Well, here we are.

It's winter break: two weeks of entertaining the littlest set so they don't bludgeon one another with heavy objects. I'm the mom of two: a 4-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.

Luckily for me, I live in Rochester — land of play dates, kids-eat-free nights and indoor play areas. My best girlfriends know I'm the mom who needs to start each week — each day, really — with a well-laid plan of attack. Because I can sit through only so many "Super Mario Kart" tournaments and because, sadly, I know all the words to Barbie's  "Get Your Sparkle On," I have a specific thing-to-do every day over break.

None of them involves Mario or Mattel.

My goal is to entertain the kids while keeping their fighting to a minimum and my sanity at a maximum.

During the next two weeks, my well-worn "Mom's Plan It" spiral-bound calendar includes storytime at Barnes & Noble and some well-intended learning time at Rochester Hills Public Library. I'll reward them (or bribe them) with treats from Rockin' Cupcakes and Knapp's Donut Shop. And I'll let them get their sillies out at Rochester Play.

Come with me on a parental journey that takes us through the good, the bad and the holidays. I'll write Monday through Thursday this week and next about our adventures — and give you some advice to keep you sane, too.

Tomorrow's agenda: It's Day One, so I think I can handle just staying in. I'm planning to unveil an early gift: "Just Dance 2" for Wii. Rumor has it Blondie and The Beastie Boys make an appearance on this new release. Hmmmm ... is this for me or the kids?

Get up-to-date ideas for when your kids cry, "I'm bored": Follow Sarah on Twitter these next two weeks @winterbreakmom.