Neighborly Fun

One recent Saturday we were invited to our neighbors house for their son Otto's 2nd Birthday Party. We had a blast, loving the opportunity to get to know this family better, and the kids had fun with all the musical entertainment.

Cleavage Patrol

I love the Food Network!

And one of of my favorite shows, or I should say, used to be one of my favorite shows, was "Everday Italian" with Giada De Laurentiis. Unfortunately, Giada likes to wear low-cut blouses, and this does not go unnoticed by my Ava (a.k.a. Cleavage Patrol), who checks to make sure that Giada is modest, otherwise we change the channel.

It's been several months now, and we've given up watching that show (the Barefoot Contessa is our new favorite!). But I continue to be grateful for my sweet daughter who knows that our bodies are special and sacred.

Recently, she came out of her room with her favorite soccer shirt in tow, announcing that she was giving it to her little sister Iris because it was too small. I knew how difficult this was for her, because this shirt is so near and dear to her heart. She became attached to it as a baby, and insisted on wearing it even though it was huge.

She said, "Mom, it's just not modest anymore. You can see my belly."

Out of the mouths of babes.

The Art Docent Program

When Samuel and I enrolled the girls in our local elementary school, we learned about The Art Docent Program. It's a fantastic opportunity for parents to volunteer in the classroom by bringing the art museum to the kids, via monthly classroom presentations. We lead the kids in a discussion on various types of artwork (impressionism, cubism, etc.-), and study large reproductions of famous works of art. Afterwards, we lead the kids in a unique hands-on art lesson, using tons of cool art mediums including chalk pastels, oil pastels, and watercolors.

It's a sacrifice of time, but well worth it.
The kids always have a blast, and to tell you the truth, we do too!

If you ever hear of a call for art docents, check it out.
It's an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved.

Barnacles

I call my babies my "barnacles", because sometimes, no matter what you're doing, they're content to just follow you around wherever you go.

Luckily, Sam was home, and they left mom alone to tag around with Dad.

The Big 3-0: Part IV, The Roast

Samuel's family has a wonderful tradition of roasting the folks who hit major age milestones. And Samuel and I love to get into the spirit of gag-gifts. We plot and plan well in advance, and make sure to create something spectacularly funny for the unfortunate birthday boy or girl.

For several years now, we've been warned that there would be major pay-back for all that we've dished out. But we weren't worried. We even encouraged them.

Because we knew that if we were going to go down in flames, at least we would be the ones to light the match!

Hence, we turned the tables on everyone...

by arriving at our roast as...

The future Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Elmer!

While we were dressing, the kids reactions ranged from puzzled to mortified as they observed our transformation. Owen looked thoroughly confused, and Isabella kept exclaiming that people were going to see us!

What made things worse, was that just I was putting on the finishing touches on Sam's giant uni-brow, we heard a knock on the door. Ava came tearing through the house announcing that Bro. Faupula was at the door! Samuel and I knew he had no choice but to answer the door in costume, and he did sheepishly, while we watched Dee's jaw drop!

Not long after that we set out for the evening, but we had a few stops along the way including his parent's house so that Samuel could snatch his Dad's old man sunglasses.

Yes, he really wears these.

We then dropped the kid's off at my mom's, before we headed to the party. Needless to say, our appearance had the desired effect, and we took everyone by surprise!

Note the subtle details:

The uni-brow...
The shaved crown of the head...
The nose and ear hairs!

The blue eyeshadow...
Smeared lipstick...
The famous red hat!

Amongst the many gag gifts, we received...

Sunblock for men. Specifically formulated for the bald spot on top of the head.

Sam sadly noted that this would actually be a very useful gift!

Instant abs!

And miracle-grow for hair!

I was treated to a bevy of mature motherhood products, including a hat/wig combo, a bottle of prune juice, a wipe stick (don't ask), and a nursing/slinky bra.

The party was a hoot and Samuel and I had a blast!



We were even serenaded by our brother-in-law Bill!

Thank you everyone for an unforgettable roast!

Note:
The next day, Ava looked at us and heaved an enormous sigh of relief.
"You're back to normal!"

The Big 3-0: Part III, Samuel's Turn

Sam likes to say...
"I married an older woman." and "She robbed the cradle."

But really he's only 2-measly weeks younger than me. And not long after I turned 30, he followed suit to my delight!

As a surprise, Owen, Iris, and I worked our heinies off in the garage to clean things up and move things around.

Our goal?
To make space for his car.

We finished in plenty of time, and even made a cheeky sign to greet him when he came home!

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Because he loves breakfast, he chose to eat at Venita Rheas for an early morning meal. He had a monstrous turkey and avocado omelet with fresh squeezed orange juice.

We were all stuffed to the gills, when the waitress surprised us with Sam's birthday treat: A huge mint-chocolate chip ice-cream cake!

Of course we couldn't turn that down. So we all settled in and did our best to make Venita proud!

We love you Daddy!

The Big 3-0: Part II, The Surprise Party

This year, all I wanted for my birthday was a free day at home. It seems like we are always rushing here and there, and I just wanted an empty day on the calendar for our family to enjoy just being together. So in the middle of this blissful do-nothing none-itinerary, I knew my time was up when my husband gave me a silly grin and asked if I knew how much my mom loved me.

It was then that I knew...

Surprise Party!

The afternoon was spent eating delicious cake,

opening gifts,

and looking at silly pictures!

Thanks for the surprise party mom!

I love you!

The Big 3-0: Part I, At Home

On Saturday March 14th, I turned 30!

Samuel knows I'm a food lover, and rather than give me a dozen red roses, he surprised me with...

A dozen chocolate dipped strawberries!

We were all happy!

Later, per Sam Elmer birthday tradition, I picked my restaurant-of-choice:

Cattleman's!

Unfortunately, Sam forgot to make a reservation, so at 6 PM on a Saturday night we were escorted to the waiting area. It was a 45-minute wait, or so they said, and miraculously the kids did great. I did break out the goldfish, and we had to mediate the kids in taking turns holding the restaurant beeper, but before long we were shown our table.

All I can say is:
Thank goodness for bread and salad that arrives promptly after you sit down!

The kids cheered during my birthday song, ate my birthday sundae, and they all tried on my cowboy hat!

It was a perfect evening out!

Everyone's been asking if I dread turning the big 3-0, and honestly, I don't! I feel like I've been 30 for a couple of years now. I think it stemmed from a visit to the dentist several years ago. I was going in for a root canal, so I knew I was going to be in the chair for awhile. I went in super-comfy, and didn't even bother to put on make-up. To top it all off, it was my birthday, which I mentioned to the dental assistant who exclaimed, "Oh, how old are you? Thirty-?" She trailed off waiting for me to fill in the correct number, but I had to correct her: "Actually, I'm not thirty yet. I'm turning 27." Ouch! She turned about 3 shades of purple before excusing herself awkwardly. Later, I went home and cried.

I'm over that painful episode, which I now think is quite funny, and embrace the body and spirit that comes from living 30 blessed years. I have nothing but gratitude for my life here on earth and the many, many blessings that have rained down from heaven.

It truly is a happy birthday!

Shhh!

Sam and I are big-time readers. And it's no surprise that books can be found everywhere in our home. For me, there is no happier surprise than stumbling upon one of our kids sitting quietly with an open book.

"Eat me!", said the Marshmellow Man

There is no way our kids would let us get away with a Family Home Evening that didn't conclude with refreshments. So of course, being unprepared and bone-tried, I took a look in the pantry and seized a bag of marshmallows and some toothpicks.

Our imaginations took over and to mom's delight the kids deemed the refreshments a hit!