The Middlest Sister

Chocolate Covered Grapes

2012-01-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

I used to make these little babies all the time

for showers and parties.

They were always the biggest hit!

Chocolate covered grapes...yum!

I just melt chocolate chips,

dip,

& cool!

But, if you make them,

watch out for Rocco.

He might just show up!

I like them straight from the freezer

so even the grape is frozen.

My kids like them straight from the fridge,

hard chocolate, soft grape.

Speaking of sweet...

Annie got a card from the girl who received her

Operation Christmas Child box.

Now I know that it is not really that lil' babes lips,

but it got me thinkin...

Roo could do that!

Pucker up baby!

Well, almost...

He's just lucky I didn't use this pose:

Maybe tomorrow.

Painted

2012-01-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

So with no school today the morning was sweet & slow.

I LOVE the relaxed pace of no school!!!

I pulled out the paints & we just enjoyed creating together.

The boys lasted about 15 minutes and then

I got some time alone with Annie.

Of course I painted something I love!

(That is suppose to be Annie :)

She thinks I am the world's greatest artist so...

...I pretend I am :)

All excited she says, "Now I wanna paint you!"

Of course, I say what every good mom would say,

"Honey, just make sure you don't paint me too fat."

"MOM!!!!!"

Well apparently that didn't work too well.

I take up the whole page!

And yes...my feet really are that big.

But hey...togetherness is good.

I'm just glad we didn't use bigger paper!

;)

It's Time

2012-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Annie always helps me with the dishes at home, but on Sudays at my mom's, the moms always take over the kitchen.

This Sunday when the cousins left early I decided it was time.

Time for Annie to join the women in the kitchen.

She was excited when I asked her to dry the dishes

for Grandma while I fed Roo, "Ooooooo! Really?!"

Then we told her all about the kitchen:

It's a privilege to be invited into the kitchen to help.

We don't let the men help because it is too much fun!

It's a bonding time for the women,

we talk about how our weeks went and all kinds of good stuff.

As I listened from the next room I heard her,

"So Grandma..what did you do this week?"

...and they talked.

And then it was true...all the stuff we said,

it is a bonding time...it IS fun.

Made me smile as I remembered all the hours trying to get my sisters to do the dishes for me.

And when Grandma rested on a stool to talk to me for a minute...

Annie peeked her head in,

"Grandma! Get back to work!"

Made even me think of dishes in a whole new way.

Par-TAY!

2012-01-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Time to hang back up the party dress...

hers not mine :)

Jeans for me.

Up late...

Wild night...

You know the kinda party where

"Open Bar"

means no one is guarding the pop from

the kids & you have a lot of kids on a sugar highs,

with very loud horns.

Wild I'm telling ya.

Complete with our own fancy ball drop, of course :)

Not exactly Swarovski

but a broken Christmas ornament will do.

A house filled with family and friends of all ages.

(I heart my Dad)

And my favorite part...

the tradition

(maybe just my families?)

kids banging pots and pans outside

hooting & hollering,

"Happy New Year!!!"

to well wish all your neighbors

at midnight.

I bet they love me.

And to you?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I can't wait to see what the year holds!

What did you do last night?

I really want to know!

Children's Christmas Party

2011-12-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas has passed but I am not ready to let it go!

So today we invited over our cousins and a

few friends for one last Christmas Party!

Up go the poms!

Stools make perfect little craft stations.

We started with a little scavenger hunt.

They found all the clues :)

Then they got busy crafting!

A little hot chocolate with Mrs. Clause.

Of course there were cookies!

Best of all was time spent with good friends.

Oh & I almost forgot..

The favors.

I got this idea from Sarah over at Light.

I have to admit....the first idea that I pinned that I actually did!

Homade candycane play dough.

So now Christmas....I am officially saying "See you next year."

Ready Girls?

2011-12-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

Carols sung,

Stockings hung,

back up for about the 5th time.

(Bo!!!)

The trees are trimmed with lots of homeade decorations.

Annie's Cards are made and delivered.

My elves are busy at work,

...and they just left to

deliver some cookies to the neighbors.

Of course, the gingerbread man is already eaten.

And we just wrapped up our early morning baking session.

Orange cookies from

The Chew

We're ready...

Just need to crank up the Christmas music

& put out the milk & cookies tomorrow.

Are you ready?

~Thanks for all your love on my last post~

It was hard for me to share but

You girls make me feel sooooo blessed!

Finding Joy

2011-12-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

As I share our lives with you I feel as though I can't let this moment slip by unoticed. This weekend was very hard. We had a loss that completely broke my heart. We lost a babe at 13 & 1/2 weeks. But we have been completely surrounded with love, care & prayer.

