Kind of a long title, huh?
But it is true!
Halloween is over, so now begins November.
In November, I make Christmas gifts.
In November, I attempt to write a novel (part of NaNoWriMo since 2011).
In November, I deep clean and purge the house getting ready for Christmas influx.
Mr. Curly has a list of November things too -
Yard work, church clean-up, Christmas lights and decor, and this year - MOvember.
Yep, he's growing a mustache (JUST a mustache, a new thing for him) to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
His father is a survivor, giving Mr. Curly double the chances of having this cancer as well. So we're pretty serious about it.
And this is a fun was to do it.
We're also giving the Curly Kids a cause this year - as they will each be filling a box for Operation Christmas Child. I'm excited to take them shopping for other kids, and hopefully start teaching them that Christmas lists are fun, but so is Christmas giving.
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
Sweet 6 Years
My Curly Girl turned six on September 28.
All she wanted for her birthday was a mermaid cake, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and a Peter Pan room.
Not too bad, huh?
We made it to Chuck E's. Just a little walk-in party with Curly Girl and her brothers, but thanks to coupons, each kid had 40 tokens to do whatever they wanted. 2.5 hours later, we left absolutely exhausted, but happy. Some very nice tweenagers had donated their leftover tickets (and in one boy's case, 411!!) to my kids to get prizes, so we all walked out with cheap plastic bracelets, dinosaurs, and boxes of nerds.
We bought some Fairytale Pink paint (her choice) and then headed home for naps and cake.
THE CAKE:
Pinspiration:
We started out with a standing-up tail. That began to fall. So we cut it down. And it still fell. So we laid it down. This is now a mermaid just flipping back into the water.
While it looks NOTHING like pinterest, Curly Girl was pretty stinkin' excited about it. And it tasted delicious!
And while I did some Peter Pan silhouttes to break up all that pink you saw up there, it isn't quite ready for pictures yet. So, instead, here is the Pinterest inspired birthday gift we gave Curly Girl.
The Pinspiration:
All she wanted for her birthday was a mermaid cake, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and a Peter Pan room.
Not too bad, huh?
We made it to Chuck E's. Just a little walk-in party with Curly Girl and her brothers, but thanks to coupons, each kid had 40 tokens to do whatever they wanted. 2.5 hours later, we left absolutely exhausted, but happy. Some very nice tweenagers had donated their leftover tickets (and in one boy's case, 411!!) to my kids to get prizes, so we all walked out with cheap plastic bracelets, dinosaurs, and boxes of nerds.
I think we could've probably gotten by with 1/2 the tokens, and just let them play in the free jungle gym/slide area the whole time!
We bought some Fairytale Pink paint (her choice) and then headed home for naps and cake.
Fairytale Pink. IT IS PINK!
THE CAKE:
Pinspiration:
AAAANNNNDDDD - what actually happened:
We started out with a standing-up tail. That began to fall. So we cut it down. And it still fell. So we laid it down. This is now a mermaid just flipping back into the water.
While it looks NOTHING like pinterest, Curly Girl was pretty stinkin' excited about it. And it tasted delicious!
And while I did some Peter Pan silhouttes to break up all that pink you saw up there, it isn't quite ready for pictures yet. So, instead, here is the Pinterest inspired birthday gift we gave Curly Girl.
The Pinspiration:
The results:
As you can see, I chose to make my butterflies colored. And I hung a tiny green tinkerbell right in the middle. It is gorgeous. And it was so much fun to make. And it looks super fantastic in Curly Girl's new room.
All in all, at the end of the day, my Curly Girl looked at me and said "Mom, this was a really good day." And there is nothing better than that.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Whaddya Do?
Last week, Mr. Curly and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary on July 4th.
To celebrate, Mr. Curly planned a trip. I knew about the trip, but had no idea where we'd be going, or what we'd be doing, so I couldn't really say anything about it except that my dad was going to stay with the Curly Kids while we were gone!
But we're back! And now I can answer ALL the questions (and then some) that we had beforehand!
The short answer is this:
Tuesday we spent the night in Omaha, walked the river park, ate at Old Chicago in the Old Market downtown area, walked through their open air mall, tried on expensive leather hats and fur coats.
Wednesday we drove down to Brownville, NE where we spent the night at Pierce Cottage (the same place we stayed 8 years ago for our 2nd anniversary when we did a motorcycle trip through Nebraska).
