Picture Catch Up...

I'm back! At least for a little bit. I know I have a lot to catch you up on so I'll do it through pictures.

We spent Easter at home this year. C&C searched for their Easter baskets in the morning and then after church they enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt. Instead of the traditional Easter dinner, I suggested a picnic at Maymont. It was a beautiful, relaxing afternoon!

Carly is wearing the pillowcase dress I made for her. I found the tutorial online. It was super easy!

Happy Birthday, Connor

My sweet boy is 6 years old! Although I've said it a dozen times, I still can't quite grasp the fact. This year has been such a time of growth for him. I can see the beginnings of a little man. He continues to be such a passionate, tender-hearted soul with an overly-energetic spirit and a contagious smile. He is very curious and has such an innocent, inquisitive mind. I always enjoy the conversations we have and the many teachable moments we encounter. The time we spend lying together in his bed right before bedtime is my favorite. It's a time of sweet and quiet conversation that I look forward to and treasure.

Connor had been hinting that he wanted a Star Wars themed birthday party but I think I was in denial and confident that I could talk him into something more "my" style - something more "party-like" that didn't scream "B-O-Y!" Then I finally came to my senses and remembered that this was his birthday, and his party and that I just needed to go with it. From that moment I spent a lot of time reading blogs and thinking about how to make this party a hit for Connor. Throughout the process Matt and I also decided that this would be a drop-off party...a first for us. We allowed Connor to invite six of his classmates and then some additional close kindergarten friends, so we were going to have a lot of energy to contain/direct! I decided to develop a Jedi Training party in which the children would have to participate in four trials in order to complete the Training. I think the most difficult and time consuming part of the planning was the invitation. Once I came up with the idea of a video invitation, I was determined to see it to completion. Had I known how difficult it was going to be, I would've come up with an alternate plan. I was super-excited with the outcome...

I made jedi robes for all of the kids (brown for the boys and white for the girls) which they received and put on as soon as they arrived and lightsabers out of pool noodles and duct tape (which were kept secret until the time came to use them).

The four trials consisted of:

Rescue the Princess (popping balloons and looking to see if a princess is inside)

Storm Trooper Blast (shooting Nerf darts at, and tring to knock over, storm troopers on cups)

Use the Force (blindfolded and trying to hit a ball with a lightsaber)

Lightsaber Duel (dueling with lightsabers on a balance beam)

And then they enjoyed cupcakes (arranged to look like a lightsaber)

I think we wore them out!

Hopefully a good time was had by all participants. I know Matt and I had a blast - more so than I ever thought I would. I kinda' like the drop-off concept!

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

St. Patty's Day

Those silly leprechauns were up to the same 'ole tricks this year, tipping over chairs, stools, pillows, etc...But they did remember to leave Connor and Carly some "gold" (rolos) in their shoes!

These were a last minute gift idea for the teachers.

Daddy and Mommy Dates

This post is slightly outdated but worth a quick post. Last weekend, Matt and I enjoyed dates with C&C. Matt and Connor spent Saturday afternoon at the Richmond Auto Show, while Carly and I went with my mom to see CYT's (Christian Youth Theater) production of Cinderella. We all enjoyed our one-on-one time and the kids had a great time too. Some pics:

Carly insisted on wearing her Cinderella dress to the show, along with the shoes and crown. She looked just like a princess!

And even got to meet the real Cinderella from the show!

Now this weekend, we switch and I have some Mommy-Son time and Matt will have some Daddy-Daughter time. Yeah!

5 miles

I went running with "Coach" this morning. I was a little intimidated because she and her running partners have run 10k's, the half marathon, and are currently training for a 10 miler. She warned me that this morning's run was 5 miles and she had confidence that I could do it at their pace. My plan was to try to do 4 miles this morning and then walk the rest. I was beyond excited when I found out that we had all run the 5 miles together. Whoot whoot!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

This week in school the children participated in a variety of events/activites to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday. The culminating activity was a Character Parade. The children were instructed to dress as a favorite storybook character. Connor finally decided upon...

I am excited to say that I made this costume myself (except for the hat, which we already had) yesterday for a total of $7.47! What a bargain! It's a good thing, since Connor came home with a ripped sweatshirt, half of his white "breast" ripped off, and a ripped hat. What goes on at school I do not know...

See what came in the mail...

Matt's Valentine's Day gift arrived just before we left for Kingsmill. Not very romantic, but I needed a reason to give it to him. After reading many blog postings encouraging people to get their free canvas print, I had to do it. You can get an 8x10 canvas print free although you do have to pay the $15 shipping fee. After selecting that, another offer window popped up with a great deal on this 16x20. Matt has a large spot in his office that I thought this would be perfect for. It is absolutely beautiful! If you haven't done so, I highly encourage you to get one for yourself here.

Ta da...

Birthday Week Part 2

This has to have been the best Birthday Week e-v-e-r! I don't think there's any topping this one.

Friday evening was our Mother Daughter Dinner. My mom, Carly, and I enjoyed dinner together. It was nice to have that girl time with my two favorite ladies!

