A few weeks ago in Sunday School our teacher was presenting a lesson on Abraham. Abraham was promised great blessings, but didn't see the fruits of his obedience right away. Our instructor asked the class to reflect on times when they were directed but didn't see the results of their obedience to that prompting until much later on.
An experience immediately came to mind, but I try not to share in class very often because I always end up crying every time I open my mouth!! I reflected on the experience and felt prompted to write it down. It was not a huge experience, but it has always been evidence to me that the Lord is aware of me and will bless us with that which we need.
Ryan and I had been living back East and I only had a few more months until I graduated. We had always planned to return to Utah ASAP, but we grew to love the people and the area in NJ. I was offered a great job at a renowned hospital in Pennsylvania and was very excited about the possibilities of starting my career there temporarily. We thought about it a great deal, we realized that it really made sense to stay where we were for at least another year or two before moving home. We felt really good about our decision and then we prayed about it! We both received the impression that we needed to move home. It was confusing to us because financially and professionally it seemed like the best thing to do.
We did end up moving home and moved in temporarily with my parents. Prior to graduation we learned that we were expecting. I graduated, passed my boards, and began looking for work. I kept looking and looking and nothing was working out. I was finally offered a job 5 months later 1 week before Parker was born, but it was a very part time schedule. When Parker was born he had a cleft lip and palate and required literally around the clock attention. I pumped for 30 -45 minutes every 3 hours and he had to be fed every 2 hours. A feeding lasted anywhere from 45min - 1 hour because of the time required to pump the milk into him with the special feeding system. My parents and brother were absolutely angels during this time. Parker received all the attention that he needed including several surgeries and biweekly doctor appts in the first 6+ months.
I remember reflecting on our situation when this was all occurring and being overwhelmed with God's mercy in providing us with all that we needed during this time. Had we stayed back East we would have been better off financially, but I would not have had the support I needed to take care of Parker. I would have had to return to work and juggle doctor appts and caring for him during and after surgeries. I also would not have been able to stop working because our medical insurance would have been through my work. We recognize that even in the small and seemingly unimportant circumstances of our lives the Lord desires to bless us and blesses us with what we need to be sustained during our difficulties. For that, I am so very grateful!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
No Better Place
Things have been crazy, busy lately (as they are for everyone). Last month on our scheduled temple date I had to work, followed by the usal b-ball games for Parker, ect. The day just kept filling up and then Parker's team actually advanced in their playoffs and ended up playing a game during our schedule temple appt. time. We ended up rushing home and making it to the temple in time to do intiatorys. There were several times during the day where I felt like it would be okay to cancel our temple appt. and that it was just too hard to fit in. I was not in the temple more that 10 minutes when the following words came very clearly to my mind, "There is no better place for you to be." It was a sweet night filled with peace and literally I felt that for a few hours at least, my burdens of daily life were lightened.
Life marched on and a few weeks later I ended up at the Temple one morning with my Young Women Presidency. I felt like junk (had been sick for several days), I only had a 4 hour span of time off work that week between Mon - Sat. and was a little (okay totally) overwhelmed with all that I needed to get done, get caught up on and do just to keep our family treading water! I again contemplated not going, but ended up going. As we waited in the chapel, I again was filled with peace and the words entered my mind, "There is no better place you could be." It was a tender mercy to be once again reminded that the Lord can bless us and sustain us when we draw near unto him.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Failing Grade
I loved this list I found onLisa's blog! If I were to be graded on this is a 49/99 even a passing grade? I think I should get extra points for not having been involved in a lawsuit or for never calling in sick when I really wasn't...right!?!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (dated a boy who played in a band, does that count)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (3 more weeks baby!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Visited a Castle
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (I have been in a commercial and a TV show though!) 56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts classs
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memoria
l71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Spent New Years Eve in Trafalga Square
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Have been published
81. Visited the Redwoods
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (does a fish count?)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Testified in court (hmm...traffic court?)
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (I photographed dead birds on it's shore!)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (dated a boy who played in a band, does that count)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (3 more weeks baby!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Visited a Castle
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (I have been in a commercial and a TV show though!) 56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts classs
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memoria
l71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Spent New Years Eve in Trafalga Square
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Have been published
81. Visited the Redwoods
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (does a fish count?)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Testified in court (hmm...traffic court?)
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (I photographed dead birds on it's shore!)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
2009 in Review
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? Participated in a Temple Celebration and Open House! The Youth Temple Celebration was an amazing experience, I was so grateful that our girls could be involved in it! Ryan and I also loved serving at the Open House of "our" Temple! 
