Ted's Party: The Activities

I had pretty grand ideas. Again, most of them came from here or here. One of them was to build a bull for the kids to rope. Adam thought I was nuts, but he still was willing to do what I asked. Thankfully a friend had a jig saw for us to use. (Although we had to buy a replacement in the end because theirs died.) I think we are going to try and stain him.

Activities:
1. Paint long horn magnet
2. Bull Ropin
3. Instruction on how to act like a cowboy.

• How to dress like a cowboy (kids given hat and handkerchief)

• How to talk like a cowboy (Adam scared them with his Yee Haw)

• How to walk like a cowboy (this was HILARIOUS)

4. Shooting
5. Pin the tail on the donkey (couldn't find a horse)

This one is Lulu's.

Adam told the kids that once they roped the bull they had to take their had off, hit their leg and yell Yee Haw.


I love how Lulu is kicking up her leg. She was an awesome assistant.

The kids had to practice shooting, so they shot at Diet Coke cans with the Nerf gun.

Here would be the photo of "pin the tail on the donkey". Oops.

Finally everyone participated in blowing out the candles.

Family portrait

Ted's Birthday Decor

It was Ted's birthday this past week and we threw him a cowboy themed party. Thankfully there are great websites out there for creatively challenged folks like myself, so we too can thrown a fantastic party for our littles. All ideas and genius for this party belong to this gal. Brilliant! I also stole a few ideas from this lovely lady.

My only regret- not having someone on hand to take photos. It was too nuts for either me or Adam to take thoughtful pictures of the event. BOO. Also, we both thought the other had taken a couple of shots so.. the pictures of the table are rushed and terrible and strangely there are very few pictures of our own children. Awesome!




In addition to the two creative genius mentioned above, I have another in my back pocket. Everyone should have an Emily. I called her with the most random and ridiculous questions and every time she would immediately respond with precisely whom I needed to call and what I needed to get. Not only was she my go to girl, but she designed every bit of the invitation and came up with the cute delivery for each of them. Love that girl.

I loved these little stumps of wood with horses on them. If you could have only seen the crazy looks when I made a rather impromptu visit to a friend that was in the process of cutting down her beautiful 100 year old tree (it was diseased) and asked her if I could have a one of the logs. Adam also gave me a crazy look when he saw the log too. Although he willingly used a hand saw to cut bits and pieces off in our back yard.

The photo of Ted makes me laugh every time. And daisies, aren't they just the friendliest of flowers?

The Menu:

Pulled pork sandwiches
Chips
Carrots and dip
IBC Root Beer
Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate ganache

The little gift bags contained western themed wristbands, the long horn magnet the kids each painted upon arrival to the party, a silver badge, salt water taffy, and a little horse.

The birthday cake

TED

the summer has been somewhat of a blur. between a devastating loss and monthly chemo doses i've lost track of time. at some point this little guy went from a small bebe into a terrorizing toddler. it's a good thing he is cute.

For my family

It has been confirmed.

Teddy is Grandpa Bud.

He has recently started requesting ICE in his sippy cup.

5 Random Things Since I Last Blogged in NO Particular Order

1. I thought it would be impossible for Mitt Romney to make me dislike him even more than I already do, but against all odds, he has done it. While driving home today I heard about this on NPR. Congratulations for not only effectively buying votes (or what we in the research community call coercion) but continuing your role as "part of the problem" rather than a "solution to the problem". I'm sure you will continue to wear that badge of honor with pride. I can't tell you how thankful I am that you were riddled with contradictions and therefore never made it out of the primaries.

2. The State of Texas spent $2 MILLION dollars installing cameras on the border so that viewers at home could watch and report any suspicious movement to the border patrol. So far it has netted a whole 3 arrests in a little over 6 months. And guess what, even Australians are getting in on the action. I just love seeing my tax dollars at work. FYI it was your tax dollars at work too. The whole program was paid for by a federal grant.

3. We had Dave and Tasha in town this past weekend. Dave was busy with his test, so I took it upon myself to show Tasha around town. We did a little shopping (blast you for ruining my 6 week run at not purchasing any unnecessary items), ate a ridiculous amount of food, froze at the arboretum on the one and only cold day they were here, and did a little crafting. Okay, to be honest, Tasha did a little crafting and I tried to clean up my messy desk space. When Dave finished with his test we took them out to see the sites. We also took them to all of our favorite restaurants and even had a rousing evening playing Rock Band. However, we did not take a single picture. What is wrong with me?

