10 Things ...

Yep, I had a birthday - and I didn’t do much about it on the blog. I think most of you would make a better stink about it than my extended family did.

1. My daddy is always the second person to tell me happy birthday. Hubs has him beat every year (now). If I am not called by 10am on my birthday I am worried about him.

2. My all time favorite cheeseburger comes from “The Works” in Loveland, Ohio.

3. The dessert pizza there is AMAZING!

(I decided my birthday present this year was doing NO kitchen work of any kind - and no house cleaning. Went to a restaurant for it all instead of meal then dessert.)

4. I have learned that I may never actually sleep through the night, ever again.

5. I have tons of friends that like to use Facebook to wish you a happy birthday. Which I love people taking time to wish me a happy birthday.

6. I miss personal contact on your birthday. This is why we sent a video to our friend and babysitter on her birthday.

7. I really miss getting cards on my birthday now that my grandparents have passed.

8. My kids are going to be great gift givers - they already put their heart in their gifts they give. Even if it is just a colored picture from the coloring book.

9. I would rather spend my birthday with my Hickman Five than anyone else.

10. 37 will be better than 36 -- it has to be.

Home Making Monday: Pre Planning for Busy Seasons

I don't know if it is a blessing or a curse, but we are about to enter our busy season.  September starts the celebration season of our family.  To help things go smoothly I start planning now! Yep, July.

Things I start planning:

• Budget and Savings
• New things to add to our festivities
• Projects I need to get done by Christmas 
• Birthday Parties
• Trips to visit relatives
• Mark the Calendars for all the events

Why do I start planning so early?  So I don't forget things - like the kids letters from Santa (yep totally forgot to do them last year).  

I have been doing these for the kids since they were born.  I haven't been doing baby books, but I have been doing these letters.  And who knows it might turn into a scrapbook down the road.  It helps keep all those important things remembered.  You know first words, when the first potty was.  The first naughty word that was said -- July 10, 2014 by big one.  And the funny story that goes with it.  So those need to get started.  I will even write last years and put it with their others.  These letters come from Santa and although last year's won't have a post marked envelope it's okay.

So here is my list of planning needs:

• Family Vacation (long weekend on Labor Day)
• Dad's Birthday
• Mark Calendar for Brother-In-Law's birthday (find out if I am making the cake)
• Anniversary Date
• Day out with Thomas the Tank?
• 40th Birthday for Hubby
• Halloween
• Sister-In-Law's Birthday
• Pumpkin Farm Plans (Georgetown, Milford and Little Miss wants to go to Grandma and Grandpa's!)
• Sister's Birthday
• Little Mr's Birthday 
• Thanksgiving
• North Pole Breakfast
• Advent Activities (including visiting Santa and the Christmas Concert at Church)
• Little Miss's Birthday
• Warner Family Christmas
• Brother's Birthday 
• Nephew's Birthday
• Father In Law's Birthday
• Christmas Eve - Movie and PJ's
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve

I am probably forgetting something but it's okay.  I know it is anxiety provoking, BUT I LOVE IT!. And this is why I start planning in July!  It is quite a list - and to think we put all of that into 4 months!  Oh and this is just the family stuff not to mention all the stuff I have to get done for work.  

Good thing I get to review this thing of beauty.  That's your tease.  You have to be here October 28 to see if it is working, not working ... if I love it or if I hate it ... and where you can buy it.

I know I am not the only one out there who starts planning early.  Anyone want to share what you are up to this upcoming season?

{almost Wordless Wednesday} Happy Birthday to Me

Last Thursday I turned 35.  We celebrated the following Sunday.  

The Strawberry Laced Vanilla that turned out good enough. 

The best picture of Hubs and I ... only took 8 takes because ... 

Somebody takes after her Daddy making silly faces whenever the camera is near.
6 of the 8 pictures of Hubs and I he had a silly face.  One I had my eyes closed.

Little Mister makes the hugest mess eating anything, except cake. That he get's it all in his mouth, mostly anyway.

Before the party Little Miss made me a cake for my birthday. 

and strawberry ice cream.  She even brought me a spoon to eat it.  

{Tell Me About It Tuesday} Birthday Must Have

This is a different {Tell Me About It Tuesday}.  I usually pose a question or post a review.  I am not reviewing anything per say.

With our living situation I really think God is trying to make me realize that I can be much more flexible than I thought I could.  Things don't have to be just so.  But then again there are certain things that you just don't mess with.  One of those things is the time that it takes to make a proper cake and the tools that you need to do it.

Leaving out all the not so flattering details areas where God would like to work on me/us {things like errands that ruined the night, shopping that got put off, timing that fell apart, seriously this post could take a major nose dive} I will just get to the cake process.