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
We made it to "DL", which has been my New Year Resolution for the past 4 years! I made many part year resolutions this year that I accomplished! I tried out dozens of new recipes for dinner and tried to increase/improve my scripture study time. I have a whole lotta others that were not kept so well too!!
I will make more {I always do}, I often make too many and then I get overwhelmed, so I am trying to simplify my goals this year. My SIL does a theme for the year, my mom and others are picking a word for the new year, I love both of those ideas, I am still formulating my plan!
Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! I have a beautiful niece Sadie Jo! She has Ryan wrapped around her finger and he holds her every chance he gets! My friend Denni gave birth to a beautiful little angel, and many other friends were blessed with little ones!
Did anyone close to you die? I had a few patients pass away this year, one of which was a total shock.
What countries did you visit? Countries?!? I am thrilled to say that I left the state of Utah...twice!!! I know, I know, I'm a world class traveler now!!
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Medical Insurance, more patience.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? We went to Disneyland!!! Seriously such a dream-come-true!
What was your biggest failure? I wasted a lot of time that could have been spent in more productive ways. At the end of this year, I let my pride get the best of me and had some resentment regarding a situation that I didn't feel was handled well. I always joke that I did not vote for agency in the great council, but I realized recently that when my agency is imposed on I get pretty testy, something I am still trying to work on!
Did you suffer illness or injury? Well I think I can count on my two little hands the number of days I didn't hurt, but I also realize that the amount of pain I have endured this past year is nothing compared to what many others experience on a daily basis. I hope that it has made me more compassionate, I know that it has made me more grateful. Grateful for my hubby who has endured so much and grateful for my good days!
What was the best thing you bought? Wow, this is a tough one! The best meal I bought (see I am my mother's daughter) was at the Craft Steakhouse in Vegas....divine!
My best recent purchase was a warm, comfy velour sweat suit (did I actually just admit to that???) that I wear way too often!!
Oh, by far my best purchase hands down this year was my family pictures! I finally have them all hung and they make me smile every time I walk by them (I have to straighten them every time I walk by them too - oh well!) They were just what I wanted!
Whose behavior merited celebration? Many people's did, there's not time to document all the wonderful people whose lives and actions are examples to me. Quickly I will just share 2 (again of many). My sister-in-law has blessed our lives immensely this past year. When Ryan was recovering from his brain tumor she would come out and clean our bathrooms weekly. When Ryan lost his job and I had to start working more she again came to clean the bathrooms 2x month AND would bring dinner for our families to share! Seriously, how blessed are we? I will not lie I loved having clean bathrooms, it was one less thing I had to worry about, but what I loved the very most was the relationships that my children developed with their cousins (who are all much older) and their aunts and uncles. I love that they know them so well, that they love them to death, and that they feel so loved too!
Ryan got really excited about the Steelers winning the SuperBowl!
I got excited to see the Youth Temple Celebration, the fact that I could still get up on a waterski, and the kids reactions on Christmas morning!
What do you wish you'd done less of? Spending time on the computer
How did you spend Christmas? We had a great Christmas! One of the highlights was being the Secret Song Santas to my grandma. All of my brothers and I and our families took turns leaving first a tree and then ornaments to go on the tree with a song to accompany it. Our mom and dad (who grandma lives with) didn't even know who was doing it which added to the excitement! On the last day Ryan dressed up as Santa and we all went and caroled to grandma - it was a fun little treat!
Did you fall in love in 2009? Yep, with these 4 little ones and 1 not so little one that I get the privilege of being with every day! I also fell more in love with my YW girls - they really are such wonderful girls and I love and adore them!
What was your favorite TV program? The Office (we are new followers) - okay this is probably not my favorite program, but I love how much Ryan loves it and it might be the only show I watch so that kinda clinches the deal!
What was the best book you read this year? Goose Girl (Shannon Hale)! Loved it, and liked the second one too (Enja Burning). I need to get started on the third one!
What was your greatest musical discovery? Yiruma! He is a Korean piano composer whose music is amazing! It instantly calms me, Ryan downloaded a few of my favorite songs on his itunes and every now and then will put it on for me in the mornings when I am getting ready and it always makes me smile! Two of my favorite songs are Dream and Kiss the Rain!
What was your favorite film of this year? I Loved Blind Side!
