Bennett's Bowling Birthday Party

Back in February we celebrated Bennett's 2nd Birthday.  What type of birthday party do you have for a toddler who adores {actually obsessed with} any type of ball during the winter months?  A Bowling Party!  Since Bennett is my little shy guy we kept the party small as possible with just immediate family.  We met everyone at the local bowling alley for an afternoon of strikes and spares.  While we bowled my handy crock pot cooked my kid favored meat ball recipe at home.  Everyone then met back at our house for a spaghetti and meat ball sit down dinner.  Keeping Bennett's favorites in mind we had Gigi's Cupcakes in the wedding cake favor for his birthday cake.  The kids wore personalized bowling shirts that they took home as party favors.  The big laugh came at the end of the night when two strangers walked straight into our house into our living room for a party before realizing they were in the wrong house!  I still can't believe my sweet Bennett Stone is two years old.  

printable party found here

he is such a little Mommy's boy and I soak it up! 

party favor tee shirts

Bennett bowling with Daddy

birthday cake

this October day...

this October day marks the third day that the hubby has been gone.   in all honesty..I don't dread him going on his annual hunting trip.  I think the 'only child' in me enjoys the alone time.  Each year I tackle something big...potty training or marking 90% of the Christmas shopping off my list.  however October seems a bit early to Christmas shop.  I must admit its kind of driving me crazy...not having a big project to accomplish.  
today I dressed the kids up in their halloween costumes to take a few photos.   halloween eve always is busy with and brewing with excitement, so its hard to get a few good shots and be in the moment.  we had the best time running around, middle of the day dressed up, just being silly, laughing.  its true what they say...the simple things in life are the best.  
so if it rains on halloween {60% chance here as of today} it will be okay. my halloween was made today.  just me and my boys.  hearing them laughing at each other, leaves crunching under their feet, was perfect.   

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not only...

someone likes brother's boots

a little sneak peak of the project

it's Friday!!!  Not only did Bennett not cry for the FIRST time during ISR 

he squealed as if he enjoyed himself swimming with his brother.  Did I

mention we are in week four?

Not only did we get Sweet Cece's afterwards to celebrate another week of ISR complete, 

we enjoyed our frozen yogurt for free!  

Not only did I start an art project for Ethan's room, I actually finished it!  

Not only do we have a date night tomorrow night, we are taking a limo to a concert {Fitz & the Tantrums}.  Which is a first for me...

  

Oh, David's family are joining us.  We might actually carry on a conversation over 

dinner without five kiddos to tend to.  

Yes, I have enjoyed today!  I hope you have too!

i promise you'll love it...

pajamas

my mother in law introduced me to Hanna Andersson pajamas.  They are made from

organic cotton and I've yet to find a better pajama that hold up as well as they are soft.  Serena and Lily has Hanna Andersson sleepers in their adorable Serena and Lily prints.  I was thrilled to find the sleeper I had been coveting on sale today!  Go buy one...they last forever since there is no feet in them!  I promise you'll love them!

coconut oil

When I was on a strict dairy and soy free diet I adored coconut oil and butter for cooking.  It was only after a random little chat with a fellow nurse who is graduating to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner did I discover that coconut oil is now a commonly prescribed for kiddos for multiple reasons....eczema and so forth.  Ethan has been struggling with cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis {yes my 4 year old with tons of hair} since he was two years old.  Dermatologist prescribed various shampoos and mouse with steroids which I never was quite comfortable putting on his head.  So I dug out the coconut oil out of my pantry and dabbed a little on the spots, shampooed, and combed.  Guess whose scalp looks perfect for the first time in years!  Go a head and slather it on yours hands too....this stuff is a miracle worker!  And that is coming from a pediatric nurse...I promise you'll love it.

music

When my boys are fussy whether in the car or at home I put on kid music.  However after four years of Wee Sing I needed a change.  Thanks to Pandora I recently stumbled across Elizabeth Mitchell.  Finally something that might soothe my mind along with the kids!  I promise you'll love her!

iphones apps for mums...

I've recently stumbled across two iphone apps that are super handy for you moms.  ArtKive, is a free app that allows you take photos of your kiddos artwork, label it, and even share it with the grandparents.  After the school year is up, you can simply hit one button and it transforms all that art into a digital coffee table book!  I'm certain it will get more attention and views in a book rather than a nice box somewhere....

Anyone ever wish you had time to journal certain days or events for your kids, but honestly by bedtime rolls around you are worn out!  DayOne app allows you take photos and list a few things about your day, and even stamps the day with the weather.  You can tag events or kiddos- which makes printing out a "journal" a snap.  You can journal for multiple kiddos, but print only entries with "Ethan" tags!  Read more about it here.