Some Stuff for Friday

Hello dear friends!  It has been a long week, and today I just thought I would post some randomness that is swimming around in my head.

Because I KNOW you're just dying to know :)

Here goes:

I am going to a blogging conference at the end of the month (Blissdom!), and am super excited.  But the problem is that while I wasn't nervous at all to begin with, after reading all the FB and blog posts about other girls being nervous, I am now really nervous.

Especially about what to wear.

Because apparently what you wear to Blissdom is a big deal.

So, I guess I should figure that out...

Also, I have been tired lately.  Like pregnancy tired.  And no, I am NOT pregnant.  (And yes, I am sure!).  I think it's stress.  Or maybe weather.  But whatever it is I wish it would stop because I have stuff to get done.  And feeling like I could go to bed for the rest of the night at 2 in the afternoon is not helping me to get all my stuff done.

 Oh, and we filed our taxes.  We always do it early because we get money back.  And we want it back ASAP!  So I'm excited for that, even though it's all allocated and I don't get to spend any of it :(  But at least I'll feel richer knowing it's in the bank...

Another thing...I am having the strangest dreams lately.  Maybe that has something to do with the tired issue I mentioned above.  But they are seriously crazy.  And it kinda freaks me out a little.  They seem so real, and yet so out there at the same time.  And sometimes it feels like I can't wake up.  Do you ever have those?  It's like you tell yourself your dreaming, and try to open your eyes, but you can't so you wonder if maybe it's NOT a dream?  Weird.  Just weird.

And finally, what is up with this Ohio winter?  I don't remember it EVER being 60 degrees in January or February.  {Maybe global warming is real after all...}  But the sunshine and warm weather make me happy, so I am not complaining.  But I WILL be complaining if we end up having to pay for this nice weather with a horribly cold and nasty March and April.  You have been warned.

So these are my random thoughts for the day.  Your welcome :)

Things I Love Thursday: Mary Kay Nourishine Lip Gloss

I had a Mary Kay party for a friend back in the fall.  And while I wasn't really a Mary Kay customer, she was just starting her business out and I wanted to help her.

During the party we got to experience lots of their product, and I must say, I was pretty impressed.  They have a TON of good stuff, and it's affordable too, so that's a plus.

But I MUST tell you that my absolute favorite thing is the Nourishine Lip Gloss!

Now, my favorite color is Sugarberry, which has unfortunately been discontinued, (BOOOOOOO!).  In the bottle, it looked purpleish, so I was hesitant to try it out. But it actually looked more like a neutral when it went on.  I have heard that the Berry Tart color is similar, so I'll probably try that next.

I love it because it goes with everything, stays on for a long time, never feels heavy or clumpy, and always gives me that perfect glossy shine!  And while Sugarberry was my favorite color, ALL the colors are gorgeous...I really don't think you could go wrong.

I am a hard sell and can be pretty cynical, (especially when it comes to home party kind of stuff!), but I am now a believer in Mary Kay, and this lip gloss in particular. And did I mention that it's only $14 and lasts for a really long time??!!  That is a great deal for a great product!

If you have never given Mary Kay a try, I encourage you to check it out.  Pretty sure you'll love it as much as I do!

I will be linking up with Things I Love Thursday over at The Diaper Diaries.  be sure to check out all the other stuff getting blog love today!

The Thin Mint Incident

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time, and almost everyone I know is ordering thin mints...except me.

You see, thin mints and I have a history.

And it has left it's mark on me.  Enough that I will never be able to eat a thin mint again.

It all started when I was about 6 or 7 years old.  My family decided to take a vacation in a mobile home.  It was a long trip and my mom had packed food that was supposed to last for the entire trip.  Among the treats that she packed were boxes of girl scout cookies, but we were told that we weren't allowed to eat them until my mom said.

One afternoon, while my parents were up front driving, my three sisters and I were in the very back of the large mobile home, with the door shut.  My two older sisters, (who were teenagers at that point), decided to ignore my mother's rule and dig into the thin mints.

But because I was that annoying little sister who didn't always do the right thing, but was more than happy to tattle when someone else didn't do the right thing, I placed my chubby little hands on my chubbier little hips and declared that I was going to tell mom that they were eating all the cookies.

Ummm, not a wise decision considering that they were much older and much bigger than I was.

They held me down and literally shoved thin mints into my mouth to keep me quiet.

