Raiders of the Lego Birthday Party

I love planning birthday parties. I wish I could spend as much money as I need on the parties that I plan. Since I can't do that, I have found the joy in planning an awesome party for as cheap as I possibly can.

Because Ethan's birthday is so close to Christmas, I have found that having his friend party at the beginning of December works out really well. Last year he decided to have a Lego Star Wars party and this year he wanted a Lego Indiana Jones party and so...I was all over the Internet planning and buying stuff for this party.

It all starts with the invitation. This year I opted to email out the invite to save on cost of printing and mailing. Ethan's teachers decided to send home a class list with addresses and emails on it which arrived at home just in time.



I gave myself two weeks to plan this party and that was in between all the photography sessions and editing I was doing for families preparing for their Christmas cards, so I needed quick and easy activities. I searched the Internet and couldn't really find too many "easy" ideas so I relied on my own awesomeness and came up with an "archeology scavenger hunt"

I explained to the boys that there were hidden artifacts all over the house and that they needed to solve the puzzle they are given to find them. Using a hieroglyphs font, I created a key and a clue to where they would be able to find their hidden artifact. I was a little worried that this particular activity would be a little too difficult for the age group, but with the help of a few adults and Malia, the boys were able to complete this activity with minimal problems. I was able to find these artifacts that came in small crate boxes on ebay for $8.99 shipped for 20 of them.



I was a little worried about the other activity I planned so I made some rules up that were surprisingly followed real well. I made these super awesome blow dart guns:



They were made out of 1/2" PVC pipe and patterned duct tape. I bought two 10' pieces of the pipe and had Patrick cut them down to one foot pieces. I covered them with the decorated duct tape and purchased Nerf darts that fit perfectly in them. The kids LOVED this activity and thought it was super awesome that they were able to bring their very own blow guns and dart home with them. The total cost for 20 guns was $16! That's 80 cents each!!!



The crowd was mixed with who knew about Indiana Jones and who didn't so I had to explain a little about Mr. Jones and why he wore a manpurse...errr, I mean a Satchel. This is the part that makes me REALLY feel awesome! I made all these satchels on a sewing machine...I know...shocker! I actually bought a really cheap sewing machine awhile back and busted it out to create these bad boys:



They aren't like "professional" or anything, but they were super cool and probably my most proud item from the party! I made 16 of them and the total cost of them was $11.20! That was 70 cents each!!!

I also searched and searched for fedora hats that I could justify spending the money on and found these:



They were a little bit more costly than I wanted but not by much. Total cost for hats was $25 but really check these boys out:





You get the awesomeness now don't you? Sadly, these boys are the only ones who I got a picture of. I was running around and hardly picked up my camera (insert sad face here).

I had these grand ideas for decorations, but decided that less is more (especially with my time constraint), so I let Ethan decorate some empty boxes that we displayed out on the porch. I purchased some snakes to use around the boxes and on the table too. Total cost for the snakes was $16.



After the activities, we had cake:













and then of course...PRESENTS!!!





Ethan created a "wish list" this year and everything he got from his guests was something that he wanted. The majority of the presents were Lego Star Wars items, but he also got a General Grevious talking mask and more art supplies and a "how to draw" book.

The party was pretty loud but very controlled. The boys were often found in Ethan's room playing with light sabers...the light sabers I made for his birthday last year actually. They turned on Spiderman and watched some of that and the best part of the party was after the presents were open. Ethan brought his big container of legos out to the living room and after opening up a lot of the new ones he got from the party, the boys sat quietly building legos. I couldn't believe how quiet it was in my house with 16 boys running around!

Here's just part of the mess I got to clean up that night:



But just look at that face on my boy...he had a blast! Happy Birthday Ethan!



Oh, I forgot...Total cost for this awesome party including dinner, cake, and a "treasure" from the treasure box...$156. A little over than what I wanted to spend, but I had 16 kids and that makes for about $10 per child. I don't think that is all too bad!

I've got to say that I think I enjoyed last year's Star Wars party a tad bit better except that the kids were a little different and I enjoyed these ones better. :) You can read my post about Ethan's Star Wars party from last year here.
I definitely took way better and more pictures!

Family Pictures

It's been a very long time since we had our family pictures done. I've forgotten how stressful it is to prepare a family for them. I was so relieved when our wonderful photographer, BROOKE TROGDON, said we were finished.

I was super surprised when she had them ready for us the next day. THEY ARE SO AWESOME! Here are a few of my favorites!























Gosh! I LOVE my family!!!

Inspiration

It is true that inspiration can come in many shapes and sizes. It can come when you least expect it too.

It's easy to get caught up in the day. I feel like once the kids get home from school, I'm either looking at the clock hoping for bedtime, or it is bedtime and we haven't even began to prepare for it. But in the hustle and bustle of my daily life, I've tried to make it a point to really observe and listen to what things inspire me.