Here's what you need to know about Brownville. It is super cute. It is only 148 people. It is a tourist trap. Nothing is open Mon-Thurs. We lucked out that things would be open on Thursday because they had July 4th events starting at 7am and not ending until 9:30 that night!
Anyway, since it was Wednesday and everything was closed, we went out to Indian State park where we battled an army of ticks and an ant named Bobby (planning a children's book out of that tale!!)
Thursday we were part of the Brownville July 4th parade, then went down to St. Joe, MO, toured the Patee House and Jesse James house where he was shot.
And I had this thought there - we are weird. Did you know that? People are totally weird. We paid $4/person (really not bad) to go into a 4 room house (that would fit inside most living rooms these days) to see a bullet hole in the wall and hear about the death of a famous bank robbing outlaw. How WEIRD is that?! Why would we pay to stand in the room where someone died?!?!
The answer? I have no idea. But it was actually really cool. (insert self conscious smile here)
After we left St. Joe, we headed back up to Brownville, where we perused the local shops, ate some ice cream.....
and then the BIG surprise of the trip - a river boat dinner cruise and a night at the River Resort Inn!!
The Missouri River may be muddy, and we were the only ones dressed up, but it was an absolutely lovely river ride.
Once we got back to the shore, we listened to some live music, took a walk, enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL weather!
At 9:00, we were snacky, but we're still in Brownville, that has nothing open. They even unplugged the pop machines! (We're guessing, none of the ones we found in town were on) So we hopped in the truck to go over to Rock Port MO (just 7 miles away). Brownville is RIGHT on the river, so we were driving across the bridge when the River Boat firework show began!!
We flipped around, ZOOMED back to the riverboat, ran down the gangplank, around the decks back to our room door, where we set down and watched a nice little firework show (and cringed away from the TWELVE HUGE spiders building webs above our heads).
Then we got in the truck, now that it was truly dark, and headed to Rock Port! We got to watch fireworks as we drove, and once we got our pop and snacks, followed the flares to downtown Rock Port where we sat on the back of the truck (still all dressed up!) and watched their show too!
Heading back to Brownville, we got to watch the fireworks people were shooting off at the Brownville bar.
We spent the night on the riverboat, woke up Friday morning just in time for a wonderful breakfast watching the river sparkle in the sunlight and laughing at a gentleman from the kitchen who was VERY particular about where people set.
Friday we headed back to Omaha, where we toured the zoo without our kids and watched the Dinosaur Alive imax movie. That night we stayed in the Council Bluffs Settle Inn (Mr. Curly booked us the Mountain Retreat room - it was SO nice, a Jacuzzi tub right in the room.... bliss) and ate at the Red Lobster (that had the worst service ever).
Saturday morning we slept in, ate a late breakfast, and came home to extremely joyful kids and a (probably gratefully relieved!) granddad.
We had a marvelous trip. We enjoyed hot food and quiet times, walks without worry, drives without car seats, late nights and later mornings.
As our first vacation without our kids since they were born, it was quite successful. I can't wait for the next one!
To celebrate, Mr. Curly planned a trip. I knew about the trip, but had no idea where we'd be going, or what we'd be doing, so I couldn't really say anything about it except that my dad was going to stay with the Curly Kids while we were gone!
But we're back! And now I can answer ALL the questions (and then some) that we had beforehand!
The short answer is this:
Tuesday we spent the night in Omaha, walked the river park, ate at Old Chicago in the Old Market downtown area, walked through their open air mall, tried on expensive leather hats and fur coats.
 |
| Fountains at the River Park |
Here's what you need to know about Brownville. It is super cute. It is only 148 people. It is a tourist trap. Nothing is open Mon-Thurs. We lucked out that things would be open on Thursday because they had July 4th events starting at 7am and not ending until 9:30 that night!
 |
| Our view from the cab of Mr. Curly's 1950 Ford F-1 as we drove through the one-way roads of Indian Cave State Park |
 |
| Part of the cave |
Thursday we were part of the Brownville July 4th parade, then went down to St. Joe, MO, toured the Patee House and Jesse James house where he was shot.
And I had this thought there - we are weird. Did you know that? People are totally weird. We paid $4/person (really not bad) to go into a 4 room house (that would fit inside most living rooms these days) to see a bullet hole in the wall and hear about the death of a famous bank robbing outlaw. How WEIRD is that?! Why would we pay to stand in the room where someone died?!?!
