Candyland Party!

When Wyatt was just a few months old, I was playing Candyland with the older boys and thought that a Candyland themed party would be so sweet (get it... I'm such a dork).  I think throwing a big first birthday is a fun way to celebrate a baby's first year (see here and here for my other boys' parties).
My original card design was just Wyatt, but then we combined with my niece, since her birthday is only a few weeks after Wyatt's birthday... why not double the fun!

A few weeks before, (yes, I'm a procrastinator) I started jotting down and looking into ideas.  I wasn't aware that there is a newer version of Candyland, but I wanted everything to look like the version I remembered playing as a kid!  I had seen a tutorial on balloon lollipops, which were perfect!  Instead of using the wrapping paper tubes, I used PVC pipe and that worked great.  I skipped the glueing step, but shouldn't have (running out of time).  I also could have done these the day before.  Now I know.  I had the colored squares going up to the house and the little gingerbread men as greeters!

Melina, my sister-in-law, has a very talented neighbor who did an amazing job on decorating the cakes!  Cakes are definitely not one of my talents, so I was happy to leave it up to a pro! 

Their individual cakes were adorable, too.  

         

I have some seriously cool friends!  While talking about some of the details of the party with my brother  and sister-in-law, I mentioned that my perfect party would have people dressed up as the characters in the game.  Well, she told her sisters and... they were totally down for it!  My friend Johanna, and Anna Marie (who is Pua's aunt) were also willing to play a part in making my Candyland game come alive!  The other characters I painted and were a part of the game or area in the yard (except Lord Licorice who had technical difficulty with his licorice wig)!  It seriously made the party!

With so much going on, I kind of just let the kids go around and do whatever.  There was the Plumpy ball toss (which the little boys loved).

Gumdrop Pass was a path I made out of left over pavers that went under the trampoline.

But pretty much the kids just jumped on the trampoline, because... that's way more fun!

As they come out of Gumdrop Pass, they were in Peppermint Forest, where they played Peppermint Ring Toss. (Just PVC pipe and red duck tape)

Of course, my lovely Mrs. Mint was there to help run the game! 

(she even supplied the candy canes... love her)

Okay, I know what you're thinking.  Grandma Nut was not that gorgeous! Well, ours was!  She walked around passing out candied nuts to the kids. 

I figured I might as well utilize my dirt (future garden site) as Molasses Swamp for Gloppy.

Princess Lolly was there to look cute and pass out lollipops to the kids.  Her costume was adorable! Love that Carrie girl!

Nia was the perfect Queen Frosting and she looked amazing! 

She ran the Ice Cream Sea ice cream sundae bar.  

Those two were not so sure about their cakes!  And Wyatt refused to look and take a picture with me.  

Melina was the one that baked the cakes.  I loved that she made the layers different colors.  It's all about the details! :)

Typcial Shawn picture.  He didn't really even want to sit next to me while we opened presents, but since his brother was sitting by his wife... I wanted the same! :)

The party was so fun, and we felt so blessed by the gifts and support people gave us.  Although, I must admit... doing big parties reminds me why I don't do parties for each of my kids, every year.  

Got to space it out... but I do love to party.  

And, we had two very special kids to celebrate.  It's hard to believe that he's one.  The year has gone so fast, and he has been an absolute joy.  I love you, baby Wyatt guy!

Side note:

A party is never complete without themed music! Here was the music we played as the kids when around Candyland.

Candyland- Six String Story (found it on iTunes to the tune of John Mayer's Your Body is a Wonderland)

I Want Candy- my version is from a Halloween mix

Big Rock Candy Mountain- Tom Chapin

Candy- Mandy Moore

Good Ship Lollipop- The Persuasions

Sweetest Thing- U2

Lollipop- Chordettes

Wyatt is ONE!

The day of Wyatt's actual birthday, I tried to snaps some pictures of the day (which was pretty much a typical day at our house).

Wyatt started off his birthday with a little greeting from his big brothers.  If the boys hear him in the morning, they like to hop in his bed with him.  Which he usually likes, until they pester him enough that he starts to cry for me or Shawn to rescue him.

