SPIDERMAN/ROCK-N-ROLL PARTY!

This year, we decided to combine Stevie and David's birthday party--since all of David's friends are Stevie's and vice versa. It was exhausting, but turned out pretty fun. (I don't know about you, but I hate throwing parties. I love GOING to them, but when I'm in charge...that's a whole different ball of twine).

AT ANY RATE, David wanted a Spiderman party and Stevie wanted a Rocker party, so we just smooshed it together and had a Spiderman/Rock Star party. Steven and I prepared with our usual wait-till-the-last-possible-minute technique to get everything set up at literally the eleventh hour.

We invited everyone to dress up as a rock star or superhero. Here's a few

We also played a little Spiderman game in the backyard. We gave the kids silly-string and let them hit the "bad guys" with their "Spidey Webs."

Not all the kids were crazy about the Spidey Web game--silly string was too sticky? :)

We had some pretty awesome costumes. Look at the mohawk on Colin! And I couldn't get over our glamorous diva Meda!

Steven went as Ozzie. Here he is, thrashing on a mini-guitar.

Jed seems to be rockin' a south-central LA "vato" look. But hey, whatever.

And isn't Marby's new look fierce? (And while he's not wearing it in his picture, Theron was the cutest Elvis I've ever seen).

We put out our guitar hero stuff and created a little "stage" at the front of the room that the kids could play rock star with. At first, everyone was a bit hesitant, but they warmed up in time!

Here's some ladies rockin' the stage. Ozzie's filling in on guitar.

Here's W. singing his repetoire. He was so cute!!

Afterwards, we sang to Stevie and David, and then let the kiddos decorate cupcakes (I made them do all the work). It was a madhouse, but they did a great job!

Here's the rocker family. I'm a knocked-up Pat Benatar and Stevie's a mini-Billy Idol. David initially wanted to be Spiderman--then Venom. Then he decided he just wanted a tatoo and regular clothes. He kept telling me his Venom costume was "too hot." Oh well.

All-in-all, it was fun. Glad it's over, but even more glad the kiddos had a good time. Happy Birthday, my sweeties.

My (Yearly) Attack

Well, I had so much to do this weekend. Friday, I had to clean the house and mow the lawn, and then go house shopping with Steven. After that, I went to a baby shower and ate some wonderful (if too fat-laden) stuff. Saturday, I had a Relief Society service activity from 10-2, then I had to get back home and clean the house for a little party I was throwing for David (much belated).

It wasn't to be. I woke up around 3:45am Saturday morning and realized I was having my yearly gall bladder attack. I'd been diagnosed with gall stones a few years ago, but have had so few flare ups that I haven't really done anything about it. (stuipid, stupid!)

I was miserable, and decided it was bad enough to merit a trip to the emergency room. I went to Clear Lake Medical, went in there telling them my whole story and history, and ended up having the give me an ultrasound to find out (GUESS WHAT?) I ahve gall stones. Thanks folks, I already knew that.

They then went on to say that they couldn't do anything for me because I was pregnant. Nothing. Maybe a tylenol. I was devastated, because I was in serious pain. They told me to go home and the pain should subside within 4-5 hours.

Well, 10 hours later, Steven got tired of me writhing in pain, and insisted that we go to St. John's emergency room instead (on the advice from the on-call doctor at my OBGYN's office). I just bawled. I couldn't stand the thought of sitting for another 3 hours just to have them tell me to go home.

We went anyway, and I'm glad we did. It turns out that even though the ER doctor (he wasn't even the doctor, come to think of it, just a well-meaning PA)at Clear Lake HAD spoken with my obgyn concerning my situation, he decided to disregard her advice and not given me anything for the pain. The St. John's docs were able to do what my obgyn suggested and after 3 more hours, gave me some approved pain medication. I was still a little antsy about it. But I was assured that the dosage would be fine for the baby, and the pain began to subside.

I will never go to Clear Lake again. 13 hours is a long time to writhe in pain. After going through this little experience, I have to say "kudos" to those moms out there who go through natural childbirth! How do you do it?

Anyway, my body is pretty dang sore today from tensing up from the pain so much yesterday. I'm trying to sleep it off, but it's a heck of a way to spend your birthday! (Wow, that sounded whiney).

Okay, time to stop complaining and get some sleep. But let me say that I'm so grateful to my sweet husband for always taking such good care of me. I'm a monster when I'm sick or in pain, and he is always a prince. One time in the hospital, I had to go to the bathroom, and he walked me there an back just to make sure I was okay. he would have gone in with me if I'd let him. And I'm also grateful to my friend Amber for watching our kids while we were in the emergency room. I'm getting teary just thinking of how many people are in my life that are just full of love and selflessness. It's overwhelming--and a good example to me.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Thursday night we threw a little birthday party for my Dad in Galveston. I can't believe it, but it actually turned out really well! Dad's friends are awfully nice and it was really fun talking and joking with them. Dad seemed to have a really good time too, which was of course the goal, and nothing made me happier than seeing him smile.