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I am 36 years young!! I went out to breakfast with Lizzy and Jeanette (a treasured tradition) - they spoiled me rotten with all sorts of fun gifts! In case anyone is interested we went to our new favorite spot, The Red Rooster Waffle House in Jordan Landing! We looove it and collectively agree that the Florentine Waffle is our favorite! That night my plans changed last minute and so my mom drove us out take out dinner (Thai salad from TGIF's - yeah so my mother's daughter I can remember what I ate - yikes!) That night Karen, and Katena, and I went out to the opening night of This is It (Michael Jackson Movie)! I am not a fan (not even a tiny bit, although I did moonwalk in 5th grade often), but Karen is a huge fan {obsessed}! Karen and I share the same birthday so it was her birthday treat!! The show was actually good and the company wonderful!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Pathetic.. seriously!
What kept you sane?
Ryan, girlfriends, the scriptures, and promptings and assurances from the Spirit!
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?We made it to "DL", which has been my New Year Resolution for the past 4 years! I made many part year resolutions this year that I accomplished! I tried out dozens of new recipes for dinner and tried to increase/improve my scripture study time. I have a whole lotta others that were not kept so well too!!
I will make more {I always do}, I often make too many and then I get overwhelmed, so I am trying to simplify my goals this year. My SIL does a theme for the year, my mom and others are picking a word for the new year, I love both of those ideas, I am still formulating my plan!
Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! I have a beautiful niece Sadie Jo! She has Ryan wrapped around her finger and he holds her every chance he gets! My friend Denni gave birth to a beautiful little angel, and many other friends were blessed with little ones!
Did anyone close to you die? I had a few patients pass away this year, one of which was a total shock.
What countries did you visit? Countries?!? I am thrilled to say that I left the state of Utah...twice!!! I know, I know, I'm a world class traveler now!!
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Medical Insurance, more patience.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? We went to Disneyland!!! Seriously such a dream-come-true!
What was your biggest failure? I wasted a lot of time that could have been spent in more productive ways. At the end of this year, I let my pride get the best of me and had some resentment regarding a situation that I didn't feel was handled well. I always joke that I did not vote for agency in the great council, but I realized recently that when my agency is imposed on I get pretty testy, something I am still trying to work on!
Did you suffer illness or injury? Well I think I can count on my two little hands the number of days I didn't hurt, but I also realize that the amount of pain I have endured this past year is nothing compared to what many others experience on a daily basis. I hope that it has made me more compassionate, I know that it has made me more grateful. Grateful for my hubby who has endured so much and grateful for my good days!
What was the best thing you bought? Wow, this is a tough one! The best meal I bought (see I am my mother's daughter) was at the Craft Steakhouse in Vegas....divine!
My best recent purchase was a warm, comfy velour sweat suit (did I actually just admit to that???) that I wear way too often!!
Oh, by far my best purchase hands down this year was my family pictures! I finally have them all hung and they make me smile every time I walk by them (I have to straighten them every time I walk by them too - oh well!) They were just what I wanted!
Whose behavior merited celebration? Many people's did, there's not time to document all the wonderful people whose lives and actions are examples to me. Quickly I will just share 2 (again of many). My sister-in-law has blessed our lives immensely this past year. When Ryan was recovering from his brain tumor she would come out and clean our bathrooms weekly. When Ryan lost his job and I had to start working more she again came to clean the bathrooms 2x month AND would bring dinner for our families to share! Seriously, how blessed are we? I will not lie I loved having clean bathrooms, it was one less thing I had to worry about, but what I loved the very most was the relationships that my children developed with their cousins (who are all much older) and their aunts and uncles. I love that they know them so well, that they love them to death, and that they feel so loved too!
{yep - she even smiles while she cleans!}
Another instance was a small action, but it brought me immeasurable peace during a difficult situation. My VT called to check in on things because she was aware of the situation and offered to fast with me. I had been praying my guts outs, but had failed to take advantage of the fast. It humbled me immediately to be invited to do so and I believe the resolve to do so brought peace and strength. On the day I was too fast, the situation resolved very quickly and much better than anticipated. Instead of fasting for strength and courage, I was able to fast and express my gr attitude to the Lord. I called my VT so that she would not have to fast on my behalf , but was once again impressed and humbled as she chose to fast with me in an expression of gratitude for the tender mercies that I had received.
{That is my Visiting Teacher on the right}
I am truly surrounded by amazing, wonderful people!
What song will always remind you of 2009? "I've Got a Feeling" because it is Heather's and some of my patients' ring tones!! I also have a whole new appreciation for the music from Wicked after seeing the show this year!
What do you wish you'd done more of? Slept ;), one on one time with the kids, and more date nights with Ryan.
