Wednesday's Wrandom Wrambling's

I can't freakin believe it's Wednesday again!  And almost April!  Time is flying by at a speed I have never seen.  I don't know if that pleases me or not.  I'm still thinking about that one.

I'm feeling a little sorry for myself right now.  As sorry as I am for my friends on the east coast who are getting SLAMMED with rain and flooding that is out of control, it's snowing here today.  All day.  I hate, hate HATE it!  It has put me in a depressed and very sad mood.  Cookies have no safe haven in my house right now.  100 calorie pack or not, I'm pretty sure eating the whole box isn't doing me any good.  And then once I plow through those cookies, I want salty.  Pizza anyone?  It's a sick thing.

I've been educating myself on all things Marine.  It makes me even more proud of Bulldog, but at the same time, starting to have a tich of a freakout.  On his recommendation, I have been watching Eyes Open, Ears Click.  It's a documentary on boot camp in the Marines.  So far, I've just been watching clips on youtube, but what the WHAT?  Serious.  Those guys are mean.  And they yell.  A lot.  I so hope mijo will keep his mouth quiet and not try to dish it back.  That is my biggest fear.  'Cause 'dawg's got a mouth all his own.  I hope he keeps his yapper shut!

No one is going to quite understand this, but I desperately want to go away again.  And St George for work is not going to cut it.  Like I want another road trip.  Maybe south.  Maybe Arizona.  Someplace sunny, hot and different.  I realize that I have spent much of March on vacay, but really, I am desperate.  When I think of  just one more week on the beach in Cancun with nothing but reading, sleeping and baking to do, I seriously get a physical pang about it.  I want it so badly.

Don't judge.

My triathlon training is going well.  Every Wednesday has become my "tri"day.  Do the 5k, 13 miles on the bike and at least 300 meters in the pool.  I'm getting quicker, and not quite wanting to die by the end.  Now, if I can keep shaving off time, I will be pleased.

Speaking of training.  Tomorrow the St George Marathon opens for registration.  It's a lottery.  Cross your fingers for me!  It'd be a dream come true to get in.

My bike needs a tune up.  I keep putting it off because of um, well this STUPID snow!  Arrggghhhhh.  Did I mention I am in a funk because of this weather?

I can't end my wramblings on a downer.......let's see........hmmmmm.........Sissy comes this weekend!  Now that is something to be excited and happy about!!

A lively conversation

Yesterday DaNae posted a well spoken rant and boy did it spur some commentary.

Go here.

Make sure to read the entire post, the comments, and then respectfully chime in. 

I tell you what, I am learning a whole lot about  human nature, a lot about people of my own faith, and a lot about people who hide behind ANON in their comments.

For the record, I did leave a comment, but it's buried in the stack.  Good luck if you find it.  My goal is to NEVER, EVER become that kind of Mormon.  Or if I was a Cathlolic, that kind of catholic, or protestant or whatever religion.  I can safely say, I will NEVER allow myself to become that kind of person - no matter what my agreement or disagreement is.

That is all.

Wordless Wednesday - almost

Crap. I miss this ole Freakshow!

Grandpa says it best......

Got a great email today, that of course needs to be shared.....

John G. Is 63 years old and owns a small business. He's a life-long Republican and sees his dream of retiring next year has all but evaporated. With the stock market crashing and new taxes coming his way, John assumes now that he will work to his dying day.John has a granddaughter. Ashley is a recent college grad. She drives a flashy hybrid car, wears all the latest fashions, and loves to go out to nightclubs and restaurants. Ashley campaigned hard for Barack Obama. After the election she made sure her grandfather (and all other Republican family members) received a big I told-you-so earful on how the world is going to be a much better place now that Obama and her party is taking over.