The answer? I have no idea. But it was actually really cool. (insert self conscious smile here)
 |
| 1886 firetruck |
 |
| Joaquin Murietta - the Original Zorro! |
After we left St. Joe, we headed back up to Brownville, where we perused the local shops, ate some ice cream.....
and then the BIG surprise of the trip - a river boat dinner cruise and a night at the River Resort Inn!!
 |
| River Boat Resort Inn |
Once we got back to the shore, we listened to some live music, took a walk, enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL weather!
 |
| View from the Dinner Boat |
At 9:00, we were snacky, but we're still in Brownville, that has nothing open. They even unplugged the pop machines! (We're guessing, none of the ones we found in town were on) So we hopped in the truck to go over to Rock Port MO (just 7 miles away). Brownville is RIGHT on the river, so we were driving across the bridge when the River Boat firework show began!!
We flipped around, ZOOMED back to the riverboat, ran down the gangplank, around the decks back to our room door, where we set down and watched a nice little firework show (and cringed away from the TWELVE HUGE spiders building webs above our heads).
 |
| View of fireworks from our spot on the lower deck. Nice, but started a bit too early. |
Heading back to Brownville, we got to watch the fireworks people were shooting off at the Brownville bar.
 |
| View of the River Boat Resort Inn from the shore at night. |
We spent the night on the riverboat, woke up Friday morning just in time for a wonderful breakfast watching the river sparkle in the sunlight and laughing at a gentleman from the kitchen who was VERY particular about where people set.
Friday we headed back to Omaha, where we toured the zoo without our kids and watched the Dinosaur Alive imax movie. That night we stayed in the Council Bluffs Settle Inn (Mr. Curly booked us the Mountain Retreat room - it was SO nice, a Jacuzzi tub right in the room.... bliss) and ate at the Red Lobster (that had the worst service ever).
Saturday morning we slept in, ate a late breakfast, and came home to extremely joyful kids and a (probably gratefully relieved!) granddad.
We had a marvelous trip. We enjoyed hot food and quiet times, walks without worry, drives without car seats, late nights and later mornings.
As our first vacation without our kids since they were born, it was quite successful. I can't wait for the next one!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Monkey Trouble
Our Curly Boy #2 is now TWO! The little monster (as he's been nicknamed since the day he began moving) wanted to be a monkey at the Whale party, so he was.
Love you, Monster!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Whale of a Tale
Happy Birthday, Curly Boy! You're FOUR!!!
I'm so glad you had a ton of fun at your Whale Expedition party last night. I love you!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Another birthday!
Today my little chipmunk, my pumpkin, my independent little go-getter Curly Baby turns one.
Just this last weekend he has decided walking is the way to go. He can hold a sippy cup but won't. He LOVES to wrestle with his brother and daddy and enjoys pulling his sister's hair.
Curly Baby has brought so much joy to our family - I don't know what we'd do without this little personality around!
Happy first birthday, Baby Boy!
This is from February, when Curly Baby was learning how to latch and un-latch the dog kennel. He greatly enjoyed locking our dog up, and then letting him go!
Just this last weekend he has decided walking is the way to go. He can hold a sippy cup but won't. He LOVES to wrestle with his brother and daddy and enjoys pulling his sister's hair.
Curly Baby has brought so much joy to our family - I don't know what we'd do without this little personality around!
Happy first birthday, Baby Boy!
This is from February, when Curly Baby was learning how to latch and un-latch the dog kennel. He greatly enjoyed locking our dog up, and then letting him go!Sunday, April 15, 2012
Bugaboo Birthday
Today my Bugaboo Curly Boy turns 3!!He's always been my little man..... who is now in the midst of a growth spurt and hungry ALL THE TIME. I don't know what we'll do when he's a teenager. We'll have to live on a farm to feed him I suppose.
I love my happy, wiggly, cuddly, super-fast, quick footed little boy.
Can't wait to see what God has in store for you, my son!
Here he is showing off his new kicks.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Can she bake a cherry pie?
Point of fact, Billy Boy - I have never baked a cherry pie. Though I have made cherry poptarts using pie crust and HOME CANNED cherries, so that is pretty darn close.
Yesterday was President's Day. True to my new "I'm a stay at home mom so we should celebrate very holiday on the calendar" the kids and I discussed George Washington and the cherry tree.
This was actually a pretty awesome thing. Curly Girl has begun lying, and I'm not sure how to deal with it, so we read the story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree (that I found at www.first-school.ws). After reading it, Curly Girl and I discussed what little George Washington said, and how he DIDN'T get in trouble because he told the truth. I asked Curly Girl what we should so when asked a question and she said "Say, I cannot tell a lie?" Which isn't exactly where I was going with it, but is pretty close.
