The benefits of being in your 40's........

Going to fun 40th birthday parties for your friends! Especially an 80's theme party!!

 The music is the best!!

It is so great to know all the words to every song! And did we ever dance!!! I was actually a little sore on Sunday morning. That's a sure sign of a good time right?

These women are very special to me! We all became new moms around the same time and they were a huge support system during those challenging first years. We've been together for about 13 years. About 10 years ago we started dining out every other month (we call them "business meetings"). We take turns picking the restaurant and coordinating the date, which can be very tricky trying to work around the schedules of 20 children!! (that's our combined number of kids) But it is so worth it, we have so much fun! I swear I never laugh harder then when I'm out with this group of girls.

                                                                The party was a blast!

They even had an OLD Atari set up for people to play!

This is the birthday girl, my dear friend Michelle. My much younger friend (she's the baby of our group) and she never lets us forget that she is the youngest!! She also completed a triathlon the morning of this party, crazy girl!

It's been a crazy, busy week in the cul-de-sac. I don't think it's going to slow down any time soon.

I started this post on Monday and it's Wednesday already, how did that happen????

Looking forward to a long weekend!!! I need it!

PEACE

A Work of Art

Birds are amazing little artists. It is so interesting how they can create this perfect little nest in such a short amount of time. But they certainly are not the smartest creatures are they! Why must they build a nest right at my front door and scare the heck out of me every time I open that door! I'm so afraid they are going to fly in the house.

I was mean and moved their little home. I hope that mother was not about to deliver, then I would feel really bad!

One large toad in the pool already! He made it out safely but yuck. I'm not big on wildlife, sorry. Honestly, I'm scared to death of many animals. ( I was chased with a dead animal skin in 3rd grade by Jeff Dunkleberger or was it Randy Goodison....... anyway it scarred me for life!!!) I especially am not fond of anything resembling a rodent! Sorry Beth!!! ( she really likes her rodents)

Couldn't even touch the dolphins at Sea World, that's how lame I am! You could not pay me to swim with them! Don't you wonder where we get our hang-ups from! Share yours with me so I don't feel like such  a dork! I'll be forever grateful!!

Silly Stuff

Yes, I probably spent about 5 dollars trying to win tokens just so little man could get these cardboard glasses at the elementary school carnival on Saturday.  But seriously, how funny are they!! I think the whole family needs a pair, that just might be our Christmas card this year!

In other news, I let my kids play with their food! Smiley fries + ketchup = fun times at the dinner table!

Happy Monday people! The husband is off work this entire week, by week's end he will probably be wishing he would have stayed at the office. Lots of back breaking backyard work to do!!

He doesn't understand why I need so many breaks to check my computer.......guess he doesn't know how many blogs I read on a daily basis!

Last one in is a rotten egg!

The pool has been christened!! Water temperature probably high 50's..........crazy kids!!!!

My two kids were the last ones in! ME........not a chance!

Fence goes in on Monday, what you don't like the lovely orange construction fence?!

Lots and lots of yard work ahead!! That counts as exercise right?

Happy Saturday!!

It's Not Pretty But The Book Club Girls Loved It!

Recipe request from Maria and Beth, two really great writers and readers!! I'm lucky to know them in "real life"!!

Apple Pie Cake aka Dump Cake

Easiest cake in the world!

1 can apple pie filling

1 can crushed pineapple, drained

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick of butter, melted

Dump pie filling and pineapple into a 9x13 pan. Pour cake mix on top, spread evenly. Pour melted butter on top. Bake 350 for  about 45 mins.

I actually like it better with a can of cherry pie filling instead of apple. One of our book club girls suggested using a chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling. The possibilities are endless!

I hosted our monthly book group last night, here's what we talked about......

Everyone seemed to enjoy the book and it generated some good discussion. It's always fun to spend the evening with articulate, well read ladies and a big glass of wine! Thanks girls!!

Queen of Just About Everything

My very talented daughter has bestowed upon me the above title. I am honored!! I know I sometimes act like I'm the Queen of just about Everything! ( sorry kiddos) Don't you just love handmade cards!! They have way more meaning than those horribly expensive Hallmark cards. I came downstairs on Sunday to this lovely tablescape. I was greeted in the hallway by a young lad wearing a waiter uniform with a towel draped over his arm.

 (too cute)!! I was led to my seat and offered a wide assortment of beverages and breakfast entrees. All prepared by my handsome husband. It was a lovely morning!

After spending the afternoon watching a soccer game in the most horrible of conditions (cold & windy). I forced the family to see the cutest little documentary about babies. Absolutely adorable movie.  Click below to watch the official trailer.

Babies Trailer

It's official, our day is over ladies. Now back to our real lives of being overworked and underpaid!! Hope you enjoyed your day!!

Progress????????

Well, it sort of looks like a pool! We've been at this stage for about 2 weeks now due to weather conditions.......... major rainstorms!! As you can see, we do have some lovely brown water in the deep end. The kids are begging to go in that mess! Of course I was the mean mom and said NO WAY. I'm expecting concrete guys tomorrow. I sure hope so, I'm ready to start some planting!

I picked up these Burning Bushes on sale last week at a local nursery. The tag said "brilliant red foliage in the fall", I thought that might look nice against my evergreens at the deep end of the pool. Does anyone have these in their yard? I'm hoping they will grow into a nice little hedge and give us some privacy on that side of the yard.

The kids have not been bothered by the lack of progress. In fact, I think they are just as happy with all the mountains of dirt in the yard!! All the cul-de-sac boys have been using it to play "Army".

At least the husband has a lot less grass to mow right now. And he does not mind that at all!!