Having lost both roommates, Ashley recently ran short of cash and cannot pay the rent (again) on her 3 bedroom townhouse.. Like she has done many times in the past, she e-mailed her grandfather asking for some financial help.
Here is his reply:
Sweetheart, I received your request for assistance. Ashley, you know I love you dearly and I 'm sympathetic to your financial plight Unfortunately, times have changed. With the election of President Obama, your grandmother and I have had to set forth a bold new economic plan of our own..."The Ashley Economic Empowerment Plan." Let me explain.
Your grandmother and I are life-long, wage-earning tax payers. We have lived a comfortable life, as you know, but we have never had the fancier things like European vacations, luxury cars, etc.. We have worked hard and were looking forward to retiring soon. But the plan has changed. Your president is raising our personal and business taxes significantly. He says it is so he can give our hard earned money to other people. Do you know what this means, Ashley? It means less for us, and we must cut back on many business and personal expenses.
You know the wonderful receptionist who worked in my office for more than 23 years? The one who always gave you candy when you came over to visit? I had to let her go last week. I can't afford to pay her salary and all of the government mandated taxes that go with having employees. Your grandmother will now work 4 days a week to answer phones, take orders and handle the books. We will be closed on Fridays and will lose even more income to the new Wal-Mart store that recently opened.
I'm also very sorry to report that your cousin Frank will no longer be working summers in the warehouse. I called him at school this morning. He already knows about it and he's upset because he will have to give up skydiving and his yearly trip to Greenland to survey the polar bears.
That's just the business side of things. Some personal economic effects of Obama's new taxation policies include none other than you You know very well that over the years your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in cash, tuition assistance, food, housing, clothing, gifts, etc., etc. But by your vote, you have chosen to help others -- not at your expense -- but at our expense.
If you need money now sweetheart, I recommend you call 202-456-1111 202-456-1111 . That is the direct phone number for the White House.. You can also contact the White House here :http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/.
You yourself told me how foolish it is to vote Republican. You said Mr Obama is going to be the People's President, and is going to help every American live a better life. Based on everything you've told me, along with all the promises we heard during the campaign, I'm sure Mr. Obama will be happy to transfer some stimulus money into your bank account. Have him call me for the account number which I memorized years ago...

Perhaps you can now understand what I've been saying all my life: those who vote for a president should consider the impact on the nation as a whole, and not be just concerned with what they can get for themselves. What Obama supporters don't seem to realize is all of the money he is redistributing to illegal aliens and non-taxpaying Americans (the so-called "less fortunate") comes from tax-paying families.
Remember how you told me, "Only the richest of the rich will be affected"? Well guess what, honey? Because we own a business, your grandmother and I are now considered to be the richest of the rich. On paper, it might look that way, but in the real world, we are far from it.
As you said while campaigning for Obama, some people will have to carry more of the burden so all of America can prosper... You understand what that means, right? It means that raising taxes on productive people results in them having less money; less money for everything, including granddaughters.
I'm sorry, Ashley, but the well has run dry... The free lunches are over... I have no money to give you now. So, congratulations on your choice for "change." For future reference, I encourage you to try and add up the total value of the gifts and cash you have received from us, just since you went off to college, and compare it to what you expect to get from Mr. Obama over the next 4 (or 8) years. I have not kept track of it, Ashley. It has all truly been the gift of our hearts.
Remember, we love you dearly...but from now on you'll need to call the number mentioned above. Your "Savior" has the money we would have given to you. Just try and get it from him.
Good luck, sweetheart.
Love,

Grandpa

(I've snoped this and can't find anything.  True letter or not, it is well stated.  Thanks PG for the email)

San Diego - Good Times Part IV

One of Splenda's favorite war movies is "Midway".  When he saw that the USS Midway was in the bay and open for tours, well, let's just say, there was no question we would be going.

After Old Town, we followed our next set of googled driving directions and made our way to Pacific Blvd.  We first encountered 2 cruise ships getting ready to leave.  Now, I would like to go on a cruise.  Next.  Like in August or September.  I would like to get Splenda working on that, but I digress.