We also printed out the cherry tree picture found with the legend, glued construction paper cherries to the tree, then stood the whole picture up using a toilet paper tube and a paper straw from Ted's (one of Mr. Curly and my's absolute favorite restaurants in the whole entire world that we never get to eat at).
And, as an ode to my mother and my childhood, we made George Washington dessert. It is kind of like cherry cake, only it isn't. It is a recipe I brought home in first or second grade written on super-wide ruled paper and blue construction paper. My mom kept that paper, AND knew exactly where it was when I called asking for the recipe.
Next point of fact - my mom rocks.
George Washington Dessert:
2 cans cherry pie filling (we used one large store-bought can and my one last home-canned can of cherries)
Curly Boy poured the cherries, Curly Girl spread the cherries, they both enjoyed licking the can and spatula
1 box white cake mix
Curly Girl poured the cake mix, Curly Boy helped spread it
2/3 cup butter, melted (about 11 tablespoons for those of you measuring out your blue bonnet sticks)
I did this step by myself.
Spread the cherry pie filling in a 13x9 pan, cover cherry pie filling with box mixed (just the powder you pour out of the bag), cover with melted butter. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes.
Out comes a bubbling, cakey, cherry dessert that is FANTASTIC. The kids and I are VERY excited to share it with Mr. Curly.
Point of fact three - Mr. Curly doesn't like cherries, but I'm sure he'll try this recipe when Curly Girl says "Look what I baked for you, Daddy!" He's a sucker for that.
Yesterday was President's Day. True to my new "I'm a stay at home mom so we should celebrate very holiday on the calendar" the kids and I discussed George Washington and the cherry tree.
This was actually a pretty awesome thing. Curly Girl has begun lying, and I'm not sure how to deal with it, so we read the story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree (that I found at www.first-school.ws). After reading it, Curly Girl and I discussed what little George Washington said, and how he DIDN'T get in trouble because he told the truth. I asked Curly Girl what we should so when asked a question and she said "Say, I cannot tell a lie?" Which isn't exactly where I was going with it, but is pretty close.
We also printed out the cherry tree picture found with the legend, glued construction paper cherries to the tree, then stood the whole picture up using a toilet paper tube and a paper straw from Ted's (one of Mr. Curly and my's absolute favorite restaurants in the whole entire world that we never get to eat at).
And, as an ode to my mother and my childhood, we made George Washington dessert. It is kind of like cherry cake, only it isn't. It is a recipe I brought home in first or second grade written on super-wide ruled paper and blue construction paper. My mom kept that paper, AND knew exactly where it was when I called asking for the recipe.
Next point of fact - my mom rocks.
George Washington Dessert:
2 cans cherry pie filling (we used one large store-bought can and my one last home-canned can of cherries)
Curly Boy poured the cherries, Curly Girl spread the cherries, they both enjoyed licking the can and spatula
1 box white cake mix
Curly Girl poured the cake mix, Curly Boy helped spread it
2/3 cup butter, melted (about 11 tablespoons for those of you measuring out your blue bonnet sticks)
I did this step by myself.
Spread the cherry pie filling in a 13x9 pan, cover cherry pie filling with box mixed (just the powder you pour out of the bag), cover with melted butter. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes.
Out comes a bubbling, cakey, cherry dessert that is FANTASTIC. The kids and I are VERY excited to share it with Mr. Curly.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Our Love Day
This year was so pinterest inspired (that phrase is getting a lot of work this year, don't you think?).
Mr. Curly's first gift was a book "52 Reasons I Love You" (found on pinterest here). I didn't use playing cards, but instead found our stack of 4X6 photo paper we bought ages ago and have never used. And yes, I will send you the list of reasons I love Mr. Curly if you ask for them, but I've got to warn you - only a handful can apply to other couples!
His second gift was homemade peanut butter cups in the shape of hearts (here). I used Baker's Melting Chocolate, because once I got to the store I completely forgot what type of chocolate the recipe called for, but they turned out fabulously. I also cut the recipe down by 75% (so instead of 4 cups of powdered sugar, I used 1 cup). This made 15 hearts - perfect for a little valentine treat!
Mr. Curly bit into one, paused, his eyes got wide and then he smiled. "These are awesome."
I'll take that compliment any day!