My favorite moment was while we were getting pedicures and Lulu demonstrated what she would do when she got older and brought her own daughter to the salon for a "girl date".

Promise y'all will come back.



4. Teddy fell on his face. He tries to run all the time and his little legs can't quite keep up with the rest of him. He falls quite frequently, but this is the first time he used his face to stop the rest of him.


5. Not only is he a bit of a klutz, but he is a ridiculously messy eater. This is what he looked like after his first day in nursery. I'll admit I was a little unhappy about the whole situation, especially given the fact that he has 1 church outfit. But, I'm willing to take some of the blame- we did not tell the nursery leaders that we have to strip him down to his diaper when we feed him. Luckily after 3 washing cycles, 1 soak cycle and an entire bottle of Shout it looks good as new.

Chillin' in Warm Utah

We got to Utah on Saturday morning. I spent a great day with one of my best girlfriends. We have known each other since we were in 7th grade. I LOVE catching up with her.

I was surprised at how warm it is here. It cracks me up that it is 45 degrees, but I was dying of heat. I have yet to wear a coat. Go figure.

On Saturday night we caught up with one of Adam's brother's family and had a fun dinner. Lulu LOVED playing dress up with her cousin. While we missed my BIL because he is in Ghana, it was great to chat with my SIL. (Although as usual, I did most of the chatting.) I'm so lucky to have a SIL that I just ADORE.

On Sunday my little sister and her family came over for dinner.


Teddy is a little nervous with his Aunt Meggan.



Slaving away at making a birthday cake.


Jake test tasting. How's dinner Jake?


The finished cake. It has some issues, but I'll get there one of these times.




My baby sister will turn 30 this year. We celebrated a little early. Happy Birthday Meggan.
(of course they took a picture of the side that had the problem- nice.)

Houston, we have a problem

Today there were two focal points for my day:

1. POOP. Yes, you read that correctly. While I was blogging this morning Teddy was lounging in his diaper and watching television with his sister. (I take off his pjs because he can't walk in them. It is our morning ritual.) Suddenly Teddy appeared in my sight completely naked. Somehow he wiggled out of his diaper. I asked Lulu why she did not tell me (she could see him, but I have a wall blocking my view) and she said she hadn't noticed. Okay.. I'll give her that. Mind you, Teddy was completely proud in all his naked glory. While I was chasing him down, Lulu yelled:

"Mom Teddy pooped all over the floor."

It was disgusting. Not only was there poop, but he also peed. It was so disgusting that I didn't even document the event, but quickly cleaned the mess up. It was EVERYWHERE, except my rug- thank heavens.

2. Don't blog while your kids are up and about, wait until they are down for a nap, locked in their feeding chair, or asleep for the night.

Trust me on this one.

Life According to Ted

"Once I've conquered this baby.. I'll be the KING OF THE WORLD."


"Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to fall asleep eating lunch."

"Just one more fry..zzzzzzzz"

"Don't mind me. I'm just going to close my eyes for a second."

"I hear you mocking me and my leprechaun outfit. But really, the only thing that matters is if you can throw a ball."



"I know- you are lovin my green ensemble. Did you check out the shoes on my footy pajamas? Admit it, you wish you looked smokin like me."



"My dad was a little unhappy that my mom dressed me like a leprechaun, so he changed me."



"Dude- the number one rule of clothing.. ALWAYS wear your collar up. I learned that one from Big Guy Hunt."



"Everyone knows that WEARING your dinner is much more enjoyable than eating it."



"Let's face it, if my Mom is going to be dumb enough to give me a bowl of oatmeal and then leave the room... I will make her pay.. boahhhh."



"Cute Teddy, Cute. But guess what- have we got a job for your daddy. Boahhhhhh"

Out with the Old and In With the New

I'm in the process of de-cluttering my house. I have finally reached the point that I cannot take it. So far I have:


RECYCLED 10 years worth of Martha and other miscellaneous mags.

DISCARDED classwork from Masters degree. When am I going to use it?

DONATED baby stuff (baby bjorn, sling, car seat).

