It's Dangerous To Go Alone - A Legend of Zelda Birthday Party

I thought about coming on here and just writing my post and pushing "publish" like no big deal...like I haven't been here in 7 months.  But I have to be completely honest and tell you that I almost forgot how to even get here.  I was going to feel really stupid if I had to email one of you and ask you how.  Fortunately, I got to hang on to a little bit of my pride, and I figured it out myself.

That being said, how the heck are you guys?

One of my New Year's resolutions was to make a point to stop by here at least a couple of times a month and dust off the cobwebs.  So, here I am.

*blows dust*

*coughs uncontrollably*

I have so many things that I've wanted to blog about.  I actually am having a hard time figuring out where to start!  I know crazy problem for someone who hasn't blogged in 7 months.  Trust me, it's not that I haven't had any "material", I just haven't had the time!

Did you all know that I went to LA to the Breaking Dawn 2 Premiere, camped out for 3 days, and met Robert FREAKING Pattinson?  I'm sure if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, you picked up on that little tidbit.  I still pinch myself every once in a while.

So, that's totally bloggable, right?!

I've also thrown a few parties and such that I would like to blog about.  I love putting stuff like that on here, because it's a way for me to keep track of my own ideas and I know I always love finding blog posts like that when I'm trying to plan a party.

Last Saturday, Isaiah turned 9!  Can you believe that?  When I started this blog, he was 4.  I seriously have NO idea where the last 9 years have gone.  He reminds me constantly that he'll be a teenager in 4 years.  WHA?!  No.  I'm planning on doing everything within my power to change the age of becoming a teenager...maybe adding in a few new numbers between 9 and 13.  Something.  I can't just stand by and let this happen.

So, Saturday, we had a Legend of Zelda party.  If you know Isaiah, you know that he always wants something crazy and off the wall.  It was fun going old school.  I should have paid more attention back in my Nintendo days, because I had to keep using the 8 year old (now 9...only 4 years away from a teenager).

Let me tell you, there are just not that many Zelda party resources out there!  I looked high and low...blogs, Pinterest, websites, etc.  I finally found a few good ideas over on the Zelda Party Channel.  Surprisingly (or not), there are more adult party ideas out there than their are kid friendly ideas.

Here's how we did it:

Isaiah's top request was a Triforce Treasure Hunt.  So, I found a free template for a Treasure Hunt online at Parents.com and customized it to fit our party.  I made some signs for different parts of the yard using places from the Legend of Zelda games.  I led the kids around the yard as they searched for pieces of the Triforce.  Sometimes, they would have to solve a math problem or a riddle to know where to find the next clue.  Then, when they had all of the pieces of the Triforce, they put it together and flipped it over for their final clue, which led them to Isaiah's Room where there was a treasure box full of gold (aka chocolate coins).  The kids loved it and it took up a lot of the party time!

The other activity that we did was making shields.  Even the girls loved this!  They totally got into designing their shield.  They put a lot of thought and hard work into them.  Then, they took them with them on their Treasure hunt!  

Along with some swords, of course, because it's dangerous to go alone! 

For food, we had pizza and Red Potion Punch.  The punch was a recipe I got off of the Zelda Party Channel website and it was DELICIOUS.  I'll definitely be putting it in my file for future use...would be tasty for an "adult beverage"...I'm thinking tequila or rum, probably.  I used frozen strawberries, so it gave it a slushie consistency.  I made individual servings by pouring it into 8oz Mason jars.  Since it started out semi-frozen, they stayed cold for hours (with the lids on)!  This was a big hit with the kids and the adults!

I basically just used lots of green and gold for the decorations and found some Zelda party supplies on CelebrateExpress.com...and failed to take any decent pictures of the decorations...so, just use your imagination. 

The piece de resistance of any party, if you ask me, is the cake!  My cousin's wife's sister  (did you get that?) started making cakes a couple of years ago and she has been a wonderful resource for me when I'm planning an event!  She never fails to come through with an AMAZING cake and she's always up for a challenge.  I love her...and this cake!  Isaiah loved it, too.

He was one very happy 9 year old...who will be a teenager in 4 years.  

A Phineas and Ferb Birthday Party

Saturday morning I woke up and said...