It wasn't the typical, couple, romantic valentine day, but we had such a good time, I don't really care.
Plus, I got a set of springform pans out of the deal! While this may not sound as romantic as balloons or flowers or chocolates (which I also got), I am super excited about them! This will make my cake-making SO much easier and I can't wait to make picakens (pinterest idea, but I don't have a link yet), cheesecakes, stacked cakes.....
As I said on facebook - Anybody know any healthy recipes to make in springform pans?
So next year - remember this advice - free is fun and special and with google - you can find and make anything!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I don't think I'm ready for this....
I have to be the last blogger in the blogging universe (I know there is one word for that two word phrase, but my brain won't come up with it right now) to deal with the new year.
Oh well, it just means you get one last new year post before turning back to the same old everyday stuff, right?
We spent New Year's Eve working on church stuff. After a week at the in-laws, we came home Saturday night to a lot of work to do, and went to bed by 11:00. We celebrated the new year with New York.
I'm thankful for so much in 2011 - the birth of our third baby, Mr. Curly's full-time permanent pastor-ship here in Iowa, staying at home with my curly kids, new friends, a new nephew.....
And while there are many things to look forward to in 2012, there is so much I'm not ready for.
I'm not ready to celebrate the fact that Curly Baby will be 1. Which means Curly Boy will be 3 and Curly Girl will turn 5. FIVE!!! Where have the last five years gone?
I'm not ready to face the fact that I will have been a stay at home mom for a year. This shouldn't be such a big deal, but I had really big goals set for my first year of just-mommyhood, and I don't feel anywhere close to them.
I'm not ready to be another year older. I think I'm refusing birthdays from now on.
I just don't know that I'm ready to face another year, and all the ups and downs that year will bring.
BUT, I am completely and totally ready to be surprised by God's blessings, to celebrate NINE years with the amazing Mr. Curly, to make a ton of memories with my kids as they all hit new markers in life, to see just how close to June Cleaver I can be, and to grow closer to God and my family each and every day.
So - happy new year - welcome 2012. Hit me with your best shot.
Oh well, it just means you get one last new year post before turning back to the same old everyday stuff, right?
We spent New Year's Eve working on church stuff. After a week at the in-laws, we came home Saturday night to a lot of work to do, and went to bed by 11:00. We celebrated the new year with New York.
I'm thankful for so much in 2011 - the birth of our third baby, Mr. Curly's full-time permanent pastor-ship here in Iowa, staying at home with my curly kids, new friends, a new nephew.....
And while there are many things to look forward to in 2012, there is so much I'm not ready for.
I'm not ready to celebrate the fact that Curly Baby will be 1. Which means Curly Boy will be 3 and Curly Girl will turn 5. FIVE!!! Where have the last five years gone?
I'm not ready to face the fact that I will have been a stay at home mom for a year. This shouldn't be such a big deal, but I had really big goals set for my first year of just-mommyhood, and I don't feel anywhere close to them.
I'm not ready to be another year older. I think I'm refusing birthdays from now on.
I just don't know that I'm ready to face another year, and all the ups and downs that year will bring.
BUT, I am completely and totally ready to be surprised by God's blessings, to celebrate NINE years with the amazing Mr. Curly, to make a ton of memories with my kids as they all hit new markers in life, to see just how close to June Cleaver I can be, and to grow closer to God and my family each and every day.
So - happy new year - welcome 2012. Hit me with your best shot.
Monday, December 26, 2011
It is about Jesus anyway....
We did not exactly have the Christmas we were planning.
Curly Girl and I were down with the flu within about 30 minutes of each other on Christmas Eve. Mr. Curly was nice enough to hold off until the kids were in bed.
We didn't cancel church, but we didn't go either! Mr. Curly was awake long enough to open gifts and then back in bed.
For lunch we hit up Casey's for a chicken salad sandwhich and chicken tenders. Mr. Curly cooked our turkey, so we could cut it up and freeze it.
We're thankful that Curly Boy and Baby aren't sick, that we're all recovering - for the look on our two oldest kids' faces when they saw the tree and presents (which I wrapped at 2:30 am while Curly Boy watched me, he was too excited to sleep!).
It was a good Christmas. Especially since it isn't about the food, when (or how well) the gifts get wrapped, how late you stay up on Christmas Eve (we were all in bed by 8:30), or how early you wake up on Christmas day. It is about Jesus and the love he brought us. And I'm pretty sure my kids got that this year.
