Why we survive through 5 months of Minnesota winter!!

Today was such a beautiful day! 77 degrees, sunny... perfect! I got to sleep in (kinda... I always have to get up to do a hair check before the biggies leave for school. Jeff doe great making breakfast, but the hair and getting dressed still alludes him. Last week, I had to gently (of course ) remind him that Abby wearing a black tank that says "Diva" in hot pink rhinestones, covered by Lily's sweatshirt, may not have been the best wardrobe selection.

But, I digress... we went and had lunch at the girls school, it was bbq day! Everyone brought their blankets, it was great. The girls school has a beautiful and HUGE park attatched to it, so everyone was spred out... glorious weather for this. The only damper was Lily falling off the picnic table and cracking her head on the cement :( :( We think she is ok.

Then Jeff and I came home, put Lily down for a nap, and worked in the yard. Mowed, weed whipped, I planted tons 'o flowers! And, my flower budget was 1/3 what it usually is. I bought a huge flat of lilac impatients (SP?) and am going to plant them all over! I did my barrels (2) and hanging baskets (3) and still have several smaller gardens (like 6 or 7) to clean up and add some flowers!

We were outside all day! When the biggies got home from school, we were still planting, so Abby and Sam (my 3 yr old neighbor buddy) planted a bunch of flowers with me. And all of the kids were playing, we had a few beers with Luke and Dana (our neighbor friends) and Tony (our neighbor friends friend... we like him too, especially Abby) and grilled salmon and a bunch of yummy veggies, some cuban rice and black beans.... YUM!

Then we went for a bike ride, Jeff gave me a new bike for Christmas, and the girls got new bikes from Santa, the bike trailer is on Jeff's bike for Lily. Today was only the second time I have ridden my 2 wheeler (tee-hee, Renee!) and it is very apparant how pathetically out of shape I am!! But I LOVE riding my bike!... as we rode through the bike path in a little city park, on our way to a neighbor hood school playground (we have a lot of fun play grounds around here, and Lily is NUTSO about slides!) We played at the play ground for about an hour... we were the only ones there... so Jeff and I climbed all over too! Then we biked home, picked up the yard, and came in.

We even had a really nice bedtime, Abby loves the Cuppycake song on the "Twinkle Little Chaw" CD, so we listened to (and sang to) that song about 6 times ("one more time Mom... pleeeeaasssee!)

Sweet end to a beutiful Minnesota day!!

Mother's Day

As usual, my husband went waaay over board spoiling me for Mother's Day. We went out for dinner at Outback steakhouse on Friday night, becasue he had to go back to work on Sat. During dinner, he gave me a beautiful pair of Ruby earrings (Lily's birthstone) and a Coach spring patchwork bag!



Isn't it lovely? Ok, truth be told, this is not actually the bag he presented me with. Same style, but I really wanted a large bag, because I really do not need to carry around a huge diaper bag all the time, but still need to carry some things for Lily (and Maddie, and Abby, and somethime Jeff) So, my doting husband took me to the Coach store after dinner, so I could select my purse!










While I was deleiberating between the tote and the slouch (NOT an easy choice!) Lily picked up a mini patchwork purse and carried it around the store. When I finally made my selection, I told Lily it was time to put her purse back. With a squeal, she turned and ran... right out the door, setting off the security alarms!! It was very cute, and funny, and a little embarrassing!

This is the Thank You note from the sales girl!

On Saturday, before Jeff left on his trip, he made me homemade Almond Toffee, yummy! He is very good to me (even when he is not buying me ridiculously expensive bags, and pretty jewelry... but I like that stuff too!) You did good Honey!! You are the best!

On Sunday morning, I woke up with some ferocious stomache bug, I will spare you the details, but I was so very sick. I pleaded with Maddie to take care of Lily so I could lay in bed. She is such a phenonemonal big sister! She fed Lily (cheerios, string cheese and grape koolaid... judging by the remains all over the kitchen!) and they painted together (oy!) and even changed her diaper. It was pretty saggy (not wet, just on loosely)

As you can see, Lily did just fine. (um, was she in the living room with those paint covered hands? eek!) I was very proud of my big girls... they are awesome!

They also presented me with a boquet of 3 pink roses and a balloon that says "I Love Mom" Jeff had conspired with the girls and bought these ahead of time, and they were hidden!

I am so blessed to have the family I have!

Happy Mothers Day to all!

WTH kind of art project is this????

While cleaning Maddie's room today, I took note of the huge variety of craft projects she has going on. She is knitting, making jewelry for her "BLING around the wrist" business, making handmade cards, has an empty kleenex box FULL of glitter (glad I found that before Lily did!) and.... these. ???????????????????????

Her creativity knows no bounds. I think I will keep these. They will make a lovely addition to a shadow box gift someday!

Funky chica!!

Maddie got her new glasses a few weeks ago. She looks so grown up, doesn't she?!

Abby is 6!!

Abby is 6! As you can imagine, if you know my Lulu, this was the event of the year!
She searched a variety of Birthday party catalogs to find the perfect theme! She could not decide between Kitties, Littlest Pet Shop, Barbie, Hannah Montana. There was much deliberation! What did she finally settle on? Lady Bugs!!

These are her friends. They sat and colored these little velvet posters for over 1/2 hour!! And chatted like a bunch of teen agers! Jeff and I were amazed at what a well behaved and calm group we had!





This was the dance portion of the event! Hannah Montana, of course! They all sang along and danced their booty's off!













Make a wish!!!









A


The pre party pose.... Isn't she cute?? And the cupcakes decorated by moi!! OK... so I may not have a future as a cake decorator, but I worked hard on those!

Abby was thrilled with her party, she and all of her little friends had a blast!

Happy Birthday, My sweet Lulu!