Because of complications we spent a long scary night at the hospital. But driving home the next morning I found myself thinking "I simply remember my favorite things & then I don't feel so bad."

So I did.

I thought of my prayer pal, a sweet 5th grader dear to my heart. On Sunday she handed me a crumpled up wad of tissue paper,
"Merry Christmas," she said shly.

I remember the joy that little package brought me when I opened it to find the tiniest jingle bells that she had strung onto green thread for me to hang on my tree.

I remember the joy I felt when just a week ago

Annie got to play Mary in the church nativity....

D. Chua Photo

....and how Bo the white cow spun around the

entire song and made me laugh until I cried.

D. Chua Photo

I found joy in returning home to a house decorated for Christmas

full of people who love me and each other.

And I knew...I needed to keep seeking joy.

So that very night we found joy jumping into the Christmas jammies Beth sent, and we jumped into our big ole' car

(my parents in there too :)

to ride around and look at Christmas lights.

And my kids favorite display of all is a

church nativity display by our home.

...and that fills me with joy.

Remember dear friends,

even on the darkest nights.

There is light and joy all around.

Be sure to find it!

P.S. Thanks to my parents & husband who are taking the best care of my family and me!

Our Christmas Miracle

2011-12-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

See this book:

It's my favorite.

It's where we record our family faith stories.

I started writing it the night Annie asked Jesus into her heart.

I took a picture of her that very night & wrote about what happened.

I also wrote her a special blessing prayer.

It starts with a page for each memeber of our

family where I can record special dates.

Then, Annie's faith story.

That is followed by Kelly's & my faith stories.

I love reading about how my husband

accepted Christ in his own handwriting.

It has stories of famlily miracles and God's faithfulness.

I am also going to ask our parents to record their faith stories.

And on my birthday...

I got the best gift ever!

I got to add Bo's faith story!!!

We were waiting in the car for Annie to come out of school, Rocco was singing at the top of his lungs, singing nothing at all. Bo stopped him, "Rocco, you should sing 'I love God!' Like this." And they did. When they were done Bo said, I want to ask Jesus into my heart and be a Christian.

WHAT!!!

We talked.

He was ready.

We prayed.

I cried!

And when we got home I took his picture.

(Much longer version in our book :)

Is there any better Christmas Gift than that?

Eternal life and a personal relationship with God!

I hope you've received God's gift!

All Sparkly

2011-12-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

December is in full swing!

The advent chain is up & filling up.

Annie's School Show

The kid's church nativity

(guess who is Mary this year!!!)

Annie's shopping day with a special friend.

The play the

"Best Christmas Pagent Ever"

Christmas Eve

Christmas!

And today we tore off this one.

Because we were invited to a

Mother-Daughter Sparkle Party!

It was soooo fun!

We put on our sparkles.

(Annie literally put those stickers on my shirt :)

Then we headed to a fab party!

First, we did each others make-up.

Annie did my nails.

We glittered up picture frames, crowns, and treats.

The girls sprayed their hair,

and of course, they danced.

It was a blast!!!!

The Glitter was flying!!!

And I can't even tell you how glamourous I look now:

I'll be shiny for a good week.

But hey, every girl needs a little sparkle!

We felt completely loved :)

Thanks for a fun night!

O Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Living with little boys is VERY interesting.

Oh, there is my spatula!

Now why wouldn't I have thought to look in the heating vent?

Oh there is your toothbrush...

Of course, on the mirror by the front door!

Having grown up with girls I am constantly surprised.

They were all boy

when the Christmas trees went up.

Right away out came these toys:

We put up 3 real trees.

ALL of them are leaning by now.

I'll let you know when one tips.

The Pie Man

2011-11-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am married to a

Godly,

hockey player,

white collar,

farmer,
Mr. Fix-it,
auto mechanic,

goes into the woods and

cuts trees down to heat his parents' house,

rugged as they come,
man.

Who happens to also love baking pies.

I am talking grow the apples, bake a pie.

Grow the pumpkins,

bake some pies.

After a long day at the farm,

or at work,

he'll come home,

bake some pies

& then we throw everyone into the car

to deliver them warm,

to unsuspecting friends.

We joke that we need a pie mobile sign on our car

& a little siren on top that plays circus music as we drive up.

A few weeks ago I walked into church

and all on the same day from different women

I was handed:

1) a stack of pie plates,

2) a papmered chef crust protector

3) a canning magazine

4) a candle

All gifts FOR MY HUSBAND :)

It cracked me up!

