Dear Halloween.

Halloween is not my favorite holiday. There I said it. First, I don't like scary things. Second, I wish I could come up with amazing homemade costumes for my entire family to wear (you know, like my sister Jodie does for her family), but end up buying extremely generic costumes. Then I feel totally deflated.

However, this year was a lot of fun. We had Trunk-or-Treat at the Embassy, and an adult party at a friends house that was SO. MUCH. FUN.

It was a good year for Halloween, nonetheless, we are done, and moving on to the next holiday.

Thanksgiving. The holiday centered around eating and giving thanks. Now that is my kind of holiday.

 

 

Ben and I went as Padme and Obi Wan. You know, from Star Wars.

Jack and Thomas were really excited about our costumes, and told us that they couldn't wait to play dress up with us.

Thanks, Misty for these pictures!

 

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Luck of the Irish, Going Green, or Happy St. Patrick's Day.

We had an almost perfect St. Patrick's Day.

  

It started with taking Thomas to the doctor with an ear and eye infection.  

This wasn't so bad because our doctor has Saturday hours, so we only had to pay a doctor's office co-pay, not an urgent care co-pay.  Hooray for saving $25!  Also, the doctor was running a little behind, so the nurse brought in some crayons and paper for Thomas to color with.  That was fabulous!

We were invited to a party, but due to his contagious state, Thomas had to stay at home, and Ben stayed with him.

The party we went to was an AWESOME party.  The two ladies who hosted did an amazing job.  The kids kissed "the Blarney Stone" (with bright pink lipstick), found gold at the end of the rainbow, and drank green milk.  We had rainbow cake, cupcakes, soup and other fancies.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  

Best. Party. Ever.

I have been planning a way to celebrate my birthday for a year.  After several different ideas that had to change because of work, schedules and other things, I finally decided to have a birthday party.  For the last month, I have been moving forward and planning.  Then, a week ago, another setback happened, and I was going to cancel my party.

The party was supposed to happen at my friends house in San Diego, however, last Sunday she found out that she had to attend a funeral and was going to be out of town for my birthday.  Very sad.  She said that I could throw the party at her house anyway, but she has cats.  Do you remember what happened last time we were responsible for someone's pet?  I was not up for losing another cat.

The only answer in my mind:  cancel the party.

Then Ben told me that we should have the party here, at our house.  The only bummer?  My friends in San Diego would not be able to come, so I was really disappointed.


Even though there were a lot of complications, it was totally worth it, because it was the best party I have ever had.

There was a photo booth, amazing desserts, fireworks, and excellent company.  Really, an amazing party.

If this party is any reflection of how my 30's are going to go- I am excited to see what happens.

Dinner that was a party.

Tonight was a first at our house.  We had a dinner party, and it was so much fun.  If I do say so myself- it was a success. 
I am sure you are all wondering what we ate (since my cooking skills are seriously lacking).  We had pulled pork sandwiches (which consists of putting a hunk of meat in a crock pot with some spices and adding BBQ sauce right before it is served).  We served it on rolls, with coleslaw.  So Yummy.   Then, the secret to a great dinner party, we had everyone bring a dish.  How perfect is that?  It was a great group, and we would be happy to have another dinner party sometime soon.


I even decorated the table.
Those little paper boxes are filled with M&M's.  Cute idea, right?

 Since I was already taking pictures, I thought I would throw in our other decorations.  During the time I was taking these pictures, Thomas was making mischief.

   

Aren't the sparkly pumpkins adorable?

You see, Thomas knew about the M&M's.  He had his eyes on the prize, and was waiting for the right opportunity.  He certainly found it.

Right after I took these pictures, he took his M&M hands and grabbed the white table cloth.  I was really frustrated, and almost cried.  Our guests were arriving in about a half an hour.  I called Ben, and he was trying to be as nice as could be and asked if I had time to wash the table cloth, but I did not.  Instead, I just put the hand print at Ben's place.  It worked.

Since I am now an expert, here is my advise for a successful dinner party:

1. Use a crock pot.  It is really hard to mess up.
2. Have everyone bring a dish.
3. Schedule a cleaning lady to come the day of the party so when people want to see your house, it is not embarrassing.  Maybe the day after too, but I didn't think of that.
4. DO NOT let your one year old chocolate lover know that there are M&M's on the table.  He will stop at nothing to get them.
5. If your one year old happens to get said M&M's, DO NOT reuse them. 
6. Enjoy the company and the conversation.

Happy Fall!

P.S. For those of you wondering, I really do like to cook, but when things don't turn out it makes me frustrated.  When it does work out, I hold onto it forever, and it brings me joy.  I usually need simple instructions, preferably with pictures.