Where did most of your money go? I don't know because I don't have to pay the bills anymore - yeah!!
What did you get really, really, really excited about? The
kids got really excited about Disney Land, flying on an airplane, and meeting Miley Cyrus!
{That is my Visiting Teacher on the right}I am truly surrounded by amazing, wonderful people!
What song will always remind you of 2009? "I've Got a Feeling" because it is Heather's and some of my patients' ring tones!! I also have a whole new appreciation for the music from Wicked after seeing the show this year!
What do you wish you'd done more of? Slept ;), one on one time with the kids, and more date nights with Ryan.
Where did most of your money go? I don't know because I don't have to pay the bills anymore - yeah!!
What did you get really, really, really excited about? The
kids got really excited about Disney Land, flying on an airplane, and meeting Miley Cyrus!
Ryan got really excited about the Steelers winning the SuperBowl!
I got excited to see the Youth Temple Celebration, the fact that I could still get up on a waterski, and the kids reactions on Christmas morning!
What do you wish you'd done less of? Spending time on the computer
How did you spend Christmas? We had a great Christmas! One of the highlights was being the Secret Song Santas to my grandma. All of my brothers and I and our families took turns leaving first a tree and then ornaments to go on the tree with a song to accompany it. Our mom and dad (who grandma lives with) didn't even know who was doing it which added to the excitement! On the last day Ryan dressed up as Santa and we all went and caroled to grandma - it was a fun little treat!
Did you fall in love in 2009? Yep, with these 4 little ones and 1 not so little one that I get the privilege of being with every day! I also fell more in love with my YW girls - they really are such wonderful girls and I love and adore them!
What was your favorite TV program? The Office (we are new followers) - okay this is probably not my favorite program, but I love how much Ryan loves it and it might be the only show I watch so that kinda clinches the deal!
What was the best book you read this year? Goose Girl (Shannon Hale)! Loved it, and liked the second one too (Enja Burning). I need to get started on the third one!
What was your greatest musical discovery? Yiruma! He is a Korean piano composer whose music is amazing! It instantly calms me, Ryan downloaded a few of my favorite songs on his itunes and every now and then will put it on for me in the mornings when I am getting ready and it always makes me smile! Two of my favorite songs are Dream and Kiss the Rain!
What was your favorite film of this year? I Loved Blind Side!
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I am 36 years young!! I went out to breakfast with Lizzy and Jeanette (a treasured tradition) - they spoiled me rotten with all sorts of fun gifts! In case anyone is interested we went to our new favorite spot, The Red Rooster Waffle House in Jordan Landing! We looove it and collectively agree that the Florentine Waffle is our favorite! That night my plans changed last minute and so my mom drove us out take out dinner (Thai salad from TGIF's - yeah so my mother's daughter I can remember what I ate - yikes!) That night Karen, and Katena, and I went out to the opening night of This is It (Michael Jackson Movie)! I am not a fan (not even a tiny bit, although I did moonwalk in 5th grade often), but Karen is a huge fan {obsessed}! Karen and I share the same birthday so it was her birthday treat!! The show was actually good and the company wonderful!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Pathetic.. seriously!
What kept you sane?
Ryan, girlfriends, the scriptures, and promptings and assurances from the Spirit!
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Well, since I haven't seen New Moon yet I can't fancy Jacob yet :), so I better go with
Ryan Reynolds (The Proposal and 2 Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place)What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare Reform, yeah it scares me to death! I have a husband who has health issues and the industry is our bread and butter sooo yeah, I'm very nervous about the whole situation!!
Who do you miss? I still miss MaryAnn terribly, grateful that her family is being taken care of though! I miss my grandpa! I also miss Jory, Julie K., Amy, and extended family!
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Gracie was baptized on December 5, 2009! It was such a special day for her and for our family! She had asked her brother to speak and me to lead the music! But when Parker realized how many people were going to be at the baptism he became too nervous, so I got to speak and Gracie's cousin Abby led the music! It was so cute after she was immersed in the water she came up with a pretty shocked look on her face as she was walking up the stairs leading out of the font she exclaimed, "Well, I am never going to do that again!" We had a wonderful day celebrated with family and friends. Gracie's grandpa and Abby's husband, Steve, helped make an amazing video for Gracie of her life (her Aunt Marci is her favorite singer and sings a song on the video as an accompaniment)!
Who do you miss? I still miss MaryAnn terribly, grateful that her family is being taken care of though! I miss my grandpa! I also miss Jory, Julie K., Amy, and extended family!