(Did I mention he also started canning this year?)

My mom showe him how.

They even made some homeade ketchup!

Then, when I got together with some girlfriends,

Mendie pulls this out of her purse:

(but it was full :)

"This is for your husband,

he and I were talking about canning recipes."

And you should see the sweet letters

he is receiving in the mail from other women :)

I am a lucky girl...

I get pies and homeade goodies

& he teaches the kids to bake.

No wonder Bo is enjoying his cooking classes.

Best of all I am married to a man who loves

baking because of the joy it brings others.

Can ya blame me?

Just Paint & Eat

2011-11-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

I am not a mom you will likely hear saying,

"Don't play with your food."

Today we painted our snack :)

All you need is food coloring in milk,

bread,

and artists.

Lots of artists...

little boy artists,

little girl artists,

crazy little artist,

all kinds.

Just paint,

toast,

and then enjoy!

Who wouldn't want a little

sunshine and rainbows in the morning?

This brilliant artist would!

She gobbled my rainbow all up!

Hope you find time to play with your food!

A Personal Barista

2011-11-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

Meet my personal Baristas:

Rocco

and

Bo

Every morning, as we wait for Annie's ride to pick her up, we sit in the front room with her and the kids "whip me up some Starbucks."

Annie takes my order & ~~bosses around~~ helps out the baristas.

No calories AND free refills.

Good thing since I get served

at least a dozen cups in about 5 minutes flat.

Used Starbucks cups wash out beautifully for use in kitchen sets.

You should have seen the excitment when we

added the red Christmas cups to our collection this week.

It was pretty cute :)

Then before we know it Annie is out the door

& Starbucks is closed.

Making memories.

Do you have kitchen set memories?

Hope you'll share!

Sweet Belly Ache

2011-11-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Rocco, where is all your Halloween candy?

Oh my...those X-rays look terribly sweet!

For a little more sweetness my good friend just started

her own blog & would be so encouraged

by you sweet friends if you would pop by :)

Thanks Girls!!!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

So I got arrested:

and attacked by a dog,

all on my daughters wedding day.

Thank goodness my nephew the soilder was

there to make things right again!

I actually think Roo should have been the one arrested.

I caught him sneaking into Rocco's stash.

AND

Cassie

of A Serenade for Solitude...

You won the Jonah book!

Hope you all had some fun with your families tonight!

Here Comes the Bride

2011-10-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

What is a girl to do?

When your brother loses your shoe?

And your dressed like a bride,

but you just want to cry,

because your mom makes you wear tennis shoes.

I know that was a sad limerick...but hey, I tried :)

Actually, Annie didn't pout but she was

worried the tennys would ruin her outfit.

Just made her faster running around her Halloween party today :)

But, I must confess the scariest thing

I have seen this Halloween

is my baby girl dressed up like a bride!

That will stop any mom's heart even if it is pretend!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Hope yopu are having some Halloween Fun this weekend!

Children's Book Giveaway

2011-10-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

This happens to be my very favorite book:

A Special Fish for Jonah

It makes my kids smile
& they want to read it over
& over again.

Especially Bo.

Maybe, it's because Andy McGuire signed our copy to Bo.

One thing I know is that

it makes Bo laugh.

This version is from the account of an Angel Fish

who God chose to find the right fish for the job (carrying Jonah).

And Bo's favorite...

I'm not even gonna show you Annie's favorite...

you'll have to read it to see :)

Now, I am actually the luckiest girl because...

Andy McGuire actually happens to be a friend!

(Yes...I am name dropping here folks, definitely)

So that means...

...you can have it signed to whoever you want!

I will ship worldwide.

Just leave a comment on this post for a chance!

Winner announced Monday morning.

If you need a copy before that :)

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Elizabeth George "God's Wisdom"

Book winner is:

Polly Dove

My Happy Little Things

I'll email you today!

Good Luck!!!

Book Giveaway

2011-10-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Don't worry...I am not shipping any little boys instead I am giving away one copy of the book that inspired Pumpkin Blessings:

You can choose one for little girls or little boys.

As I use this book every morning with Annie for devotions,

my life is changed too.

Makes an amazing baby gift!!!

I will pick a winner when we get up tomorrow,

and post another book giveaway tomorrow!

I will ship anywhere.

To enter just leave a comment on this post.

Good luck girls!

Pumpkin Blessings

2011-10-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween can be a dark holiday,

so why not use it to spread light & blessings!

It all started with this book:

My mom asked if I had seen the page on kindness.

