Excuse me while ...

Most of you know I'm in the planning party mode for my youngest.  I get a little crazy with my themed parties.  But I know soon they will no longer let me throw parties let alone be in the same room as them with out being very embarrassed.  LOL so I do it up (ok probably over do it) for these special days.  I'm almost done with the party things, just need to make the food tonight and tomorrow so Saturday I won't be running around crazy.  Yes tomorrow will be my recap of what has been made and what is to come!

So a funny about my craziness!

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day

Well my weekend hopeful will be relaxing maybe I can read a book? LOL I know I'm laughing at that one too!  I'm just happy to be done party planning.  Well that is until next month, I had the brilliant idea to have a End of School Year Swim party at my parents lake propery for the kids and their classmates. I'm telling myself that I won't go over board ... hmmm may want to tell that to my crazy other side of my brain that created a Pinterest board for a summer themed party ideas ... teehee!

I can't help it check out these cute Cards I found & will make this weekend.

We get out of school crazy EARLY 5/31! YIKES

I found these awesome FREE Printables on Living Locurto Website!

Oh and then July is Caden's birthday party ... hmmm well maybe I can relax in August?

Since I can't hold it in I will also be working on these Cards for Caden.

Since his party is in July I need to make cards to give to parents BEFORE school ends.

I found this idea on Catch My Party (Just a picture but I'm sure I can figure it out!)

Hope all you Mother's have a wonderful day and also Everyone give a little extra love to the Mother in your life!

I so want to make this eCard found on Mecards.com

Have a Bless Weekend!

Hello 36, bringing it in with fun!

I had the most amazing weekend full of amazing friends and so much love!  Friday my Tuesday dinner friend was so sweet and planned a dinner for me.  She made a great dinner and a HOMEMADE cheesecake!  For those who know me know that is my favorite dessert, just a little bite for me but it was DEVINE!  And a big surprise she invited my best friend from when I was 9.  It was a great surprise and we had  a great time laughing and enjoying a wonderful night.

Saturday was a great day too!  I got up and worked my shift.  Then off we went running, we had Sylvan for Cole.  While he was studying Caden and I hit Target to make a diaper cake for babyshower.  One of my dearest friends from grade school was having another baby 2 boys and a now a girl!!  It was so amazing to see all the friends from school.  It was so much fun laughing and enjoying each other!  I sadly had to run and couldn’t stay long my dad was watching the boys and I was given 1 1/2 hr window.

I ran to pick up the boys and spend a little time with my parents before I headed home.  My amazing bosses called and surprised me with a gift card for dinner!  Since I had no luck on finding a babysitter for the night we took the boys with us to our favorite fancy usually date night no kid restaurant.  We splurged and had a wonderful bill and when the bill came and I opened it up to see over $100 I almost fell off the booth, thank God the GC more then covered it.  I have never had a bill over $60 … lol.

I even started with a bloody Mary, I never order a drink when we go out for the cost (unless with my parents and dad is paying … lol).  We even got a appetizer of clam strips.  The boys and Rick have never had them and were surprised they liked them.  Rick of course got clam chowder.

Then for dinner Rick had Steak, Caden had pasta, Cole had grilled cheese and I splurged and got a smoke salmon fettuccini (that was to die for). 

When even had DESSERT, that is a NO NO when ever we go out.  All 3 boys had hot fudge sundaes and I had a burnt cream.

It was a full packed day and I think we finally got home around 11pm!  Then Sunday was back to the busy go go!  Off to the 9am Church Service.  And quick to home to do a few things and then we headed up to my parents house to wish my dad Happy Father’s Day.  The boys helped me put together a BBQ basket for Rick.  Sadly he had to work the whole weekend but it was nice we were able to carve out a little time together. 

Thank you for all the amazing friends!  The cards and gifts were so thoughtful and just made my day.  I am truly blessed to have such great people in my life!

Got my Pre Planning Hat on …

Planning a head of time and buying all the molds etc before hand for Cole’s party worked so well and made me less stressful.  So the theme for Caden has been picked and my Pinterest board is full and ready to go.  I went on to my favorite sites Amazon and Ebay to look for molds and fun things I will need for this theme … drum roll please … Shark!

Oh yes we will be having a lake party at my parents waterfront in July and it will be all about the sharks!  I’m thinking crayons and chocolates will be on the must do list.  I've found a few fun molds I can’t wait to experiment with.

Check out what I have bought so far!  I can’t wait to share the invites and all the other fun things we will be doing.

First off I bought a cool Shark Holder for the Shark Fin Cupcakes I will be making.

Silicone Shark Cookie Mold

This Shark Fin Ice Mold I’m going to try with Crayons.

This is for the punch bowl.  Shark Fin ice ring.

