Today we took a trip to the mall... it was fun--it was productive--and staying true to life with my three children, it was stressful (at times). We packed a lot into our trip: Sadie's 5 year old pictures; picking out a gift for a new baby (and finding a clearence winter coat/snow pants for Kinnick for next year); buying soccer shoes, shin guards, and socks (this non-experienced soccer mom had to get some help from the store employee for that!); exchanging the Easter headband that Sadie promised she would wear for one I know she will wear; playing in the play area; an incentive trip to Claires that Sadie earned for "big kid" behavior; and lunch with Daddy.
Needless to say this trip had it's share of embarassing mom moments...
1--Waiting in line to pay for babygift/snowpants, Kinnick opened a pack of gum and ate a piece.
2--Ready to go down the escalator with S, K, and M in the stroller and I was approached by 2 gentlemen (from the elevator company). Nice man #1 tells me that he highly recommends me not take the escalator with small children and especially with a stroller and points out the location of the elevator. (At this point Sadie was half way down the escalator.) Kinnick hops on and falls--I grab him with one hand while holding Macey's (backwards stroller) with the other hand. Nice man #1 says, "See, this is exactly what I'm talking about, but don't let me tell you what to do." (At this point Kinnick's elbow is bleeding and Sadie is at the bottom of the escalator walking backwards up the escalator.) I say "Thanks for the advice" with a as much of a smile as I can muster on my face and maneuver Macey's stroller onto the escalator while still holding Kinnick and down we go. (Pretty sure he wishes he had the incident on video to use as a "Why you should take the elevator" promo!)
#3--In sporting store--we have the shoes and are now looking for socks and shin guards. I look up to see Kinnick ready to swing a golf club. I put the club back and tell him to touch the stroller. 30 seconds later--he's gone. I leave the girl's and start yelling his name. I find him 2 aisles over stuffing hockey pucks up his shirt...
I'm sure there are more, but you get the point!
Also while at the mall today I got to be on the "witnessing" side of some (not as embarrasing as mine) mom moments. While in the play area I stopped an escaping toddler while his mom came running from the opposite side of the play area. I was able to smile at her and say "My oldest used to do that every time!" While in the food court I watched a toddler start to wander away from her mom (who was pushing a baby in a stroller) when the mom realized her daughter wasn't right next to her and started frantically scanning I was able to point out her daughter with a knowing smile...
The later moments made me feel like I'm not alone in this crazy journey. Whether it's a complete stranger we will likely never see again or our best friend we really just want to know that someone else has been where we are. We want to know that someone else "gets it." We really just want a knowing smile and to know that we are not being judged.
This year we decided to combine the girl's birthday bashes and have everyone come see our new house. We made a weekend of it--with overnight guests friday and saturday. I can say that the week leading up to their party was one that made me VERY thankful to be a stay-at-home mom. I did LOTS of house projects and LOTS of birthday projects. Hope you enjoy this "Picture-Ful" Post...
The Cakes:
The Treats:
The Gifts:
The "Activities": 
I must give MUCH credit to pinterest for many of my ideas... however, blogger is not letting me link anything lately. You can find recipes/instructions for all of the following on my pin boards: tutu tutorial, oreo pops, minnie mouse pops, silverware "tincan" holders, pink princess punch, birthday cake popcorn, pb pretzel sandwhiches, and kool-aid favors.