This is the picture for it:

And just look what I have.

Of course, I also have plenty of little boys

AND even more pumpkins!

(and a big sister ready to help)

The kids helped grow these pumpkins at my in-laws farm.

All we needed now was some black and white gingham ribbon

and some blessing messages!

Everyone wanted to help.

Soon we had our pumpkin blessings.

A whole wagon full!

Off they went to bless the neighborhood.

Bo pulled the wagon,

and Annie was the door girl.

I am not sure who liked it more,

my kids

or the neighbors.

And with an empty wagon,

home again,

jiggety jig.

As a Halloween blessing to you

my next 2 posts will be giving away two of my

favorite children's books!

On Thursday the book in this post, or the girl version, you choose :)

On Friday I will post a giveaway for a signed copy of this book:

He will even sign it to whoever you want.

(Great Christmas gift!)

I'll share more about it Friday!

Have a fabulous week!

Sad Eyes

2011-10-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Three boys had shots today.

Lots of shots.

They were very brave & two of them didn't even cry.

But, there were lots of sad eyes,

and this is one momma who hates sad eyes.

So, I pulled the happy card, my Starbucks card :)

Starbucks can cheer me up no matter what is wrong.

Turns out Starbucks works on little boys too.

Soon after they finished they magically turned back

into the little monsters they are.

Monsters with lots of hot chocolate on their shirts.

But, note to me:

Pumpkin masks GIVE sad eyes to babies.

He's gonna need some Starbucks.

(Thanks Bethy for the masks & Halloween goodie boxes!)

Sweetness

2011-10-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

My boy Bo has announced his future:

marry cousin Zadie, be a cop & Zadie will work in a factory.

"A factory?," I asked, "What will she make?"

"Rainbows & moons out of gold."

Can't you just picture this little girl making rainbows :)

My neighbor taught me a new secret to sweeten up strawberries.

Add a spoonful of Frech Vanilla coffee creamer...

...sweetness perfected.

And the sweetest of all is my bloggy friend.

Nicola wrote & asked me if Annie might enjoy some

"royal mail."

Why, yes she would!

She is wearing her magazine out

dreaming of her own wedding.

Thank you Nicola!!!

Sweet Sweet Sweet!!!

Crazy Running

2011-10-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, today by 9:40 this morning I had hit Target,

Walmart, Marshall's & a park.

With 3 boys in tow may I add :)

I got into the first store & I was putting

Roo in the cart & I had to ask,

"Who put that pumpkin in his car seat?"

You really feel stupid carrying a baby around with a pumpkin.

So we get into the 2nd store...

"Crap! I forgot to take that pumpkin out."

& the third...

"Your kidding me! Why didn't I take that pumpkin out!"

I got lots of smiles...

"That crazy lady is carrying a baby & a pumpkin"

around smiles.

But, speaking of crazy running around...

Last week, my friend Lisa & my cousin (BFF) Angie

ran the Twin Cities Marathon.

So I used my mom's machine

& made some shirts for Roo

& Angie's son to cheer her on.

My mom, our Aunt, Roo & I

headed down to cheer them on & I have to say..

The boys were the cutest cheerleaders down there!

Well...besides our Aunt.

But, it must of worked...

because the girls did Awesome!

YAY Angie & Lisa!!!!

Star Gazers

2011-10-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight the stars were bright.

Tonight summer air was lingering.

Kelly had put Annie to bed & she had fallen asleep.

But, I knew we only had 1 or 2 nights left like tonight.

So, I gently woke her up & told her to meet us on the deck.

We got out blankets, layed on our backs,

& watched the stars.

I was next to Bo & I loved peeking over at him.

Roo didn't know what to think.

There were lots of giggles,

lots of praises to our Creator,

and lots of, "Bo! Shhhh,!"

Some of the giggles were at Bo,

who always puts on Rocco's pants by accident.

He keeps us all smiling.

None of us wanted to go inside.

Starlight, starbright.

I wish you all such a beautiful night!

Purple Smiles

2011-10-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to pick up Annie from a sleepover at my mom's. When I got there they said they were just getting ready to make some grape juice. She was just headed out to the backyard to pick more grapes. So, of course, I followed her :)

She was very busy helping Nana.

She knew right what to do.

Clean

Boil

Then the fun part.

Smash 'em!

And as soon as he heard the word SMASH,

Bo wanted in.

And when the smashing QUICKLY got a little wild,

Nana had to step in & help out a little :)

It was truly THE BEST grape juice I ever had.

Can't argue with a purple smile!