Shark Sucker Chocolate Mold

There we go , it was a packed weekend with work and fun road trip.  I didn’t get a lot of down time so just a quick post for today!

Google Drive with some templates for this party.

Weekend of Mileage on the car!

Saturday after I finished work I put Caden on the car and ran to pick up presents and of course a new outfit (that when I got home didn’t fit and made me want to cry but that is a whole nother blog post). 

Then home I went my neighbor was outside and we got to talking and he asked if I ever cooked Salmon said I hadn’t so he brought me over 4 fillet’s to cook up.  I was going to a fish themed party so it was perfect. I bought a octopus floater (as the gift), fish paper to wrap it and baked salmon as my food to bring (recipe to come next week).

Here is the boys at the birthday party.  My friend had her son’s party at Bill’s Fishing Hole. We got to touch fish yeah … lol.  The boys had fun and caught a few fish which we left for my friend to cook.

We left party #1 to head to party #2 we pulled up and no cars and a car I didn’t recognize in the driveway along with 2 little girls sitting on the porch I didn’t know. OK I’m blonde so I did go out to the street to make sure I went to right street . Yes I know but I really thought I went to the wrong house.  Come to find out I knocked on the door and my friends husb came out to let me know the party was cancelled.  His mother had fallen and cracked her head open and had been air lifted to Harbor View.  Prayers for her please.

So since we drove back up to Tacoma I stopped by the house and picked up Jake and head to my parents house (drove past the place we went to earlier that day … lol).  Saturday was Bonney Lake Days held at the park down from my parents house.  My dad (who’s back is messed up and will be needing surgery again, please pray for him too) and I took the boys and Jake down to the park.  Ok I should say my dad (bless him) took hold of Jake and walked him down.  The boys enjoyed the jumpy houses while dad hung out with Jake.

Then we went back to my parents house to enjoy the lake.  Mom even got Jake to go in the water.  She bought him a life vest which he wasn’t too please with … hehe.  The boys did some floating and enjoying the lake.  We did have one accident that Jake got a little excited and ran on the dock and accidently hit Caden who fell in the lake.  He went under that large floaty you see in the picture and we got a little panicked but he did very well and dog paddled up and mom and I pulled him up.  Thank GOD for the swimming lessons.

Sunday Rick had the day off from all 3 jobs so we spent the day with the family after church we hoped in the car and went to Bellevue Mall to go to Lego Land.  Which was a DREAM for all 3 boys (yes that includes Rick).  We won’t mention the train lego that Rick wanted $150. hehe I know what he will be getting for Christmas .

Happy Wednesday everyone!  So anything fun planned this weekend?  I think we’ll be party free! YEAH

Weekend that I didn’t sit down again!

As usual it was a full packed weekend this weekend.  I of course packed it all in!  Saturday as most of you know I work Sat from 5am to 9am.  Then I had to run get me and the boys dressed and run out the door to head to Lowe’s kid clinic to make a school house photo holder.  All I have to say 1 mom vs 2 kids with hammers never seems to work in my favor … lol.

After Lowe’s we hit Ross to pick up 2 toys for the birthday parties we had to go to and oh yeah mom needed an outfit.  One thing about working at home I don’t have much of a wardrobe now.  Plus sitting on my rear all day may … just may have made it grow a tad bit out of my previous clothes.  So I got home tried on my new top and jeans and of course had to play in the mirror for a while.  hehe who would think I get nervous going to parties and fitting in I may just may practice my look and smile before we leave … ok maybe just a little pep talk too … hehe!

First birthday party here we come!!!  Bouncy house is where it is at.  And yeah my boys didn’t come out crying or bloody so it was a good day! Caden wasn’t having the bouncy house, to many big kids but then he decided to go in and had fun!

2nd Birthday party gave us hotdogs, burgers and ice cream cake.  We ran around, ok the kids did I got to sit down and chit chat and even warm up by the bonfire.  Yes I said warm up, the NW has been having an odd summer.  We get sun and then all of a sudden it get breezy and cold.

Sunday our new church did a day of community service instead of services.  I love to get out and to give a helping hand or in the service I chose was serving hot dogs at a mobile home park.  I help the Pastor’s mom do a story board of Noah’s ark, she read the book and I put up the felt characters.  Cole came with me which I thought would be fun for him but he got bored for a while the back yard didn’t have a lot of toys like I was told so that of course was a challenge with my hyper boy.  Caden stayed at the church and played on the outdoor toy.

One of the other community services was to pass out goodies at the park and ride down the street.  I offered to make a few goodies.  I made Brownie Cherry Bites and my Rice Krispie popscicles.   First off I made Brownie Cherry Bites.  I was told by the church lady one of the gals said these were the best brownie’s she had ever tasted.  I didn’t have one but they looked very moist and my neighbor got a plate too and she agreed .