Ferb, I know what we're doing today!

I planned a Phineas and Ferb party for Isaiah's birthday.  He's nuts about that show and I had the most fun planning around the theme.  It was a win-win!

I couldn't find any invitations and I had thought about ordering some off of Etsy (there are several people who sell custom Phineas and Ferb invitations on Etsy and Ebay).  I just couldn't find any that were exactly what I was wanting and I was on a short time frame.  As usual, I had waited until the week I needed invites sent out to find invites.  So, I went to Office Depot and found some fun paper, snagged a cute/wintery Phineas and Ferb pic from the Internet...wrote up a little invite and inserted the pic and voila...

Invites on the cheap.

I was able to find TONS of decorating stuff on Party City's website (click HERE).  They had a great selection and great prices.

I was up in the air about the cake until the last minute.  I just couldn't decide what to do with it.  There were so many possibilities.  I could have went with something from the theme song.  For instance, I had thought about having an Eiffel Tower cake made and putting Phineas and Ferb scaling up the side...or I had thought about having a Yeti cake made and putting Phineas and Ferb around the sides giving him a shower.  The wheels in my head were turning, but I really didn't have the time to wait much longer, so I just had a simple Phinea and Ferb-ish cake made at my favorite local bakery (Merritt's for all you local peeps...they never disappoint). 

It wasn't elaborate or anything, but I thought it was cute and went well with the rest of the decor.

Isaiah made it known that he wanted to build "contraptions" like Phineas and Ferb, so I set up a table with all sorts of craft/building materials.  The kids had a blast using their imaginations and putting together their very own contraptions.

We also had a couple of games.

Pin The Tail On Perry was fun! One of the perks of my job is working with a bunch of drafters.  We have a huge plotter at our office and one of the guys printed Perry out for me, but you might be able to have it printed some where.  I found a pattern for a platypus tail on line and saved it, colored it orange, printed them, and cut them out.

Find the Lawn Gnomes was a hit! 

I told them that the EVIL Dr. Doofenshmirtz had STOLEN all of our lawn gnomes and we need them back!  I sent them on a hunt for all the lawn gnomes they could find.  Prior to the party starting, I had went around and hid 40 lawn gnomes all over...under tables, on walls, under chairs...anywhere inconspicuous.  They had fun finding them and they were rewarded with mini chocolate bars. 

For the lawn gnomes, I just found a picture of one that I liked online, saved it to my pictures, a printed them out on card stock.

I also set up a Dr. Doofenshmirtz Laboratory and performed a couple of experiments. 

We inflated a balloon with vinegar and baking soda and made green slime!  It was SO cool. 


I'm not sure who had more fun them or me!  LOL.

We served cheese pizza and carrots w/ ranch dressing, at the request of the birthday boy.  I was going to serve grilled cheese because P and H's sister, Candace, loves grilled cheese.  I was going to cut them all into fourths and put them on a skewer.  Grilled Cheese on a stick!  Sounds cute, right?!  Isaiah INSISTED on cheese pizza.  Oh well. 

We also had a yummy Sundae Bar and a Candy Bar.  The kids loved making their own sundaes. 

Their favor bags consisted of Phineas and Ferb stickers and tattoos, pencils, sticky hands, a compass, Phineas and Ferb fruit snacks (found at Wal-Mart and Target), and a Phineas and Ferb Mix CD.  For the CD, I just downloaded about 10 of Isaiah's favorite Phineas and Ferb songs onto iTunes, made a playlist, and burned it to CDs.  I found some really cheap CDs at Office Depot (10 for $1). 

Every kid also got some cool shades just like Phineas and Ferb wear (found them at amazon.com).

(the two adorable children above are courtesy of my one of my best friends, blogger at my3ellas.

I think it was a success. 

I know the birthday boy had fun...he said, and I quote, "it was the BEST day ever". 

That was what I was going for.

I'm sorry if you tried to click on the link to my last giveaway from yesterday's blog post.  I forgot to link it up.  So, you can click HERE to make sure you entered.  Promise.  It'll really take you somewhere.  Not over the rainbow, but it will take you to my giveaway, which is just a $10 Starbucks card and a $10 iTunes card and another little surprise...no bluebirds flying and it wasn't sang about once in a lullaby.

