Category Archives: family

A Sleepover Party for My 11 Year Old

Posted on by

I have to confess something.

I hate sleepover parties. Really hate them.

I know I should love them as a mom and love that my friends have kids who want to come to their house but alas, I hate them.

My son turned 11 over the weekend and wanted a sleepover party with his friends.

He requested a 24 hour party which I quickly shot down. No way Jose.

We compromised on a 4 pm to 10 am party.

At about 4:30 pm on party day, after the 5 guests had arrived,  my husband and I looked at each other and said, “Only 17 1/2 hours to go!”

In all actuality I think it is the stress of hosting 5, 11 year old boys who want nothing else then to knock each other over for the entire length of the party. Oh, and maybe the kids who only speak at one volume, LOUD, that tends to drive me up the wall too.

For the beginning of the party we took the boys to the park near our house where they played soccer, tag, basketball, and grounders (chase on the playground set, no one touching the ground, with the person who is “it” closing there eyes while they were chasing the others – basically a recipe for disaster.)

IMG_7875

IMG_8044

IMG_8145

IMG_7891

Once it hit 6:30 and no one had broken a bone my husband and I called the party a success.

After pizza and a rousing , “Only 15 hours to go,” it was time for a video game tournament, ping pong, and cake.

IMG_8213

IMG_8226

IMG_8231

After coercing them into taking showers the boys settled on the couches to watch Goonies.

I remember loving this movie when I was younger.

What I didn’t remember were the drug jokes and curse words throughout the movie. Good chance I could receive a few calls from moms today.

After the movie we tucked the boys in at 11 pm and …wait for it……they feel asleep immediately.

For those of you who have never hosted a sleepover you will not understand what a gift this is. No one had to utter 45 times, “Boy, it’s time to go to bed now.” Derek and I kept saying to each other, “Do you really think they are asleep? Can’t be. Are they planning something?”

At 7 AM my husband and I were awakened by what sounded like a herd of cattle coming downstairs.

We uttered, “Only 3 more hours.”

After a breakfast of pancakes, more video games, and ping pong we heard that wonderful sound we had been waiting for – ding dong! A child pick up 20 minutes early! At 10:05 when the last boy had been picked up Derek and I held are hands up in victory. Although only morning we climbed back into bed and vowed never to host a sleepover again.

We were feeling good and proud of ourselves until Andrew announced, “For my 8th birthday I’m going to have a sleep over too because that was so much fun.”

So now I’m standing firm on our vow.  We are not going to have another sleep over for at least 2 weeks. And for those of you counting, that’s only 236 hours till the next sleep over. Lord help us.

The Dallas Color Run 2013

Posted on by

My friend Melissa, my 10 year old, and I ran the Color Run this past Saturday in Dallas.

P1120335

It was tons of fun and would have been even more fun if I had properly trained for the 5K.

I know many of you can run a 5K no problem but let’s remember I’m a swimmer. I’m really not good at exercising on land.

Our team name was The Footloose and Fancy 4 but ended up being The Footloose and Fancy 3 when my sister couldn’t participate at the last minute.

Here’s the before:

 P1120334

The after:

P1120370

P1120371

During the run there are several chutes to run through. Volunteers line up at the chute and throw colored powder at the runners. The colored powder is dyed cornstarch. Here we are giving you the idea with our powder packets.

P1120362

Alex was generous enough to stay with us the first half mile. I could tell he was itching to go faster so I sent him on praying that he would be at the finish line like we had arranged. Alex had a great time and was a tad disappointment that there wasn’t a clock at the end.

 P1120372

Melissa was kind enough to stay with me as I took walking breaks through the run. I’m pretty sure she was itching to go ahead too 🙂

 IMG_7243

There were plenty of jogging strollers, lots of kooky socks on display, countless tutus worn, an Elvis runner,  and even a runner in a wedding dress.

Color Run of Dallas = 2 Thumbs Up!

Next Dallas run is November 16th.

Click here to check when the Color Run is coming to a city near you.

 

Thanks to Ryan for taking the pictures!

Cardboard Boxes – So Much Fun!

Posted on by

The last time I talked about Caroline’s super hero party it was concerning the scavenger hunt, bean bag toss, and the chest letters they received.

Today it’s, “Exploring the City!”

When I looked on pinterest for Caroline’s super hero party I came across party decor which had buildings with it. I thought, wouldn’t it be fun for the girls to be able to play in the buildings?

