Party Like a Three Year-Old

I finally got around to throwing a party for Julia and Harry. Their birthday came the weekend of the marathon, so we had to postpone the celebration a bit. Good thing they didn't know, right?

I spray painted hair blue and pinks. Some of the kids thought it was crazy cool and the others just thought I was crazy.

Raef and Zach were so helpful. They loved being a part of this party. Raef even set up an obstacle course, which was lots of fun.

Then we tried some Duck Duck Goose. They sort of got the game, except some of the kids took the long way around the circle, as in a quick jaunt around the entire house.

We then went outside and shot off balloon rockets. That was lots of fun.

And why not have a costume parade?

Time for some cupcakes. Harry blew out his candle with his party blower.  The party blowers were a big hit and kept everyone busy for at least 20 minutes.

He was a bit surprised when the flame went out.

Instead of doing ice cream, I opted for a classic popsicle.  I think everyone was pretty happy.

It is official now...happy birthday to my latest three year-old muffins. Love you guys.

Party Like a 10 Year Old

Raef and Zach turned 10 last week.  Wow! I have been a parent for like, a decade.  So, of course we threw a party for them.  It was a big success.  I had the boys clean up the house.  They were surprisingly motivated because they had good motivation.  Then they decorated.  All you need is a bag of balloons and some scotch tape and eager boys and voila! 

I wasn't sure when to schedule this shindig because of kids' schedules so I asked around at Cub Scouts on Tuesday and it seemed that Friday night would be the best time. Kids are way too busy on Saturday.  I made some calls, sent out an evite, and we were on the way. No sense in dillydallying.  I like waiting until the very last minute.  I even remembered Wednesday night to ask my friend Wendy to make cupcakes.

Aren't they awesome?  She did Mario for Zach and Legos for Raef.  Wendy is uber-talented.  If you need a special cake or cupcakes in the Reno area, she is the one to call.

One less thing I had to worry about.

I set up some activities for the boys.  I had made a scavenger hunt for outside, but the weather changed quickly and I decided to keep it all indoors. Instead, I whipped up a word search and told them that when they finished, they would get a prize. It was full-sized Skittles candy bag and stuff like that. They loved it and pretty much everyone did the word search.  

Then I had lots of office supplies and instructions on how to build weapons.  It was a huge hit. The book is called Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction and my boys totally love it. They are at the age where they love to construct things.  The other boys did too.  It made it even more fun because once they built their pen bow and arrow set and catapult they had a war and were running all over the house having lots of fun.

Back row (left-right): Aleks, Adam R., Porter, Ryker, Adam D.
Middle: Raef, Trevor, Ethan, Anders, Gus, Brenan
Front: McLean, Ryan, Jaden, Zach, Tucker

I also had stuff for them to make their own pizzas.  I kept them coming in batches so kids were constantly eating.  Plus, with the Doritos, licorice and cookies, the kids seemed pretty well fed.  What can I say? I am a stickler for healthy food.  And surprisingly enough, they ate all the cookies!

These are the boys my kids wanted to invite. I reminded them of a few they forgot, but I didn't really make suggestions beyond that.  There were a few boys that couldn't come, but it was neat that so many boys were able to celebrate with us, even with the wild fire evacuations the day before.

Trevor and Raef

Ethan and Julia

Happy birthday Raef and Zach.  You are on your way!

Harry and Julia Turned 2

I drove with the kids down to Arizona for the week. My youngest sister Catye was getting married.  It was a very long drive.  I broke it up into two days, where we stayed one night in Las Vegas. I stayed with my older sister Christi at her house and the kids were able to play with their cousins. They had a lot of fun. While they played, Christi and I worked on getting things together for Catye's wedding reception.

On Wednesday, I went up to visit my younger sister Heather at her house in Scottsdale. She was housing Catye and my brother Jamie and Mike, in preparation for the wedding. So we went up to visit. Christi couldn't come, but we still had to do some kind of celebration for Harry and Julia.  They turned 2! I can't believe it.

Heather bought them a little birthday cake and we sang to them and enjoyed the treat togehter. It was a lot of fun and it was such a joy to be able to see all of my siblings, and new brother, Mike.

Twins Can Party!

Raef and Zach turned 7 on January 15th. I didn't have a clue what I was going to do for them for their birthdays. So, a few days before the big day I decided to just throw them a party at the park. I checked the weather and it was supposed to be beautiful, and it was. I sent out a mass email to all church friends, posted notices on my Yahoo Homeschool groups, and put it on Facebook.

The result?

There must have been at least 30-40 people there. It was amazing. I got two cakes at Sam's Club, no baking required, bought a ton of candy and was ready to go. I didn't decorate anything or do any extra floofy stuff. I just set out the smorgasbord of candy, a candy buffet for the kids, and as soon as my kids got there, we sang and cut the cake.

It was a surprise party. Melanie brought the boys over and we were there waiting for them. They just said, "Hi, Mom" and kept running around the park with their friends.

It was a huge success.

I think planning is way over-rated.

Seven Years of Marvelous Adventures

Seven years ago today, I gave birth to two beautiful baby boys. Oh, how little they were. Raef came out first at 7:30pm, weighing 5lbs. 8oz. Zach quickly followed 2 minutes later at 4lbs. 6oz.

What a beautiful, wonderful, marvelous journey it has been. We prayed for many years that they would come into our lives. The Lord heard our prayers and they were answered, abundantly.


Raef, I don't think I have ever seen a child with a sweeter spirit than you. You are so kind and loving and thoughtful. Your heart is made of gold. Oh, how we have laughed together and played together. You have such a wonderful curiosity and you ask the best questions. You are a good friend to many kids and are so very gentle. I love you. How did you grow up so fast?



Zach, my little Zach: such a thinker. You are a smart kid who loves to excel at everything you do. You work hard and love to share all the things you have learned. Sometimes you just need to be by yourself, reading a good book. You are such a nice, fun kid, but you can be tough as nails...and you say the funniest things. I love the little moments we have shared and how you will just come and cuddle with me for no reason at all. What will you be when you grow up? I am excited to watch you bloom.