After we passed the cruise ships, we were able to spot the majestic USS Midway

We bought our tickets, received our earphones for the audio tour and began wandering around.  I couldn't keep my camera put away.  It was absolutley fabulous.  To think of that huge ship and all that she had been through.  The vets that had served with her, their stories, the history....it was almost a little overwhelming at times.I may or may not have teared up on several occasions.

The Pride of the Pacific!

I had the privilege of meeting this gentleman.  He is 90 years old and a WWII veteran.  He was stationed in Pearl Harbor.  He was a bugle blower and was in Honolulu on December 6, 1941.  The day before the attack.  He was buying horns when they got the call to return to base.  He described the chaos of the attack.  "Running around while they were trying to shoot my backend off"

We chatted and he asked if we wanted to hear more stores.  Heck yeah!  He told us a couple about some of the aircraft that were bombed in Pearl Harbor.  One that still has 5 soldiers and a baby daughters ashes buried in the sea with the ship.  He told us of another situation where there were 4 soldiers trapped.  A captain found a way to get them out through a porthole.  Unfortunately, the last guy was over 200 lbs and couldn't fit through the porthole.  He died.  But not before making sure his buddies were safe.

I asked this wonderful man if he would mind posing for a picture with me, and he was so cute!  "Of course!" he told me, and then as I put my arm around him, he giggled and said, "Oh yeah, this is a good one!"  Everyone around got a good chuckle.  We exchanged "God Bless You"'s, and I thanked him for his service and sacrifice.  He did two tours before retiring.  He, as well as every other vet on the carrier were there as volunteers.  They were there because they love their country, they are proud of their service and they want to continue to give back.  I love each and every one of them.

There were planes inside the hangar that we could climb inside and check out.  Splenda was in heaven!

We went up on deck and checked out all the planes on the flight deck.

The view was amazing!

My "Maverick"

The different missiles loaded on the "tomcat".  Pucker factor much?

Doing this tour was truly an amazing experience!  I loved seeing the history in this beautiful aircraft carrier, I loved hearing the stories, but most of all I loved seeing the passion in each of the volunteers as they taught, explained, guided, and answered questions.  They are true patriots and I am grateful to them.

The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful.  We followed our next set of googled directions to get back on the freeway and headed north towards home.

Another stop in Baker.  This is for you Mom

(no words necessary eh?)

Instead of stopping in LV like we originally planned, we decided to push through.  It was pretty cool driving through the desert under a nearly full moon.

We did get a chance to have some food with some cute friends in St George.  I can't believe I forgot to get pictures!  But thanks A and E - it was a blast!

Before I knew it we were home.  Mixed feelings about getting home.  I guess it goes back to what my Grandma always used to say "We have gypsy blood in us.  We just like to roam"  True dat G-ma!

The funniest thing?  Coming home to this:

(No that is NOT beer!  Shasta was on sale.)

San Diego - Good Times Part III

Saturday was our sight-see and travel home day.  I know, I know.... a lot to be done in a short period of time.  Since I would love to take Sissy to Disneyland, Sea World, and the Zoo, I wasn't interested in hitting any of those spots.

I did hear about Old Town and while we originally planned to hit it Friday night, those plans kinda fizzled (we are old and get tired easily), so we saved it for Saturday morning.

Lot's of cool shops, interesting things to see and a fun atmosphere.  Even at 9:00am in the morning.  : )

We found the coolest USMC blanket with the mascot of the Bulldog on it.  Did you KNOW that the mascot is a Bulldog?  I didn't.  How fitting since that is my kids nickname huh?  I wanted to get this for him, but 1. It was a little more pricey than I wanted.  2.  He can't take it with him to boot camp or to deployment so instead I settled for a very cool hat with the USMC symbol and bulldog on it.

The original jail cell. 

"Look honey, I'm an ass whisperer"

For reals, that burro loved me!

That is one BIG Aloe Vera plant.  That would last a person a lifetime of oven burns!

