I had no idea the toddler crowd could be such partiers. We had about 13 kids, including the birthday girl.
It was utter chaos. Yet completely fun.
We had a bit of some game time at the beginning. If you've never seen 13 children running and screaming, you're totally missing out. We thought it would be best to start off with that to work up their appetites.
Then we feasted on hot dogs a la picnic style. That can be either good or bad depending on whether or not your plate got eaten off of or stepped on as someone was running through.
After all the food we decided to open presents. Zoe got some really adorable things. Cute clothes, some books, some stuffed animals and lots of toys. She's still learning about opening presents, but her more experienced friends were more than happy to help her unwrap and even break in her newly acquired items. I'm not going to lie, there was a bit of a mob mentality going on during the present opening. I've never seen so many little hands clawing and grabbing at stuff.
We made it out safely and onto seed planting. What is a garden party without some flower seeds. Each child got their own little pot, a spoon to shovel the potting soil and some sweet pea seeds. The birthday girl was the only one to take a big spoonful of potting soil and eat it. She was also the only one to attempt to eat one of the seeds.
I think this year we'll be working on non-food related activities. Apparently snacking is too much a part of her every day life.
In an attempt to get rid of the potting soil taste and the fall-out from me freaking out and rinsing out her mouth, we did cake at the end. Plus there is nothing better than sugaring all those kids up and sending them home.
The birthday girl was a bit shy and preferred not to look at the crowd singing to her. She was more than happy to have a BIG piece of chocolate cake and eat it with a big girl fork.
It is safe to say the party was an absolute hit. I had as much fun as the toddler crowd.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday Five Faves - vol. 3
It's been an off-week for me. On one hand I've got so much to be thankful for. On the other, some things have been a struggle. Like my professional life this week. I kinda feel bad about focusing a little on the negative because I hate watching the news or reading some article about how the sky has been falling. I don't want this to be a place people come and have their smile get turned upside down.
I'm really struggling. I'm not going to go into details, but I'm experiencing some professional stresses that would have made me quit prior jobs. I love what I do and I believe in what our office is doing, I just am struggling with certain aspects of things right now. Things that make me dread coming into the office. That keep me up at night. That make the pit of my stomach hurt from stress.
I only know to pray about it. Which is the best thing for these types of things, but I'm human, so my emotions tend to be a little wonky because of it. I'm really hoping to check those at the door this afternoon because I have some partying to do.
Namely with a certain 2 year old and some of her friends. Which is my #1 this week. I'm totally stoked about the party. Not to give too much away, but we have a hot dog/german sausage feed with salads and chips, game time for the kids to include a small basketball hoop, a bean bag toss and a seed planting station. Then the cake is the shape of a butterfly because it totally matches the Garden Party theme. The centerpieces are adorable. I'll post pictures of them after the party.
2) Dinner with family tonight. D & E will be with us the weekend for the festivities. Tonight N's sister and her family are coming over for some food, fellowship and Wii. It'll be nice to visit with them and just enjoy our time together.
3) Zoe's new cowboy boots. Her G.G. sent them from Austin for her birthday. Aren't they adorable? She'll be line dancin' and two steppin' in no time.
4) My amazing husband. N has been helping out around the house this week extra because of how hard things have been for me. I come home to a clean house, clean laundry and a phone call telling me all kinds of sweet lovey-dovey things. He's made this week better. I'm so thankful that he is a husband who can sense my frustrations and my stresses and does what he can to be supportive. He is truly a demonstration of God's grace in my life.
5) Early bed times. Last night at 8 o'clock Zoe brought me her bedtime book and we read it. Then she ran into the kitchen while she asked for a bottle. At 8 o'clock. That is a whole hour before her normal bedtime. When I told her we needed to get ready for bed, you'd think I just told her I killed her puppy. Because she cried and cried and cried. Alligator tears ensued.
After her bottle, she got into her comfy position on my lap, turned her head toward me, blew me a kiss and was asleep. That little gesture there brought a slew of tears and made my week's stresses vanish.