I don't know what the heck I'm talking about.  Just go enter my giveaway.  I'll announce the winner in Thursday's blog post.  Hope you're all having a great week so far.

Bloggy Break

Bloggy Breaks...isn't everybody doing them?

I'm not trying to fit in or anything.

I just seriously need a few days to catch my breath from all of the holiday hoopla, birthday bonanza, and end of the year INSANITY.  Isaiah's 7th birthday was yesterday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my inquisative, empathetic, rowdy, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, always inventive SEVEN year old.  I can't believe I've been his mommy for 7 years.  I'm blessed.

His party is this Saturday and I'm in full-blown party mode.  Putting the last minute touches on a fab Phineas and Ferb party.  I'll be sure to share some pics and details next week.

Plus, we're ALMOST to the painting phase on the house!  Hopefully I'll have some house updates for you next week.

It's going to be a busy weekend.

I've got a couple of blog posts saved up, so it'll seem like I'm here, but I'm really not.  Well, I'm sure I'll log on from time to time and I'll still lay in bed reading all of your blogs while I fall asleep, but you might not hear back from me until next week. 

Hope you're all having a super first week of 2011!

Loves♥

A Birthday and A Giveaway

Today is my birthday. The big double 3.

What makes me happier than receiving gifts?

GIVING gifts!!

So, today I'm giving away an ADORABLE neclace from Too Silly Sisters! (click their name to see the their Etsy store)

I picked this lovely brown one to giveaway. 

I think it just screams fall and would look adorable with just about anything! 


Look how cute their packaging is!  Attention to detail makes my heart happy.  

I tore into mine like a kid on Christmas morning!

Thankfully I was wearing black yesterday and got to wear it IMMEDIATELY!  Remember...I'm an instant gratification kinda girl.  I got TONS of compliments and have it on again today...it's my new favorite accessory!! 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me! =)

It's SO me.  It's going to go with our school colors, OU stuff, Twilight stuff...black and red ARE my favorite colors and I wear them frequently...the possibilities are endless.  Oh, and she made it where both flowers are detachable...so I can wear one or both!  She is creative AND clever!

A BIG 'thank you' to Lori (her blog: Morning Glories and Moonflowers).  She was so much fun to work with.  I told her what I wanted and she delivered!!  It's perfect, Lori!!  I love it!♥

To enter the giveaway:

1. Be a follower.
2. Comment on this post.
3. Tweet this giveaway.
4. Post anywhere on your blog (good for 2 entries).

Good luck!!


One last thing...It's my birthday, so indulge me...and my obsession...watch this. 

Hope you all have a FABULOUS Friday!

Unloading the Camera

Life has been busy. 

My camera is full.


We have another busy weekend coming up.


So, I thought I should dump my pics and post some for you guys to see.  

Remember a couple of weeks ago was Michaelpalooza? 

Somebody around here is 34...over a 1/3 of the way to 100.

I told you guys that we're up to our ears in football.  I can NOT resist taking pictures of these little guys.  Check this one out...he has his eyes closed.  LOL.  Maybe that's some new football technique we don't know about?

 They finally got Their first win!! The funny thing about this picture is that there were boys running both ways through the cheerleader's tunnel and colliding in the middle...and they thought it was hilarious, so they just kept doing it.  Gotta love 6 year olds.

I met up with a couple of friends last week for margaritas, Mexican food, and memories.  Good times.

I've known these girls forever.  What I love most about our GNOs is that we can not see each other for weeks, months, or even years and when we finally get together again it's like no time has passed. 

As you can see, my new blog design is up thanks to the Design Girl!!  





What do you think?!


Hope everyone is having a super fab week so far!  Stop back by tomorrow for a giveaway!! 


