Crazy Week... or two.

I've been SO exhausted. We have been running, running, running.... non-stop for three weeks. Fritz started wrestling and has two practices a week, plus an all day tournament every Saturday. The first two hosting schools were 35miles and 99miles away.  And weigh-in was at 7am! UGH! Add to that the typical weeknight activities: two piano practices, Activity Days for church, and various school and church randomness. See why I'm exhausted?! LOL

We also spent a few nights "in town" getting ready for Nana to leave for her time in California to visit her mother. Then we had to pack her.... and worse, say goodbye to her. Fritz was very sad. He said he isn't going to even sleep in her bed because she won't be sleeping there. Aww :-(

So... instead of whining on and on all night about how tired I was... what do you think I did?!

No. I am not that smart. I didn't go to bed....sillies.

I signed up to be a First Responder at Digitals a scrapbook community and store! It's really very simple and a lot of fun! AND the best part is that I HAVE to use my digiscraps and ScrapbookMax! So..... I've been up several late nights making some LO's (lay-outs) and posting them on the forums... and responding to other posts. I also got a great deal for a printed photo gallery book and was up WAY too late designing one for my mother with all of my family's GREAT new photos! Happy Birthday Nana! I'm having it shipped to my Grandma's house, so it will get there on her birthday.

So.... what have you been up to?

Birthday Boy

My boy turned six last week, however, we were so busy recovering from his first wrestling tournament that I didn't have time to post the pictures.

I designed his birthday party invitations using my ScrapbookMax! software. The elements are from the Grungy Boy SBM pack. I thought it looked just boy enough.... maybe a little Western Outlaw. I printed them at our local photo kiosk in 4x6 and put them in an envelope. I thought they were cute, but I was surprised (and pleased) when a mom called to RSVP and told me I should sell cards and crafts at our community Farmer's Market!

After I did the shopping and began thinking about the party decor, I realized how packed my week was going to be! I started the week of the party out with a fun little craft I found on In Between Laundry (don't you just love that name). I didn't read the directions very well.... shocked? yeah, me neither. And instead of buying a wire wreath form, I bought a grapevine one. Oh well, you can't see it, except from the back - through the glass storm door. We used 125 assorted balloons. I blew some up, and tied those on for fun. Then I tied a bow and attached my guy's picture with another length of ribbon. We had these great pics taken a few weeks ago and I was so excited to be able to put this one in the frame!

Next it came time to decide on how to decorate the cake. I knew I was going to be too slammed to bake a cake myself. We had three wrestling practices, Achievement Days for church, two piano practices, choir practice, and prep for our first tournament. I'm exhausted just remembering it! Instead, I headed to the grocery store to try to avoid buying a comic book themed cake. We found a brightly decorated ice cream cake that would be perfect for my next project.

I found this mini cake bunting project over at The TomKat Studio. They had great printable letter flags, but I decided to make my own using craftfoam and stickers. I also used my own paper straws. I had intended to do the little windmills on my cakestand too, but the cake was square! So I thought of making a little banner.... but again, time.
So, we kept it simple! I love birthday parties like that!

I took the bunting off after the party and cut the straws, then I hung it on Fritz's bedroom door. He actually jumped for joy when he saw it! LOL

At the party, the kids made masks from craft foam and decorated them with foam stickers and pompoms. They were so pleased with themselves. We played a few games and unwrapped birthday presents. For goodie bags, Fritz picked out some whistles, mini arcade games and tops. Then I printed off magnetic bookmarks from Controlling My Chaos here. I know they are for Valentine's Day, but I used only the construction guy and the green monster ones.  Even the girls liked the "boy" bookmarks! These are great little favors, just print them (again 4x6) at the photo kiosk and attach self adheisive magnetic tape to the backs. Viola!

So, there you have it, a quick and simple birthday party that's sure to please everyone - including the over-booked Momma!

AND THE WINNER IS......

I'm sorry I haven't gotten this out until just now.... You know how mornings are. My children seem to have a flair for the dramatic - surprised?! LOL

Anyway, as you may have noticed, our sponsor changed their name - or rather - went back to their original name, actually. They are now and forever known as Prefense - "because Prefense is the best defense". I have to agree with that statement. Our family has been surprisingly un-sick since we started using Prefense. And my mother, I just have to tell you, it's amazing! Normally she would be on a bazzillion antibiotics and anti-asthmatics this time of year.... NOPE! She's only taking her regular inhalers and allergy meds....I'm so pleased!

So. Without futher adieu, I want to announce the winner, because I am so excited to be helping another person find the healthy joys of this wonderful product!

And the winner is...

#12 is Hiann88

                She said:

                "hiann88- I Follow Single Life with Kids! on Facebook"

Congratulations Hiann88! The team at Prefense will be emailing you for your contact information shortly.

Thanks again everyone for participating, I will be hosting more giveaways, so please stay tuned!