Dear Blog ...

Dear Blog ...

I realize that by now you feel completely abandoned, and for that I really do apologize. But let me be frank ... you are on the BOTTOM of a VERY long list of "To Dos" right now. So you and I will have to wait to become reaquainted again until after the new year ... or possibly spring.

You see ... I am EXTREMELY behind right now! In fact, I had a mild to moderate nervous breakdown today, seeing as Christmas is only 9 days away. Don't worry! Everyone and everything escaped unharmed. I did, however, take up a fair amount of my mother's precious time on the phone today - first laughing hysterically at my brainless antics (a story for another day) and then crying at my complete frustration. But I feel lots better. I took her advice and made a list and I am going to bed NOW because I can barely see straight.

So, there you have it. It's certainly not the way I envisioned Christmas at my house 9 days prior to the greatest day of the year, but it is what it is. In fact, in my dreams I see myself cheerfully humming along with the Christmas music playing in the background. My house is spotless, the gifts (all homemade of course) are beautifully wrapped under the tree, the children are happily playing together, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodies streams through my house. Oh and we can't forget the perfect Christmas cards that were mailed days ago and the kind service projects that we've done for our neighbors and friends.

Welcome back to reality folks! NONE of those things took place at this house today. In fact, if you had come to my door at any point today you may have heard me yelling at the children, cursing at projects gone bad or tripping over a million things on the floor. HOWEVER ... with all that being said ... I am grateful that in this house of craziness ... there are 3 beautiful, healthy children who I adore and a man who I love with all of my heart. So on that note my friends (and dear blog who's been neglected) I bid you a fond farewell ... for at least a few more days, or weeks!

Indoor Camping Party

Believe it or not ... my little man is turning 8 years old in a couple of days. Strange, I know. He should still be 3! He's such a good kid and a complete sweetheart! He can hardly wait to turn 8, be baptized and start Cub Scouts. So it seemed only appropriate that his birthday party this year would have something to do with scouts. We decided that an indoor camping party would be just the ticket!

Now, I realize that this may sound extremely strange to some people, but I LOVE planning birthday parties! Truly! I love the whole process of brainstorming about themes, deciding on favors and decorations and then running with it! Literally ... I think about it for weeks. Sometimes months! It's one of the things that makes me tick. I can't explain it!

So ... we picked a date (which in December can be extremely difficult) and created invitations. I found a super cute digital scrapbook kit called "Who Wants Some Smores?" on JustSoScrappy.com. Then I let my imagination run wild. I found some other moms online who had hosted a similar party and I used their ideas as inspiration. Here's a quick look at the party ...


Happy birthday J-Dog! We love you so much and are extremely proud of you! I hope you had as much fun at the party as I did!