Come Inside, It's Fun Inside!

Reed has been talking about his birthday party since Drew's party.  He knew that once Drew's was over, his was next.  "When's my party?" "When's my party?" "When's my party?" "I can't wait for my party!"

You get the jist.

Although this was the first year I gave Drew the option of what kind of party he would have, I decided to let Reed have a go at it too.  When asked, he said, "I want a pink party."  A pink party?  Pink?  First, where did he even get that idea?  And second, what the heck does that mean?  He wants a party with pink everywhere???? (Which...random sidenote...reminds me of the movie Steel Magnolias when Julia Roberts' wedding is all pink and Sally Field says it looks like the whole reception hall is covered in Pepto Bismol.  HA!  Sorry, I just thought of that as I was typing and couldn't resist sharing.) :)

Anyway, I wasn't exactly sure how to pull off a pink party without having Reed look back on it in several years, questioning me as to why in heaven's name would I throw him a party meant for a girl.  {Thirteen year old Reed will thank me someday.}  So with more discussion and more *options* being presented to Reed, he decided that a Mickey Mouse party would be grand.

So, of course, I set to work finding inspiring ideas for how to pull this baby together.

I was focusing on Disney Junior's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when it came to the overall style of the party (listen to me...what am I, a party planning extraordinaire??  Uh, no.  Good grief.).  Reed loves that show, and it is where his love for Mickey comes from.  So I had that theme in my mind as I searched for ideas.  I ended up really liking this party set-up HERE.  The blues and greens and yellows are definitely very very cute, but it also keeps things very boyish, and reminded me of the Clubhouse.

Once I had some finds bookmarked, I went on a hunt for party invitations.  And when I found what I liked...everything changed. :)

I found these incredible invites HERE...and because I own a Cricut and the Mickey Font cartridge, I knew I could replicate it.  {Inspiration for the back of the invitation came from HERE.}

Of course, I could've modified the colors a bit and adjusted it to coordinate with the blue/green/yellow scheme...But I found THIS in my online searching and I.was.in.love.  This, too, could be made with the Cricut and Mickey cartridge, and I became absolutely smitten with the classic red/yellow/black Mickey color combination.  All other party planning then and henceforth began revolving about that.

So, the decor and food.  Because these are my favorite parts. :)

 I was able to make a reasonable facsimile of the banner I linked to up above.  I think that banners are my new favorite party decor item.  They're so fun.

 And here's the food set-up.

Isn't it great to know people???  I was able to borrow this cupcake stand from my sister-in-law, which turned into an awesome centerpiece for the counter.

 Cupcakes inspired by THESE.

 My mom has a Mickey cookie cutter, so it had to be used.

And I knew I wanted to make these when I saw them on a stick HERE...however, they ended up being quite difficult for me to make.  They probably aren't that hard, with a bit of patience and culinary fortitude, but for me, I'm just not fantastic like that.  So after several Oreos were sacrificed, I finally figured out a system that worked and ended up with some pretty delicious looking (and tasting) Mickey Oreos.

The rest of the snacks...

 Goofy's Goldfish & Pete's Pretzels

 Mickey's Mix

 Clarabelle's Candy

 Donald's Dips

 Pluto's Popcorn

 Daisy's Vegetable Garden

(And yes, there are only carrots.  I'm sure there are gardens out there, somewhere, with only carrots in them.)

Hot Diggity Dogs

Le-Minnie-Ade

{Food ideas/names taken from HERE and HERE.

Mickey silhouette tags with ribbon decor idea taken from HERE.}

When it was all said and done, I told my mom that it looked kind of feminine.  Maybe I could've pulled off that pink party after all. :)

So then, the cake.

I really liked THIS ONE and THIS ONE.  {And no, I could not have pulled off either one...hence why they are called "inspiration"}.  But I thought that I might combine ideas from both to create something "cute enough."  But then I thought better of it, and decided that with the other sweets I wanted to make (cupcakes and cookies) it would be best to downsize things a bit in the cake department.  In the end, I created a much smaller cake inspired by THIS ONE and ended up with this:

 When I was almost finished, I kicked myself for not saving any white frosting to put the two buttons on the front, like the invitations.  Ah well.

Goody bag inspiration came from HERE

 and they were filled with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse coloring books, a Mickey card game, and M&Ms.  I also made ears (of course!) for all the kids, with the pattern and instructions found HERE.

I am typically a game girl.  I like party games.  I didn't put too much effort forth in the game department for Drew's party (it was an afterthought) but I had intended on doing a couple for Reed's party.  I ended up only planning one, which turned out to be the perfect number.  Kids are incredible at being able to entertain themselves. :)

The game we did was "Hidden Mickeys."  I had placed several of these silhouettes throughout three rooms in the house and the kids were to count how many they could find and then report back to me.

They did great, with guesses ranging from three to 18.  :)  We didn't quite guess them all, so then we did it a second time and I had them bring the Mickey heads back to me when they found them.  They ended up snatching up all but one.  {I failed to get a good picture of all of the kids with their Mickey ears on, so this picture is the best I have.}

Gift opening was the highlight of the day.  Duh.  Reed is a pretty lucky guy as he was given some really awesome gifts.