♥

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Six years ago today, Isaiah was born. He is one of the funniest, wittiest, most imaginative kids I know. He can also be bossy, stubborn, and ornery. He has more energy than he knows what to do with sometimes. He loves with his whole heart. He says the sweetest things, like the other day he asked me "Mom, do you know where my love lands?" I said, "no, where?" He said, "right here"...and pointed to my heart. Where does he get this stuff? We can go on for hours saying "I love you from here to..._____...and back." He's also ALL BOY. He loves to wrestle. One of his favorite toys from Christmas is the Nerf double-barrel shot gun he got from his Uncle Josh. He said that it is his favorite thing EVER and he's going to keep it forever...and never going to lose it! Did I mention that it has a scope with a laser? Him and his daddy sit on our stairs and use our back door for target practice. Boys! I can't believe it's been 6 years since I held that little 8 pound 5 ounce bundle of joy for the first time. Back then, it seemed like it would be forever until he was old enough to walk or talk or ride a bike. Now, I realize that he'll be driving a car and dating girls much sooner than I would like. I wish I had a pause button for life. I don't want him to grow another inch, but I know it's inevitable. He's growing everyday. He's learning new things everyday. He changes right before my eyes. I can't stop time and I can't keep him from growing up. My job is just to help shape him into the person he's meant to be.

Happy Birthday, Buddy! I love you from here to Pluto (even though it's not technically a planet anymore) and back.

On this day in 1977...

I was born. I know, not very exciting. Just think, if it wasn't for that day 32 years ago, you wouldn't have me around to annoy you will all of my Twilight crazy talk and unending Starbucks chatter. On my birthday, I would like to take a moment to show some gratitude and do some Thursday Thankfuls...

• I'm thankful for life and that I know Jesus. I'm thankful that God is my final word and authority. He loves me and keeps me.
• I'm thankful for my husband, my funny little boy, and my amazing family. I seriously was born into the best family (in my book).
• I'm thankful for this conversation I had with Isaiah last week...Isaiah said "mom, I'm glad that you "borned" me". I said "me too, bubby, I love you so much". He said "mom, you didn't even know what I was going to look like, did you?" I said "no, but I knew God would give me just what I needed and it was you." He said "I'm pretty cute, huh?" (He doesn't lack confidence.)
• I'm thankful for my friends. I've got old friends, new friends, best friends, bloggy friends, e-mail buddies, Twilight friends, Facebook friends...I just couldn't be more blessed. I'm eternally grateful for all of you. You make my days brighter. I love you all.
• I'm not thankful that I have to take Isaiah to get a root canal...or for the fact that he's told me that "HE'S HUNGRY" about 20 times in the 20 minutes he's been awake. (He can't eat before the root canal, mandatory from the dentist...he threw up all over the place last time.) HOWEVER, I am thankful that I get to spend the morning with my Sugar Bear. I'm praying for peace and calmness and no discomfort at the dentist today for Isaiah (and me).
• I'm thankful for the Starbucks I will be partaking of in a few hours. I'm trying to not eat anything or drink anything either, since Isaiah can't. Have you tried their new VIA? It's an "instant" coffee, but that term does not do it justice. It can mix into anything...hot or cold...water, milk...ice cream...it's amazing! I think I'll take some with me to have while I'm patiently waiting.

Hope everyone has a fabulous day today!

This, That, and The Other

THIS is my hubby's 33rd birthday!!

He's such a great guy, who puts up with all my craziness. He always has been supportive of everything I've wanted to do. He even knows about all this Twilight craziness that goes on here. (Like, he EVEN knows that I love Edward and he's ok with that...well, it's like his free pass, because he loves Ashley Judd, so my love for Edward makes us "even".) He let's me just be me. I love him for that...and for many other things. Happy Birthday, babe!

I also wanted to say THAT I'm going to have a Twilight Saga/New Moon bloggy carnival thingy! HOWEVER, I'm not exactly sure how to go about it...any suggestions or advice? I'll keep you guys posted.

THE OTHER thing I wanted to share is that I gained 1.6 pounds at Weight Watchers yesterday. I had a small pity party accompanied by the inhalation of a Snickers bar. After wiping the chocolate off of my lips...achem...I felt a new sense of determination. Those scales will not beat me! I'm bigger than them! I boycotted the whole weight loss venture yesterday and didn't do an Extreme Makeover:Me Edition post, but I'll join back in next week.

Hope all of you are having a great day!

Smile...it's contagious. :)

Happy Birthday, Sweet Cheeks!

