Work Party...

Last night we went to Tony's work party, which is actually quite the shindig! We went to this westerny-themed place called the Timbermine, where I had never been before, but my steak was quite tasty. So was the red velvet cheesecake! Yummers.

They did however, use mannequins dressed as festive saloon girls all around as decorations. So bizarre, I should've taken a picture!

Anyway, after our scrumptious dinner they play games and give away awesome prizes! Like iPads and big LCD TVs, Kindles and Nooks, Playstations and Xboxs. Cash! Giftcards! There are over 50 employees, and everyone gets a really nice gift...

Tony wins 2 of the games. Which means he has two different opportunities to CHOOSE a prize or STEAL someone else's. TWO! CHANCES!

So what does he choose?

Out of all those goodies?

Nikon Monarch Binoculars. In Real Tree camouflage. Good grief.

He walked out of that party so pleased I thought he'd bust his buttons.

(And frankly, I was thinking he was an idiot till I googled them this morning and found out they retail for $299.99. Guess the jokes on me, right?)

For the birthday boy...

Happy 33rd to Tony!On a rare moment, we were at the house together, alone with our children.

I had made his favorite "Party Chip" cake, the kind with the frosting with the little candies in it. We couldn't find the candles, so I just stuck a few matches in the cake and told him he could blow those out instead. It took us a couple tries because Krew kept blowing them out as soon as they were lit.

We sing.

Out go the matchstick candles.

"What did you wish for Daddy?"

"This is my wish," he says, grinning at our little crowd.

Mine too.

Love you. Hope we have many more happy years.

Neighbor gifts; So lame I don't even care if you copy...

I love taking treats and goodies and cards to people! I keep my eyes peeled all year for things that spark my imagination! And this year I found so many! Too many...

But the thought of cooking over a hot, steamy stove for an entire day made me want to cry or throw up. These days I can go either way."We wanted to 'POP' in to wish you a Merry Christmas." I know. You get it.

So this is what the aunts, uncles, and cousins are getting: a 2-liter of soda.
I know.
Thrilling.
I did add some cute little tags and ribbons to make myself feel better.
I suppose I could also wrap a little box of popcorn to go with... but I think I will be busy that day cleaning marker off the walls. Again! Those little devils...

Eight is Great!!

Look at my grown-up little man!! When, oh when, did he get so big? He and Jossy had lovely little birthdays, where we just invited a few friends and took them to a skating/bouncing/arcade/germ fest type of place... which they ALL loved! I loved that there was zero clean-up, minimal prep, and similar costs to doing a home party.

The big event was Gage's baptism! (We had it the Saturday after Thanksgiving since all the fam was going to be more available-ish.)
Somehow, I ended up not taking a single photo. Tragic, I know! My mom and sis took a few, so I will have to beg copies from them, but that morning was madness and whilst trying to deal with all hullabaloo: had to fill the font ourselves, so Tony goes early and Ta-Da! the font is still full with freezing, buggy water from the last baptism. Let's just say Uncle Brandon saved the day with some sport shorts and some mad swimming skillz. Bishopric member was late, and couldn't get the closet with the baptismal clothing to open, Krew has diarrhea during welcome. No wipes.
You know how it goes.
We got started a little late, but the service ended up being so special. I felt such an overwhelming joy that this was happening for our son, that Tony could be the one performing the ordinances and that we could all be there together for my big little boy! I will remember it always.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a special day for Gage! You're the best!

Caught red handed...

Or black-handed! Har har.

Krew sure loves himself some markers! He also did his feet, his clothes, and part of our couch. I was sewing 15 feet away. Best mom ever. Lucky for me I only buy washable markers!

And I got these in the mail from one of my very fave online retailers. Could you not die of their tiny cuteness?!? Maybe we can leave the hospital in our matching sherpa booties...

Of course, I'll have to get Tony some...

The REAL lyrics:

"Baa baa black sheep have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, 3 bags full!
One for my master, one for the dame,
One for the little boy who lives down the drain..."

Love,
Lauren

P.S. She also asked me why those first people on the earth always wore trash.
What would I ever do without her?

Delightfully above freezing...

Too bad it's snowing here this morning!

Last night was perfect though- the air temp never dipped below 55! We were done before the sun went down, of course, but that is fine by me. Here's a few pics of the kiddos in their costumes before school: Jocelyn is Rosetta (Tinkerbell's friend) and Gage is Ash, the Pokemon Trainer. (I tried for WEEKS to talk him out of this one. But, alas. Pokemon won.)

Silvermist, Tink's other friend.
(I was a pumkin. I'm sure you can only imagine how lovely that was. And you'll have to since there are no pics.)
I got to help with Jocelyn and Gage's class parties, which was tiring but I'm glad I could be there. Krew helped too. LOTS. ;) Lauren's preschool only did a treat. Grinches.

A really awesome group shot. Krew was a dinosaur. Wouldn't wear the hat (shocker) but LOVED the tail! He kept looking behind him as we walked to make sure it was still there!

He really had the concept this year: "Cheets!" and he then would delicately choose one piece of candy and then say his lil' "Deet doot!" which I think is thank you. Melts my heart.

So does this:

I have another appointment tomorrow, and I am so looking forward to seeing him!