Curly Girl and I were down with the flu within about 30 minutes of each other on Christmas Eve. Mr. Curly was nice enough to hold off until the kids were in bed.
We didn't cancel church, but we didn't go either! Mr. Curly was awake long enough to open gifts and then back in bed.
For lunch we hit up Casey's for a chicken salad sandwhich and chicken tenders. Mr. Curly cooked our turkey, so we could cut it up and freeze it.
We're thankful that Curly Boy and Baby aren't sick, that we're all recovering - for the look on our two oldest kids' faces when they saw the tree and presents (which I wrapped at 2:30 am while Curly Boy watched me, he was too excited to sleep!).
It was a good Christmas. Especially since it isn't about the food, when (or how well) the gifts get wrapped, how late you stay up on Christmas Eve (we were all in bed by 8:30), or how early you wake up on Christmas day. It is about Jesus and the love he brought us. And I'm pretty sure my kids got that this year.
Monday, December 19, 2011
So bring us some figgy pudding....
First, my Six Word Saturday links have brought in new readers and new comments. YAY! And HI new readers!!
Ok, with that out of the way.... onto the party post!
Saturday we had TWO (count 'em, one, TWO) Christmas parties at our house.
The first was an open house for our church friends and family from 2-5, and the second was a small dinner/hang out party with our playdate friends.
For the parties I baked grinch cookies (mint chocolate chip), fudge, shortbread cookies (in the shapes of the different people/animals that you see in a nativity scene), spritz cookies (that only the Christmas trees came out looking right), and rice krispie ornaments (rk treats shaped in a ball, with a small candy cane stuck in them and then dipped in almond bark).
We had WAY too many goodies (as always), but my house was spotlessly clean by 2:00 on Saturday. That is the good thing about people coming over - the entire house gets cleaned in one day, instead of just cleaning it one room a day and always having a mess.
While the treats were good, the thing I'm most proud of is this:
We moved our dining room table in front of the window, buffet style, and above it, hung snowflakes that I made with the Curly Kids. They painted with glitter paint on construction paper, and then I cut the shapes out. It looks especially cute when you can see that the decor on the table is a sign I made at my LIFT group that says 'Let it Snow' and my salt and pepper shakers are snow men.
This may be no big deal to others, but to me, it was a huge. I saw a commerical where they had hung Christmas ornaments from the ceiling over a table in the shape of a Christmas tree. With climbing kids and a cat and no budget for matching Christmas ornaments, I knew I wouldn't be able to do that. But I wanted a centerpiece feel without losing the table space. Enter - creativity! A nice snowflake centerpiece, no table space lost.
Yes, yes I am extremely proud - and love the look so much I think we'll have to do it year after year. I'm even thinking of doing it for other seasons.... leaves in the fall, flowers in the spring.... Butterflies in the summer? I don't know, I'll find something!
Ok, with that out of the way.... onto the party post!
Saturday we had TWO (count 'em, one, TWO) Christmas parties at our house.
The first was an open house for our church friends and family from 2-5, and the second was a small dinner/hang out party with our playdate friends.
For the parties I baked grinch cookies (mint chocolate chip), fudge, shortbread cookies (in the shapes of the different people/animals that you see in a nativity scene), spritz cookies (that only the Christmas trees came out looking right), and rice krispie ornaments (rk treats shaped in a ball, with a small candy cane stuck in them and then dipped in almond bark).
We had WAY too many goodies (as always), but my house was spotlessly clean by 2:00 on Saturday. That is the good thing about people coming over - the entire house gets cleaned in one day, instead of just cleaning it one room a day and always having a mess.
While the treats were good, the thing I'm most proud of is this:
This may be no big deal to others, but to me, it was a huge. I saw a commerical where they had hung Christmas ornaments from the ceiling over a table in the shape of a Christmas tree. With climbing kids and a cat and no budget for matching Christmas ornaments, I knew I wouldn't be able to do that. But I wanted a centerpiece feel without losing the table space. Enter - creativity! A nice snowflake centerpiece, no table space lost.
Yes, yes I am extremely proud - and love the look so much I think we'll have to do it year after year. I'm even thinking of doing it for other seasons.... leaves in the fall, flowers in the spring.... Butterflies in the summer? I don't know, I'll find something!
Monday, October 3, 2011
While he and his flimsy fish-folk celebrate....
Friday we had Curly Girl's birthday party. In keeping with the four year old girl obsession, we had a princess tea party.
And it was fabulous.
Curly Girl wore a pink princess dress my mother made her and looked beautiful!