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Gracie was baptized on December 5, 2009! It was such a special day for her and for our family! She had asked her brother to speak and me to lead the music! But when Parker realized how many people were going to be at the baptism he became too nervous, so I got to speak and Gracie's cousin Abby led the music! It was so cute after she was immersed in the water she came up with a pretty shocked look on her face as she was walking up the stairs leading out of the font she exclaimed, "Well, I am never going to do that again!" We had a wonderful day celebrated with family and friends. Gracie's grandpa and Abby's husband, Steve, helped make an amazing video for Gracie of her life (her Aunt Marci is her favorite singer and sings a song on the video as an accompaniment)!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Trick or Treat!
Last year I didn't get around to posting pictures from our Halloween festivities, but I am already getting excited to do it all again this year!! We got the idea from my darling sister-in-law to pass out cotton candy on Halloween instead of the usual treats! I dressed up as a witch, covered the cotton candy machine with purple vinyl tablecloths in attempts to make it look like a cauldron, and posted a sign that said, "Witch's Brew"!
We passed out mini cotton candy to all the trick-or-treaters and had a blast! This year I plan to decorate the tent with some (gasp) tissue balls and am going to try getting the cotton candy a purple or orange color (with the help of a little gelatin)!! Only 18 more days!!!!
{Oh and that adorable Trick or Treat Tin was delivered to my house earlier in the month FULL of candy courtesy of Amy B., she used scrapbook paper and her cricuit to cut out all the vinyl polka dots - and then finished it off with a cute black and white polka dot ribbon!!! I love having amazing, generous girlfriends!!}
We passed out mini cotton candy to all the trick-or-treaters and had a blast! This year I plan to decorate the tent with some (gasp) tissue balls and am going to try getting the cotton candy a purple or orange color (with the help of a little gelatin)!! Only 18 more days!!!!
{Oh and that adorable Trick or Treat Tin was delivered to my house earlier in the month FULL of candy courtesy of Amy B., she used scrapbook paper and her cricuit to cut out all the vinyl polka dots - and then finished it off with a cute black and white polka dot ribbon!!! I love having amazing, generous girlfriends!!}
Sunday, September 20, 2009
GNO Beach Party!
Summer....
When the waves kiss your feet
The sand is your seat
And your friends outnumber the stars
This past month I got to host girls night out and was very excited to celebrate the last few breaths of summer with a beach party!
I made some fun retro invites:
I blinged up our pop tent with some fun tissue balls. Got a little carried away and made more tissue balls to adorn the chairs and attached them to the black netting I tied around each chair!
We had an ugliest sunglasses competition (similar to the Christmas party ugliest Christmas sweater contest)!
One of my favorite things (besides the food, cute girlfriends, and unexpected entertainment) was these waterbottles I made. I found this quote and knew I had to use it somehow, so I found a fun retro "Beachy" image and added it to these labels to make some water bottles sure to make you smile (if you're my age anyway)!
A few of us ventured out in the canoe for a little ride around the lake. I am not including the pictures of us beached on the sand. Perhaps we should have gone out on the canoe before we ate!
Speaking of food, we enjoyed a BBQ Chicken Salad (similar to Cheesecake Factory's), seasoned flatbread, grilled pineapple, pina colada slush, and key lime pie for dessert!
I love these girls, we have been getting together monthly since I moved back from New Jersey (11 years ago)!!! For many of us it is the only way we get to see each other and we all treasure these relationships!
Jenny compiled a CD for me of "Summer" songs, which we had playing all evening. Jenny and I entertained everyone with our not so lovely karaoke and dancing! A few of us were ready to venture in for a swim, but we got kicked out, apparently the Lake closes at dark!
The highlight of the night was when these 3 bathing beauties payed us a surprise visit! They borrowed a blue station wagon, donned some lovely swim apparel and came running down the pier, ready to jump in the water. I was laughing so hard, I could hardly breathe, my girlfriends thought I had planned it - no one was more surprised than me, well except perhaps anyone who knows Krista!!! What fun friends!! I am blessed to have such wonderful, fun, crazy friends!
The highlight of the night was when these 3 bathing beauties payed us a surprise visit! They borrowed a blue station wagon, donned some lovely swim apparel and came running down the pier, ready to jump in the water. I was laughing so hard, I could hardly breathe, my girlfriends thought I had planned it - no one was more surprised than me, well except perhaps anyone who knows Krista!!! What fun friends!! I am blessed to have such wonderful, fun, crazy friends!
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