What color was your smile this week?

Balloon Joy

2011-09-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

     It was one of those summer nights, the week before school started...no one wanted to go in because you just knew there wouldn't be many nights left like this. I always get so sentimental because I know that the next summer the kids will be so much more grown up.
   So, we were at the park with our cousins soaking in every last minute. I looked at the sky & said to my sister Kate, "Oh that's sad...some kid lost their balloon." WAYYY in the distance you could see the black shape of balloons.
     About 30 minutes later I couldn't believe it, "Look! Those balloons are landing right here! Bo go get those balloons!"

Attatched to the balloons was a little basket.

And the basket was filled with goodies

for the kids who found the balloons!

We were so excited!

We took the ballons home, changed out the goodies,

and Nature Girl helped Rocco send them on their way.

Up, up & away.

I think we found a new summer tradition.

Next year, I will put our city & lift off time in the cup.

& maybe an email address...maybe :)

It sure made the night special!

Cucumber Boats

2011-09-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

This summer my neighbor came over with a big cucumber,

he thought we might like it to carve into cucumber boats.

Cucumber boats? Why yes, we would!

We had a bunch of too big cucumbers too,

each kid made their own.

I carved & they decorated.

Straw, paper & tape.

We can handle that!

Rocco picked the "fancy one."

& when Bo's sank he said,

"Cool! Mine's a submarine!"

As I was taking pictures a frog hopped right over my shoulder

into the pond making us all scream!

Yes...me too :)

It took awhile for the kids to sail again

after Mr. Hoppy surprised us.

But it was one of those afternoons where you just knew...

...they would remember.

And to a mom...those afternoons are priceless.

Vegas Baby

2011-09-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

When People think of Las Vegas they think of Paties & gambling but me...

I think of my BFF Sarah.

We were neighbors growing up,

took a million summer night walks as teens,

even taught together at the same school

& then in prances Ryan.

Steals her heart & drags her off to Las Vegas :)

If he wasn;t such a good cook I'd have to take revenge.

When the wedding in Colorado was done my husband & Bo flew home and Roo & I flew onto Las Vegas.

(Sarah & my husband planned this as a surprise & I found out about a week before we left.)

It was heavenly!

Now, I am not into gambling or partying

but you should have seen Roo!

He hit the strip & we had a hard time keeping up.

Vegas Baby!

His fave was the Bellagio.

Inside

and out.

So we chilled with his peeps (Sarah's kids),

and took in a fountain show.

and while the paparazzi was

taking pictures of me with my Godson,

& my BFF.

The party king snuck off,

& lucky he is too young for credit cards or we

would have gone home broke.

He also did a lot of flirting with the ladies.

I'm gonna have to watch this guy!

As much as I hated to leave

I couldn't wait to get home because

I actually missed Annie's first day of school!

But thanks to Daisy Pink Cupcake's giveway

(She knows about everything cool!!!)

I was able to leave behind a first day care package.

The coolest book by Joyce Wan!

Joyce even autographed it!!!

We feel so blessed

& EVERYONE loves it.

It truly is the sweetest book I've ever read.

Gonna order some for baby gifts :)

Can't wait!

~Thanks~

Sarah

Daisy

& Joyce!

Ahhhhhh....

2011-09-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

My fingers are so happy on the keys of our new computer.

Two weeks with a broken computer

& a little traveling make it hard to keep blogging :)

But we had a ring bearer to deliver!

So Bo, Roo, Kel & I boarded a plane

& headed to Colorado.

And after a little mountain climbing,

sky touching,

& boot buying,

we delivered that ring bearer!

Hey Bo...where'd everybody go?

Hey everybody...where did Bo go?

Roo had fun too :)

Everyone did!

Congrats Lovebirds!!!

Can't wait to catch up with everyone this week!

I Don't Remember...

2011-08-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

I don't remember it being hard to learn to ride a bike...

This will be the summer that I remember as

"Annie learning to ride a bike summer."

We have been trying to teach her for years.

YEARS!

She is on her third brand-new bike,

she keeps outgrowing them before she can ride them.

She is seven.

I keep thinking she will learn...

It is more fun to hit your head on a brick wall

than to teach her to ride a bike.

When I say she has learned, I mean,

she can go forward without training wheels.

She loves it.

She goes zooming around one handle bar with streamers,

as the other was chopped off by her brother,

(causing many tears).

I should feel good now

but I am scared.

She hits parked cars.

Parked!

"WATCH OUT CAR!"

Don't feel bad little car...if she misses you this time,

she'll get you next time.