4 little girls, aging from 1-4, joined us for pb and honey (or jelly, depending on their choice) sandwhiches served on a silver tray. After lots of running around and squealing, we served fancy cupcakes. A lot more squealing, and then gifts.
I missed most of the gift time, due to changing Curly Boy's diaper, but she recieved some wonderful gifts from her friends.
The girls were great at letting Curly Boy join them in the fun.
The adults ate a Subway Party sub and chips, chatted and generally had a good time.
The only sad thing is, besides the fact that my little girl is now FOUR, we didn't get a picture with her. But that happens, and she'll be a princess for halloween, so maybe we can get a picture then.
Curly Girl wore a pink princess dress my mother made her and looked beautiful!
4 little girls, aging from 1-4, joined us for pb and honey (or jelly, depending on their choice) sandwhiches served on a silver tray. After lots of running around and squealing, we served fancy cupcakes. A lot more squealing, and then gifts.I missed most of the gift time, due to changing Curly Boy's diaper, but she recieved some wonderful gifts from her friends.
The girls were great at letting Curly Boy join them in the fun.
The adults ate a Subway Party sub and chips, chatted and generally had a good time.
The only sad thing is, besides the fact that my little girl is now FOUR, we didn't get a picture with her. But that happens, and she'll be a princess for halloween, so maybe we can get a picture then.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
You look like a monkey....
A week ago we went to the zoo to celebrate the 4th birthday of one of Curly Girl's first friends. With 5 adults and 4 kids (one who stayed in his little snuggly backpack the whole time) you'd think it would've been easy to keep track of everybody.
You'd think wrong.
We were only on our second exhibit when the walking children went through a turtle viewing tunnel and dissapeared on the other side - heading for the horse barns while we decided what animal food to buy!
Here are a few pictures of our day.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
I'll be there for you....
As I write this, I am setting in our town's best coffeshop and creperie Habitue. Actually, it is the only creperie, as far as I'm aware, but that still doesn't change the fact that I believe it is the best coffeeshop as well.
It's a beautiful shop - two levels and a garden courtyard. Blues, golds, greens and burgundies are foundin the paint, the floor, the furnishings. This coffeeshop is unique to other coffeeshops I've visited in that, instead of playing mindless soft rock, they play current Christian music. There are Bible verses on the wall.
Whether the Bible verses and music were here or not, the owners have done a fantastic job of creating a warm, inviting, comforting place.
I sit by the window, hoping I look cool and hip as I type on my laptop. You know, like the background people in Central Perk on Friends. I have a feeling though that I look like every other 20-30 something who spends their time in coffeeshops on laptops. It's no longer a new, hip thing, but very passe.
But that is me - passe. I come into every fad just as it finishes.
Still, I'm enjoying my quiet time. My time to eat without sharing with my kids, to enjoy a fresh made drink without having to wipe toddler spit off the straw. It is a new experience for me, and one I am quite enjoying.
Today, as I write this, it is my birthday. Curly Girl is at dance camp and the Curly Boys are with Mr. Curly, working on something that Mr. Curly won't tell me about.
There is a verse above the back counter that reads "He who refreshes others is refreshed himself."
So while today is my birthday, and I'm enjoying my time alone, I pray that tomorrow, when this will post, that Mr. Curly feels refreshed, because I am enjoying this quiet treat of a frosted cinnamon roll and strawberry-banana smoothie (SO GOOD) because of his love for me.
Now I'm going to get off blogger and enjoy my new library book and my hour left before I pick up Curly Girl and return to the duties of Momma.
It's a beautiful shop - two levels and a garden courtyard. Blues, golds, greens and burgundies are foundin the paint, the floor, the furnishings. This coffeeshop is unique to other coffeeshops I've visited in that, instead of playing mindless soft rock, they play current Christian music. There are Bible verses on the wall.
Whether the Bible verses and music were here or not, the owners have done a fantastic job of creating a warm, inviting, comforting place.
I sit by the window, hoping I look cool and hip as I type on my laptop. You know, like the background people in Central Perk on Friends. I have a feeling though that I look like every other 20-30 something who spends their time in coffeeshops on laptops. It's no longer a new, hip thing, but very passe.
But that is me - passe. I come into every fad just as it finishes.
Still, I'm enjoying my quiet time. My time to eat without sharing with my kids, to enjoy a fresh made drink without having to wipe toddler spit off the straw. It is a new experience for me, and one I am quite enjoying.
