Dressed To Impress

I have to admit that I steal a lot of other peoples ideas. So when I read on nieniedialouges blog how she does an end of summer dinner for her kids, I was a big 'ol thief! She does it better, and even picks out a family theme for the school year. Mmm...maybe we'll do that next year.
I actually put some thought and time into this little shin dig. I made candle holders and an apothecary jar (made from an old candelabra and an Adams peanut butter jar) for the table decorations and even baked 2...yes 2, yummy deserts! I gave the kids an invitation and said they should dress to impress! Hey, I didn't want this to be any ordinary dinner! The girls were more excited about that part, and even did each others hair and make-up! I decorated the side yard with twinkle lights and banners that I had made for something else (which have come in quite handy), got some fresh flowers from up the road and even brought out the stemware!
I asked my personal chef (my husband) to make his fabulous homemade pizza that the kids L O V E. Add to that, salad, fresh fruit and 2 crazy rich desserts I found on Pinterest, and you've got a dinner fit for my kids!








I don't mean to brag, but my guests were very impressed! Pretty easy to do...but still. I'm glad it put cheesy grins on their faces.












We stayed out there till late and got to really enjoy the lights.
This was so much fun. The kids have begged me to do it every year from now on. I think, yes!!

12

Birthday Boy
August 13th


I have a 12 year old. Sounds strange, feels strange. It seems so cliche to talk about how I can't believe how fast the time has flown. But it really is the truth. When I start to think about what has happened in the last 12 years with this kid, it blows my mind.

This boy is very pre teen. With almost as much attitude as my girls. But when I look at the big picture, he quite frankly, is an incredible kid. He is sensitive, funny, talented, smart, respectful, imaginative, loving, and just fantastic! It's got to be tough being the only boy and he handles it...yeah that's it. He handles it. As he gets older, my hope for the kind of man he will be grows stronger.




(While singing to him for his birthday, he decided that he should shove his face into his cake after the song. With the crowd cheering him on...that's exactly what he did!)







12 is kind of a big deal with us religiously speaking. That is when the young men receive the Priesthood. Which is the authority to act in God's name here on the earth. (If you want to know more about that...just ask). Doug gave him an eloquently amazing blessing with his ordination. Lots to look forward to with this son of mine! Of course with this comes being able to pass the sacrament. It was surreal to watch him up there with the other young men! I just can't believe my chunky, adorable little boy with a lisp has turned into the young man I see today. So blessed to be his mom!