Caleb's 7th Birthday

Caleb chose to celebrate his 7th birthday at the bowling alley this year.  It was a small gathering, but intimate and fun!

We always have a difficult time deciding many of the details of his party.  Do we have it at home?  Do we invite school friends?  Do we celebrate it during around his actual birthday on December 30th or wait until Mid- January?  This year was no exception.

Unfortunately, not a single friend from Caleb's class was able to attend his party, but we enjoyed time with family and close friends instead.

Because of low attendance, the adults got to enjoy bowling a game also!

Sarah and Chandler

Me Bowling

Chandler and Amanda 

Chandler, Granana with Norah, Caleb, and Chris

Sarah

Caleb

Caleb and Chandler

Peyton and Caleb

Chris, Caleb, and Grammy

Lucky Seven

Top View 

Sarah enjoying pizza with Granana and Norah

Caleb blowing out this seven candles

Peyton and Caleb

Chris, Grammy, and Norah

Sarah Turns Two

Buttercream Icing Recipe

Let's be honest, who likes "Whipped Icing" anyway?

Source: http://sparkcloud.posterous.com/cupcakes-and-inbound-marketing

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.

Recipe Source: Allrecipes.com

The Story of My 30th Birthday

Who was involved:
A lying husband :-)
Scheming friends

My birthday was Saturday, the 19th.

I had made several suggestions to Jadie about going somewhere the weekend of my birthday, but he always said, "No, we can't go that weekend."  I didn't prod...I like surprises.

On the Friday right before my birthday, Jadie asked me and the kids to join him for lunch.  It was nice.  I drove through the countryside to meet him.  I had a BLT.  Yum!

During our lunch conversation, he told me to pack an overnight bag for myself and that he'd pack one too (a lie).  He told me that our friend, Courtney, would be coming over at 7ish to watch the kids for the night (another lie).

I posted to Facebook that Jadie was taking me on an overnight getaway for my birthday.  He raked in the compliments.

I spent the afternoon straightening and cleaning the house.  You know, for the babysitter.

After Jadie got home, I made dinner for the family and proceeded to ask Jadie for some guidance on how to pack.  Do I need a swimsuit?  -No.  Will I feel awkward in the skirt I've been wearing all day?  -Maybe.  Should I change into pants?  -Sure.  What kind of PJs do I need to pack? -Nothing sexy. (I packed the fuzzy grandma socks.)  Should I put on makeup for tonight?  -Sure.

I watched as Jadie dressed himself after his shower.  That was confusing.  he put on khaki shorts and a really crappy housework type T-shirt.  Now, that made me feel excited about my upcoming getaway.

I awaited the arrival of the babysitter (scheming friend, Courtney).

When she arrived, she was shocked at the tidiness of the house.  And she knew it was pointless for me to have cleaned like a mad woman that afternoon.  Nice.

I started telling her about the kids' bedtime and a few little things about the house.

She handed me a piece of paper and said, "Well, plans have changed."  Actually plans, had not changed...Jadie had been lying.  Courtney was kidnapping me!

Here's what happened next!

First, she drove me to a secluded parking lot.

 Then she handed me Clue #2.

 Then she took me for one of my favorite refreshments!

Bahama Bucks, baby!

Then she took me to Amanda's house, where I found the culprits...

Courtney and Beth!

Amanda!

Mary!

Anne!

Happy 30th Birthday to Me!

Mary thought it would be funny to provide kumquats as part of the snack food, in honor of Baby #3 who was about he size of a kumquat at the time.  These little guys pack quite the punch...they are SOUR!

Compared to an orange.

Do you see how small that is?  Why exactly have I already started gaining weight?

Caleb's Five Years Old!

This year was a little more difficult to prepare a birthday party for Caleb.  I'm not sure if it was the way the holidays fell or my lack of preparation or the two-children factor or what...but we had a very small party at home this year.

And it was just as fun...especially when my favorite five-year old opened up a Whoopie Cushion from Grandma Fran and PaPa Freeman.

Guests included: Granana, Grandma Fran, PaPa Freeman, Junior, Beth, Mikayla, Amanda, Wilson, and Noah.

His cake was perfectly imperfect and his attitude was incredibly positive.  All he cared about was that it was his birthday party!

So, here you are...