And not to be left out (cuz it's hard to be the brother of the birthday boy), Drew received a couple small gifts as well.

And then it was time to eat.  Again.

{After the obligatory birthday-boy-with-party-guests pictures were taken.}

This was the moment Reed had been waiting for.  I think he totally classified "his party" with this moment right here!

And that's it.

My little man is three.

{Oh, the shirt.  I happened to find it at Walmart two days before his party.  Score!}

***************************************************

Lest you believe that we didn't make it to Culver's for Reed's birthday meal out...

...we went for lunch before the party began.

And we were joined by much of our family, too.

We were all really happy about that.

:)

Annnnndddd, do you know what else turning three means?!?!

A new car seat!

Provided you're at least 30 pounds (ummm, yeah, no problem with that) and 30 inches tall.

We're all pretty excited about this milestone. :)

Project Life {Week 10}

There are a lot of photos for this week's Project Life.  I will be using quite a few from our day spent outside and, of course, a bunch from Reed's big day.  Here are a few others from the remainder of our week.

Sunday night Drew's preschool hosted the Teddy Bear Band, and the four of us attended the show and then stayed for pizza afterwards...

 ...and although a bit too shy to go to the front with many of the other kids, Drew still had a great time by his seat.

Funny photo of the week: Online training for the Sonics.

 Funny photo of the week 2: Boots in the kitchen sink.  ???

Grandma and Grandpa came to town Friday night, which warranted pizza at Pagliai's.  Oh it was good.

Stay tuned....party pics coming soon! :)

He's Three!

Well, he did it.

This little peanut went and got all big on me.

What used to be 8 pounds and 13 ounces of bouncing baby boy...

...is now 40 pounds of total big guy mayhem.

At 2:32pm this afternoon, Reed officially turned three.  Although according to him, he was still two when he went to bed tonight. :)  (Alright, so math won't be his strong suit.)

Reed at 3

He is...

imaginative

adventurous

funny

carefree

inventive

sweet

strong-willed

reckless

playful

silly

talkative

happy

dang cute

He likes...

puzzles

orange juice

peas

Addy {oh man, does he love her}

Mickey Mouse

M&Ms

computer games

trains

playdoh

being outside

playing with Drew

making Drew mad

getting into trouble {or so it seems}

He doesn't like...

listening

And that's about it.  I'm having a hard time listing what he truly doesn't like.  He plays with all of his toys.  He eats everything he's given.  He's a devious little man, don't get me wrong, but he's really pretty happy-go-lucky, too.  Man, he sure has grown up from the refluxy, colicky babe whom no one could make happy. 

We celebrated his big day today, complete with his own Mickey Mouse birthday party (more on that in another post).  As we were tucking him in tonight he said, "That was a fun party!" --- I'd say he had a pretty great day.

 "Hmmmmm....let's see....today I'm 1, 2...

 ...how do I do that again?...

 ...oh yeah...THREE!"

When Imaginary Monsters Go Bad

We've had an occasional visitor the last couple weeks.  He comes for a brief moment, and then doesn't reappear for several days.

He comes to see Reed.  To talk to Reed.  And have Reed talk about him.

He's Reed's friend.

And he's a monster.

His name?  "Monster."  Very appropriate.

He's red, we are told.

And sleeps under the dining room table.

He doesn't do much.  Just lays there, really.  I guess he does jump into Dad's chair on occasion.

He's quiet.  Doesn't cause any commotion.  He's quite the pleasant visitor.

Until early this morning.

Reed had a dream about a red monster -  a very unwelcome red monster, apparently.

Reed was crying for "Mommy" around 5:00 this morning, and when I appeared at his bedside, he was still half-asleep.  He very clearly told me, however, that I needed to make.Elmo.stop.


I have a feeling any and all red monsters have hereandforevermore been banished from the imaginative meanderings of Reed.



{Flashback to Drew's first, and only, imaginary friend "But(t)" HERE.}

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

{But now that I have that yuletide carol stuck in your head, it's doesn't feel so much like spring anymore, does it?  Sorry about that.}

Mother Nature played a wonderfully nasty trick on us today.  Well, she's been playing tricks on us all winter season, but as the mercury reached 63 degrees for us today, we certainly played like spring was upon us!  When we saw the forecast a couple days ago, and learned that today was going to be as nice as it turned out to be, I told Brad we were going to spend as much time outside as possible.  We're all feeling a bit cooped up and it's time to take the noise outside!

Out of fear this nice weather won't last long (and it won't...the rest of the week's weather will still be bearable but not as wonderful as today) we covered a good number of outdoor activities in just a few hours today.

We biked 

and big wheeled

 up and down the street.  A couple times.

We shot some hoops

 and practiced our jump shot.

 We practiced our tee shot

and homerun hitting.

Learned a thing or two about frisbee

 and rolled in the dirt.

 We jumped for joy

 and then was out cold in two seconds because 1) we didn't take a nap and 2) further exhausted ourselves when we threw a tantrum because we got games taken away for the mayhem we created while we should have been taking a nap.  I only wish that by "we" I meant me.  I could've used a nap today myself.