This face makes me morning happy!  I don't think there is anything better than seeing a smiling baby reaching out his arms for you to welcome him to a new day. 

The big boys helped me make waffles for Wyatt.  They made sure to add "colors" and sprinkles, just for that special touch. Wyatt loves breakfast.  He always wakes up hungry... it's definitely his favorite meal.

Playing in the playroom is typically where you will find Wyatt, playing with cars or chasing after a ball.  

 At one, this boy still doesn't have ANY teeth (or hair for that matter)! But he is finally teething, so to help him be a little happier (not that he's even that bad), I have been giving him popsicles... and he is a huge fan.  He's just starting to take steps, so I'm sure he'll be walking soon.

Wyatt's day is never complete without some bugging from Brody. Everyday. All day. Drives us both crazy!

I still remember getting that preliminary ultrasound and being told that he thought it was a boy, and thinking, "Ahh, man. Again!" But, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.  Wyatt has been such a joy and the perfect addition to our family.  He has made the adjustment to being a stay at home mom, and mother of three boys a lot easier!  He is very loving and happy.  Wyatt, we love you!

Here are some things all about Wyatt:

He LOVES...

*eggs, popsicles, bananas, milk (especially his bottle), ice cream cones, popcorn, and rice.  (He's actually not too picky)

*playing with balls.  He could throw and kick balls all day long.

*looking at books and play with cars.

*to say GO.  It was his first word... he uses it when we hold him, or when his brothers are bugging him! He can say mama, dada.

*sleeping... likes to nap and likes his bed.

*to give hugs (to us or stuffed animals and real animals especially)

*dogs and animals (and loves to hug them)!

I thought my mom was mean...

... until I became a mother.  

I love my mom!  She's always been my best cheerleader, guiding me, and listening to me (which I know takes a lot of patience).  I have always felt close to her.

However, there were times I thought... geez, what is her deal!

Here are a few examples of my pre-parent thoughts.

"Why does she say she needs at least a few hours of not talking to children before she goes to bed? Doesn't she love talking to me?"

"Why does she say, 'Stop using my name in vain! You have two parents.' Umm, she's the one I need to talk to."

"What's with her not wanting to share her water and food with me?  Doesn't she like to share everything with me? All the time?!"

Well, now I'm a mother.

And a mother to three. Boys.

Now, I understand that my mother was just a mother.

And being a mother isn't a easy job.

My mother minded self can now relate and thinks...

"Wow! It's been a long, non-stop day of serving, and I need some time to breathe and gear up for doing to all over again tomorrow."

"Hearing your name being said over and over, with a request for something, gets tiring."

"Can't I just have a drink free of kid backwash! Is that too much to ask?"

So, mom, I am starting to realize what it takes to be a mother.  I am sure glad I have you to look to and talk to!  You have done a great job and continue to be a great mother (and grandmother).

And don't get me wrong, I love being a mother. I love my boys.  I wouldn't trade it for the world,

but I don't think there is anything that can prepare you for motherhood.

The feelings of inadequacy, the amount of patience required, the selflessness, but also the love, the joy of seeing their little smiles and watching them learn and grow.  

Hearing them say, "I love you, mom!"

It doesn't get much better than that!

(The only way I could get a pic of these three was to literally hit myself on the head with a toy... it's the only thing that seems to work! Stinkers! :)

Here's reality...

Brody is THREE!

Brody is THREE! 

We started off celebrating with family and friends on Sunday.  Brody said he wanted a Transformers cake, so I delegated that to my brother-in-law Mason, who made an Optimus Prime face.  Brody was super excited.  We had a nacho bar and he got to open some presents.  Pretty simple.  We had friends visiting from out of town, so that it made it a little extra fun.  

On the day of Brody's actual birthday, we brought cupcakes to the park and Orin wrapped up some toys (that we already own) for a "present" for Brody to unwrap.  He even wanted to write him a little Happy Birthday card which was cute!

But, what really made Brody's birthday fun was...

DISNEYLAND! 

We went the day after his birthday, but kept telling him it was for his birthday! He got his free birthday button just to make things official! 

We went with our friends Brandon & Brittany, Brad & Tonya, and Mese & Anna met up with us too.

We hadn't been to Disneyland in a year, maybe two? And this was Brody's first time.  Wyatt stayed behind with Melina, so we were free to just ride the rides, which made it so much easier!

The Buzz Lightyear ride was probably the favorite, but they loved Dumbo, Autotopia, Nemo.  They were not so thrilled about Pirates, Haunted Mansion or Space Mountain (Orin was tall enough, but as you can see from the top right picture below, he wasn't a fan! The ride stopped and the lights went on, and he asks me, "Mom. Will we ever make it back to Earth?"  He also was then figuring out that we weren't really going into space after all.  We got to ride a second time, since the ride had stopped on us, and he was brave, but definitely ready to get off!)

It was really such a fun day.  Shawn got his churros, the boys got to go on rides, I just love the details and atmosphere of Disney, oh and the Dole pineapple sundaes! Yum! 

Brody is such a little spazz! He is just too fun!  I feel very lucky to have this special little boy!  He is fun, independent, smart, funny and full of energy!

Growing up, my parents would always do a video interview on our birthday.  I've tried to keep the tradition, but haven't been good about posting it.  Here's what Brody said.  Maybe I'll try to post it too. 

Interview with Brody:

What's your name? Brody

What's your full name? Brodster, Brody Brodster, Brody Patterson

How old are you? (shows three fingers) 

How many fingers is that? A lot. 18.

What's your favorite color? Red

What's your favorite superhero? Batman

Who are your friends? I don't know. Pam's kids. Owen, Mya, Lu, Gweny, Mese, Sila, Nani.

What's your favorite show? Busytown

What's your favorite movie? Lion King

What is your favorite food? Pizza, apples, and quesidillas

What is your favorite treat? Costco treats

What is your favorite dessert? Green apples, McDonald's chocolate ice cream cones

What is your favorite thing to do? Poop in the toilet

What is your favorite thing to play? Army game

Where is your favorite place to go? To McDonald's

What are you scared of? skeleton

What makes you happy? Playing with friends

What makes you sad? Orin hitting me

What's something you love? Playing games (hide and seek) and I love to do tricks (rolly polly trick)

Date Night

So on Wednesday night, when Shawn heard I had enrichment night, he told the boys that they were going to have a special "guys night!" He whispered his fun plans and told them to not tell me (they love that)!  Pizza was ordered and they watched Star Wars (the boys actually have never seen it... they were sooo excited)!  Well...

Shawn went on a camp out with the scouts... So, I of course started my own whispering about our "date night!"  I needed to top dad!  

 Just as a side note, we went hiking a while back when my parents came to visit.  As we were going up the mountain, we heard a low growl in the mountains.  We, of course, meaning mostly my mom and I, were quite concerned and quickly headed back down!  The boys were pretty excited about the idea that they thought they heard a "mountain lion" or "bobcat" (really, we have no idea)!  Anyway, as Shawn was leaving they were yelling to him...

Orin: "Be careful, dad! Heed the warning! Watch out for lions!" 

Brody: "Watch out for tigers! They growl!"

And with that loving caution, Shawn was gone for the night... and we were ready to party.  We headed to the park with friends/family.  Then, got home and started a movie in mom's bed! That's right... we planned a sleep over! (much better than the unplanned ones that seem to happen too regularly, when scared little boys try to sneak in our room).  I convinced them we should watch Tangled since it has a girl and a boy in it.  

As soon as we put Wyatt to bed, we were hot tubbin' it!  They were super excited.  We (meaning I) also consumed an unhealthy amount of Starburst Jelly beans... a weakness of mine! 

 I even let them eat pop corn in my bed! What's a sleep over without a movie & pop corn.
Boy, am I lucky to have these little men for dates! :)

Be Mine

I have a blog post that I've written (or more hoped to write) in my mind for years, and well, just haven't typed it out! Basically, it's about my "retirement" from teaching (this year).  Anyway, I was thinking about this post again on Valentine's day, because as a teacher, I always had around 30 Valentines (except the year I taught at BHS, a bit more awkward trying to pass out Valentines to teenagers!)

 (Kissy face Ory, V-day 2010)

Look at that loot! Lots of those chocolate boxes, stuffed animals, fake flowers, snow globes... but it was fun to get a chance to pass out Valentines, and have a "party" with the kids (we'd usually have a Vday shoebox decorating contest). 

However...

this year, since it was my turn to teach preschool, I still got to have a Valentine's day party! Just on a bit smaller scale.  We made Valentine bags (idea taken from the fabulous Pebbles in My Pocket), played musical mats to the music of Orin's favorite... that's right... Justin Bieber (Somebody to Love)! The kids frosted sugar cookies (which they had helped to make), and we played "Don't Eat Pete" which is a game I had never heard of, but found last minute here... gotta love Pinterest.  I was dying watching Orin play! He was so expressive and would slowly pick up the candy with such anticipation, it was just too fun!  They, of course, had to play when dad came home for lunch.  The boys were also spoiled by Pat & Hershel, who showed up with some really fun things!  Cars shake & roll toys, candy, and stuffed dogs! The boys LOVED it!  Shawn & I exchanged cards and that was about it, but it was perfect! 

(Orin was all about the sprinkles, and Brody was very into the placement of the hearts! It's fun to watch them create!)

I have to admit, I've had quite a few "valentines" aka students over the years, but these three just might be the cutest!

the BIG 30

As I have been thinking back over my birthday... I used to wonder where Orin got that "It's not all about you, it's all about me" comment on his 3rd birthday (see here), however, maybe he gets it from me! 

Although, I do have to say I don't feel like I am a diva every birthday... just the major ones! :) At least that's my version of myself! Anyway... I was spoiled!

Breakfast with fresh fruit & flowers! Perfection!

Shawn had court, so I made myself breakfast with my three favorite little men! They look oh so excited that it's my birthday!

Lunch at The Stoppe! My absolute favorite burger! So good, so bad (for you that is)!

Dinner with family & friends... loved the Costco cake... so yummy (thanks Melina)! 

(I look creepy in this pic! Yikes... beauty wises my 30s have been a rough start... postpartum is not looking good on me!)

Amazing gifts... I felt so spoiled!! (shoes, home decor, pedicure, See's California Brittle, White Chocolate Raspberry cupcake from Martha Greens... my friends know me well)!

 And it doesn't stop there...

Shawn sent me to the SPA! ALL DAY! YAY!!!!!!

 It was the absolute PERFECT day! 80 degree weather... and completely relaxing & carefree (I had almost forgotten that was possible)! 

We started our day with a Swedish massage, then joined in for some water aerobics, after which we flowed in rafts for about an hour.  No children to worry about drowning, no snacks to hand out... it was heaven! I am pretty sure we said the phrase, "This is amazing!" Like 50 times!

We then met up with Anna & her sister Colette, and ate lunch.  You could just order what you wanted and the food was amazing as well!

We then moved on to mineral baths, mud baths (which was sooo fun, my kids were jealous when I showed them pics), and then what they call The Grotto.  You go down into a "cave" and they paint you with this coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera mixture & get to relax in a warm cave, then shower, then have apples & water in a waterfall cave... ahhhhh!

Johanna & I then made sure we went in every pool/hot tub.  They have these ones where you are supposed to jump from a super hot bath, to a super cold bath (55-60 degrees) and it's supposed to do something good for you... shock your system or something.  I HATE cold water (I get that from my dad!) however, in the spirit of adventure, we took the "plunge!" And not just once, but back and forth like SIX times.  My body was super tingly each time- hypothermia? :) 

Before we left, we enjoyed hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.

The day was incredible. 

As soon as I got home, my boys came running up to me and said, "We missed you mom!" It made me realize just how lucky I am this year.  It was so, so, so nice to get away from 8-5, but I was so grateful that I no longer leave them each day like I used to when I worked.  

Even a day at the spa doesn't beat that!  

(Although it was kind of close)!