A day of rest (and catch-up)

After all these birthdays and parties, today I finally have absolutely nothing I have to do, nowhere I have to be. Thank goodness!! I'd really just like to sit here on the couch and veg. But, I guess maybe I should put away the dishes (from Monday's wash), put the dirties in the dishwasher and reorganize all the stuff I threw (hid) in closets right before party time. At least I've gotten the blog caught up with entries and pictures from all the excitement.

Celebrating at school

Brett got to celebrate his birthday at school along with his friend, Ellie, who he also shares a birthday with. We brought pizza, chocolate milk and cookie cake. I think they liked it. Nine 4&5 years olds ate almost 3 medium pizzas!

The birthday kids

Brett & his buddies - Dylan & Joseph

This little cutie is Sophia. Her mom told me today that Brett is her boyfriend. But shhh, don't tell him. He doesn't know - it's a secret!

He's a Whole Hand

You turned five today. Last night you were so upset about getting older. When I put you to bed I said good night (for the last time) to my four year old boy. You got very sad and started to cry. You told me you didn't want to turn five. You wanted to turn two. "Why?" I asked. "Because then you would still hold me and sing to me", you said while sitting on my lap. "But that's what I'm doing right now", I said. "You used to dance me around", you cried. I understand why you cried, I miss those days too. But being five is going to be so much fun. You are going to learn to ride a 2 wheeler with no training wheels, get to play t-ball, swim and go off the diving board with no help and start kindergarten.

I wish I could have spent all day with you on your birthday, but I guess we get to spend most days together - at least for a little while longer. I'll cherish them while we have them - even if it means playing wii or star wars or play doh. And remember, you'll always be my baby and I'll hold you and sing to you as long as you'll let me. I love you birthday boy! You are the sweetest thing I've ever known.

Happy Birthday Kate

You turned 8 today. Usually the night before your birthday you are sad and don't want to get older. Not this year. You were so excited - you were giddy! You actually said, "I don't think I can sleep. I'm so excited! I might just have to stay up until midnight so it will be my birthday!" I told you the story of the night you were born and you just wore a permanent grin on your face as you fell asleep.

When you woke up, you asked for birthday pancakes - big ones - with a candle. So that's what you got. And another round of "Happy Birthday to You" while you did this silly little dance.

This was the first year that you've been in school that you've gotten to have a birthday on a school day. This year they even had your "Friendship" Valentine party on your birthday. Can it get any better than that?! I'm so glad I got to come to school and celebrate with you.

After school you had dance and didn't even complain about going because you knew we were heading to Pizza Street afterward (your choice). What a great birthday - and Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday to my sweet 8 year old - I love you bunches!

Our crazy busy Party weekend

Saturday was the day. Party was the theme. Birthday parties that is! I took the weekend off to have both kids birthday parties. Brett's was scheduled for 10, Kate's for 2. As with life, plans had to change. Our good friend Zane lost his father and the funeral was scheduled for 10am on Saturday morning. So we quick changed the time of Brett's to 12-2. We could do it, right? Of course! And we didn't feel like there was any other option. We had to be at the funeral and we had to get these parties done while I was off. So we started our day off saying good bye to Chuck Hall. He lived 80 full years and was surrounded by a very loving familly that will miss him very much.

Next was hurry home to set up for Brett's party. Star Wars was the theme he picked, so I dove right in starting with the invitation.

We ate pizza

had cake & ice cream

opened presents

and did some Jedi training with our handy light sabers

It was a beautiful day outside, which was good for all the light sabering going on! As Brett's guests were leaving, Kate's started showing up. It was a little hectic, but we got everyone in the right places.

Katelyn wanted a Peace Sign party. Here was her invitation

We started with a craft for her party. We made peace sign key chains. I think my helper would have liked it if I'd have tried one ahead of time, but you know me - I just wing it! Then came cake time.

present opening

and had a little dance party.

These kids had some moves!



Later that night, we went out for Zane's 40th Birthday. A little BBQ & blues was the theme for this party.

Kisses for the birthday boy

Steve & Zane posed for a picture - this might be a first

Steve Lemon got bluesy on the paper towel drum

Steph encouraged tips

V&Z looked sweet together

WHEW! What a day! Three parties and a funeral - sounds like a movie, huh?
Also want to add a HUGE thank you to my mom & dad for helping clean the house, the driveway, help with parties and watch kids so I could make it all happen. They are the best!

Snowed in - Day 3

Thursday, Feb 3

Starting feel like I'm in the movie Groundhog's Day - more movies, more crafts, more treats, more snow play. Still never left the house or my pjs (and yes, they are the same ones as yesterday)

I guess it's been fun staying in, playing and all. We even got all our valentines done and boxes started. But I'm most excited about the fact that there is school tomorrow - for everyone!

Snowed in - Day 2

Wednesday, Feb 2

More movies, more crafts, more treats and more snow play. Steve home again from work due to weather. I never made it out of the house or my pjs.

Another call that evening - no school on Thursday - yipee (said with little enthusiam and a lot of sarcasm)

Snowed in - the first day

The storm started Monday. The storm of the century. Snow-maggedon. Snow-pocolypse. You name it, they said it. We were scheduled for anywhere from 3-23 inches, depending on who was forecasting. It started misty ice on Monday morning. Streets were slick, but nothing too bad. School was in session. But by Monday night, schools were canceled. Tuesday morning the snow had begun. By 11 am, we had about 3 inches and it was really coming down. Steve was even sent home from work due to weather. We spent most of the day inside, watching movies, eating cookies and doing some crafts (that this smart think ahead mom got on clearance at Wal-Mart on Monday). By mid afternoon, we had about 8 inches and a backhoe had come to help clear streets and start our mountain of snow. It was time to go out and play in it!

School already called off for Wednesday. This was going to be a long week.