She drives down the middle of the road.

I only let her go to the mailbox & back (two houses away)

& I hold my breath until she returns safely.

"Get to the side!!!!"

"I AM!"

If we have a car in our driveway...

She will hit it,

probably twice.

If I am sitting in a chair on the driveway.

She will hit me,

probably twice.

Kelly: I'm going to take her for a bike ride.

Me: No! She is terrible! Take her to a bike path.

She hits parked cars.

Kelly: (Smiles) No, she doesn't.

Me: Annie! Come here! Do you hit every parked

car you pass when you ride your bike?

Annie: No, not every car. Most of them, but I missed

that one today.

She was serious.

We took her to a bike path.

I stayed behind with Roo in the stroller

& Rocco on his scooter.

When we met up, Kel said, "She's horrible!"

I chuckled, "Why?"

"Everytime a person comes by she barrels down the middle

& yells, "WATCH OUT!!!!"

Yesterday, when I was sitting out front watching the kids she slammed in to the garage door.

How can you not see a garage door?!

I just don't remember it being hard.

So, she learned to ride her bike

....now if I can get her to steer & stop,

it will be a miracle.

I'll have to put my biker hopes on Batman.

Under the Sea Party

2011-08-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

When we were in Alabama we picked up a few goodies for Annie to host a beach luncheon with her friends.

So what do little girls eat at a beach lunch?

Sweedish Fish in Jello

Watermelon Sudaes

Cheese Kabobs

Peanut Butter & Celery "Seaweed"

Tuna Salad & Noodles

& Princess Cakes for dessert

The girls each loved their "message in a bottle."

After lunch they filled

their little bottles with sand & tiny shells.

(Cracker Barrel Syrup Bottles)

The girls were bonded with matching bracelets.

We had a lovely afternoon

& I got the best thank you ever...a concert!

When I was folding all that blue fabric up

Bo said, "I want to get on there."

I said, "You don't get on this, it's fabric"

"Then why was I just on it &

Rocco was pulling me all over the house?"

"That is a very good question, Bo."

What to do...?

2011-08-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

So there is a heat advisory & your air conditioning is out

...has been all weekend.

(they charge double on weekends you know :)

It is too hot to even eat.

Then, Rocco hands me a box of cake mix.

What to do?

Why not!

so we skipped lunch & went right for dessert :)

Strawberry cake made on a cookie sheet

with light cool whip for topping.

That's it!

Unless of course you'd like sprinkles!

Everyone has their own style of eating these babies.

Annie digs right in.

Rocco is a little more refined.

Just be sure to wash your face when you are done!

Soon after our treat, the air conditioning truck pulled up,

& the kids couldn't believe he would sit out in his truck so long!

But alas...cold air is here again :)

(Never thought I would ever use the word alas, I kinda like it:)

Also, thank you for all your sweet comments about

Annie's 50s Party!

You girls really are amazing friends!

50s Birthday Party ~ BYO Poodle Skirt

2011-08-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Annie's Birthday Sock Hop finally arrived.

Lucky girl, her Auntie Cake had the perfect room for her party.

The decorations were up,

the saddle shoes were tied,

the hair was greased,

the curlers were set,

It was time to party!

(Here comes the part you need to sing.)

"I can mash potatoes,"

"I can do the twist."

"Do the twist!"

"Tell ME Baby,"

"Do you like it like this?"

"Do you love me?"

"Do ya love me?"

"Now that I can dance...."

"Dance...."

"Dance!!!!!"

"Watch me now!"

All that dancing can make a girl hungry :)

No 50s party is complete without a Malt Shop!

Then, a little time to just play,

smile,

swing,

and chase chickens.

The night wrapped up with presents,

a movie with all the kids' families,

and a visit to the A&W for rootbeer floats & popcorn.

Oh, what a night!

Special thanks to my sister "Auntie Cake", my parents who helped out & to all the kids who came & made the party perfect!

Got Glitter?

2011-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

When I say I've been busy it is not the busy you think.

It is the:

"RIGHT NOW I am putting up a post,

nursing a babe,

playing baseball with Rocco (my turn to bat),

yelling 'Bo! Don't flood the bathroom again!' "

busy.

No man could do this :)

When the boys nap I like to spend some girl time with Annie. Today, we did one of my old favorites...glitterize!

All that glitter makes me smile :)

What made YOU smile today?

Adorable bracelet from Cheryl

Thanks again!

Birthday Party Tips

2011-07-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

If you are having a party, my new favorite thing to do is:

Create personalized party labels

*create simple labels (I used Microsoft Publisher)

*send them to your local print shop via email

*have them printed on large clear sticky backs

*pick up

*stick them on everything!