Here's my Dad with baby Jack. Look at those double-generational pair of big blue eyes!

Dad chatting with the Paines.

Jessica with Jim and Wilma Nance. For some reason, before I took this picture I told them to "smile and pretend like they were having a good time." Hmmm.

The Thorleys. I of course took the picture the minute she took a bite of food. Thank goodness she's such a good sport.

Stevie just adores his cousin Jack.
But after all is said and done, all I can say is: I hate throwing parties. It takes tons of organization, time and money--all three of which I miserably lack. I think Martha Stewart and Wedding Planners must be pyschotic.

Birthday Wishes Realized 100%

1. check
2. check
3. check
4. check
5. check
What a freakin' awesome birthday! I will never again force my poor husband into an anxiety attack making him try and figure out what I want.

This morning when I awoke, the house was absolutely QUIET! Steven had taken the boys to the Cracker Barrel and given me the entire morning to stretch out luxuriously in the recliner and read my novel.

Around 5 o’clock, some friends from our ward came over to watch the chillins, and Steve took me to Saltgrass (which I really love but never go to). It was so exciting to be sitting across from my adorable husband while holding hands and acting all romantical without having to play ref for our kids’ boxing matches. It was SOOOO great…so great in fact that Steven (not me, mind you) insisted that we find a way to have a date every week. I was floored and thrilled.

After dinner, we went back to grab the boys and head out to the Bluegrass Association concert being held in the city park. It was hot, but the music and company was awesome. The little boys got so keyed up that they put on some very hilarious dancers for the crowd. You'll notice I only look slightly drugged.
When we got home, Steven and the boys bring in this wonderful cake with like, a trillion lit candles on top. I was sure it was going to burst into flames at any moment. They sang happy birthday (even David, with a solemn little look on his face) and helped me blow out the candles.
Afterwards, Steven comes in with a great big WRAPPED present with a bow on top.
And this was the rather salty card that was attached:
My present was a fabulous new external hard drive with 750 GB. Now I can put all my oodles of scrapbooking stuff on it and our computer might run faster than a turtle in molasses. (strange simile, I know…it was all I could come up with).

After the present, we had some cake and ice cream. David, actually tried eating the candles.
After realizing they were in fact inedible, he was a bit non-plussed.
I, however, truly enjoyed my store-bought white cake with buttercream icing.
This picture would surely have CPS knocking at our door for violating child safety laws, but it was so hilarious. He just really liked the cellophane.

DAVID BLOWS OUT HIS CANDLES

I'm a little late on this post, but I thought I'd put up the pictures nonetheless. Jeff and Michelle came down for a visit this week, and so we decided to have a little family birthday party for David's 2nd. As you can see, he was much more enthused about opening presents...

then he was about our singing "Happy Birthday" over his cake.

He did enjoy eating it, however.

I, personally, didn't much care for the cake (weird aftertaste).

On another note, here is a picture of my brand new nephew Jack flirting with me.(I can't explain the look on my brother's face)

You can see Jack better in this picture. (And I know it looks like he's stepping in the cake, but it's just the angle, I promise).

Steven & Mother's Day!

Steven’s birthday was yesterday, and while I’m a little late, I wanted to do a post for him. Poor guy had to share it with Mother’s Day! We actually celebrated on Friday night by picking out a gift at Guitar Center and trying out a new restaurant called “Rockfish Seafood Grill,” (it was excellent, by the way…yummy snapper!) Not a fancy birthday, but that’s what he asked for, bless him.
Steven is the best thing in my life. He makes me laugh every single day with his crazy antics. He gave me my two beautiful children. He is the best, most involved and interested father I’ve ever seen. He can do just about anything, from fixing the carburetor to composing jazz pieces. He also can talk to anyone with ease, be it the President or the little old lady next door. I love him to pieces and am so glad he’s mine. Happy Birthday, Baby!

Mother’s Day was great. My boys made me these cute little things in primary/nursery. And Steven bought me some beautiful flowers and gave me the entire day off. Priceless.

But it was a strange day. I kept expecting to burst out into tears or depression, but it never really came. I just haven’t been able to mourn my mom lately. I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t want to think about it. I cried a few times at church on Sunday, but I really feel that, at least for the present, I want to keep that door closed for awhile.