On Saturday morning, after Flag Football, my mom took C&C and Matt and I headed to Williamsburg. Matt had made plans for us to stay at Kingsmill Resort and had reservations for me at the Spa. I could barely contain myself. I'd never had any sort of massage before, let alone visited a Spa before, so this was super exciting. As soon as we checked into our condo, we headed over to the Spa. Friends had told me to go early and stay late and to bring lots of magazines to read while relaxing in the lounge. I followed directions. After changing into my robe and slippers, I plopped myself into an over-sized lounge chair, covered up with a warm fluffy blanket and read. Does this sound heavenly? It was! I was called for my facial first, which was absolutely delightful. An hour of massaging, exfoliating, hydrating...ahhhhhh! Back to the super comfy chair with my magazine to wait for my massage. My massage was so relaxing and peaceful (as I guess all massages are). My masseuse was very sweet and did a wonderful job. I loved every second of it and couldn't help but fret all through it that it about it being over too soon. Of course I headed back to my comfy chair (because I needed to relax some more) with my blanket and magazines and laid around for another hour or so. Matt gave me specific instructions not to think about him or wonder what he was doing...so I didn't. I started to get hungry, so I finally peeled myself off of the chair and changed. Minus a shower, hairstyle, and make-up, I picked Matt up at the Fitness Center and we headed to a casual restaurant at the resort. It's a good think I didn't run into anyone I knew. I had the look of pure relaxation! Back at the room, Matt started a fire and I showered, and then we just laid around talking, watching tv, and staring at the fire. It was such a nice evening.

Matt had breakfast waiting for me when I woke up Sunday morning (at 9am I might mention) and then I was off to the Spa again. Of course I got there early so that I could take full advantage of the surroundings before having my pedicure. That too, was such a treat. Soon after that was finished, we headed back home. Of course I didn't want to leave, but I left feeling so happy and relaxed. I am so grateful for a husband who thought evough of me to plan such a wonderful "ME" weekend, and so grateful to have a mother who was willing to keep C&C while I was away. Thank you!

Sunday evening my mom came over and we had Surf and Turf for dinner. My favorite, king crab legs, were on the menu. It's been quite some time since I've had those and they are my absolute favorite! My mom and the kids enjoyed the steak while Matt and I devoured 2 pounds of crab. Mmmmmmmm!

Well, there you go. It's over! Now I will wait 51 more weeks until Birthday Week rolls around again. Thank you all for celebrating with me!

Birthday Week

51 weeks have passed since last year, actually it's flown by at super-speed...you know what that means. My Birthday Week is here. For those of you who don't know, I l-o-v-e Birthday Week. I didn't grow up celebrating birthday weeks, it only started once I hit 30, but I can tell you it has really made birthdays more bearable. The week leading up to my birthday is no longer filled with depressing thoughts about getting older or reminiscing about my "younger" days, but with happiness and anticipation of being spoiled and doing all things ME (I know this sounds completely selfish, but I'm really not!). Matt and I plan out the week in advance and fill it with my favorite things...friends, hobbies, food, etc... and I am so excited that it's here! Seriously, if you don't celebrate Birthday Week, you should! How could it not be worth it? You won't be disappointed, I promise!

So, this week started on Monday with Shopping Day. I went to the outlets in Williamsburg and strolled along, window shopped, skipped lunch and snacked all day. Unfortunately I really didn't find anything special or exciting, and no real bargains per se. When I got back into Richmond, I went straight to Short Pump Towne Center and shopped some more. It was there that I found some goodies. A couple of tops, a sweater, jewelry, and jeans - two pair. I picked up a pair of Skinny jeans (let's hope they work!) and some Boyfriend jeans (with rolled cuffs). The lady helping me told me all about how fashionable and comfortable they were, and were "even featured on Oprah". Had to get me a pair! Then I got home just in time to enjoy dessert with the fam...what a perfect day in Jenn's world!

Tuesday was a fun day too. Matt was off from school because of the snow so he and I went to Carly's (rescheduled) Valentine's party at preschool. A relaxing evening at home finished out Day 2.

One of the highlights of the week, for sure, was last night. I invited all of my favorite ladies to join me for dinner. All but two of them were able to come (Sally and Dawn, I missed you!). As some of us were standing together waiting for a table, it occured to me that not everyone knew each other. I quickly, in true teacher fashion, came up with a "game" which involved each of them asking questions of each other to try and determine their names and how they knew me. It was neat for me to watch as each of them recalled stories/events involving the other ladies. They were finally able to put a face to a name they had heard about through conversations with me. I must say it was so exciting for me to be surrounded by my favorite women and for them to finally meet each other. These women are such special people to me and I value their friendship tremendously. I am truly fortunate to have found such wonderful friends. Thank you ladies! I love you.

I love Birthday Week...what shall the rest of the week bring?

XoXo

Valentine's Day - slightly overdue

Here are the goodies I put together this year for C&C...I hope their friends and teachers enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed making them. Well, maybe enjoyable is not the word I would use to describe these projects...the Rice Krispie treat suckers were quite difficult and frustrating (I almost gave up!) and the lettering on the mug was a challenge...let's just say I'm happy with the way they turned out and glad Valentine's Day doesn't happen again for another 365 days!

Rice Krispie treat lollipops dipped in chocolate (they look cute now, don't they? Making them...not so cute!) Here is the tutorial I found online.

I wanted to make the same I Dig You valentines that I made last year but Michaels didn't have the shovels,

so I came up with these instead...

Regina and I used the Cricut and a special contraption she got for Christmas to cut the vinyl letters for the mug...now that we've got it figured out, reproducing them in the future will be easy! The mug says i like you a latte and there is a Starbucks gift card inside (for Connor's teacher)

These were the goodies that Carly took (along with her valentines pictured above). Her teacher is a Diet Coke fanatic, so I came up with this idea. Matt spray painted a six pack holder for me and I filled three glass bottles with Hershey's Kisses, M&M's, and Conversation Hearts. The other slots were filled with Diet Cokes. Two other ladies at Pre-school like Mountain Dew, so their valentine was fun to make!