A few bucks goes a loooong way!

A little "Thank You" tag for the favor boxes.

Boxes 8 for $1.50 @ Walmart

Some plain cirlces always come in handy too.

Perfect for their candy bags.

And run just a few copies of everyones names.

They're great for any favors.

Another good tip is...

...just because they sell Do-it-yourself balloon animal kits,

doesn't mean you should buy them.

Last summer, my lil sister & I

thought we would be such fun moms

& she got her kit out.

First of all...

...no instructions.

We had fun trying to make something better than each other,

I totally won...I won't even embarrass her by

posting her creation

(Code for: I can't find a pic of hers, but mine was way better anyways.)

"What is it?"

"It's a puppy Bo."

"It's a puppy? I LOVE my puppy!"

"Look Zadie! I have a puppy!"

POP!

"Zadie let's see your balloon?"

POP!

Like, where's the fun in that?

See the tears on that poor girls shirt?

Labels - Yes

DIY Balloon Animals - 2 Thumbs Down

The balloon your mom made

looks better like that anyway kid.

I heart sisters

50s Party ~ Favors

2011-07-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

My favorite favors I picked up for the 50s party

are these little cat eye glasses from The Dollar Store.

They are actually little reading glasses.

My Dad helped me smash the lenses out so the girls can actually

see through them without going blind :)

When Annie saw this pair she got REALLY excited.

She claimed them for her own.

My mom had a great idea and said,

"Why don't you add some gems to the rest of them?"

So I did!

I cut apart these little cell phone gems

that were a buck from the craft store,

and added a little bling to all the glasses.

It was the perfect touch!

What do you think?

Angie's Watermelon

2011-07-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

So, since I introduced you to my cousin Angie
I thought I would share one of her ideas with you.

You can't know me with out knowing Angie.

Born about 2 months before me she is my DOUBLE cousin.

My mom & her Dad are siblings

AND my Dad & her mom are sibling.

Got that?

We played together as children,

best friends as teens,

graduated together,

ran & rollerbladed MANY MANY miles together,

were in each other's weddings,

and we still hang :)

She ALWAYS has fun in store for me.

I need her.

Last Summer, to the 4th of July Party she brought watermelon.

FROZEN WATERMELON!

It was sooo refreshing!

Just cut watermelon into popsicle shapes,

slip it onto a popsicle or lollipop stick,

wrap in tin foil,

& a few hours later you will have the perfect treat!

It took about 15 frames to get a good

"eating watermelon" pic :)

This one cracks me up.

I let it sit for a few minutes before I enjoy it.

Also if your watermelon is on the cusp of old age,

and you can't eat another bite before it goes bad...

...I use my melon baller and put single serving portions into plastic ziplocs, pop them in the freezer and then pull them out to eat instead of ice cream.

Let me know if you try it!

Thanks Ang!

Yes I Did...

2011-07-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

My cousin Angie keeps me young.

We have been BFFs since I was born. :)

She always has something fun up her sleeve.

And tonight....

It was NKOTB.

Yes, I did.

Oh the memories...

...of waiting out overnight for tickets (MANY times).

the letters I wrote them,

stalking them at their hotels when they were in town,

The time we had front row center seats!!!

Ahhhh...makes me smile :)

And tonight they made me smile again.

(I just used my lil' camera & left the pics unedited so you could get the feel.)

They are touring with the Back Street Boys.

Now all I have is my stub

my memories,

And a smile to fall asleep with.

Thanks GUYS!

Thanks to Angie & Pham for the great seats!

And thanks to my parents for babysitting until one in the morning since Kel is out of town :)

Do you remember the New Kids on the Block?

Pirate Party

2011-07-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Bo's Birthday was when we were on vacation.

I wasn't sure how we were going to swing it but

our favorite restaurant THE HANGOUT had Pirates & Princesses every morning over breakfast.

So a Pirate Party it was.

My mom got Bo this cute hat!

The pirates were fierce & scared the heck out of Rocco.

They dropped gold coins as they walked along.

Annie picked up a bunch & showed me her loot.

I told her she looked way too nice to be a pirate so...

Much Better.

There was a treasure hunt too.

Pretty Sweet Booty.

And all I had to do was buy a cake!

You have one treasure hunt

& everyone thinks they are a pirate!

And when we got home we made a

special little box for our pirate adventures:

for our pirate stash.

Much easier than Annie's Sock Hop...

I am seeing circles!