We didn't spend a ton of time in Old Town.  Enough to get a feel, see some interesting things and kick ourselves for not going the night before for food and the shows.  Oh well.....since I am already plotting a trip back to SD - I can plan a little better and make another stop in Old Town.

San Diego - Good Times Part II

After the wonderful experience at the Temple, the fam hit the local Buca Di Bepo's for some family style Italian dinner.

Now, Buca's is one of my all time FAVORITE places.  I am never disappointed in anything we ever order.  It was difficult to try and please 20 different people and manage to order just the right amount of food.

It all worked out.  We talked, laughed, and had a great time. 

We even had room for dessert.

and this little guy has the RIGHT idea. BIG SPOON and let me LICK the bowl clean!

aaaaahhhhh........family + food = great time!

PS - I think a blogger get together should be planned for Buca's.  It would be a kick in the pants!

San Diego - Good Times part I

Splenda and I headed southwest for San Diego last week.  It was to be a quick weekend with family and we weren't exactly sure what we would do with extra, if any, time.

We got a little bit later start than I wanted, and as per usual, I was still taking care of things on the way down.

Yes that is our good girls and good boys drying in the back seat.  I didn't have time to let them have a full session in the dryer.  One more example of just how white trash we can be.

We stopped in St George Wednesday night.  After a beautiful early morning run, we headed back on the I-15 - So.Cal bound!

A quick stop in Baker where I found some uber cool sunglasses!

The rest of the drive was fairly smooth sailing.  I drove, Splenda navigated and before long we had pulled into our hotel, got settled and met everyone else for dinner.

The WHOLE reason we are in San Diego?

These two darlings!  R and K.  They were being sealed in the San Diego temple!  Not as many family members as I had hoped could come, but the few of her side and his side, had a delightful time chatting, laughing and getting to know each other better

We called it an early night since we had much on the agenda for the next day.

Friday, the sun was out, it was cool and breezy, but at least the sun was shining.  We drove to the temple, parked and started to take in the majesty and beauty of the building.  If you are LDS, Temple Endowed and current on your recommend, you MUST add this to your bucket list, if it is a temple you have not previously visited.  I truly have never seen anything like it.  It's difficult to even find words to descibe the beauty both structurally, and interior wise.  It's nothing like any of the temples in UT or even the Boston temple.

It is currenly under constructions.  They have found that it leaks with rain storms.  So they are making some renovations to protect the structure.  But even with the scaffolding on one side of the temple, it was still breathtaking beautiful.  Because of the outside construction, there were some areas inside that were weren't able to see.  Initially, I was quite disappointed, but then just told myself that it now warrants another trip down there to see it when the renovations are complete.

We did an endowment session, and then was guided upstairs to a sealing room, where the crowning ordinance takes place. The sealing of couples and families for time and all eternity.  We believe that under the proper priesthood authority, that couples can be married and that their marriage does not end at "death due you part".  Instead, it is carried on through all the eternities of the life hereafter.  For me, that principle makes sense.  Why develop these beautiful, loving family relationships to only have them end all at death?

 It was absolutley beautiful.  There were sacred things that were said that will stay in my mind for the rest of my life.  I felt so privileged and blessed to have been there.

Once finished, we went outside to the temple grounds to meet more family members and of course the photo sessions!

Several family members who patiently waited outside for us to emerge.

It was windy.....

J and R.  J is K's best friend since middle school.  She served an LDS mission in the Dominican Republic.  R is from the Dominican Republic.  She didn't meet her husband R while on her mission, but afterwards through mutual friends.  They are a darling couple!

The happy, now eternal couple, emerging from the special balcony

Being sillywith J

Me and my love!!

All of K's family. 

l-r B, J, R, S, K, S, B, M, D, R (missing T who is taking the shot)

R and S screwing around

It was a fantastic day!  We were at the temple from about 9:30 until about 2:30.  Every minute was special.  All that happens within the temple walls, is so special and sacred that we don't speak of it outside of the temple,  but let me say this, I felt so much love for a room of complete strangers that I was startled by my own feelings.