Then I whipped up a batch of Rice Krispie Dipper Treats one with the sprinkles and then I experimented with dipped in milk chocolate and drizzling with white chocolate.  I then put them in a candy bag and tied them up with a pink polka-dot ribbon.  I’m so excited to hear that these were such a hit that one lady asked for my business card and would like me to make them for her niece's party.  I think I may just have to put together a little side business .

Happy Wednesday!

Birthday Weekend (Exploded and Over flowed)

Talk about a weekend FULL, I even missed one birthday party which I was so sorry about.  But we did have a lot of fun and I didn’t get much sleep but all worth it!

Thursday Rick’s Cousin’s wife (trying saying that a few times fast) is a hairdresser and she was VERY kind and let me and the boys come over & I was able to get my hair done!  I’m horrible at cuts it takes me about 2 or 3 days to find my way with styling.  I think I finally got it!

Saturday we headed to the Lowe’s Kid Clinic to make a really cool waving flag.  The staff was not organized this time, I ended up passing out the supplies to get the show moving.  We had a birthday party to go and I still needed to make cupcakes for my party.  Sadly we didn’t get my cousin’s son’s birthday party.

I was running behind so we head right up to my birthday party BBQ.  Well that was after I made a few stops for food.  I needed to pick up the meat, cheese & dessert.  I added it all up and I spent as much for my birthday that I do for the kids parties.  I guess next time we’ll just skip a party for me (I know spending money on ourselves is so hard).  The Pie Bake off was fun, 3 of my friends brought pies.  One slice ended up on my friends foot and yes that is me cleaning the floor.  The party was a lot of fun, and as Rick said it was good to spend a little money on myself since I never do.  Friends that I haven’t seen in years showed up.  Time & Distance mean nothing to true friends as my friend Casey said.  It shows you want amazing friends you have that do that.  I think I’m good for another 35 years … lol .  Great times!

After my party we headed to my friend April’s house (our Tuesday Dinner company).  The kids had a blast with her husband coloring the driveway .  We didn’t end up leaving until close to Midnight which is great LONG day.  I hope to do it again soon well with out the BBQ food cost … lol.

Sunday was another Birthday party.  The kids had a blast and you would think they would pass out for the night but of course not … lol.

We had another swim class, the teacher is getting better but still doesn’t have a plan for the smaller kids.  They played ring around the rosy. But no REAL take turns swim lessons like the other teacher.  I’m really wondering if we should do next month.  But Cole’s new teacher is fab so I guess we just have to be happy with one out of two?

Cole’s classmate had his birthday also so we headed over to his house for some fun playtime.  Our gift was a HUGE hit all the kids wanted to play it so they opened it up and hour of fun they had.  That is after a 1/2 hour of us adults trying to figure out how to get it to work .. lol.

Now for some recipes I made for my own birthday party … lol.

I made some Fancy Lime Jello Shots for the adults.  These were super strong and good.  But they took me an HOUR to scoop the crap out of them.  I guess I’m worth it … lol

Then I found these super cute cupcakes to make.  Also another time consuming activity but again I’m worth it … lol.  I never spend time or money on myself, so why not go all out.  This one and only time … lol.  Now the original recipe called for brownies, BUT my brownies turned out a little wonky so I made cupcakes instead.

Happy Wednesday everyone, hope your having a wonderful day!

Party Anxiety w/ Kids

Have you ever gotten an invite and worried about taking your kids? I do that every time we go to some one's house for the first time or a place we haven't been to in a while. As you know I love taking the kids to parties, it's a way for play and interaction not for just them but for me too. Working from home limits my outs with adults and I need to make sure I don't become a recluse :).

Lately we had a load of parties to go to which is fun and also gives me anxiety at the same time. You know when you go to someones house for the first time or haven't been there in a long time. Caden is so funny when we go somewhere he is not familiar with he wants to touch and see every part of the house. He really is careful but loves to see it all, which of course can make the party giver all nutty! I have a rule you come here let the kids play I don't care if they take all the toys out of the bin, AS long as it is cleaned up when you LEAVE! Now if something is broke and it's not a cheap toy then you replace it. Cole has done it before broke something and I found the item and replaced it. We've had this happen where a little boy broke Cole's 1st DS and the parent did not replace it, now that peeved me off! So when we go and the boys play with the toys I know 1 it will be cleaned up when we leave and 2 if anything is broke we will replace it. Now that doesn't stop that one parent that always has to be the hoover (you know them, there is ALWAYS one) that will make comments about the toys. They are toys they are to be PLAYED with! Kids are loud and when you get a bunch together they like to run and play. There will always be that Mom, Grandma or Person with out kids or grown kids that makes comments.