Then I got to watch The Office. Even though it was a rerun, it was new to me.
It was like the perfect evening. Especially since I lost this week. After eating more food this weekend than I should in a week because, hello, celebrating a birthday! Whatever fries she didn't eat, I couldn't let those go to waste. They were birthday fries. We all know those taste better.
Have a great Friday all.
I'm really struggling. I'm not going to go into details, but I'm experiencing some professional stresses that would have made me quit prior jobs. I love what I do and I believe in what our office is doing, I just am struggling with certain aspects of things right now. Things that make me dread coming into the office. That keep me up at night. That make the pit of my stomach hurt from stress.
I only know to pray about it. Which is the best thing for these types of things, but I'm human, so my emotions tend to be a little wonky because of it. I'm really hoping to check those at the door this afternoon because I have some partying to do.
Namely with a certain 2 year old and some of her friends. Which is my #1 this week. I'm totally stoked about the party. Not to give too much away, but we have a hot dog/german sausage feed with salads and chips, game time for the kids to include a small basketball hoop, a bean bag toss and a seed planting station. Then the cake is the shape of a butterfly because it totally matches the Garden Party theme. The centerpieces are adorable. I'll post pictures of them after the party.
2) Dinner with family tonight. D & E will be with us the weekend for the festivities. Tonight N's sister and her family are coming over for some food, fellowship and Wii. It'll be nice to visit with them and just enjoy our time together.
3) Zoe's new cowboy boots. Her G.G. sent them from Austin for her birthday. Aren't they adorable? She'll be line dancin' and two steppin' in no time.
4) My amazing husband. N has been helping out around the house this week extra because of how hard things have been for me. I come home to a clean house, clean laundry and a phone call telling me all kinds of sweet lovey-dovey things. He's made this week better. I'm so thankful that he is a husband who can sense my frustrations and my stresses and does what he can to be supportive. He is truly a demonstration of God's grace in my life.
5) Early bed times. Last night at 8 o'clock Zoe brought me her bedtime book and we read it. Then she ran into the kitchen while she asked for a bottle. At 8 o'clock. That is a whole hour before her normal bedtime. When I told her we needed to get ready for bed, you'd think I just told her I killed her puppy. Because she cried and cried and cried. Alligator tears ensued.
After her bottle, she got into her comfy position on my lap, turned her head toward me, blew me a kiss and was asleep. That little gesture there brought a slew of tears and made my week's stresses vanish.
Then I got to watch The Office. Even though it was a rerun, it was new to me.
It was like the perfect evening. Especially since I lost this week. After eating more food this weekend than I should in a week because, hello, celebrating a birthday! Whatever fries she didn't eat, I couldn't let those go to waste. They were birthday fries. We all know those taste better.
Have a great Friday all.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
We finally got a pony
I took yesterday off to celebrate Zoe's birthday. We woke up late, cuddled and played most of the day. It was perfect. Even the Disney Channel must've known it was her birthday because they played her favorite Mickey Mouse episode. When she realized it, she squealed and started dancing.
We went to dinner at Grandma's house. Of course she made Zoe's favorite. Chicken nuggets, green beans and rice. Then she even got a HUGE piece of chocolate cake. To say it was a perfect day is putting it mildly!
It was a perfect day for me too. For months I've been trying to get her hair into a ponytail. Her hair has a mind all its own. There is even a large cowlick in the back that make any kind of style difficult.
However yesterday I was successful. She looked adorable.
And more like a toddler than I have ever noticed.
We went to dinner at Grandma's house. Of course she made Zoe's favorite. Chicken nuggets, green beans and rice. Then she even got a HUGE piece of chocolate cake. To say it was a perfect day is putting it mildly!
It was a perfect day for me too. For months I've been trying to get her hair into a ponytail. Her hair has a mind all its own. There is even a large cowlick in the back that make any kind of style difficult.
However yesterday I was successful. She looked adorable.
And more like a toddler than I have ever noticed.
Monday, January 26, 2009
She is TWOrific
Today we are celebrating a milestone. Zoe turns 2. On one hand I cannot believe this day is here. On the other its an age we've been waiting for since the day she was born.