When you are making a cake {not just any cake, but the cake that I must have for my birthday every year - Strawberry Laced French Vanilla} you need to take the proper time to get it done correctly.  The cake itself should be made the evening before it is frosted.  Why you ask?  So it can cool COMPLETELY before you frost it.

You also really need to have the right pans.


All of my baking supplies are in storage.  I did have access to this ...

 

Now although I love this pan and do have one of my own.  This is not what you need to make a Strawberry Laced Vanilla Cake.  I figured I could just use the bottom to make the cake and it would be somewhat level.  I could just cut some layers and go from there.  The concept seemed to be okay.  I didn't have a level cake cutter, but I did have a large knife.  See I am flexible.  

I get the cake made and throw it in the freezer to cool it faster.  I make the frosting with an antique hand mixer {seriously, this thing is old!  It works fine though.}  I pull the cake out and cut the layers.  It's still steaming in the middle.  I put it back in the freezer cut to cool some more.  I start frosting it and the layers start sliding.  I finally get it frosted "good enough" and throw it back in the freezer hoping to keep it together until it is time to eat.

Another thing about not taking the proper time to get the job done.  The result is not the same.  The cake was okay at best.  

So we ate ... then we ... danced.  I love Just Dance.  I have played all 4 games now.

I have great fun with all of them.  My nephew got 3 and 4 for Christmas.  I think 4 might be my new favorite for this reason alone.  

Yeah that's right, the Avatar for Rick Astley is a dancing superhero with suspenders.  I was laughing so hard I could barely dance!


Tell Me About It! - What is your one must have on your birthday?  Rick Astley on You Tube?  ME TOO!

{almost} Wordless Wednesday - Somebody turned 3!

Mama is so behind on things.  December is such a busy month for us and this year there were all sorts of other dramas.  We did have a spectacular party though!  (even if it was a month ago!)

Little Miss turned 3.  She is turning into such a pretty little girl.  Yes, I am biased.  Look even Hickman #5 was dressed for the occasion.

Our theme - Yo Gabba Gabba - specifically taken from Super Spies with Jason Bateman.  Seriously, Bateman fans you need to watch this.  The whole episode is about balloon art.  So these are our character balloons.  Little Miss had to have Plex and I had no yellow balloons.  Therefore, the multicolored one.

I am not tooting my own horn, but that cake turned out to be AMAZING!  Looked just like her invitations.

Of course Little Mister was there.  He had as much fun as Little Miss and  her girl friends.  We ended up with  4 of her girlfriends being able to make it to her party.

Don't know what do do for entertainment at a party?  Make a balloon drop.  Now this did go with our theme, but it could be done at any party.  Lace together two halves of a disposable tablecloth.  Tape it to the ceiling and fill with balloons.  During the party pull the strings unlacing the balloons and let them fall.  HOURS of entertainment!

She is such a grateful little girl.  Her friend made the card for her and Little Miss didn't even want to open the gift because she loved the card so much.  Gift is also well loved, Sleeping Beauty.

She didn't really know how to handle everyone singing to her.  She couldn't get her candle blown out so all her girlfriends helped out.  Side note - check out those balloon flowers - adorable right!?! Yeah, never making them again!  

This was by far the least expensive party I have ever thrown.  "Goodies" were any balloons they wanted and a Yo Gabba Gabba coloring book we made by printing off coloring pages from a variety of websites.  The only money we spent were the supplies for her cake and pink streamers.  Everyone had a blast, that was the important thing.

Little Mister is ONE!

Collages Created Using MyMemories Suite

Truth or Dare?

Happy Birthday to ME!

Let's be honest, if I had my way the day would come and go, we would have cake and go on with our lives. My family claims this sort of birthday celebration is not acceptable.  Especially since we let no one else get away with such non-sense.  Since everyone had plans this past Saturday I am celebrating my birthday this up coming Saturday.  Even though I have plans that day I now am squeezing a birthday celebration in on top of it.  If I get everything mostly done on Friday I will be able to enjoy my  conference on Saturday without stress.  Besides hubs can take care of things too.

I am turning 34 ... 34!  At this point in my life I have made a few decisions and discovered a few truths about myself.  So do I dare to share 34 truths about myself with you, my fabulous readers?  I dare!

These are not necessarily in any order.

