Thursday, April 12, 2012

Birthday Girl x 2

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 Girls:


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.

Beauty and the Beast

March 2nd--I was able to take the kids to their first "live production" theater show. I can't say that I wasn't nervous taking all three, but my friend Erika (who inivited us to go with them) insisted that even Macey would love it and she could be an extra set of hands if I needed it (because she had reinforcements). I'm so glad I tried it... it was a perfect Friday morning adventure for us!

The show took place at Lewis University (about a 20 minute drive). It was put in by a traveling children's theatrical group--they were amazing! The theater was very small (so we were close to the stage) and the whole audience was children and parents--perfect for us! There was no intermission but the show.0 lasted only a little over an hour. All three kids were glued from start to finish and didn't make a peep!
Sadie was very excited to meet Belle and get her picture taken with her. Kinnick was excited to see the Prince and gave a mild high five but was not interested in having his picture taken. Macey was terrified of seeing them up close and held on for dear life!

We ended our fun morning with lunch at Burger King playland complete with icecream. So proud of my my kiddos today!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Feeling Fancy

Feb 26--Marc and I had the opportunity to go to our area YMCA gala. His bank purchased 4 tickets so not only did we get to go, but were able to invite a couple from our small group. It was a fabulously fancy night with NO KIDS!



We loved hanging out with Joel and Erica (another couple who understands life with 3 young kids) and meeting some fun people at our table. The meal was so yummy with a delicious dessert.


Erica and I both brought home a centerpiece with these pretty white roses. A fun reminder of our night out.


PS--I didn't take a picture of the back of my hair, but I tried the "sock bun curls" (see pinterest) and my hair turned out SO curly--big fat curls, not little ones. I loved being able to do a cute updo by myself!

I've SO Been There!

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.