Halloween Party

Today was our annual Halloween Party hosted at Ashli's house. Halloween marks one of my favorite times of year because it kicks off the holiday season and makes me feel all warm inside (even if the weather is getting cold outside). It is so fun to watch the kids dress up (and adults too) and have a good time. And Ashli and Ian always do a great job of entertaining and making sure everyone is having a good time for this party.

Cara and I went to Sams Club and bought the bulk item food that was needed and also helped with making goody bags for the kids. And each family brought a dish - either a side, appetizer or dessert. So everyone chips in! Evelyn dressed up as a princess pirate (thanks to my girlfriend Laura who owns Oh Baby Maternity and Nursery - who told me Heidi Klum bought this for her daughter - then got me one too) and Gavin was a Thomas the Train conductor.

Earlier in the day I watched our friends' kids, Gigi and Sophia, so they could go to the OSU game, so I got cute pics from that too. Gigi and Evie were born on the same day and Gavin and Sophia are only 3 weeks apart so they play so well together. So we didn't get to the party until 4 (and Evie had no pm nap) but we made it in time for the balloon man!!! He made the craziest balloons - he could make anything!!! We also had a piniata, played a toss game and just chilled with friends. The best was thinking we could get a group shot of all the kids. 17 families trying to get their kid to sit and smile was hilarious!!! Let's just say there will be no good pics of that!

Since Evelyn didn't nap - she was ready to go to bed at 6:30 so we had to leave early - but it's ok. Patrick is on call so I have a whole evening to myself since the kids got bathed and dressed and were in bed by 7:00. What is a girl to do? I think a nice long bubble bath is in the mix!!!

Fuuny Tagging Quiz

So you know those stupid "get to know you quizes" everyone emails you. Well here is a funny one that brings back memories...

1. YOUR ROCKSTAR NAME (first pet, current car): Chevy (CJ) Freestyle

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME (favorite ice cream, favorite cookie): Mint Chocolate Chip Sugar

3. YOUR FLY “GUY/GIRL” NAME (first initial first name, first 3 letters last name): K-Bul (although I like K Why better!

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Pink Puppy

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Lynne Doylestown

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first 3 letters last name, first 2 letters first name): Bulke

7. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink, & add “the”): The Green Cosmo

8. YOUR NASCAR NAME (first names of your Grandfathers): Edward Bo

9. YOUR STRIPPER NAME (favorite perfume, favorite candy): Happy Snickers

10. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (Mother’s & Father’s middle names): Ann Edward

11. YOUR PORN STAR NAME (Middle name, street you grew up on or Favorite Pet's name and mother's maiden name): Lynne Bloomfield or CJ Hart (ok - CJ McClearn but my mom's mom's maiden name is Hart and it sounds better for a porn name) - or just call me summer haze..... (just kidding Monica - I know that is yours!)

That perfect moment...

I was driving in the car today with my kids in the back, windows down a bit to let the gorgeous 70 degree weather to come in, and the radio station playing quietly (to a song I like - not some kiddie music). I happen to look in my rear view mirror to check out my kids - who were being oddly quiet. The reflection back was one that put me in my perfect "mom"ent... the two of them looking at each other and smiling. No words exchanged, but smiles that lasted for minutes. Just happy to be there, with each other, with me. Perfect. Usually a moment like that ends in Gavin pushing Evie down or taking a toy away - but not this moment. This one goes in the mom memory file.

Annual Homestead Harvest

This weekend marked the Annual Homestead Harvest party at Homestead Park (one of our fav's - where we have the kids b-day party). Each year they have a little pumpkin patch, pony rides, tattoos, games, etc. This year we had record heat of 90-92 degrees - so it was not as crowded because people did not want to be out in that heat! But not us! Patrick was busy working on the deck again (putting the railing posts in) so the kids and I met up with Sarah and Josh and their family. This year they had a cool train ride thing for little ones that hooked up to a John Deere tractor and went around. It was perfect for the little guys!!! Gavin also rode the pony solo - but the nice man operating it walked right next to him just in case!!! The rest of the day we vegged out and wound down from the craziness.

PS - Patrick and I also got to go out to celebrate our friend Martina's 30th birthday party! We missed the surprise because of my Stampin' Up party but it was still a lot of fun to get out!!!

World Card Making Day!

This past Saturday was World Card making Day, and to celebrate, I threw a "Cocktails, Cuisine and Cards" Party! It turned out great. It was more of an open house, where we sipped wine (or water), ate some mini quiches, and ate baklava (which was soooooooo good)! It was a crazy day though because I went to Leah's open house in the morning, Patrick had a soccer game and worked on the deck all day long, I had to clean and watch the kids before the party...yadda yadda yadda.

Those joining me at my house were Ashli, Michal, Julie, Leah, Cara, Jessica, Angie, Christa and Beth. It was the perfect number of guests for my small house! I demonstrated how to use one stamp set in multiple ways, showed off cards I received from the card swap at Leah's house, and some other ideas (scrapbook layouts, candy wrappers, cute gift ideas). Some people were new to SU while others had never heard before, so it was a good mix. Leah helped prod me along by asking questions when I forgot to mention a topic, and helped get people excited about joining a monthly club or hosting a workshop themselves! It was very helpful to have her there.

I am posting some of the cards I did....hope you like them!