molly is HOW old?!?

we celebrated molly's birthday in so many ways....

the day before her birthday, she got her own library card and checked out her own books!


on her actual birthday, molly's choice of activities included a trip to Dow Gardens and the sprinkler park...where she played with bubbles and dined on fruit snacks...she also enjoyed a 'traditional' fast-food lunch of choice - this year was KFC mac and cheese (last year was McD McNuggets...)

then she spent the night at grandmom and grandpop's for her first 'alone overnighter' - the older kids rotate through spending the night at there without the other kids...but molly had previously been too young...well not now! clearly it suits her well...


the day after her birthday, we celebrated by having a 'party' for her at the Loons game - our minor league baseball team here in town...Lou E. Loon came to wish molly a happy birthday, and we enjoyed the group outing, complete with fireworks...

two days after her birthday (which also happened to be father's day) she finally got to open her birthday presents from us....(who brushes this kid's hair?!?)

it was a great celebration for a great little girl!

let's dance!

the three older kids all participated in dance this year - at a new studio - and instead of a traditional recital, it's more of a production - this year was Peter Pan based. here they are with their instructor (all three had the same one!) ms. tracy - after opening night...

all three kids earned the 'Hardest Worker' awards for their class!

Porter even earned himself a special spot in the show - so he had two costumes just like the girls - and a little cameo as a mouse who scares pirates.


we had loads of fun...though the first show was on molly's birthday, she got to spend her first overnight by herself at grandmom & grandpop's...so we took the three deserving, older kids out for a post-show treat at pizza sams...a local pizza and ice cream establishment.

bravo, guys!

project 365 - part five

recap of the month of May...

my first batch of cupcake pops...i'm a pro now :)

our new geocaching hobby...more to come on that later!

no May recap is complete without the Mega Meet!

and I hosted a fantastic Girls Weekend with my friends and our daughters

Jason and Maya took in a Tigers game

project 365 - part four

April's selections....

of course, the whole family at disney world

eating easter morning breakfast at a Waffle House

our house coming into bloom this spring

the first time we ever won any money on a mega millions ticket ($3 - wahoo - on my dad's 60th birthday) it's not like we play all the time, but it was nice to win something...and actually, the very next drawing we won $2...we're rolling in it now!!

maya's birthday breakfast (lightning speed at the big boy buffet) on the morning of her birthday

new look

another new look for your enjoyment (those of you with 'readers')....and if you need a new look for YOUR blog...just let me know...i do that sort of thing ;)

since i checked in last...

I went to florida for spring break with the family...

the easter bunny came...while we were in florida!!


i had a daughter that turned seven.....and we hosted a bowling party for 14 first graders!!


i joined kate and tara for a night of cropping at one of our favorite detroit area scrapbook stores...


porter started soccer season....
so did jason (he's #37...)!!


maya and jason took in a tigers game...and maya got to run the bases...


our family adventure to a loons game was rained out...


i met jenna martin (who looks JUST like her dad...)

and the mega meet has come and gone...see the previous post!

mega meet

read all about my goings on the last months of my life here....at the mega meet blog...(click on the 'headers')


here's info about the crop parties...i 'supervise' the staff....and plan/schedule/coordinate activities and prizes and whatnot...

crop winners and more

here's pictures of set up day....i coordinate exhibitor contracts with regards to booth size and product they carry...and more....

setting up!

here's info and pictures on the birthday bash i planned the night before the show floor opened...i had a fantastic time ;) and i'm not sure i've ever laughed harder than during neil's commentary as he led the group in the 'macarena' during the dance party portion of the party...

birthday bash

here's all the dedicated folks that pay to come to our little event ;)

thursday morning

and a special thank you to my partners-in-crime...it is only because of you that i do this job...and i enjoy reaping the benefits of our hard work by your side...and with a beer...

change

KQOTD:

Practicing spanish at dinner:

Maya : My favorite color is azul (blue).

Lilly: Mine is amarillo (yellow).

Maya: Amarillo? No, yours is verde (green)!

Lilly: Amarillo.

Mom: I think she just likes saying "amarillo" instead of "verde".

Lilly: I'm starting to like really bright yellows more than lime green. It's sure gonna be a big change for me if I change my favorite color.

crack

(not relating to the previous post)...

for my mother and aunt(s) - for whom this blog seems to be crack....

i did NINE blog posts today on this blog - can you find them all??

hazards

of potty training....

this came wandering out of the bathroom yesterday


i guess sometimes you just can't get it all

a LONG car ride

it takes a lot of work to get this family ready for a nearly 24 hour drive to florida...starting with lots of snacks...

so here's what i prepped today...just for the kids...

18 packages of fruit snacks
12 granola bars
7 bags of trail mix
10 bags of goldfish crackers
10 bags of animal crackers
3 bags of cheez-its (box was running low...)
10 bags of raisins

and i'm sure tomorrow i'll throw in some string cheese and apples, possibly even some go-gurts.

here's hoping this stash lasts us all the way there.

project 365 - part three

march's selections

our pre-spring break shopping spree for new clothes and a new quiet toy for the car and condo...

st. patrick's day art project...who needs corned beef when you can have ham?

showing off school carnival prizes

you've seen this one before, but it's worth seeing again

how cute is this...porter tucked in his 'babies' when he went to school