REASSIGNED Lulu's "too small" clothing to Ms. Greece's daughter Emily

GIFTED Teddy's 3-6 month clothing

The last one made me a little sad. The little guy that I gave the clothing to was wearing this outfit yesterday:

I'll admit it. I cried when I was driving home. I'm so happy it is getting some use, but I'm still a little shell shocked that the baby stage of my life is over. I think this is why I was so anxious to get it all out of my house. I just couldn't look at it anymore.

**Isn't it funny when you look at pictures of your babies and realize they were not nearly as cute as you thought they were. Oh I still think he was cute, but he is adorable now.

Day 6 of Teddy Watch

ROSEOLA ...at least that is what my doctor said. We headed back because of a crazy rash on Mr. Ted. He had also been rubbing his ears quite a bit so the doctor looked in his ears and guess what.. they are perfectly normal. WHAT? The kid is smacking himself on the head repeatedly. I would not define this as "NORMAL." I'm sure you can imagine the puzzled and concern look I got with my audible outcry of disappointment. I quickly quelled any concern of Munchhausen with this question... is it bad to wish for an illness? If it is known you can say "oh.. well no wonder the little guy is so sad and quickly help him to happier days." He was only slightly amused.

At least we have a diagnosis and a possible timeline. Mr. Ted is feeling a little better and played for a bit today. Although he is still walking around and crying for no obvious reason.

I need to publicly apologize to the Hamilton kids, Harris kids, Evanson kids, and any other littles that we saw during Ted's contagious period (all last week). Yeah, sorry about that one. I guess the moniker bestowed on me by one Mr. Stu Hunt lives on. I will proudly wear "she's the one that gets everyone sick" with pride. But in my defense, it is never really on purpose. This is obviously a story for another day.

Day 4 of Teddy Watch

The Tedmister is sick.
He has been running a temperature between 100-102 degrees since Wednesday.
After one very grueling night of no sleep, I finally took him to my MALE pediatrician.

"Ear Infection?"
"No."
"Strep?"
"No."
"Swollen lymphs?"
"Slight."
"What is wrong with him?"
"Obviously he is sick, but in addition, he is also cutting 10 teeth. Yes I said 10. Of those 10, 4 are molars. Your other problem?"
"Yes?"
"He is a boy. Boys traditionally have a lower pain threshold." "Girls go through teething and don't make a peep, boys- make sure EVERYONE knows they are teething."

Poor Ted. He just sits on my lap and moans. He doesn't eat, and if he does he grimaces the entire time. He doesn't play, he just sits with his head on the floor.

Poor, poor, little boy.

Weekend Plans

What Did We Do This Weekend?

Saturday

1. Full Tank of Gas - check
2. music for the road- check
3. bottles for Teddy- check
4. raided the pantry and refrigerator for something to eat for lunch- check
5. charged the camera battery- check
6. drive to Fossil Rim for some animal lovin-check
7. lovely time for just the 4 of us- check.

We have an "animal safari" about an hour or so from our house. We have been several times and thought we should head down on Saturday. We had a great time. Lulu and I lip synced to my iPod on the drive down. Mamma Mia (a current favorite), Journey, Joe Purdy, and of course Disney tunes were belted out using lipstick containers as microphones.

Inside the park you drive slow enough that you can take the kids out of their seats and let them run free (inside the car). We enjoyed zebras, ostriches (not so much), giraffes, and countless other African animals roaming free. You drive through in your own car and you can feed them too. My favorite part of the trip is always the giraffes. If you are patient enough they will put their head in your car. LOVE IT.


We stopped mid-way through the park and ate lunch. The strawberries and raspberries with whipped cream, wheat thin crackers, apples, and carrots were delicious (there wasn't much in our refrigerator or pantry). We hopped back in and finished the tour. Teddy even learned how to drive.

Sunday

The Menu

Salmon w/raisin, lemon, pine nut dressing
Cantaloupe
Prickly Pear, Pomegranate, Sicilian Lemon, and Blood Orange Italian Sodas

Dessert


Lemon and Raspberry Cupcakes
Individual Blue Bell Ice Cream
More Cantaloupe
Remains of the delicious chocolate cake used to celebrate another birthday boy

The Decorations


Homemade banner for Teddy Bear (thanks for the blue print Rachel)

The Party Guests



Lots of our lovely friends and their kids for a total of 12 Adults and 15 kids.


The MAN of the HOUR


Happy First Birthday Teddy