And as soon as I could get free, I ran to the front of the bus and told my mom, half breathless and half full of cookies, "They're eating all the thin mints!!!".

But instead of believing me and punishing them for disobeying and trying to keep me quiet, she took one look at my cookie covered face and yelled, "Ricki, sit down!  I told you to stay out of those cookies!  Your not allowed to get up off that chair until I say!". 

I was shocked!

What?  How could she not see that they forced those cookies down my mouth?  I started to object and try to explain but my mom wasn't having any of it.  So I sat down and pouted, stewing about the injustice of it all.

And just then my sisters opened the back door and made ugly faces and laughed at me for getting into trouble. 

Boy did that make me mad!  I stuck out my tongue, threw my thumbs in my ears and gave a great big "Grrrrr" back to them.  (Hey, I was a little kid, what else was I supposed to do?).

But at the exact moment I retaliated, my mother happened to turn around in her seat and see me making faces at my sisters.  And of course, I got into more trouble.

So you see, from that day on, I have never been able to eat a thin mint.  They are totally ruined for me.  I think it's some kind of PTSD that I'm dealing with. 

And while I've considered counseling, I've decided samoas are much cheaper :)

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

I know you might be thinking that it's too early to be planning a summer birthday party, but I would disagree.

First of all because it gets you thinking warm thoughts, and that alone is a good enough reason.

But also because the earlier you start planning, the more money you can save, (by buying when things are on sale instead of last minute!), and the more organized you can be!

So here is my list of Top ten Summer Birthday Party Ideas for kids!


10. A Swimming/Beach theme!  My friend over at Amy for Him did this last year and it was a HUGE success.  She decorated with sand and shells and gave out sand pails filled with treats for the favors.  The kids loved it!

picture via: http://amyforhim.blogspot.com/

9.  A Camping theme!  All kids love the adventure of camping, and I'm sure that this would be a big hit, especially with boys!  Some ideas are to have a bonfire and lets the kids roast hot dogs and marshmallows, (or you could even have a smores bar!), decorate with lanterns and canteens etc., and have a big tent set up that the kids could play in!  Here's a site with some fun ideas!

picture via: http://www.eventlucky.com/?p=4181

8. A Carnival theme!  This is a great idea for young children!  You could have different carnival style games set up (ring toss, fish for the prize, cake walk, etc.), and serve carnival treats like popcorn and cotton candy! 

picture via: http://bellyfeathersparty.blogspot.com/2010/10/carnival-party-ideas.html

7.  A Park Party!  This is a great idea if you can't/don't want to have the party at your home.  Most local parks have shelters that you can rent and the entertainment is already built in!  These are easy because you can order pizza or can do food picnic style!

picture via: http://tbkidsclothing.com/tag/childrens-birthday-party/

6.  Hawaiian Luau Party!  This is great for girls who are a little older.  My sister did this for my niece and sent invitations like a message in a bottle, and decorated with lots of bright colors and fresh flowers!  The food should be tropical and don't forget the music and lei's!  Here's a site if you need a little help with the planning!

5.  Summer Garden Party!  This is a really sweet theme with lots of possibilities.  You could do fun finger foods, different flavored lemonades, and lots of plants and fresh flowers around. 

picture via: http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/sweet-customers-chloes-flower-garden-first-birthday-party/

4.  Pirate Theme!  This can be done both indoors and outdoors, but boys will definitely love getting into this theme.  Make sure to have head scarves and eye patches for all the kids and do games with a pirate theme.  You could download the Pirates of The Caribbean theme music and if you're really into it, build a pirate ship out of cardboard for the kids to play in!

gift bag via: http://littlelazy.purposemedia.co.uk/toys-games/party-time/pirate-party-bags

3.  Water Fun!  This is a great party for super hot days!  You can do different water games like water balloon toss, slip-n-slide,  dancing through the sprinkler, a water obstacle course, and end the day with a fun water fight! 

2.  Outdoor Olympics Theme!  This is a great one for boys and girls!  You set up tons of games that the kids compete in Olympic style.  Some suggestions are:  Sack races, badminton, relay races, balance beam walking, and discus throw!   Make sure and have lots of medals to give out, and trophies, banners and the ceremonial torch for decorations. Here is a site that has lots of suggestions!