1. I am a child of God
2. I am a good Mother
3. I am a good Wife.
4. I still have a teddy bear that I was given when I was 3.  His name is Burnout Bear.
5. I am a business owner.
6. Gallbladder attacks are worse than labor.
7. Recent Truth:  I am SUPER SENSITIVE to eggs.  
8. I like living in my newsless bubble.  If it is important I am sure I will find out somehow.
9. If I could I would be a HUGE fashionista.
10. I love shoes and handbags
11. I love accessories.
12. I didn't see the ocean or a mountain until after 30.
13. Sunrise over the ocean in the top 5 most beautiful things I have ever seen.  Top two are Kaitlyn Alexis and Alexander Michael.
14. I love to entertain.
15. I believe a party is in the minute details.
16. I love my friends.
17. I have moved more times than I can remember.
18. God had big plans for me.
19. If my house is a mess I cannot productively work.
20. I enjoy pencils.
21. A clean house does not include a clean living room (I have a 2 year old, this is where she plays.)
22. Coffee is better in lattes and mochas.
23. I have always wanted to be a fashion designer - just lack the talent.
24. I am a girly girl.
25. I am married to a sports fan and don' care that ESPN is on my TV a lot.
26. I have a hard time sitting through a movie at home.
27. I like to read/work/play online while watching football.  Even though I always end up missing the big play.
28. I love to get lost in a good book.
29. Perfectionism is not my friend.
30. I love to decorate.
31. I love to craft
32. I miss Friends and watch it daily.
33. My next hairstyle is "Rachel season 1" cut and color.
34. The only reason I want to be famous is to wear the gorgeous award gowns. 

There you go, 34 things you may or may not have known about me.  Feel free to comment!

December Catch Up

Time to get caught up on the blog.  

December 18th - Kaitlyn's birthday

Where to start.  December 18th - Kaitlyn's birthday, our baby.  My sweet little baby girl turned 1.  It went really, really well.  Her party was a Sesame Street themed party.   Kaitlyn had a few friends at the party - all of Kaitlyn's friends right now are boys.  Because most of my friends have boys. 

But first we need to rewind a few days.  Three days before the party I started all the baking and creating.  Here is the post about the cookies I made.  The day before the party I made her cake. 

The cake did pretty much take all day, but it was totally worth it and TONS of fun!  Each base layer is a different flavor.  Zoey is on one, Grover is on the other.  The small Elmo portion was able to be taken off for Kaitlyn's personal cake.  Before I started the cake I did all my needed shopping.  I decided I was going to create Elmo and Cookie Monster cups. 

Other decorations also had to be made.  I created the iconic lamp post.  I was going to use directional signs like the lamp post as well, but everyone had been to our home before and the ground was frozen.  The "Party Here" post was tied to our porch.  Other decorations included a sign on the garbage can reading "Property of Oscar the Grouch" and all the colors we used were related to the different monsters. Everything was put out the day of her party. 

The day before her party Auntie, Uncle Joe and Ryan showed up.  Birthday morning Kaitlyn woke up at her normal time.  Keith and I sang her Happy Birthday - PBS Sprout style.   (One of her favorite things every day is to dance to the Sunny Side Up Show singing Happy Birthday to celebrating "Sproutlets").

Birthday breakfast - Pancakes (something easy that I can make a lot of I was making breakfast for 6)  Kaitlyn was put down for nap at normal time.  We were able to keep her really on schedule because we planned her party for 12 to 3.  Her usual awake time ending at 3 - afternoon nap time.  When Kaitlyn woke up from her nap Grandma and Grandpa had arrived.  (My parents who full-time RV arrived around 10, but had last minute errands to run.  I was in full set up mode, so Melissa was enlisted to help Mom and Dad)

Guests arrive, snacks were had.  While I was waiting for my sister-in-law to arrive I made sure to take a picture of Kaitlyn with everyone at the party for Thank-You Cards.

We only had snacks and cake at the party.  We sang "Happy Birthday" and had cake.  My dainty little girl picked at the frosting not really sure what to do.  I cut into the cake to show her it was okay to eat.  She still picked at it, but started to get the idea.

After cake we opened gifts.  Kaitlyn was able to make it through opening all the gifts from the guests, but had enough by the time she got to the gifts from Mommy and Daddy.  If she was going to give up on opening gifts I am glad it was after she opened the gifts from everyone else.  Kaitlyn's favorite gift was by far this riding elephant. However, as the days have gone on her birthday favorite is pretty much a tie between her Tickle Me Elmo and this little pull along puppy.

Kaitlyn had a great time visiting with all of her family and some of her friends.  We are thankful that so many people we care about were able to make it.

Happy Birthday Little One.

I might not be updating how we spent Christmas until July.  Yes, July - Christmas in July (around when I start listening to Christmas music again).

Joyous Afternoon

So it's getting close ... 3 days til the big party. 23 RSVP's

That means there are fun things that need to get done.  Today started the festivities.  After a morning of Christmas shopping and lunch with Husband I got started.

Yes that is Diet Pepsi in a water goblet.  What can I say, I need fancy sometimes.

One of the projects will be cookies.  Sugar Cookies to be exact.  One thing I love about birthdays they give me an excuse to bake.  Yes, I need an excuse to bake.  Oh and when I am throwing the party it gets to be what I want.  (yes, that is a little selfish)

So those are the cut outs ... any guess what they will be?
Flowers? Ornaments? Eggs?

Great Guesses!

