10 years ago...

.... on the night before Valentine's Day, I spent the night at the hospital with my sister-in-law and newest nephew (at the time).  He was just a newly born pip squeak then, and now he's reached double digits.

Happy 10th Birthday B!

And, if you don't mind, you can slow down in the growing department...

Hope your birthday and the year ahead is full of fun!  

We love you!

The way I see it, you should live everyday like its your birthday. 
Paris Hilton 
 

Minecraft Party Recap...

If you're tired of hearing me talk about Minecraft, this is NOT the post for you...sorry!  If, however, you are planning a Minecraft Party, keep on reading.  E recently turned 9 and this year he was all about having a Minecraft Party.  When he told me that was what he wanted, I began my online research.  I found this blog and then I got started.

I purchased some digital papers and banners from Creative Creek Studio on etsy and made some Creeper "Juice" labels for water bottles

as well as some labels for milk chocolate bars, which we used as prizes for the games.

I also made E and Little Miss Creeper shirts using freezer paper....super easy and they came out great.  

I covered a boring pinata to suit the party theme...but, I didn't spend too much time on it since it would be destroyed in less than 5 minutes.

I made a Steve and Creeper head along with various foam tools.  They were easy to make, but somewhat time consuming.

For games we played
Pass the TNT.  The music played and when the music stopped, whomever held the TNT was out.

We had the pinata.

The kids made Creeper Bags for their pinata loot.

And, we also played block games in teams...given a set number of minutes (using a timer), build the tallest, biggest, most creative, etc...

Thankfully, my mom came to help with the cake.  Although I'm a fan of cupcake cakes, E requested a "real" cake this year.  I must admit, the cake baking/decorating thing is not all that fun for me.  I'm excited to see the end result, but I really don't enjoy the process in getting there.

It seemed like I was making paper Minecraft things for weeks and then the party was over so quickly.  Although I wasn't all that familiar with the game, I had fun preparing for our little man's ninth birthday, and it appeared that a good time was had by all.

E got this great Creeper blanket from my cousin...she made it!  I'll have to get a better picture and repost; E loves it, of course.

Other Minecraft posts here and here

Resources:

TNT boxes here.

Steve head template here.

Foam sword and pickaxe printables here.  Online tutorial here.

Cake here.

Freezer paper stenciling here. Freezer paper purchased here.

"In the end, you know it's all about blocks."

A Good Day...

I called for my MRI results today and they were negative, which means all is well.  PHEW!  I wasn't really thinking about it too much, until today, the day I knew I could call.  I debated about calling, but finally just did it, and I'm glad I did.  

Oh, and by the way, we're in the middle of Blizzard Nemo over here.  I'm thinking Punxsutawney Phil may need a decrease in his pay because this storm seems to be the furthest thing from an early Spring.

The snow itself is lonely or, if you prefer, self-sufficient. There is no other time when the whole world seems composed of one thing and one thing only. 
Joseph Wood Krutch 

Messes, an MRI, and a New Day

The washing machine and dryer ran almost continuously yesterday...we had a sick Little Miss.  I went to kiss her goodnight on Monday before going to bed and found her sound asleep in a puddle of yuck; she was actually mad that I woke her up.  After moving her and cleaning her up, I went to survey the damage...yuck EVERYWHERE...certainly not what I expected to be doing at midnight.  We both slept (or tried to) on the couch for the rest of the night and yesterday she barely moved from her spot all day...my poor baby.  Ninety-nine percent of the time I think that I'd like more kids and then when they're sick, I think two is plenty.  Little Miss started perking up yesterday afternoon and her Pepere's homemade soup really did the trick...she actually woke up this morning and that is what she wanted to eat...thanks Dad!  Thankfully, she is pretty much herself today and I am so grateful that she is a healthy kid who can fight these random viruses and illnesses and be completely fine a couple of days later.  Some Mom's and Dad's do not have that...

I also had my annual MRI yesterday.  I was definitely not looking forward to going and so, I'm glad it's over.  I'll have the results (which will be fine) in a few days.   I had forgotten how insanely loud an MRI is, filled with various obnoxious noises that almost become somewhat soothing (or deafening) when they are repeated for any length of time.  The entire thing takes 20 minutes while I lay face down...for that 20 minutes, it is quiet for about 30 seconds...well, not quiet, I could hear Nora Jones soothing voice in my headphones.

Here I am before the MRI in my heated johnny...isn't it pretty?  It's a lot better than my prison garb from radiation...remember that?

And, here I am after my scan with lovely marks all over my forehead and nice poofy hair.  I hope you realize I wouldn't show these photos to just anyone...consider yourselves friends :)

Today I am grateful to be able to start fresh...it's a new day.

"When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully. "

Steve Maraboli

Steve...

This is Steve...well really it's E with a Steve Head, a character from Minecraft.  E is now officially 9 years old and started his 9th year with a Minecraft Celebration complete with family and friends.  

 To make your own Steve head, go here.

More party pictures and details to come.  

For now Happy Monday!

"Monday is just a reminder that the weekend has past and there are only a few more days before another weekend gets here." (But don't rush it!)

Our Little Man...

Each time I sit to write a post about one of my kids, it goes with saying that, within minutes, tears will well up in my eyes.  It happens when I look for the pictures to post.  Oh my goodness, how is it even possible that 9 years has past since the birth of our Little Boy? Although it's is difficult to remember what life was like before him, it is also a struggle to believe he is turning 9....that is halfway to 18.  I decided I don't even want to think about that right now.  

Take a minute and reminisce with me.

E, you are such a gift and you are the one who finally gave me the title of Momma.

You have taught me some priceless lessons in the first 9 years of your life and I continue to learn from you everyday.  You are smart, sensitive, perceptive, stubborn and spirited and I love all the parts of you more than I could ever possibly express through words.    

 Happy, happy birthday Little Man.  I love you bunches!

The greatest gift is a portion of thyself. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson