchkin. I guess it is true what they say: time flies when you’re having fun (or tired)!

Russell is a very thoughtful kid. So much so, that even on his birthday he is thinking of other people. He was so excited to share his new toys with George and Caroline and he made sure that everyone was having fun.

He also asked if we could help other people for his birthday.

A few weeks ago, we were watching Disney Channel and there was a story about a girl who collected shoes for her birthday instead of presents. Russell asked if he could do something like that for his birthday or Christmas. I told him to think about what he would like to do, and we could see what we could do. After nap time was over, Russell came downstairs and said, “I would like people to bring me glasses. I will give them to people who don’t have any. I wear glasses to see better, and some people probably can’t see because they don’t have money to get glasses.”

My heart melted. I really wanted to honor this request for him, so I started some online research, and I found a charity that collects gently used metal and plastic eyeglasses and sunglasses, called New Eyes for the Needy. I told Russell all about it, and he began making some posters. In a few weeks we will be collecting glasses from everyone we know and sending them. So far, I think we have 11 pairs. Which doesn’t seem like a lot, but that is 11 people who will be able to see better because of a (then) 4 year old boy. Amazing! George got wind of this and is planning what he can do for his birthday. Maybe this will become a birthday tradition in our home.

To celebrate, Russell specifically requested bowling with his friend and dinner at Red Robin. We gladly obliged as Brian and I love bowling as do George and Coco.

Birthday boy almost got a spare here.

George and Coco watching.

Keeping score.

 

Happy Birthday Russell!

He had his favorite dinner (cheeseburger, fries, apple slices, and chocolate milk). However when we got home there wasn’t time for both cake and presents, so Russell chose to open presents.

The next morning we ate cake for breakfast! I felt like that Bill Cosby comedy routine. “Dad is great, gives us chocolate cake!”

She’s Two: Coco’s Birthday

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My youngest is two. No more babies in the house.

Birthdays at our house often get celebrated a few times. Sometimes it is a little crazy, but it works for us.

Because of this, we have lots of cake, and lots of opportunities for adorable photos.

On Coco’s ACTUAL birthday, we had a very busy day, so the boys wanted to give Coco the gifts they had picked out before they left for school. We don’t have a ton of dolls in the house, and because of this, the boys thought it might be a nice gift for her. They picked out toddler versions of Rupunzel from Tangled and Merida from Brave. Needless to say she loved them at first sight.

 

 

 

The next night she got to celebrate with Brian’s family. I made a cake for her with the sun from Tangled and her Meema got her a Tutu. She danced and twirled for everyone to see.

 

Sunday, my family got to sing happy birthday to her at our monthly Sunday Dinner, which of course meant more cake!

 

You don’t turn two every day you know… well unless you are at our house, you get to do it three times.

 

 

Happy Birthday, Big Guy: Triple Chocolate Layer Cake

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Brian’s birthday is in August, however, this also marks the busiest time for Brian at work. He spends long hours away from home, and when he comes home he spends a lot of time at his computer. Because of this, we typically wait to celebrate his Birthday with our extended family well into September. However, I always make his favorite dinner and a special dessert on his actual birthday.

Brian’s Favorite Dinner is grilled filet mignon, homemade smashed potatoes, and fresh steamed green beans.

 

This is not really what this post is about though. It is ALL about the dessert. Brian loves all things chocolate. Basically, to Brian, if there isn’t chocolate involved, it isn’t dessert. So, I decided to combine three types of chocolate to make a Triple Chocolate Cake. Apparently, it was so good some people couldn’t wait until after dinner to try it. We are still trying to find the culprit. My guess is one of the boys (as in Brian).
This cake has a three parts to it, but overall is not that hard to make.
The first was I used a simple Betty Crocker boxed cake mix (Chocolate Fudge), and made it in two 9 inch round cake pans.

 

Then, I made a simple chocolate buttercream frosting.

2 sticks unsalted butter softened
3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt

In a mixer with paddle attachment or large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, mix all ingredients until well incorporated and set aside.

 

Then, I made simple dark chocolate ganache.
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
In a large bowl put over simmering water, heat cream. Then slowly add chocolate chips and vanilla. Whisk together until chocolate is completely melted and remove from heat.

 

Then, comes time for assembly. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one of the cake rounds on a cake plate and frost the top with a thick layer of the chocolate buttercream. Next, layer the second cake round on top of the buttercream, and frost the sides and top of the cake. Finally, using a ladle, spoon the ganache over the entire cake and let fall down the sides.
Once the cake was complete, I went to grab my camera, and this is what I found.

 

Fingerprints! I literally turned my back for two seconds. I guess when there is this much chocolate involved, some people just cannot resist.
The kids and I were happy to make something so special for Brian, and I know with how hard he has been working lately, he appreciated it.