My Inspirations (in no particular order):

1. Pinterest
I'm a pretty creative person, but I rely on the people in cyber world to help get me started. There are so many blogs, forums, and of coarse, Pinterest that help me create my own artsy stuff. Thank you Cyber World!

2. Web Articles
Yes, another cyber inspiration. I don't get the newspaper and I don't have regular TV to watch "normal" shows including the news. So, when something pops up on my homepage that interests me, I'm all over it. Today I read two articles. One was about the habits of highly productive people. Of coarse I opened it and fully intended on sharing it with the Mr. but really learned some great things and No, I never was able to share it with Patrick *sigh*. 8 Habits of Highly Productive People included: 1. Making sure to take breaks. (Really? It's allowed?) 2. Starting your day off on the right foot not upset or mad at the world. (If only my alarm clock would just shut up!) 3. Making mindful food choices. (What? cookies and Diet Pepsi aren't "mindful" food choices?) 4. Keep a FLEXIBLE to-do list. (Story of my life.) 5. Use technology with intent.(Define Intent...) 6. Balancing your work load. (You mean like, in the washing machine?) 7. Putting perfectionism in its place. (Sorry, this is where my OCD kicks in.) 8. Learn to say "no". (NOOOOOOOOO!!!)

3. Art Docent Program
I love being an Art Docent. It is really fulfilling. I enjoy preparing and learning about different pieces of art and the artists who made it. I love it so much that I am even doing it for Raya's old teacher. I guess she loved me enough and asked me if I would do it again this year. Today I was able to teach in Malia's class. the theme was about trains. So I looked on YouTube (another place for inspiration) and learned how to draw a train. A few weeks ago, YouTube taught me how to draw a feather for another class. That = AWESOME!

4. Fall
The other day I was putting up our Christmas tree. The curtains were open and I watched leaves fall from my neighbors tree. I sat and watched for awhile. I just love everything that fall brings. Cooler weather, a colorful earth, beautiful sunsets, apples, the end of soccer season...oh, and Apple Hill...

5. Friends and Family
Having friends and family around leaves much room for inspiration. You know that saying "With age comes knowledge"? I cannot express how true it really is. I am learning so much more and understanding so much more through my family and friends. I've learned acceptance. I've learned unconditional love. I've learned service and many many more good quality traits all through the loving people around me.

6. Photography
The past year my photography has really just boomed. I am constantly trying to better myself with this talent I've been given. So much inspiration comes through my work. I mainly shoot families and children, but recently have gotten inspired to document the world around me sans people. Maybe fall has given me the inspiration. It's hard to pass by a beautiful red and yellow and green leafed tree and not wish I had my camera with me.

7. Mexico
Well, it's kind of that back and forth inspiration. Mexico has inspired me on and off since Patrick booked our trip a few months ago. I've lost some weight and would get into a rut. Mexico would get me back on track and I'd be good for awhile. I wish I could say that Mexico is a constant inspiration, but I'd be lying. At least it is helpful...sometimes.

8. Sunday School
So we have 3 amazing Sunday School teachers, but one in particular has been inspiring me to be a better person. His lessons are absolutely amazing, to say the least. I leave his class inspired to do some good not only in the world, but in my own life.

I'm sure there have been many other things out there in the universe small and large that I've failed to mention here. Again, inspiration is all over. We just need to open our eyes and see the greatness speaking to our souls. I am a true believer that one can find inspiration in anything. Where have you found yours?

Me Among the Crazies...

Let's face it, People Are Crazy!

I have always said that people are crazy in their own way. Everybody has something crazy going on with their life, their selves, their heads. Some just hide it better than others. I was recently asked who the most crazy person in my life was. I immediately started thinking about it...

I have my own definition of crazy but I decided for the sake of this post I would look it up and get the real meaning of crazy.

CRA-ZY [krey-zee]adjective

1. Mentally deranged; demented; insane.
2. Senseless; impractical; totally unsound

Although I have used the words "deranged, demented, and insane" many of times while describing people, I don't think that they are truly crazy. Definition number two is more the type of crazies I hang with...

Because this is a public blog and who knows what family/friends are reading it, I will not dig myself a grave and call out any of you. The older I get, the more my mind is opened and I see things for how they truly are and not what I just think they are. I will be the first to say that I am crazy...at least I feel that way. Perhaps it is just the daily requirements that are slowly moving me forward to a padded room or perhaps I am truly having some sort of mental thing going on. I can go on and on about how awesome I am about showing the world how perfect I am on the outside, but read further and you will see that my mind is not as perfect as my show is.

Some things that have been showing their crazy face lately...

1. Anxiety
I have never had anxiety issues before. I remember my grandma needing some sort of medication to calm hers and I thought that was just nuts. We should be able to calm ourselves down and get through whatever the anxiety issues are about. I have found that recently everything seems to give me anxiety. From the daily chores to getting to places on time. From what to make for dinner to helping the kids with homework. I am ready to get rid of this feeling and I am hoping that medication is not the answer. Perhaps I need to take up yoga...