Five years ago today I was strapped down to a table feeling my body going numb and telling my anesthesiologist that I COULD NOT breath! He insisted that I was doing so or I would not have been able to KEEP telling him that I COULD NOT breath. So, I was over-exaggerating a bit...give a woman a break...I was having my belly cut open for the love of Pete!! Mind you, this was my first time in a hospital as a patient and I had NEVER been cut open before! However, I was in a state of calm. Even though a c-section was not in my birth plan, I was at peace. There was one thing I knew for sure and that was I wanted the baby that had been growing inside my belly for a complete 9 months OUT...and SOON!! Previous to being strapped to a table, my doctor told me that the baby had flipped since I had been in his office 5 days prior. He proceeded to tell me that I had 3 options...they could "manipulate" the baby...NO...they could send me home to wait it out...I DON'T THINK SO...or they could prep me for a c-section and we could celebrate a birthday!...I'll take door #3! That's how it happened. One episode of The Price's Right later and I was "giving birth" to an 8lb 5 oz little angel! He was one cute baby (I'm not biased or anything). I had never felt more complete in my entire life. I was a mom! I remember leaving the hospital 4 days later thinking, "They're just gonna let me leave with this baby? No instruction manual, or how-to-guide?" Even though I was 26 years old, for some reason at that moment I felt like a kid. There were some crazy moments...getting peed on, pooped on, spit up on...trying to breastfed...trying not to beat myself up when that didn't last long...figuring out formulas...sleepless nights...groggy days...but it was oh-so-worth it! Five years later, it feels like just yesterday. Where does 5 years go? I told Isaiah the other night that I couldn't believe he was going to be 5 and that I missed him being a baby...my baby. He told me, "Oh, momma that's OK...if you ever miss me being a baby, you can just look at my pictures...I was a really cute baby." The next day he informed me that he had to start taking showers because he is about to be a man! LOL...I'm glad we have a few years before that happens. I love him SO much...to the moon and back.

Dreams, Wishes...and CAKE!

There's something special about birthdays...the feeling of newness...new year, new goals, new dreams, new wishes...yeah, that's what I love about birthdays...oh yeah, and cake...I LOVE cake...especially pumpkin cheesecake from Merritt's Bakery...YUMM-O!

Was Michael trying to burn the house down or what?!

And I also love gifts. I mean who doesn't?

Thanks, Melissa! I loved my box of goodies! I also got money and starbucks gift cards...do you think people know me or what?!

I've got more to blog about, but I'll have to finish later...my boss is yelling at me...seems I'm supposed to be working...

31

I guess I woke up this morning feeling the same way I did yesterday...just happy to be alive, thankful for each day, and a determination to be a better version of myself. I'm so blessed to have God in my life, to know what really matters, to have my family (immediate and extended), and my friends (old and new). When did I get to be "in my 30's"? How did that happen? I do ask myself that often. Not that age matters...it's only a number...and I really believe that...but seriously, it's like we just wake up one day and were adults! As a kid, the idea of being an adult seemed so glamorous...I remember thinking...

• "I can't wait to shave my legs"...ok, whose cruel joke was that?! I realize getting your period hails from Eve's evil doings, but come on...we have to shave too?!


• "I want to wear pantyhose and high heels"...yeah, I hate wearing pantyhose...and slips...however, the high heels are ok...I do LOVE shoes!


• "I can't wait to drive"...it is nice having wheels, but paying car payments and insurance is not fun.


• "God bless the day I can move out on my own!"...well, I do enjoy having my own house, but there have been times when I think how easy I had it when I lived at home.


• "I can't wait to go to college"...now this one was a blast...not saying I would go back and do it all over again, but I had so much fun while I was there!


• "I can't wait to be married!"...being married is great...there are struggles and obstacles...but it's all worth it.


• "I CAN NOT wait to be a mom!"...this one has been all I hoped for and so much more! I don't even know what I did before Isaiah...I must have been a really boring person :)

So, here's to being 31!

Here's a pic of my b-day gifts from co-workers...(notice the Meredith Grey card...LOVE that)

Here's a pic of me being 31!


Here's a pic of my office door decorated up all "birthday-ish" :)

Here's a pic of the BEAUTIFUL necklace that my BEAUTIFUL friend Melissa made me!
*you can buy one for yourself athttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5570123


Love to you all!