 And why not top off this faux spring day by grilling?

*sigh*

It was a good, good day.

Minus the whole lack-of-nap-tantrum-throwing incident.  Yep.  Definitely minus that.

Project Life {Week 9}

This week is light on pictures, but I have plans to include a lot of "extras" and journaling in our album.

I included a photo back in Week 2 of Avery and Drew reenacting a Tupperware Party.  Avery has gone to a few with his mom, and my mom and I have gone to a couple.  There was another one Monday night and Mom and I went again, and brought Drew along so that he could see exactly what all the fuss was about.  He was excited that Avery was there, but he lost interest pretty quickly as listening to a lady talk about plastic containers isn't exactly on the "it" list for 5-year-old entertainment.   But his number did get drawn and he did win a prize, so he might tell you it was an okay time. {I'll also be including a clipping from the catalog of what I purchased.}

 Happy Birthday, Dr. Suess!

Drew's class celebrated the author's birthday this week, beginning on Monday with The Cat in the Hat.

 My Angry (???) Birds

{free tutorial and pattern for masks found HERE}

 A surprise for bath night...glow sticks!

 A common trend this week: a lot of playdoh a lot of the time.

{While the kids were playing at this table, I had a flashback to a photo I knew my parents have of Justin and I sitting at this same table when we were kids.  I went on a mad hunt to find it, and did, but now can't get our scanner to work to share it here.  The greatest thing about the old photo (besides the insanely cute kids sitting at it) that I didn't remember?  We, too, are playing with playdoh!  When I do get our scanner problem fixed, I'm going to include the old photo alongside this one in our album as a fun flashback/comparison photo.}

I'll also be including a list of Oscar winners from Sunday night's award show,

quick journaling about the season finale of my favorite show (Parenthood) which aired this week, and some art by Drew.

This Just Pinned...and Completed!

Confession:  I spend a lot of time in front of the computer.  Like, a lot.  Probably enough that I just might require an intervention.  Or therapy.  Or I just need to go to bed at a decent hour. :)

I have shared with you my undying affection for Pinterest.  It is an oasis of fun and inspiration and humor and all things pretty.  I currently have 1,394 pins.  {I told you I have a problem.}  Perhaps the bigger problem here is that the time I spend pinning far outweighs the time I spend doing.  The purpose of my pinboards is to actually do what I've found to be inspiring and fun.  I'm not so good at that part.

I know that I need to make a much better effort on the doing end of things because I really want to.  I'm in a bit of funk around here, with a serious case of spring fever, but it's high time I got motivated and started making and doing some things that are fun and happy.  So last week, I combed through some of my pins and for the last few days I've actually began checking some off as "Done!"

The easiest of my pinboards to pull quick and easy and do-able activities (right now) from are my  "Kids Crafts"   "Things to Make for My Kids"  and  "Things to Do with My Kids" boards.

First up, name trains.  A craft for the boys that I had all the supplies for on hand and didn't require a whole lot of hands on help from me.  Not because I'm not willing to help, but because I have a tendency to pick projects that are too difficult for the boys to do on their own.  Reed ended up being asleep when Drew found himself bored and in need of something to do.  And Drew ended up doing his whole name because D-R-E-W just isn't long enough. 

Next, these angry bird masks.  It took me an afternoon to pull these together (and once again, I had my mom had all the needed supplies on hand).  Drew loves his, and very sweetly thanked me for it  ...but very gently asked if next time I would make him a yellow one cuz it's his favorite. :)

Trying to make angry faces...

...but I can see right through to those smiles!

Hmmm....maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

Hugging or strangling???  

Next on the list - a glow stick bath!  I told the boys I had a surprise for them once they got into the tub, and when I flicked off the light, I think they were both a little weirded out.  But then I whipped the glow sticks out from behind my back and threw them in the tub, and they morphed from "what is this?" to "this is the coolest thing ever!" A word of precaution:  You must be a really mellow mom (or pretend to be) to pull this one off.  Much splashing and mayhem will ensue and you must just go with it or risk ruining the fun.  I'm afraid I fall into this category and called off the bath sooner than probably necessary - they were having a really great time splashing and screaming.  A lot.  I fear we may never be able to take a "normal" bath again.

And finally, a memory verse booklet.  Free downloads are available here to make a very fun and do-able ABC scripture book for kids, and adults alike.  I spent about an hour one night printing and laminating, putting this book together.  I had originally thought we'd spend a week on each verse, working with the boys on memorizing it and learning about it.  Drew's preference, however, is to read a new one everyday.  So maybe once we make our way through all 26 scriptures we'll go back and begin the memorization part.

Oh, and something that we're working on.... I printed off two separate books-your-child-should-read-before-kindergarten lists {HERE and HERE} and we'll start searching for some of these on our trips to the library.  I love that there are several listed that I remember reading and enjoying as a kid, as well as some more recent titles.  We've already read a handful of them, and we're I'm looking forward to reading some of the others listed.

Woo hoo!  Watch out...I'm on a roll now!