2. Claustrophobia
I have always been claustrophobic. I've never liked large crowds of people or blankets tightly woven around me. Small spaces aren't fun either. I feel like lately I have been claustrophobic everywhere I go. Driving, line waiting, kids laying on me, etc. etc. More and more the walls seem to close in on me and I so am not diggin' it!

3. Patience
I know, I know, patience is a virtue especially if you can exercise it with four kids! Unfortunately, I lost all of mine when I got married and now I have a negative balance of it...Please someone send me some patient vibes.

4. Lack of time
Everyone wishes there is more time in a day. I am the same. I really feel that I am barely keeping my head above water. I guess it is better than drowning, but still...I have a cramp and I'm tired.

So, back to the question...who is the most crazy person I know? I am going to have to say ME, MYSELF, AND I...of course it doesn't help hanging out with all you crazies either...

Kid Quote of the Week

Ethan: "Carly is going to be the bad guy."
Me: "Why is Carly the bad guy?"
Ethan: "Because she is the only bad guy I can trust."

The Average Mom

A few months ago I was asked to write an article for Ethan and Malia's school newsletter. I honestly don't remember what they actually wanted but I took the challenge into my own hands and created "The Average Mom". My first article was about childhood obesity (at the Principal's request). My second article was truly from my heart. I enjoyed reminiscing about my childhood. I got many compliments on it and for my posterity's sake, I'd like it to be posted here for them to read...

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

I recently inquired about the Pershing ware I ordered at the beginning of the school year for my kids. I was told that the PTA had just ordered the clothing and there will be a special design to celebrate Pershing school's 50th year. While thinking about how long 50 years is, I started reminiscing about the good ol' days. You see, I was a student at Pershing Elementary School. My journey there began 29 years ago…

I have many fond memories of my childhood at Pershing school. Some of which I will never forget. I remember rushing out to recess in hopes that I would be the first one to the bars so I didn't have to wait in line. I loved jump roping too and I was good at it. I remember being in choir and having a huge performance at Arco Arena. I remember being the Pershing Generals instead of the Panthers. I remember when the school didn't have portable rooms and the library was where the computer lab is now. I remember listening to books being read to me by Mrs. Williams, the same librarian who is reading to our children today. I remember playing Oregon Trail in the computer lab on an early Macintosh computer that had a floppy disk drive. I remember being lucky if I got a colored screen to play it on. One of my earliest memories is making bug catchers out of tuna cans and screen material when I was in kindergarten. I remember clapping erasers because we had actual chalkboards in the classroom. I remember dissecting a squid and the smell that accompanied this activity. I remember that all the kids would go to Mrs. Houston's class when they had a loose tooth. She would pull it out and we'd get to go and pick something out from a huge drawer of toys. I remember getting sent to the Principal's office for the first time ever when I was in 6th grade. I think it scared me straight. I remember my dad with his tool belt on while helping to build the cover over the picnic benches outside the cafeteria that many of us parents sit under each day when picking our children up from school. I remember Jerry, the custodian, who would create pieces of personalized woodwork for the students and parents for 25 cents a letter. My all time favorite memory of elementary school was when I was in third grade, my class did a play. I remember the hours we spent practicing for it and being excited we didn't have to do math or reading. I remember forgetting my lines in one performance and making something up in its place. I still sing the songs I learned from that play today. That same year, my teacher, Miss Heise, got married. Our entire class was invited to her wedding where she took on the last name of her husband and became Mrs. Bhatti.

I didn't plan for my children to attend Pershing. Who would have thought that I would purchase a home 3 houses up from the one I grew up in? Imagine my surprise when I enrolled my oldest in kindergarten and found out that there were a few teachers still teaching at Pershing that I remembered as a child. Through the years I've run into past classmates whose children were being taught by teachers who taught them. I was excited to hear that even a past teacher (Mrs. Houston) has grandchildren attending Pershing! I'm pretty sure that there are many more students that I am not aware of whose blood rings with Pershing Pride as well.

Pershing Elementary School has been making childhood memories for 50 years now. That's a lot of memory making! Many things have changed over the years, like my perception of the stage in the cafeteria. It's a lot smaller than I remember, but the goal to educate and help teach children to become amazing members of society has not. I often wonder what my kids will remember about their childhood when they are grown adults and then I am reminded that they are making their memories NOW. I know that it is a hard job raising children. Trust me, I have four, and I'll be the first to admit how easy it is to get wrapped up with the necessities of each day and being worn out by day's end making sure that everything that's required has been taken care of. But again, our children are making their childhood memories now. What are we doing to make those memories positive and fun? I challenge you to think of some ways to help your children make some awesome memories now and then do them. They don't have to be large and expensive. I have found that many memories I have as a child required no money, only time. Time is something that never ends and before we know it, our Panthers will be grown adults raising children of their own. What memories will you make with your children today?

Photography Season

Oh how I miss blogging... When photography season AKA Christmas season slows down, I will return. I have some great posts rolling around in my head.