The design and decorations in the temple were exquisite and I am told there will never be another one like it.  It was expensive and even more so now that they are making the costly repairs, however, it is an experience one should add to their list of things to do before they die.

As I sat on the grounds looking at the scaffolding and thinking it all over.  I compared that to our own lives.  We were given amazing bodies.  Our own temples to house our spirits.  Sometimes, we need repairs.  There are spiritual "leaks", there are problems with our spiritual structure or even our interiors, however, it can always be repaired.

The temple structure requires skilled craftsmen, engineers and laborers to repair the damages and create solid structures.

We, on the other hand,  require nothing more than the love of our Savior Jesus Christ, and accessing the atonement to fix our "leaks", repair our structures and create solid interiors.

I was told by a worker that many brides were canceling their weddings due to the construction.  They didn't want the scaffolding to be a part of their pictures.  Even though they were assured that the photos could be "shopped" and corrected to remove the scaffolding, the brides were insistent on cancelling.  I understand that sentiment, however, for me, the scaffolding reprensented an important analogy that I want to remember.  I am glad we caught some of it on our photos.  It will be a lesson imprinted forever.

Wednesday's Wrandom Wramblings

Time for another bout of randomness.  Oh, who are we kidding?  Every day of my life seems a bit full of randomness.  I can't seem to put two cohesive thoughts together.  I used to.  I wonder what happened?

I totally get why people go private with their blogs.  I do.  But I forget to read them!  I forget that they are out there!  If it's not in my reader, it's just kinda off my radar.  So, if you have a private blog, I'm sorry if I haven't been around lately.  Oh yeah, and when my computer crashed, I lost them all.

I leave in a few hours for San Diego.  My husband needs laundry done first.  It'll be cutting it close.  We might be drying good girls and good boys by hanging them out the window as we drive down I-15.  Should be good times.

Leaving the two boys home.  Alone.  Granted they are adults, I really have no reason to worry.  It's just weird to think of them taking care of themselves. Really, what's up with that?  Luka did it for 2 whole years!

 I guess a Mom never stops worrying right?

Today is Bulldog's birthday.  23.  This day 23 years ago, I was FREAKING OUT that I was going to have to push a baby out through my hoo-hah.  My water broke at home.  And then again more gushing on the steps of the hospital while Splenda was parking the car.  I started to cry and an orderly came out, loaded me in a wheelchair and took me to Labor and Delivery.  I was greeted with "Oh good, another one who's wet her pants"  I was terrified, but determined to do it 'natural.'.  I got dilated to a 3, and distinctly remember the buttons of Splenda's shirt in my face as I clutched him yelling for drugs.  I'm such a wimp.  I learned right then, that the next baby, I was going to call the anesthiologist on my way in and have me meet me in the room.

Since the birth of my first son, life has never been the same.  And that's a good thing.  It's not supposed to be.  Hopefully I am a better person.  Hopefully, I am a little smarter.  Hopefully, I have pissed him off enough times to know that I have done my job as a Mom.  Your kids should hate you once in awhile.  That's how you know your doing it right.

I just realized I didn't get any pictures of us together at lunch.  Crap. 

I will be purchasing a Flat Daddy for Sissy, once 'dawg gets deployed.

I have great friends.  That thought has been in my head a lot the last 24 hours.  But really, I am surrounded by awesome people.  I'm a lucky duck.

Better go change the laundry since it's T-40 minutes to departure!

Spiritual Sunday

What?  M-Cat, you realize it's late Tuesday night right?

Yeah, I do.  But this has been stewing and I've been mulling over these thoughts for several days now (since Sunday) and I think I can finally put words to my thoughts.  Warning:  Could be long and some rambling, bear with me.

