How to have fun at a birthday party (not yours)

Step 1. Be sure to greet your hosts (Lucas, 4, and Charlie, 1), and wish them a happy birthday. Try not to blurt out what you got them within 10 seconds of entering the room.
(We know, we know ... this is hard.)

Step 2. Ladle races! They go great with the "Ratatouille" theme.

Step 3. PINATA TIME! Be sure to pull the right string to get the goodies. (If you don't have a tree, use a grandpa.)

No, not the orange.

No, not the blue.

GREEN! That's it! (The "winner" does not get to take home all of the candy. Got that, Gabi?)

Be sure to pack a carrying case. And share with the birthday boy.

Step 4. Cake time! He's 4 now - let him blow it out himself.

Step 5. Leave space for some Daddy-son time.

Step 6. Just because you're not at home doesn't mean you can't annoy Mom.
(Face it - you already knew this one.)

Step 7. Don't forget to show the ladies your "How you doin'?" face.

hee...hee...hee...

The following post was for ALL to read, but only for one to actually understand!
I do enjoy the Wii, but the pictures taken were of Will's Valentine's present.
I purchased Guitar Hero 3 for him, he seems to enjoy being a punk rocker!!!
The pictures are telling the story...not necessarily the words!!
Will did catch on to the post...all the more fun!

i LOVE my Wii!

I am not sure if I have told you BUT :
we just love our Wii!!

The games that are made for the Wii are made by trusted companies:

Wii rates the games, so you know what is appropriate for your family!

AND (daddy) they TradeMark their creations so no one can copy them!

One of the best things about the Wii, and it's games--they are wireless!! You don't have to be connected to some machine!!!I would love to hear my husbands thoughts on us owning a Wii, and the games that we enjoy!
I know he loves the Wii as well!!!

How to make $30 Valentines...

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you are a "PLAN ahead" family, like us....then follow along, and we will show you how you can spend a fortune, AND a couple of hours of "quality time", just to say that you too made home made Valentine's!

Step 1: You will need glue....LOTS of it!! A good estimate is 3-4 bottles per child.

Step2: Cool stuff, like sequins! Lots of those too!

Step3: Get the kids involved! Have your 4 year old cut out there own heart!
~holding your tongue out does improve your cutting skills by 20%!~

Step4: Little dots...LOTS of 'em!

Step 5: Start the assembly process.

Step 6: Ribbon? You will need LOTS of ribbon, especially if you have a GIRLIE 4 year old. A good estimate is 3-4 rolls per year of age for this one!
Oh, and make sure you let her cut it her self ~ she will remind you if you forget!

Step 7: Big Sis can demonstrate the skills needed to apply the GLITTER just so!

Step 8: HAVE AT IT!

Step 9: Not quite enough...add just a little more....yep, just right!

Step 10: Add your finishing touches,
let them dry for a week to 10 days, and then you are done!

YOU DID IT! You have just created your very own--homemade Valentines!
You could go to the store and pay 1.50 per box, and have your mom fill in the names for you...or you can venture just beyond the norm, and have a little fun...and glitter... to last a lifetime!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

one for the books...

I thought that I would add a little "Callie-story"...something that everyone could laugh at!




A couple of months ago, I broke my glasses, in half...duct tape was holding them together for 2 days.
I needed to have an updated prescription, and during the exam then technician said:
"So what kind of protection do you wear for the sun?"
I was puzzled, but wanted to be a good patient....
"Uh....SPF 30, at least!"
Now he LOOKED PUZZLED!
"On your eyes??"
"OH, uh, none..."

Just thought I would let you know that I am not always as smart as I appear to be! ;)

Snow, anyone?

It has been a while, so here is a small taste, before I submit you to ALL of our families goings-on!!


It has been snowing-raining-blowing-snow thundering-hailing in our parts here for sometime...and I think I am done!
This picture is from the kids this morning out in front of our hefty pine that has lost 2 more HUGE branches! :(

Brandon and I were "stranded" in Iowa City on Sunday night...
*Thanks Tim & Becky for hosting, Elaine for playing with the LONE child, and Austin for NOT changing his plans and hanging out with unexpected visitors, but going to your friends' house anyway! :)*
I was forced to watch the Super Bowl and Will was forced to watch the kids...not quite how he had planned to spend his evening! I did give him a play by play over the phone...you know --since we have one channel (PBS) and I am so football inclined.
"OOOHH, the blue guys they got the ball!!"
"That one threw it to the other one, OH this IS a good game!"

ENJOY the SNOW, cuz I hope it will be gone soon!!