A reason to party!

On February 13th, B turns 5. So, last weekend we had a little celebration at the Railroad Park.

There were train rides

and bouncing

even more bouncing

of course there was cake

B enjoyed the company of some friends

friend, Riley, got some cuddle time with Amee

and we opened presents

About the presents: I have been to many a birthday party where the child being celebrated didn't open the gifts in front of the guests. What the heck? I guess the parent's reasoning is that they don't want the other children (that actually brought the gifts) to feel left out while their child is opening all of the loot. Get over yourselves, people! Part of gift giving is the joy you feel when someone opens the gift that you brought. I want B to be able to thank someone in person for his birthday present. I also want B to enjoy watching his friends receive something that he put thought into. So, if you ever attend one of our birthday parties, we will be opening presents. 'Nuff said.

I think it is fair to say that everyone had a lovely time at the party. I really enjoyed watching B bounce around with his friends. His excitement at his party was palpable and I am so happy that we were able to give him such a fun experience. The weather was perfect and the company even more so. I don't know how we will top this next year!

Square peg, round hole.

When it comes to gift giving/receiving, my husband and I don't quite line up. Prince Charming does not like to receive gifts. Granted, he is very appreciative of any gifts that come his way, but he has never been a fan of the spotlight. Now, because he is not a good gift receiver, he is not a good gift giver.

I, on the other hand, LOVE presents. I love birthdays and Christmas and any other holiday that produces wrapped lovlies. I love receiving random gifts from friends and family simply because they saw something and thought of me. Nothing grand, of course. A book, an US weekly or People magazine, a pad of paper with my name on it. Simple things that brighten my day. I do have this fantasy in which friends leave baked goods on my doorstep with a friendly note. I do love baked goods, cookies especially! Of course, this hasn't happened. But, I can keep fantasizing.
Since I am a good gift receiver, I am an excellent gift giver! I really love birthdays. I really like sending friends of mine birthday gifts. Something simple. Something that says, I'm thinking of you today and wanted to brighten your day with a present. Most of the time it is a food goodie. Other times it is something I made. Birthdays are such special days and all of the people I love deserve to receive something from me, simply because I like giving.

After eight years of marriage, I have learned that Prince Charming would be happy with just a kiss and a card on his birthday, anniversary, and even Christmas. But, I can't just do a card. I pay attention to what he says about things he wants. Since he rarely mentions that he actually wants something, I immediately take note because he is so hard to buy for. I like getting him presents. It makes me feel good. So, that is why I do it.

I don't need an anniversary gift, per se. A card? Yes, that would be nice. Flowers? Even better! Any present to unwrap would be icing on the cake (a cake too, would be awesome!). But, my husband isn't a good gift giver. Having this knowledge, I am satisfied with small gestures like cards and flowers.

Special days deserve special things and traditions. What did I receive on our happy day? Goose eggs.

Given this whole "square peg, round hole" theory when it comes to gift giving, fortunately we are compatible in every other way!

Side note: Prince Charming received 2 raglan baseball tees from me. I only note this for prosperity. I have no idea what I gave to Prince Charming or what he gave me on our 5th wedding anniversary, or any other for that matter! I am writing it down because it will be fun to look back on over the years.

Post Script: "Goose eggs" means "nothing. zip. zero. zilch." A few people have asked. :)

Anniversary design

On a day like today, when the anniversary falls on a weekday and my wonderful hubby has to work, an ideal anniversary celebration would go something like this:

Upon waking, find a sweet card left by dear husband noting his sweet sentiments about our life together. Of course, I would leave one for him to find as well.

Midmorning rolls around and beautiful flowers are delivered to my door (from husband of course).

Enjoy a peaceful day with my boys complete with playing outside and watching our wedding video highlights.

Prepare a scrumptious dinner for my boys and get them all bathed and tucked into bed.

Husband returns home from work, bringing with him Baskin Robbins (or some other delicious treat), a sweet gift for me (because I love presents), and a delicious hug and kiss! After he enjoys the dinner I prepared, we plop on the couch, exchange gifts, enjoy our treat and snuggle on the couch as we watch shows on our DVR.

Just perfect. Now, when our anniversary falls on a weekend, different rules apply.

eight.

8 years. 4 states. 4 homes. 4 cars. 2 children. 1 dog and cat.

Today is the day I married my prince.

Happy anniversary my love.

Happy Anniversary?

Last night Prince Charming asks me this, "What would offend you more: the gift that says 'cook for me' or the gift that says 'you could lose some weight'?"

I wonder what he is getting me!

New Year, New Look, New Ideas

Like the new look? A huge thanks to Megan at Knuckleheaders for creating something fun for my blog. Since we have started a fresh new year, I figured it was time to shake things up a bit. Both here on the blog and in my life.

I am not really one to make new year's resolutions. I never made realistic ones (except that one year when I resolved to floss my teeth EVERY day, now a habit I can't live without) and those that I did make didn't have much substance or anything substantial to add to the quality of my life. So, instead I think of resolutions in terms of possibilities. Things that I want to happen for me and/or my family. Things that are fun to think about, plan, and dream about all in my head. That way, I have blueprints for later years, if I don't get around to doing them this year.

What kinds of possibilities are jumping around in my head for 2009? Well, for starters, I would like a new car. The Volvo has treated us so well for the last 7 years. It will keep on treating us well years down the road if we want it to. But, I feel that it is time for more space. And thus, the possibility of parking a brand new shiny car in my garage has me feeling all giddy inside.

Another possibility for 2009 is a vegetable garden. I would love to grow delicious veggies for our family to eat. I want to teach the boys about what it takes to grow vegetable garden and how rewarding it can be to eat the fruit of their labor (mine, mostly). I would like to start composting so that we can make the "black gold" that plants thrive on. Also, along these same lines, I would like to get some chickens to keep in our backyard. The hens will provide us with fresh eggs, pest control (goodbye, scorpions!), weed control, and entertainment. The boys will get hands on experience in raising chicks and they will also learn that eggs don't necessarily come from a grocery store.

What I am looking forward to the most in 2009 is time. My Baby Boot Camp business will be sold (hopefully) by the end of February. Now that I don't have a business to tend to, I am looking forward to all of the extra time I am going to have for my family. More time to work on the projects I mentioned above. More time to play with the boys. More time to travel and do fun things.

I am excited about 2009 and what the year holds for us. I love trying different things and exposing the boys to new adventures. I am so lucky to have a supportive husband, who hears my crazy ideas frequently and doesn't roll his eyes. Well, at least not all of the time. So, as I continue on this crazy ride called "life" I am going to sit back and enjoy all the "new" that this New Year has to bring.

I have a fee-vah! The Scarlet Fever.

It turns out that the streptococcus pyogenes strain has taken over my body. I wish I had known this 4 days ago in order to avoid all of the discomfort. After the rash appeared (TMI? You wouldn't be reading this in the first place if you didn't want the info!) yesterday I knew something was not quite right. So, I headed to the doctor. When she told me what I had, I had visions of Anne Shirley nursing Gil back to health in Anne of Green Gables. Anyway, she sent me away with a Zpack and well wishes. Glad to be getting back to normal. Whatever "normal" is.