Sissy spent most of the weekend.  As per ususal.  We love her dearly, and she loves us.  She has entered a very vocal, lovey, cuddly stage, and, not gonna lie, I absolutley love it.  I love her to crawl in bed and sleep with me.  I love her to "cuddo wif you Mimi"  She is surrounded by people in my home who love her, teach her, respect her and let her know that she is a most choice child.  She is seriously the hugest blessing in our life.

She might not have happened.  In fact, a pregnancy that occured before her (with my son and his girlfriend) ended in an abortion.  I was absolutley heartbroken, and I still have struggles accepting it, but I suppose that is for another post eh?   But when it was discovered that they were pregnant again, I prayed and prayed and PRAYED that she wouldn't choose her previous option.

Of course, I had  no say.  In fact, my son had no say.  Even though thier sexual relationship was consensual, after the "deed" is done, the father basically has very little rights.  Interesting.  And I'm sure opens a whole other can of worms that I am not interested in discussing right now.

My point is now, I think what if?  What if Sissy had ended the same way the first baby did?  What if we didn't have her in our lives?  Her smile, her chatter, her laughs and giggles, her cuddles, her funny games, even her melt downs?

Is she in the ideal family unit?  Nope.  I believe the ideal family unit is a loving mother and father in the home who love each other and their children.  Who are committed to raising a family full of strong morals and values.  Sissy doesn't get that right now.  She is being raised by a single working mom, a father who works, and is now awaiting military orders, BUT, she does have many loving adults in her life who fill in the gaps.  And in all reality, many children are in the same kind of situation.  I am not judging anyone here, merely stating what I believe the "perfect" situation is.

My religous beliefs are in part based on the doctrine that we are all spirit children of a loving Father and Mother in Heaven.  We were sent to this earth to gain bodies and to experience life and all it's trials.  We learn, and grow, and develop ourselves spiritually through these experiences to hopefully become as God is.

As I have watched Sis over the past 3 years and observed that while her life situations have changed, one thing is constant.  That is love.  LOVE.  Love from her Mother, her Father, her uncles, her Mimi, her Poppa, other adult people who interact with her.  LOVE.

Will she remember some of the transitory periods in her life of where she lived or whom she lived with?  Perhaps.  But I hope she always remembers how much she is LOVED.

Isn't that what we all really need?  Not only thinking about Sissy, but other relationships.  My spouse, my boys, my friends, my extended family.  Everyone needs and wants love and acceptance.  If we aren't the ones to provide that for them, who will?

If I am not my families best and loudest cheerleader?  Who will be?  No one will love my children the way I love them.  They need to feel it, they need to know it.  They need to have it INGRAINED into their very selves.  Not just my children, but my granddaughter too.

I also believe we were sent to this earth in family units for a reason. I believe we lived in a Spirit world before we came to earth, and I believe we will return to a Spirit world until we become resurrected.  I believe we knew we would have struggles and trials.  Perhaps, we chose our families?  Perhaps we even chose our struggles knowing that they would ultimately serve the intended purpose of refining us to who we need to become.

I look at each one of my family members and KNOW that we are together for a reason.  We learn so much from each other.  As hard as some of the lessons and experiences have been, in hindsight, I see the lessons.  Well, to be honest, most of the time.  Some I am still confused by. 

But when I think of Sissy and that she likely might not have been given the chance to be here with us, I feel literally sick to my stomach.  It's no secret that I am pro-life.  I believe every spirit should have the opportunity to experience life.  When there are so many families ready to adopt, I see no reason for abortion.  I just don't get it.  It hurts my heart.  Especially, when I think of what we could be missing.  I think of her, alive, thriving, growing, learning and my heart is full of LOVE.

I think of my boys.  All that we have been through as a family.  Our good times, our bad times, our scary times, or silly times and my heart is full of LOVE.

I think of my husband.  25 years of living with the same person.  Trying to raise a family together the best we can.  Sharing inside jokes, struggles, joys, and long discussions about our family and future and my heart is full of LOVE.

I think of my extended family.  We just spent a week on vacay with some of them.  They are some of my best friends ever.  I think of all that we have been through.  My heart is full of LOVE.