When you have a preemie, most of the developmental or physical delays go away when the child reaches the age of 2. Zoe, true to form, follows this rule.
She is the same size as her peers, talks and plays like them. She even can climb and run like they do. It's a milestone that creeped up on me, but still amazes me daily.
Zoe,
When I first saw you on the ultrasound, I knew we would have a special bond. At the time I had no idea what God had in store for us, but I'm so glad we are both here to celebrate you.
You were so small, yet so alert and sweet. I know we didn't officially meet until you were 2 days old, but that moment of touching your soft skin and singing to you was one of the best days of my life.
The I got to hold you and I really felt like I was your mommy. I sang "Jesus Loves Me" to you while you searched to see my face. You knew my voice.
Thank you for being our baby girl, now our toddler. We thank God for the 2 pound miracle of you. It has been a blessing to be your mommy and daddy.
When you have a preemie, most of the developmental or physical delays go away when the child reaches the age of 2. Zoe, true to form, follows this rule.
She is the same size as her peers, talks and plays like them. She even can climb and run like they do. It's a milestone that creeped up on me, but still amazes me daily.
Zoe,
When I first saw you on the ultrasound, I knew we would have a special bond. At the time I had no idea what God had in store for us, but I'm so glad we are both here to celebrate you.
You were so small, yet so alert and sweet. I know we didn't officially meet until you were 2 days old, but that moment of touching your soft skin and singing to you was one of the best days of my life.
The I got to hold you and I really felt like I was your mommy. I sang "Jesus Loves Me" to you while you searched to see my face. You knew my voice.
Now I get to sing to you every night. I love that you are beginning to sing with me.
I love that you will dance, twirl and even help me type x gfffv zsAFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF GMKWEQIJHY XSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSXSX4
on the blog.
You have the sweetest heart. You share all your toys, your food and you freely give kisses and hugs.
I love to watch you discover. You say almost 2 new words a day. You can now draw circles and you're better at working the television remotes than I am.
You love to put on pretend make-up, brush your own hair and teeth. You are getting more independent every day. Yet you still want me or daddy to put you to bed and give you lovies.
Your are funny and easy to smile. You often make your daddy and me laugh out loud during the day.
We have been blessed beyond anything we thought possible these last two years.
Thank you for being our baby girl, now our toddler. We thank God for the 2 pound miracle of you. It has been a blessing to be your mommy and daddy. Some are born great
Some achieve greatness
and some have greatness thrust upon them.
~Twelfth Night
Zoe, you are made of TWOrific greatness. I love you too the moon and back Doodlebug.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Does this mean we'll be having a kegger?
We got a letter in the mail from N's school. Usually when we get letters from them it's about his course not having enough people in it and they're evaluating if the night program will continue, etc. It's never good.
Until this week.
The letter commended N on his grades (he finished the first quarter with a 3.9). It's the first time I've totally agreed with the letter. Because of his grades, not only is he potentially on the Dean's List, he's also invited to join a fraternity.
I can't remember the name of it, but I think it has a Kappa, a Gamma and some other equally confusing Greek letter. Perhaps a Chi, Phi or Delta.
Anyway he can rush next month.
He totally got invited to join the academic fraternity. At the age of 31.
I think he's still deciding whether or not to pledge. The frat didn't mention anything about free Harleys or Mt. Dew keggers, so it's debatable if he'll join.
Until this week.
The letter commended N on his grades (he finished the first quarter with a 3.9). It's the first time I've totally agreed with the letter. Because of his grades, not only is he potentially on the Dean's List, he's also invited to join a fraternity.
I can't remember the name of it, but I think it has a Kappa, a Gamma and some other equally confusing Greek letter. Perhaps a Chi, Phi or Delta.
Anyway he can rush next month.
He totally got invited to join the academic fraternity. At the age of 31.
I think he's still deciding whether or not to pledge. The frat didn't mention anything about free Harleys or Mt. Dew keggers, so it's debatable if he'll join.
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