Birthday Weekend

I thought I had it all together, then the night before Michael's birthday, Tyler says, "When are we going to put up the streamers for the birthdays?" I do usually do that, don't I? How did I forget? I did realize at one point that I also like to do balloons, but it wasn't going to happen this year. Too much. I had to be ok (with myself) to do "simple" birthdays. I tried to plan it all before our trip, and I did pretty well, but not perfect...and thats ok. I have a double whammy each October with Michael and Matthew's birthday just one day apart. Matthew was actually only 2 hours away from sharing a birthday with his dad. I'm glad they don't:) I like to make birthdays very special for my loved ones. I try not to skimp on Michael's special day because of Matthew, but sometimes it may happen. Last year, I went all out--even though I was pregnant and sick for his bday. I made petit fours from scratch and put up a collage of him at work (check it out here). I wanted his co-workers to know how much he was loved at home. HERE is the list I made about him last year, too.

This year, after his permission and with no other great choices, I helped throw a bridal shower on the evening of his birthday. He was totally fine, but I felt bad. We did just spend the weekend before that on our "5 day date" so that was ok, right? And he did get off work at 2pm and we spent all afternoon together, right?

I had taken donuts to Matthew's class b/c of his next day birthday.

We also stopped off at Tyler's lunch to give him a donut (his mouth full of donut).

It rained a bunch, and we got the kids out of school early b/c we had a 2:30pm meeting with the General Contractor for our new home. It is officially called the Pre Construction Meeting. We drove by our lot and to our amazement, they already cut down the tree in the middle of the lot (sad it had to go, but can't build around it) and built a perimeter for the slab.

The meeting went well, then we went to WalMart to look for bikes for the boys birthdays. They have been on too small garage sale bikes for the past 2 years and they desperately needed an upgrade. We found one for Tyler (and it was reduced...not sure why, but we got it anyway) but not Matthew.

We came home, opened presents from Michael's parents and they played around a bit. His parents decided to give Michael Pokemon cards, and the boys were drooling over them.
I had the kids help us with the construction of the Lego Man for Matthew's cake. I planned to just make blocks, but Matthew really wanted "man" on top of the cake. So I looked it up online and found one. Made out of Rice Krispie treats. When I chatted with my friend Tamiel about that (and my concern over the sticky mess), she suggested I use the pre-made krispie treat bars--more moldable/less mess. It proved to be a GREAT idea! It was fun to get the kids involved. I also figure if I am going through that much effort to personally make their cakes, I want them to see the process a bit.

I then got Papa Murphey's pizza--one Michael loves with onions (yuck), green pepper, olives and ham, pepperoni, and sausage. Then one for the kids and I.
I had made this giant cupcake cake that morning and froze it. I put vanilla pudding in the middle, but it slid around. The kids decorated the top with is favorite Reese's Pieces.
He and the kids played the Wii (we still don't have one, but we borrowed my mom's a few months ago) and I got ready for the shower. I took the baby with me, knowing they would have more fun if little miss fussy pants were not there. Though she is a cute fussy pants.

The shower was for my friend Jana, whom I met in Jerusalem 10 years ago and she randomly moved into my ward about 6 months ago. Though she was secretive at the time, she moved here to "court" a guy that was also in Jerusalem with us. See their engagement pics here and here. She is 34 and away from home, and she deserved a fun shower. It was small in numbers, but fun. 2 had left at this point. Jana is in front in the blue/brown.

I got home in time to hang out with Michael, and we worked on Lego Man for Matthew's birthday cake until midnight. Michael is quite crafty and has a steady hand, I have ideas, but am impatient. We are a great team:)

I am so glad I took this fondant class over the summer, because I felt confident in working with it. I rolled out the fondant.....

He moulded it over Rick Krispie Lego Man
I was so thrilled to find the pre made color at Wal mart, because I didn't have to try to mix the perfect colors.

We set it out on the table for Matthew to discover in the morning...

And he liked it:)
Here is my tribute to Matthew last year.

In the morning as Michael cooked the traditional Pancake Jamboree, I worked on the block part of the cake. I knew the frosting would be messy, but after awesome lego man, I wasn't as concerned. I made a cake with chocolate chips inside and got some great tips from my friend Michael, who has a baking business.


He opened presents from grandparents and we reminded him that our present was the bike that we hoped to find soon. Plus, our gift is a party/cool cake:)



At this point, Matthew, and the rest of the fam headed over to a friends birthday party. His friend Nathan and him have such close birthdays, I coordinate with his mom so we don't plan parties at the same time. While they went to the party, I thought I'd sneak on over to our church "Super Saturday" to work on a craft for a few hours. I chatted away with friends as I worked on a Happy Birthday banner and ate lunch. I then came home...worked on the cake a bit more, had the kids help seperate candy legos for the friend parting gift, and we headed to the park for the party. I usually like parties at home, but with our house on the market, I didn't want to have to deal with that. Turns out, we left our home with it looking like a tonado hit. We hadn't had a realtor call in a week, and I was far too busy running around to clean up!

The party was fun...About 12 kids showed up, turns out 2:30 is a good time for a party. It was a chilly day (60's) and a bit overcast. We gave the kids each 25 legos and told them to be creative and build something.
I had asked Matthew before the party what he wanted to do at the party, he said, "Make a Potion!" So, we brought a bowl and a big spoon and sent the kids off to find things for the potion (I thought I had a picture, but I don't). Then loved it. Michael chased them around the playground and we ate cake and opened presents. Happy kids=happy mom.

In the evening, we went to Jana and Cameron's "send off" party, and had a good time on the dance floor. Thanks, MRO for taking these shots:)


Whew---what a weekend!

Oh yeah, and I forgot to add that while we were at Matthew's party, I realized I missed a call on my cell phone. I didn't recognize it, but called it back (about 10 minutes after the call) and it was a realtor wanting to show my home. When I suggested a good time later or the next day, he said, "Oh, we are there now." To which my eyes bugged out, realizing the utter disaster we left it....oh well.