TEDDY BEAR PICNIC

Molly's 5th birthday party was a hit.  She had 3 little friends over for a Teddy Bear Picnic.  We actually only had 1 teddy bear arrive.  The other stuffed guests included a lamb, an elephant, and a bunny.  It was a cold bitter day but we decked out our heated gazebo with pink streamers, balloons, picnic blankets and a pink tulle canopy we bought Molly for her bed.  

The girls each had their own little picnic basket packed with a party hat, a pink gingham placemat, and a teacup that Molly had picked for each of them at the thrift store.  On the menu we had peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiches, pretzels, strawberries and pink lemonade.

After lunch Molly blew out the candles on 5 lemon cupcakes with raspberry cream cheese frosting and opened presents from all her friends.  It was so cute to see the girls proud of what they picked out for Molly.  We ended the afternoon with a dance party.  One little guest, attempting a twirl,  slipped on our wood floors in her socks and banged her knee.  There were some tears and a request for Mommy but a cookie helped and everyone left happy.

I can't believe she is 5!

SNOW DAYS

What do you call days that school is canceled but there is really only a dusting of snow?  Can you really call them "snow days"?  I don't think so.  While the rest of the country has been covered in feet of snow and children everywhere are shouting for joy and building snow forts,  we are off school for record low temperatures.  It was 12 below zero yesterday.  And still my boys fuss with me about wearing coats!

The first day we all slept in.  I made hot chocolate and muffins.  We sat by the fire.  We watched a movie, played Wii, and got out some board games.  All this family togetherness lasted until about 10:00 am.  Then it began... the boredom, the pestering, the arguments over toys.  Time for a field trip!  Arctic temperatures aren't going to stop us.  Let's get out of here!  So off we went to the library, the McDonald's playground, Target.  Later we even had a trip to the emergency room.

Day 2 had my kids whining "I wish we could go back to school."
Me too kiddos, me too.

Fun at McDonald's for 2 hours while mom read a book.

A trip to the Urgent Care Center after Jack and the girls thought turning out the lights in the storage room to see the Lego ghost glow would be a good idea.  He tripped over one of his sisters and ended up with 2 staples in his head.  At least he has something cool for show and tell.

FIGURING LIFE OUT - GIFTS CONTINUED

Ann Voskamp, who started the 1000 Gifts movement, finally has a book out.  It is waiting patiently on my nightstand for a quiet evening to invite me in.  You simply must watch this gorgeous video and see her pictures, hear her voice and her words and then begin to count your own gifts.

My gifts reach 500.

479.  a birthday girl 

480.  tutus 

481.  silhouettes of dancers

482.  full length windows letting in the light

483.  full length mirrors to twirl in 

484.  that first time you hear "you're my best friend"

485.  PBS Masterpiece Classics

486.  down blankets

487.  cashmere sweaters

488.  wool socks 

489.  warm boots

490.  gifts from India

491.  new books

492.  a fresh coat of paint

493.  finding a new use for something old

494.  an afternoon nap

495.  soup simmering in a new copper pot

496.  knowing that even on grumpy days your family still loves you

497.  bargins at the thrift store

498.  tiny boxes that hold baby teeth

499.  forgiveness

500.  moments that wake you up