Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

The Gallery Pics are of Roxie... happy because we were going shopping. I did NOT take the pictures of Roxie frustrated because we couldn't find exactly what she wanted. Or of Roxie mad because the stores DO NOT make what she wants. Or of Roxie eating a pretzel and drinking a Coke Zero trying to calm down. Or of Roxie finally happy again because she found an outfit she really, really liked and she bought it. Or of me because she had shopping money, and I didn't have to spend a dime (except for the pretzel and Coke Zero). It was an exceptionally good shopping day!

I also took a picture of the biggest bag of Gummi Bears I have ever seen (supplied by Will). Josh and friends went to see Prince of Persia last night, and Will showed up with a six pound bag of Gummi Bears to take to the movies. No, really. SIX POUNDS! A few Ziploc bags here and there, and they were set to go. (Don't worry. They more than supported the theater by buying $6 Cokes and $25 popcorn and $95 tickets. We are all about stimulating the economy!)

RANDOMNESS #1 - I drove over 100 miles yesterday... and I went absolutely nowhere.

RANDOMNESS #2 - I was absolutely thrilled this morning when I saw the news. They found the 16 year-old girl who was sailing around the world ALONE alive and well somewhere between Australia and Africa. She was 2,000 miles from land on either side. I cannot imagine that, can you? I cannot imagine being the parent who would let their child follow their dream to that extent... and I cannot imagine being the child in the middle of the ocean alone... with whales. (You know whales eat small vessels and the people on them when there are no cameras around, don't you?)

I'm 48 years-old and I call someone to let them know I arrived home from Wal-Mart safe and sound! Just saying.

RANDOMNESS #3 - On Sunday, Mike will officially be 49 years-old. I find that truly amazing. I cannot believe I am married to a man who is almost 50. I'm also finding it hard to believe he is married to a woman who will be 49 years-old in a couple of months. (Well, not so much "hard to believe" as just totally depressing.) Must to Roxie's dismay, all mirrors are being removed from our home (FOREVER) in honor of my 49th birthday. I think that's the best gift I could give myself. (I wish I had thought of it sooner!)

REMINDER #1 - Although I will not be posting on A Simple Life this weekend (as is my practice), I will be posting pics on Project 365 today, Saturday and Sunday (as is ALSO my practice). Don't forget to check them out!

REMINDER #2 - I'm going to have a "How To" Birthday Party Class in my home Tuesday, June 15 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for mothers of young girls (ages 3 to 6). The party themes for this class will be a Luau Birthday Party and a Princess Birthday Party.

Each class will cost $10. The $10 will cover the following:

A handout for two specific parties for boys/girls in this age category (3 to 6). Each handout will include a schedule, an arrival activity (a craft), three or more games, cake ideas, invitation ideas, a FUN devotion and an ending activity.

I will have two baked and iced cakes for each class, and I will show you how to quickly and simply decorate these cakes.

I will have supplies, and we will decorate an invitation for each party. (Your birthday child will be able to do this with you for his/her party.)

We (the MOTHERS) will actually play each game, make each craft and listen to each devotion.

I will have a fun door prize for one lucky attendee, as well as two bonus birthday party gift ideas you can use for ANY party your child attends. (Affordable, memorable and unique!)

Each birthday party lasts only 90 minutes (instead of two hours), and will be fun, organized and enjoyable (for the kids AND the parents).

The cost to throw these parties in your home is minimal (no more than $25 to $30... and it can be even less if you plan in advance).

I have had all of these parties in my home, and they were very successful.

If you are interested or you have a friend who is interested, please contact me to reserve a spot via the Comment Section, Facebook or e-mail. There are only 15 spots available.

Tuesday, June 15 (GIRLS)
6:30 - 8:00
Luau Birthday Party
Princess Birthday Party

If these classes are successful, I will be having the following classes in the near future:

Preschool:

Farmer Party (BOY)
Thomas the Train Party (BOY)
Little Mermaid Party (GIRL)
Dora the Explorer Party (GIRL)

Elementary:

Camping Party (BOY or GIRL)
Indian Party (BOY)
Fishing Party (BOY)
Dress-Up Party (GIRL)
Nancy Drew Mystery Party (GIRL)
Craft/Scrapbook Party (GIRL)

Pre-Teen:

Football Party (BOY)
Digital Scavenger Hunt Party (BOY or GIRL)

TOPIC OF THE WEEK - NEIGHBORS

I miss my neighbors. I knew when we moved into this neighborhood almost nine years ago, we wouldn't have a great deal of time to spend with them since they were already approaching (or in) their 80s. Losing five sweet neighbors in only eight years is very, very sad.

We could have kept our distance and had a cordial relationship, but they didn't believe in that. Mr. McAllister brought us fresh squash from his garden from time to time. Mr. Joe kept the boys busy in the yard. Miss Mary, Mrs. McAllister and Mrs. Legg would call to me from the end of the street when they were talking and invite me over to chat.

We sang Christmas Carols to them, gave them pumpkins and Easter lilies on occasion, and they returned the favor by giving my kiddos GIANT candy bars for Halloween before we would leave to celebrate at Grandmother's house.

It's not the same. It will never be the same again. But we are so much better for having known our neighbors and making memories with them.

And it makes me happy to know one day we'll be neighbors again.

Weekend Happenings

Mikie will be working much of the weekend. It's that time of year for him. Roxie and Austin have plans with friends tonight, so if Josh can stand it, he and I may go out for a bite to eat... his pick.

Saturday I'll be getting ready for Mikie's birthday party Sunday afternoon. He'll be having two birthday celebrations this year... one Sunday with my side of the family, and one next Sunday with his side of the family which will be a combination of Father's Day and Mikie's birthday all rolled up in one. He'll be receiving his favorite red velvet cake next week from his Mom, but this week he has requested Peach Cobbler and homemade vanilla ice cream. I think I can manage that!

As far as the kids go, Austin will be working at the Chick, and Josh and Roxie could be anywhere. Plans have not been nailed down as of this moment.

On Sunday after church, he will receive cards and gifts from my side of the family, and if things go exceedingly well (and I'm hoping they will), he and I will have a date Sunday evening. Nothing spectacular, but fun nonetheless.

And that's it for us.

Have a fantastic weekend. I hope all of your weekend plans go well, and that you get to spend a lot of time with your loved ones. For my friends leaving for Ecuador this morning, I hope your next few days are exciting, rewarding and safe! Next week, I'll be talking about Father's Day and the 4th of July and other summer"y" things. Join me again, please!

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda