Craigs Make up day

You may or may not remember the disaster of a birthday my amazing husband the Craig had. Just as well if you do not recall it. Any who, I thought he needed a mulligan for that one, so we had a little make up party. I made this fun little cake for him, and took a picture because it was just too cute...but I set it back on the not cooled down oven. Oops. A few minutes after I took the cake picture I reentered the kitchen area to find half of the top layer had slipped right off.
DANG!
I called for Craig to come help me, and when he walked in the room to find me holding his cake together with both hands covered in frosting we both broke inro laughter.
We laughed so hard, my tummy hurt, and I had tears. We got it together ("it" being ourselves) and stuck the cake back together the best we could with toothpicks. I love that man.
The other funny part was when I forgot to remove the toothpicks, and served the cake. Luckily no one got hurt, and Craig had a nice re-do of his birthday.

through Carters eyes

I let carter go free with my camera around the house, and it was actually fascinating to me to see our home through his eyes.
Isn't it interesting what a little perspective can do?
Tonight I watched a broadcast dedicated to the disaster in Haiti...that gave me perspective.
I can not even begin to imagine what those poor people are going through right now, and the horrible things they see on a daily basis. Most of them do not have the fullness of the gospel to help them through their trials. I pray they can find peace.
I'm so thankful for the blessings of the gospel in my life. I don't know how I would handle trials without them. definitely wouldn't be with grace. I am so thankful to live in a place where neighbors look out for each other, and at least 20% of the people on my street have enough food storage in there homes to feet an army.
I have running water.
My kids are safely sleeping in their beds.
We all had plenty to eat for dinner...and then some.
I am blessed.

Happy Un-Birthday

While my Boise sisters were in town we had a big "Happy Unbirthday Party" for everyone who wasn't having a birthday that day...which happened to be all of us. We kicked it off with some good ol' traditional B-day games, followed by a delish dinner. After that my sister Jo and her hubby handed out gifts they had gotten for everyone, so sweet.
After the gifts we all got our very own chocolate cupcake, and sang happy unbirthday to me...and you.
The kids loved it.
I loved it.
It was just what we all needed.
So happy unbirthday to you...unless it actually is your birthday.

House Rules

Can I just say really fast how much I LOVE my family! I love them LOTS and LOTS!
Today we had my sweet little niece and nephew over to play, they live in Indiana, so it's a special treat when we get to be with them. There I was setting up the play dough supplies, just happy to have our visitors here.
Carter on the other hand had something else on his mind. He was worried that they might not know the "rules" for our house, so he took it upon himself to make them clear. I have to say, it might be a good thing he did, because I honestly didn't know some of them myself. Our "house rules" went as follows:

1. No fighting
2. no teasing
3. no dropping food on the floor
4. no yelling
5. no mean words
6. no throwing play dough at the chicken (our backyard pet)
7. Be happy
8. no hitting the chicken...or me
9. and no getting cheese out of the fridge unless you ask my mom first

As he went through his list, I had flashbacks of myself saying each one of those things to him, at one time or another....even the part about the play dough and the chicken.

My point, I discovered today that my four year old son actually does listen to me! yay for us.

Come!

The other day I got an email about a blogging conference that will be held this spring.Once I accepted the fact that I am a big BIG nerd, I couldn't deny that it sounded like lots of fun,and would be the perfect place to go with the girls. They had a little form to fill out for people interested in speaking, so I figured why not try to get in for free. I didn't honestly think they would ask me, so I didn't say anything about it to the Craigster.
Fast Forward 2 weeks(ish).
I got this email from a sender I didn't recognize, and nearly deleted it. Luckily, I hit open on accident, and it was a letter letting me know I had been selected to be part of the Conference as a special guest. I was surprised, but really excited. Mostly becasue this meant a girls weekend was eminant in my forseeable future, and it would be free.
woohooo!
This Conferance is going to be a big PARTY, and I want you to come.
Go to www.casualbloggerconference.com, to get all the details.
See you there!?!

Things I've learned as a Mother

Basically, there are certain things in life you learn as a Mother, and only as a Mother. The reason for this is simple, and totally makes sense...in my mind anyway. Non Mothers are better off not knowing. That way, they don't have to worry about it.
For example, I learned something new today...stickers can get stuck up your nose if you push them far enough! Who would have thought!?! Or better yet...who would have tried (aside from my son, of course)?
I also know some useful things, like on our way to the library it's more fun to take the mall parking lot "shortcut" then to stay on the main road...more corners & bumps.
Bubble wrap makes good dress ups, and hours of entertainment.
Cheese is as good as new after you cut off the mold, bread is not!
To a four year old, licking your hands and washing them are one and the same.
What are some valuable lessons you have learned from your Chickie's?

and the winner is..

Carlin. :) I thought your ideas were very creative and fun. Thanks for sharing them with me. I think they will help make January a little more fun for the fam. send me your address to susanromriell@hotmail.com, and I will mail you my Moms new recipe book. HAPPY NEW YEAR.