I am glad to be done cutting these little invitation

books for Annie's class.

But, I LOVED how they turned out.

Should be a fun night!

Our Shark Attack

2011-07-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Most people don't want to see sharks where they are swimming.

Not us...we saw a fisherman catch a little shark

& we ran right over to see it.

This was Bo's favorite part of the trip.

When the fisherman threw him back another man

picked him up to see him.

So Kate (My sis) says, "Can I see that for a second?"

Meanwhile (tiny, helpless, poor, defensless) Baby Roo had been lying peacefully on the beach.

I mean just look at the sweet little thing...

And Kate decides it would be cool to get a pic

with Roo & the Shark.

Cute...

until the shark started flopping around like crazy!!!

And a man starts yelling, "He has teeth girls!" at us.

And I start yelling, "Get him!!! Get him!!!" at Kate as I am still snapping pictures.

Which she does.

Poor Roo.

First shark attack at only 2 months old.

Ocean

2011-07-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

One reason it has been a little quite on my blog is that we took a road trip!

A 24 hour road trip.

No, we were not gone for 24 hours, we were in the car 24 hours...one way...

Yes...we are all still alive.

3 hours into the ride Bo started crying & howling,

"My buns hurt! My buns are bleeding!"

& I got very worried because we had a looooong way to go & here Bo might need a bun operation. But after a little beach towel repairs on his car seat, his buns recovered & we had a rather peaceful, long, trip to the gulf coast of Alabama.

We traveled with my family, my whole family...

and we had a blast!!!

Cruising with the dolphins,

Running on the beach,

Flying with the Blue Angels,

Splashing in the waves,

Running on the beach,

Enjoying their first foam party :),

Laying on the beach,

Souvenir shopping,

Ferris Wheel riding,

& sand castle building.

Did I mention running on the beach?

No...he never stopped :)

We laughed a ton.

We laughed at Kate's "Nature Girl's" tan,

and at Zadie on the go carts.

& even a little giggle over her hair:)

you didn't even KNOW I was so mean!

I just couldn't resist.

(Dear Lord, Please do NOT let this beautiful woman read my blog.)

We took LOTS of pictures:

And between EVERY SHOT I'd hear,

"We got a runner!"

and Kel would have to drag Rocco back for the next shot.

It looks like I love Annie the best but actually...

...she is the only one who would cooperate.

Mostly, it was just fun watching the kids enjoying themselves

and falling in love with the ocean,

Even if it did sting to get salt in your eye.

We had so much fun that when the week was done

we actually decided to stay an extra week.

And then we had to drive all the way home again.

Flat tire around hour 22.

Annie captured it all in her journal,

and I took over 2000 pictures.

So you see even if this is the longest post you have

ever read in your life,

I went easy on ya :)

But my next post will probably be our shark tale.

The 4th

2011-07-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

The forurth of July has always been my favorite holiday.

I think it is Roo's fave too.

Okay...so he just layed there :)

Kate had a party Saturday night and

had the kiddies bring their bikes.

She had lots of decorations to
"Pimp their rides" :)

They liked having their bikes all souped up

but they REALLY liked me to do it for them :)

We dressed the kids in red, white, & blue,

but about 5 minutes in to me decorating 6 bikes & a wagon...

Bo was standing in her garage in nothing but his shark tooth necklace & his underware.

"I'm wet,"

he says.

Squirt guns.

Luckily, I had more clothes along so I got him dressed

and 5 minutes later he is walking around naked again.

"Bo!!!"

"I'm wet!"

Again.

But after we got Bo to keep on some clothes :)

The bikes got decorated

& the kids were adorable

zooming all around the yard throughout the night.

I mean who wouldn't want a flag on your handlebars?

Happy 4th!!!!

Little Orphan Annie

2011-06-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Can you guess where my girl is off to tonight?

Off to see

at the Children's Theater

with some sweet friends!

Thanks guys!!!

Lucky Girl!

Just the boys & me tonight.

Speaking of boys...

Remember last week when I wrote about dancing in the kitchen with this guy?

Well...

While Annie & I were "doing the Mashed Potato"

& "doing the Twist."

Rocco was dancing behind the table for awhile.

Bo came up into the kitchen & says, "Holy Moley! there are grapes all over the place & they are all smashed to bits!"

Turns out Rocco was doing a dance of his own,

& Bo was right...Holy Moley! There sure were a lot of smooshed grapes!"

That boy knows how to have some fun :)

P.S. When Annie was at the play Annie tonight the theater took

her picture & put it on their facebook page :)

Link Here

Kinda fun! :)