IMG_6794

Otherwise known as, “Cardboard Boxes are so Much Fun!”

One of the missions the kids had to complete was, “Explore the City.” This simply meant, bring out some cardboard boxes and let the kids have fun.

IMG_6793

A week before the party, the kids and I drove around gathering big boxes that had been discarded in the new subdivision they are building near us.

We then set up a painting station on our driveway and got to work painting the boxes.

I used regular house paint that we already had so the cost for this project was $0.  

IMG_6655

Caroline wore her painting outfit – yellow pants, old white shirt, and a pair of the boys’ old water shoes – always looks like she’s a retired Floridean 🙂

IMG_6660

IMG_6658

Everyone got in on the action.

IMG_6661

IMG_6663

Once the boxes were dry, my husband cut out doors and windows in each box.

And here are the final results –

Every Super Hero town needs a City Hall…

IMG_6851

the Movies…

IMG_6852

A Jail to put the bad guys…

IMG_6853

And the library!

IMG_6839

IMG_6844

The cardboard boxes stayed in our house another week before they were completely destroyed.

Good fun!

Middle School Scheduling: A Last Minute Switch

Posted on by

I knew when my husband came home with large protruding crazed eyes, walking ahead of Alex and saying “I’m going to let him tell you,”  it was going to be good.

But first, let me back up.

Since Alex is going into middle school next year, it is time to fill out his schedule.

We were all in agreement about what type of math and language arts he would be taking. Science and social studies are standard as well as technology and PE.

That left only only one elective.

He chose art.

Super. No homework. All in class. Free. Simple simple simple.

On the schedule paperwork you must rank your top 3 elective choices.

Alex put art first, band second, orchestra third.

There was no way he was doing theater or choir so we were fine with his choices. Not even a lengthy and impassioned speech from his dad about his joy of being a baritone in sixth grade choir could change his mind.

All set.

Not quite.

Apparently, if you put band down anywhere on your list, you must come in for an instrument test. The kids test out each instrument they are interested in to see if it’s a match for them.

This is where you insert my husband’s eyes practically leaping out from their sockets since he was with Alex.

Alex chose to try the french horn, the trombone, and the trumpet.

An area band director critiqued the student after each instrument try.

When Alex tried the french horn, “Good sound, wonderful pitch!”

250px-French_horn_front

When Alex tried the trombone, “Good sound, wonderful pitch!”

trombone_1

When Alex tried the trumpet, “Good sound, oh my, that’s the best sound that has come out of any student today. Wow you are a natural. The sound you produced was absolutely amazing. Wow. You are just a treat to listen to on this instrument.’

trumpet_stock

Or something like that.

Let me tell you when it is not going to be a treat listening to that instrument.

EVERYDAY AFTER SCHOOL.

Yes, Alex came home glowing, wanting to play the trumpet.

“I want to switch to band. The lady said I had a great sound. She said I was the best all day.”

……deep breaths…….of course she did, that bit*h………release of air……

“Wow, what made you change your mind?”

“You realize there will be lots of practice involved?”

“Might be difficult carrying a trumpet as you ride your bike to school.”

After a few talks and days to think about it we have a new list of electives:

#1 Band

#2 Art

#3 Orchestra

I now realize this “try your instrument” is such a scam.

I’m onto you middle school.

We won’t be making that same mistake with the next kid.

Of course, I felt a little better last night when a mom texted me last night saying: James switched from theater to band! What did Alex decide?

He decided to switch from art to band – playing the trumpet. You cannot make me put on a “band mom” t-shirt. What instrument did James decide on?

The bassoon! No shirt here but we might be forced to put the decal on our car.

I laughed and suddenly felt better.

Bassoon_Free

The bassoon requires private lessons.

The Tooth Fairy

Posted on by

The tooth fairy visited here the other night.

Thank goodness she remembered to come.

On one occasion, a few years ago, the tooth fairy forgot completely.

I think she was distracted with the new Law and Order that was on that night.

Anyway, it was ugly.

Crying ensued, excuses about a storm making it difficult for her to fly were thrown out. An overall disaster.

Thankfully, she remembered to come the following night, bringing money, a toothbrush, and a new book.

You know, Negligent Tooth Fairy Guilt.

Trust me when I say you never want to go through that.

In steps Mr. Tooth Fairy to the rescue.

Immediately upon hearing the words, “I lost a tooth,”  he reaches for his phone and ignores the child completely. He quickly punches in numbers and commands which will alert Mr. & Mrs. Tooth Fairy at 10:03pm.