Do you ever feel like ok enough is enough? Really I don't want to stand up every 5 minutes to check on the kids, as long as there is no blood or tears it's a good day. Right?

Same thing happens at relatives houses, some of my relatives I'm not very close with but on the rare occasion you go to visit. You feel like you've entered the Glass house. There is no sitting down, you can't carry a conversation because your repeating to the kids sit on the couch watch TV don't touch anything.

Are your Peeves the same?

* Kid Party, where kids are to not be kids

* Hoover Parent

* Negative Comment Parent

* Party Guest who comments on others kids

* No touch house, kids to be seen not HEARD

* Tattler Kid (must pick on a kid usually the smaller one)

* Parent that is like a parrot w/ Tattler Kid remarks

* The Gang up kids, leaving one kid out

* Non Kid Person at a Kids Party

* Non Sharing kid, always taking from the guest kids

Now don't get me wrong, my kids are NOT perfect I know sometimes they can be crazy and excited to be out and about. We sometimes are one of those kids that drive me nuts, and believe me I will take them aside and have the MOM TALK with them. I try very hard to make parties and play dates fun and not STRESS over the little things. It will all be cleaned up, things can be replaced and washed if needed. And sometimes you just have to smile and think 1 it's NOT my kid this time .. whoo hooo and holy crap no judgement because I so know you have judged me and my parenting style in the past :).

Phew feel better now ... lol. Love to hear what you have to think.

WWW ~ Clean up, Hiding Toys & Rick's Birthday!H

Well it was a fun weekend here at the house both boys not feeling the best, let's just say Caden's crip needed to be taken apart for a deep clean! After I finished up work Saturday, my dad picked the boys up for two glorious hours! You think I could rest, nope I got to cleaning. I headed to the boys room. How can two little boys make so much of a mess in there! No matter how many times I tell them NO FOOD in your room they keep sneaking it in there!!!

So while cleaning the crib I decided to tackle the toy box. OH boy was I in for a shock! It smelled a little funny, as I take out the toys I get closer to the bottom were I found dried PEE!!!! WTH really dude (has to be Cole) you pee'd in the toy box! You ask him he has no clue? So out come the toys I wash them down and while doing that I got a black bag full to donate (yup see it there all those toys went to Value Village).

Things you find in a Toy box:

Pee! Yup who would have thunk it?

Cracker Crumbs, I always store my crackers in pee!

And oh yeah a diaper! Guess brother thought his pee needed to be w/ brothers!

Oh yeah and I found not One but TWO

APPLES one under each bed!

Should I be happy they sneak healthy food?

Yup that is what an apple looks like if left under one's bed!

With Rick's GC for his brithday from my MIL we hit the mall

I took the boys to the playcenter!

Caden had to have a snack, PB&J

Don't you eat your sandwich like this?

Caden decided my brand NEW TP needed to be organized!

While mom cleaned up I grab her slanket and got to sleep.

Yup Slanket is now "My Blanket" yup Caden says this!

Cole rearranged the toys, of course you need drivers!

Oh yeah and Deigo wanted to hide in the TP after I cleaned it up

Rick's Birthday!

I'm such a great wife I wrap in a Kmart Bag .... LOL

What he got a new Wii remote, 2 wii games, Aviation DVD's and new Apron

(picture of him in it coming soon)

After huffing at my parents they went to a early dinner.

Mom whipped up a cake for Rick! YUMMY

The slowest Mexican Restaurant EVER!

Overall a good weekend, Sunday Rick was suppose to go to Church with me on Sunday but was throwing up so it was just me and the boys :(. The comedian at Church they hyped up wasn't that funny. On my way home called my dad to see if they wanted "TO GO WITH US" to lunch. My dad thought I was trying to get them to take us to lunch and pay! NO I wanted you to go with us. LOVE them to death, I haven't borrowed $ in years, but still they always think I want money! KILLS me. So after a huff and me hanging up and calling my bff in tears (they can always do this to me). She calmed me down letting me know I'm a good person they love me they just are weird like that. A good cry and then dad calls and invites us to dinner??? WTH, I know my same thought. We go to dinner I PULL out my card to pay and they say they are paying. I give up, really I wasn't wanting a FREE meal. Really my parents are awesome people you just don't mix them and money into the mix. They are amazing and have done well for themselves and have taught me to take care of myself and not needing anyone, but again don't borrow money ... LOL.

So there it is my weekend in a wrap it was fun a lot of sick people but we made it threw it! WELL kind of Caden still sick, yesterday he came up to me to tell me "Momma my nose hurts". Poor guy nose is all red from sneezing and snot everywhere :( OH joy!