I think of my friends and other relationships.  I am blessed with not just many in numbers, but AMAZING friends.  Some for 20 + years and some for a few months, but I think of our relationships and my heart is full of LOVE.

Is this how God feels?  Does he feel sad when one of his children doesn't get the opportunity to get a body and live on earth?  Does he think of His children and feel LOVE?  Does he think of his wife, our Heavenly Mother, and find his heart swells with love?  Does he watch our relationships here and when he sees us being kind to one another, is overcome with pride and LOVE?

On Sunday, I learned for myself that I believe that to be true.  And that LOVE, more than any other emotion will help me to become more like Him.  If I can develop more LOVE, then other good virtues will develop.  Patience, tolerance, charity, compassion.  They'll come, if I can refine my skills of LOVE.

And so, I move forward, with more love in my heart.  Trying to crowd out the impatience, the irritation, the disappointment, the negative vibes that tend to overtake me when left unchecked.  Love is the answer.  Love is the key.  "Love is really all you need"

And to anyone who actually read through the entire post - I love you!

Charity Giveaway - Check it out!

http://iisundefined.blogspot.com/

Go see this kid.  Tell him I sent you, and he donates money to my favorite charity which would be for
Ethan

Go already!!

Political post of note today

I can''t seem to find the words.  I sound like an idiot when I try to express my feelings.  However, Soloman and Beck do it quite well.

http://wisdomofsoloman.blogspot.com/2010/03/bloody-mary-for-health-care-debate.html

And that's all I am gonna say about it for now.

Slang Gang Word of the Day

March 23: Stealth-call

When you have to call someone back but don't want to talk to them, so you wait until you know they can't talk and leave a voice mail.

"I don't want to tell Karen I can't make it tonight, so I'll Stealth-call her when she's on her flight and has her phone shut off."

**Don't even try to deny that you haven't done this.  We ALL do.  Best thing ever!**

TIckle Me Pink Tuesday

The Easter Bunny came early to my desk yesterday.

Picture Martha hopping into my cube, leaving these on my desk and hopping back out.

She knew I wasn't finding them anywhere and when she saw a couple of small bags last weekend, she was

nice enough to grab them for me

 

Martha's the bestest early Easter Bunny EVER!

Weekends Make Me Happy - Part V

The BIG party.  Not just a get together.  Not just some cake and ice cream.  It was BIG.  It was HUGE.  It was EPIC!

Sissy's 3rd birthday party.  Her Mommy put it all together and hosted. 

Jungle Jim's was the place and lot's of little kids with their parents were invited.  The minute we pulled up, we realized that this was the happening place for a Saturday evening. 

Her theme was Dinosaur's since she loves anything dinosaur, snake, or shark.  Not a girlie bone in her body as of yet!  : )

Right off the bat the kids all got wristbands and headed to the rides.  Everyone had a great time, although I have to admit that even just watching some of them spin around made me nauseous.

After about an hour, they brought out pizza (I am glad Splenda and I ate at the OG previously).  Everyone ate, talked, and wrangled their children to stay close by.

After the pizza, Sissy opened presents

Then it was time for cake and ice cream. 

The crowning moment was the pinata. 

Which was interesting to Sissy for a minute, but once she couldn't crack it open and it was everyone's turn, she was bored.  And when it finally broke open and the kids were scrambling for the candy?  She was here:

in the playhouse.

3 hours later with exhaustion setting in, we said good bye to all the guests and began to load up.  Mommy with Sissy's presents to go home. And us with Sissy for the rest of the weekend. The best part was leaving the mess for the Jungle Jim's staff to clean up.

Thanks Mommy for hosting a fun party.  Sissy loved it.  She talked about it on the way home and again the next morning.  Poppa got it all on video so she'll have the memories the rest of her life.

Thanks to the good friends and family who came and supported (you know who you are).  Days like this are more special because you are a part of it.