Let's continue ... In addition to all the baking I will be decorating these sugar cookies. 

Oh the mess I will be making!!!  Yes, baking in my house is not a clean activity.  Here is some proof.

Frosting, so I used a combination of the one I always use for cakes and a recipe I found in my new love.  The Joy of Cooking.  

Hmmm ... Orange Frosting.  Yes, it could still be any of those guesses!

This was so much freakin' fun today.  Oh and where is my little Kaits during all of this?  Taking an almost 4 hour nap.  I lucked out my daughter likes to sleep when she is in pain. (Cutting 4 maybe 5 teeth all at the same time)

Here is your next clue!

Base colors on the cookies, oh and some of the piping.

Any guesses?
Drum Roll Please!!!

Let me introduce you too...

(Across the top, Left to right)

Elmo, Grover, Zoe, Ernie, Grover again, Bert and Cookie Monster!  Big Bird looked horrible so he did not make the cut.  My sister will be pleased.

Two Tips for you today.  

1. From The Joy of Cooking - When making sugar cookies divide the dough and roll it out between two pieces of wax paper.  Helps when you are cutting them out, the dough doesn't stick to the counter.  Not to mention the fact then you don't have flour all over your kitchen.  Even though that might be the funnest part of sugar cookies!

2.  When needing to store sugar cookies that you cannot stack on top of each other.  Use pizza boxes.

New Cake Decorating Test

I am glad I tested my idea.  (Oh and after the day I have been having I needed baking me-time during nap)

So my idea... using my wonderful cookie cutters to spell out Happy Birthday Kaitlyn on top of Kaitlyn's Cake using Marshmallow Fondant.

So I find this recipe for Marshmallow Fondant.  I make it, and it is actually really easy.  It involved a LOT of kneading ... kneading works out aggression ... I colored it, more kneading. 

Started cutting out the letters.  (after I figured out the pattern I wanted to use.  Sesame Street Beginnings Theme)  Well as you can see there will be no room for anything on the cake if I go this route.

So.... I will be spending quite a few hours on Friday decorating a 1/2 sheet cake to look like Elmo, Grover, and Cookie Monster.  If I can I will be adding Abby Caddaby and Zoe, but we will see.  I was also planning on having cookies as different monsters - decorated of course.  Hmmmm.. maybe I should get a babysitter.  :)  Too bad my sister just told me they are not leaving until later on Friday when it started as Late Thursday/Early Friday.   Oh well.

Moral of the story.  I am glad I tested.

Wow, it's a busy time of year!

Oh my goodness I realized today just how busy things are going to be.  Yes, it is already November 10th.

Here is what is going on:
November 19th Christian Business Expo
November 21st Kaitlyn's Dedication
November 25th Thanksgiving
December 5th, Saint Nick
December 10th White Elephant Christmas Party
December 18th Kaitlyn's First Birthday
December 19th Christmas with Warner's
December 23rd Nephew's Birthday
December 24th Brother's Birthday (no festivities, but still gift getting and mailing)
December 25th Christmas
December 27th One Year Dr. Visit for my baby.  :(
December 30th Father-in-Law's Birthday
December 31st New Year's Eve (which will have to be a celebration, hopefully as nice as last year)

Yes, that is basically something every week.  We are only about 1/3 finished with our shopping, so we have to fit all that in.  We have to decide what we are doing with cards this year.  Our great room (which is where we will be doing all these festivities) has become a bit of a storage area since we don't use it.  Up until last night we might have also been moving with all of this going on.  Thank God we are not moving right now, I am not sure I could have handled it all. 

I can get through all of this, it's not really all that different from last year., or any year for that matter.  I guess I was more on top of things last year with my due date being Christmas Eve and all.


All I really need to do is sit down and de-clutter my mind by making a few lists. These are some of the things I use to do it.

Yes, Crayola Markers.  It brings me to a simpler time in my life, and it helps me focus when things are in color.  I don't know why it just does.  These are also an acceptable option.









(The extra fine or ultra fine point is a must)














When I am really stressed and needing to feel good about all my organization I tend to put it all in a pretty journal/notebook.  One like this.
I like art, so this would be soothing to me.   A journal is not a requirement.














With all the dates of things coming up a calendar of some kind is needed.  I am a business owner, so I am keeping track of all sorts of things.  Now I add on parties, dr. appointments, and extra curriculars.  I love me a nice planner.    I have had mine for a few years so I only need the refill.








One thing that I also start getting together at this time of the year are addresses. I have two address books.  One is right in my planner.  The other is near the computer.  One like this would work nicely since it is refillable.

















Armed with these few essentials, an inspiring pencil (Christmas at this time of the year or course!), and my trusty post-it notes. The next 6 weeks will unfortunately fly by. As organized and stress free as a Canadian Geese V.

All my essential, minus the planner.