Today, as I write this, it is my birthday. Curly Girl is at dance camp and the Curly Boys are with Mr. Curly, working on something that Mr. Curly won't tell me about.
There is a verse above the back counter that reads "He who refreshes others is refreshed himself."
So while today is my birthday, and I'm enjoying my time alone, I pray that tomorrow, when this will post, that Mr. Curly feels refreshed, because I am enjoying this quiet treat of a frosted cinnamon roll and strawberry-banana smoothie (SO GOOD) because of his love for me.
Now I'm going to get off blogger and enjoy my new library book and my hour left before I pick up Curly Girl and return to the duties of Momma.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Picture Update
Curly Boy's birthday gift from Mr. Curly and I:
This was a HUGE hit.... and I know for a fact he has a CARS sleeping bag coming from Grandma and Granddad that will have to be set up in here!
And Mr. Curly made Dirt Dessert for the celebration and covered it with new little CAT and John Deere machines - another huge hit!
And, to show just how much my kids love Curly Baby - here is a shot of them each sharing their special bears with Curly Baby at the hospital. Curly Girl's is the security blanket bear named "Sleepy Bear" and Curly Boy's is the traditional teddy bear. We call him "Buddy Bear," Curly Boy just calls him "Me bar."
Friday, December 3, 2010
We're going to play some FOOTBALL!!
My awesome alma mater - MidAmerica Nazarene University - is playing the University of Sioux Falls tomorrow in the NAIA semi-finals. AND we live only an hour from where the game is being played!!!
SO, tomorrow, we will wear about 4 layers of clothing, pack some hot cocoa, M&Ms and blankets and head out to a football game!
If you think about, yell a GO PIONEERS every once in awhile between noon and four.
Post title from Radio
Friday, October 1, 2010
We Are Family
Last Saturday we celebrated my grandmother's (dad's mom) 75th birthday.
Over 200 pictures were taken!! I can't wait to try to narrow down what I want to print out.
I don't know for certain how many great-grandkids my grandmother has. Present on Saturday were the 7 under the age of 6. 5 girls and 2 boys! There are 3 granddaughters pregnant - at least two of us are hoping for boys!
So, here are my gorgeous babies in their new clothes my mom bought them to wear for family pictures.
Curly Girl's birthday was Wizard of Oz themed. My mom found her ruby slippers, which she insisted on wearing with her new outfit on Saturday for family pictures.
Curly Boy also had a new outfit, complete with navy blue driver's cap that he would only keep on for about a minute. We took pictures during his nap time, so he was rather cranky during this process. And yes, the pants were a little too big in the waist and a little too short on the legs, but he looked good anyway!
On Sunday, we took the cousins (just my brother's daughter and my kids) to the park. They had an awesome time. Look at this cute picture!
Over 200 pictures were taken!! I can't wait to try to narrow down what I want to print out.
I don't know for certain how many great-grandkids my grandmother has. Present on Saturday were the 7 under the age of 6. 5 girls and 2 boys! There are 3 granddaughters pregnant - at least two of us are hoping for boys!
So, here are my gorgeous babies in their new clothes my mom bought them to wear for family pictures.
Curly Girl's birthday was Wizard of Oz themed. My mom found her ruby slippers, which she insisted on wearing with her new outfit on Saturday for family pictures.
Curly Boy also had a new outfit, complete with navy blue driver's cap that he would only keep on for about a minute. We took pictures during his nap time, so he was rather cranky during this process. And yes, the pants were a little too big in the waist and a little too short on the legs, but he looked good anyway!
On Sunday, we took the cousins (just my brother's daughter and my kids) to the park. They had an awesome time. Look at this cute picture!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Somewhere over the rainbow.....
Curly Girl's third birthday party was a success!I created a Dorothy dress (is it wrong to cut out simplicity patterns while watching Project Runway?) and my mom bought her ruby slippers to wear.
The cake was pretty plain, definitely not what I had in mind, but it had to be able to travel 3 hours! And since we were running late, the decorations were done in less than 5 minutes. Not too shabby.
We got together with the cousins from my dad's side of the family and had a cookout at my aunt's house. We handed out Skittles, fairy wands and tinman axes (soon called battle axes). I believe everyone had a great time.
My niece with all the axes!The biggest gift of the night was the new art easel from Granddad and Grandma. We can't wait to set it up in our new house!
Curly Girl especially enjoyed meeting some of her cousins for the first time and told me Saturday night that she missed her friends!
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