At said 10:03, an alarm begins to sound.

Mr. & Mrs. Tooth Fairy have no idea what is happening and begin to think it must be time to take out a nonexistent loaf of banana bread.

Soon after though they come to their senses and remember that everyone’s happiness is on the line.

A minor panic occurs when realization hits that no $1 dollar bills are to be found in the house. An intense debate begins on what an awful precedent it would be to give $5 for one tooth.

The problem is eventually solved and Mr. & Mrs. Tooth Fairy have a deep sleep knowing they have completed their mission.

Early the next morning the child is thrilled to wake up and discover 3 quarters, 2 dimes, and a nickel under his pillow.

Mr. & Mrs. Tooth Fairy smile and know that everyone’s happiness it all due to that little device sitting on the kitchen counter.

tooth-fairy

Miss-tided You

Posted on by

Derek and I usually take turns bringing the boys to their nightly activities.

Right now we have a ton, poor planning on our part, so one of us is away each night of the week.

The other stays with Caroline and gets her ready for bed.

If it’s my night out with the boys I go see her when I get home if she’s still awake.

“Hi Sweet Girl. I’m home.”

“I miss-tided you Mommy.”

Pretty much instantly melts my heart.

No matter what craziness has occurred in the day, it goes away at that moment.

IMG_4721

One day I’m going to miss-tided that.

Feb 1st – My Birthday

Posted on by

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday Dear Jennifer,

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yep, today’s the day.

39 years young.

I’m not a person who stresses over the number so I’m good with today.

I’m going to spend the day having lunch with a friend (and Caroline) and then eating out again for dinner (twice in one day, holy cow!), hopefully followed by a movie rental with the kids and Derek.

Oh, and cake!

Can’t forget about that.

Rumor is I have a king cake coming my way so I’m super excited about that (thanks mom and dad).

Hope your weekend is full of cake too!

-ad59766bf2632b5c

Cheetah Print

Posted on by

I’ve started making a Halloween costume already.

I know, I know.

But you see, there’s this adorable little 3 year old who has been sick for days who was asking for a cheetah costume.

She’s already determined to be a cheetah for Halloween.

Now you would think being a typical kid she would drop this idea in a week and be onto the next costume. But not this girl. A year ago we had a Mary Poppins birthday party for her. Roughly three days later she decided she was going to have a Wonder Woman party for her next party. And low and behold, here I am making super hero cuffs for her party eleven months later.

After watching her with a runny nose and a terrible cough I decided to get this girl her cheetah costume.

The starting point for the costume was a black tutu my brother gave Caroline last year. It’s adorable and she loves it.

For the next part of the costume I headed to the mall.

Why not the fabric store you ask?

I just can’t stand in line with that big bolt of cheetah fabric. I think I would have to start talking needlessly to everyone in the line explaining why I would be paying money for gobs of  fabric which screams street walker to me.

Surprisingly, once you start looking, there is a lot of cheetah clothing out there.

Just walk into Forever 21 and scan for cheetah. You will be amazed at the ensembles you could put together.

Slinky cheetah dress with rhinestones – check!

Cheetah print camisole – check!

Pleather cheetah pants – check!

Actually as I was on my hunt for cheetah I honestly did consider buying the camisole in size 3X and using the fabric to make a cheetah shirt for Caroline. Again, I’m sure I would have found myself explaining the purchase to the saleslady.

Ultimately, I found cheetah leggins in Dillard’s for $12 and was happy with that.

Then I walked into Janie and Jack.

My eyes saw this skirt.…2cymnopHer size..only $17.

Nope. She already has her tutu. Don’t need it.

This cheetah dress….100016197Don’t need it but it would be perfect if she wanted to be Jane of the Jungle the following Halloween.

I passed by hair bows, coats, socks, and purses – all cheetah print.

And then I saw it…100016255Yep, for $7 these cheetah ear muffs were mine. And Caroline’s. I knew she would love them. They’re just crazy but make perfect cheetah ears.

And I was right. She loved them.

So for the past two days she has worn her cheetah leggings, cheetah tutu, and cheetah ear muffs going growl, cough, growl, cough.

No shirt but really, who needs a shirt to distract from all that cheetah goodness.

So there you have it. Halloween costume#1 is partially done.

We still need to add a black shirt and claws but I’m hoping to wait her out until at least June.