Birthday Flop

This week we had early meetings, late meetings, doctor's appointments, lots of homework, and an art show. All while trying to prepare for Mike's birthday.

Trying to preserve some energy & sanity, I decided to order Mike's birthday cake/cupcakes. Thank goodness my family has such a great sense of humor as you can see Mike & Alec displaying the cupcakes that were so hard, you could pound them on the table! Not to mention the chocolate birthday cake that was closer to gray in color than chocolate.

All I can say is lesson learned! I will be making all future birthday cakes and thank you to my wonderfully understanding family who got a lot of laughs out of this birthday flop.

Boasting

Tonight was Alec's night to boast and he had lots of reason to. To say Alec's educational journey has been smooth sailing would be a gross understatement. I would describe it more like a hurricane with some lulls in between.

The clouds are beginning to part to allow the sunshine to streak through. Now, don't get me wrong, there are some really cloudy, dreary, and downright crappy days of projects, homework, and not-so-great grades. But, tonight was special!

We visited Alec's school for his Art Show and he was excited to show us all the places his name was around the school. Alec received the A.I.M. award for improving his GPA by at least .5! By making this awesome improvement, Alec made the Merit Roll. And of course, since it was the Art Show, I had to get a picture of him standing next to his work.

We're so proud of Alec and are thrilled he got an evening to show off his accomplishments!

Bounce

We ventured to the McCord's house today and had a bouncing good time! It is a blessing to have such great friends so close that you can pack the kids in the sled (I wasn't about to risk my car on the unplowed streets), throw on some boots and have a morning full of laughs. And the best thing is, no one minds that I promised Molly it would be a jammie day today!

Valentines

come in many shapes and sizes. This squishy, smiling 13 1/2 month old is the best one we've got!

Mommy's Helper

When you have an unexpected day off in the middle of the week, chores don't seem so tedious especially when you have a helper!

Even if she doesn't last very long and wants you to finish the project!

Attitude Adjustment

Today was supposed to be my day, my day to rejuvenate, my day to myself, my day to mosey through without looking at the clock. A hunting day of sorts, as Mike always says he's so refreshed after a day in the woods.
Well, Mother Nature had other plans. She decided that central Ohio needed to be buried in 12+ inches of snow making it impossible for Mike & the kids to head to the grandparents. However, she also decided that the snow needn't come early to allow a day off work, which left me in a foul mood. So grumpy that Mike, the brave man he is, said I needed an attitude adjustment. I wasn't interested in an attitude adjustment, I wanted my day.
Then the sun rose on Saturday morning filling our room with the shiny reflection that only comes from snow covered ground and my attitude began adjusting. I did get out to run some errands and to have lunch by myself with a magazine. And when I returned home, it was time for some good 'ol snow fun!

Mission accomplished: attitude adjusted!

4:1

We went to play at the Clark's last evening and Molly was outnumbered by 4 boys (Alec, Owen, Bryce, & Tucker). She didn't seem bothered a bit by all the boys in the room. The kids had a blast with each other and ALL of Bryce & Owen's cool toys. I think the parents had a good time, too!

All babies wrestling with Alec









Bryce trying to get the camera









Tucker playing with the musical instruments












Molly & Owen with the fire truck