1. An Ice Cream Social!  This is the one I am planning to do with my daughter this year (she'll be six!).  I am still thinking through ideas, but for sure we will have an ENORMOUS ice cream sundae bar, an ice cream cone pinata, and ice cream themed games like pin the cherry on the sundae.  Because summer and ice cream just go perfect together!

picture via: http://www.theblueowl.com/maryssweetshoppe/icecreambday.php

So tell me, do you have a summer birthday theme to share? 


I'll be linking up with Oh Amanda for Top Ten Tuesday and We are THAT Family!  Be sure to check them out!   

Dreaming of The Beach

My family decided a few weeks ago that we would spend our spring break in Destin, FL!

(Now, before you get too excited, I should share that when I say 'my family' I mean my WHOLE family...sisters, nieces and nephews, grandparents, everyone.  Should be interesting.)

I have never been to Destin and I am SUPER excited!

I have heard such great things about it and I am already planning out the details.  So far, people have told me that we have to go to Seaside, must take the kids to Fudpuckers, and need to try Pompano Joes.  We're planning for all of that!

And who knows if it will be warm enough to swim, (we'll be there the first week of April), but you'd better bet that I will be spending a good amount of time on the beach anyway.

There's just something about being able to kick off your shoes, put your toes into the sand, and stroll along the waves while looking out into those great big waters.  It allows you to let everything else go and just appreciate that moment. 

I cannot wait!!!!

So tell me, have you been to Destin before?  Have any suggestions for activities we MUST try?  What are your plans for Spring Break?

Things I Love Thursday: Kangaroo Brand Flatbread

It seems like forever that I have been on the search for the perfect pizza crust for when we make pizza at home.

I have tried frozen premade, refrigerated premade, non-refrigerated premade, and recipes to make your own. 

Some of them were okay, and some were just awful, but we never found one that our whole family loved...

until I tried using Kangaroo Flatbread!

I kind of accidentally stumbled upon these when I was looking for a quick way to make individual pizzas for my daughter's birthday party.  I thought, "these girls won't care so much what they taste like.  they'll just like making their own".

But oh man was I surprised when not only did the girls at the party love them, but my whole family.  In fact, my husband told me to put them on the regular dinner rotation!

So, we have been having 'make-your-own' pizza night a lot lately.  And what's even better is that these flatbreads bake up quick, so dinner is done in about ten minutes. 

And did I tell you how affordable they are?  A package of five is only about $2, so it's not only a quick dinner idea, it's inexpensive too! 

I love it when I win!!!

I am linking up with The Diaper Diaries for Things I Love Thursday.  Be sure to head over and check out all the other 'things' getting blog love today!

Enough Is Enough...Or Is It?

I know every family struggles with these same questions.

But seriously, how much is too much when it comes to activities, sports, clubs etc.?

Because right now, this is my life:

Cheer practice, and Student Council one time per month for Addy, on Mondays, House Church, plus Girl Scouts one time per month, on Tuesdays, Ballet and Tumbling on Wednesdays, Thursdays are the day I take my mom to chemo (I get 1 "off" week per month),  Fridays, (and Saturday evenings), are usually busy with birthday parties, date nights, get togethers, or other social things, Saturday morning is Upward cheer, and Sunday is church, and a cheer board meeting one time per month. 

Plus, scatter into that, various other meetings for cheer, play dates, watching The Bachelor on Monday nights with my posse, (I seriously can't quit that!), homework and school projects, making meals and other errands etc. for my mom, trying to help with Jeremy's dad, grocery store runs, cleaning my house (Ha!  Who has time for that?), Doctor appointments, various PTO obligations, trying to write blog posts, and occasionally having a real conversation with my husband!

It's enough to drive me crazy just typing it.

But I know that this is actually pretty "normal" for most families.

But does it make us happy?  What's the purpose of all of it?  Why are we maxing ourselves out?

And don't get me wrong, I LOVE being busy and keeping my family active.

I'm The Family Fun Mom for cryin' out loud!

But I just keep wondering if a more simple life, a life with less 'busyness' would be better for all of us.

I wish I had the answers.  But every time I start to think about eliminating something, I get anxious. 

Questions and statements like,

"how will they be able to continue in cheer if they don't tumble?" and

"every little girl needs to do ballet, don't they?" and

"all of her friends are in girl scouts" and

"This is the way to raise well rounded children" start to pop up. 

Then I convince myself that we're doing the right thing. 

Until the next week comes and I start the questions all over again.

So tell me, how do you know when it's enough?  How do you decide, when your child comes home and asks to do one more activity, what to say?  And how do we continue the balancing act of staying on top of it all?