PPP Day 17: For My Friends

    

     We have established a Sunday night dinner swap with some friends of ours- one week we host them, the next week they reciprocate. It works swell. (What movie is that line from? If you're struggling, just imagine giant buck teeth.) Why is that, you ask? Because we understand each other. We understand that the fellowship we reap from sharing meals together is worth the energy it takes to pick up the house a little, pull dinner together, and occasionally listen to our children bicker. (There are five all together, so there *will* be bickering, and tattling, from time to time.)

    And we also understand, each as parents of children who are still in the mess-making stage of life, that gourmet meals are not expected, nor is an immaculately clean house. We sometimes just congratulate each other on putting fresh toilet paper in the bathroom and buying Little Caesar's. We keep our expectations realistic, and we are richly rewarded with times of laughter and camaraderie. We are living life and doing it together makes it so much more enjoyable.

    Yes, sometimes we "pull out all the stops" so to speak-making something really creative and time-consuming. We know it will be appreciated. And sometimes, we just pull out the crock pot, knowing that it is a blessing to the other mom to not have to plan dinner, so who cares what it is?

    And that's something you should keep in mind about party planning. You are creating and planning and preparing for people who (hopefully and ideally) love and appreciate you. They will rejoice with your best efforts and ignore your less than perfect. They are there to be with you and the guest of honor- not to critique or judge.

    If you have those kinds of acquaintances (I don't feel it necessary to honor them with the term "friend".) who are there for those reasons, then it won't matter what you do anyway. The most astounding feats of DIY, craftiness and culinary skills will not delight them. They are not there to encourage or uplift you, they do not derive pleasure merely from your charming presence.

    So plan for those that do, and then no matter what you do, they will be happy. And you will be happy. Because they will compliment you on your trying, and turn a blind eye to your failings when it comes to inconsequential things like recipes and favors. It is so rewarding to throw any little get-together for your dearest friends and family-so make sure that you celebrate with them often. It will bless all of you.

This is Day 17 of "31 Days of Perfect Party Planning." See the rest of the series here.

A Wonderful "Wicked" Time

 Waaaay back in November my dear friend, Kristan, said, "Do you want to go to "Wicked" with me?". I had really only heard a few mentions of the play, but immediately I agreed. It is fun to do...well pretty much anything and everything with Kristan. And this was no exception!

We drove up to Denver and were so excited to see all the banners advertising it! I didn't bring my camera because I didn't want to drag it around all night, and I knew we wouldn't be able to take photos in the theater. So, you are privileged to get more not-so-great phone pics. You can still see Elphaba's green face though!

We made sure to leave *really* early to avoid traffic. And we did such a good job that we had plenty of time to enjoy wandering 16th St. It would have been more fun if it had not been "National Legalize Pot Day"- really! I am not well experienced with marijuana...but I am pretty sure we were treated to the smell more than once! Oh well, it definitely made it unique...

 We decided to have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. I had a very tasty burger, and as a joke I took a photo of it-because isn't that what bloggers do? The burger was good, but the fries were delicious! Kristan and I had a great time cracking up over the music- especially when they dragged out Depeche Mode, and a Beastie Boys song. See, I said she makes everything fun!

We even had time to run into H & M. If you have never been to one, it is basically the Ikea of clothing. Fashionable, European, and cheap! I really restrained myself and only purchased a couple of things for Josie. But I will definitely be going back.

 Then it was time for the main event! I had to snap a shot of the iconic poster. If you are not familiar with the story it is about the Wicked Witch of the West- before she was wicked. It is absolutely delightful and I would go again in a heartbeat!

 Always having fun! I was so amused that I could reverse the camera on my phone to get a semi- decent (and very smiley) pic of me and my BFF.

The show was fabulous- although Glinda absolutely stole the show. She was charming and funny and just adorable. The set was gorgeous and we had wonderful seats. Good job, Kristan!  All of the performers did an terrific job, and I love, love orchestra music. Kristan bought the sound track and we enjoyed a "repeat" performance on the way home. I am ready to buy tickets to see something else...hint, hint, Kristan!:)

Fabulous Fall Week

We started off the week with a fun costume photoshoot with our friend, Patti, of Inspired Studios.
She did such a fabulous job! Even though the kids were all dressed up, she caught their personalities, not just their adorable smiles. I posted quite a few of these photos on my Facebook page, so I won't put a bunch here to bore you.

But I couldn't resist a couple. They are just so stinkin' cute!

Joel had Tuesday off (he had to work a 24 hour shift Sunday and missed the Monday holiday, so he was given Tuesday). We were having cool, wet, wonderful fall weather. We decided to make a trip to Denver and stopped for lunch at this great little hotdog place.

They had a really great menu of hotdogs and both my kids chose to eat...grilled cheese! I was not passing up a hot dog opportunity, though. I love me a good dog! I had a traditional Chicago dog. Joel tried the Atlanta dog first, it had coleslaw and chili-sounds gross, tastes great! Then he tried a Memphis dog, the one above. It had bacon, coleslaw and bbq sauce with onions and bell pepper. They also had AMAZING chili cheese fries. I would go back just for the fries....

Joel enjoying his hotdog. The Atlanta dog was fabulous, I even liked it better than the Chicago dog! If you know anything about me, that is saying a lot.

Carson exclaiming over his sandwich. Notice the absence of fries? He likes grease drenched potatoes almost as much as I do. He ate all his fries and some of his sister's!

After finishing lunch we headed over to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

We were excited to go there for the first time. We had heard good things about it and it turns out they were true. We started out in the Astronomy area.

The picture above this one is of the really cool map thing they had. As you twisted it one way or another you could zoom into a map of the whole world! It was super detailed (just like Google Earth, if you have ever used that) and above Joel is pointing to our house! Crazy, huh?

I really liked this quote. I really don't think the author is talking about God, more about aliens, or other "lifeforms". I don't believe in those, but it doesn't matter. The universe is staggering-God's creation is beyond amazing.

Both of the kids enjoyed the various preschool play areas. This one was dedicated to space. Carson had a terrific time trying to pick up "moon rocks" and put them in the "moon crater".

Jocelyn dressed up like an astronaut.

Carson loved all of the animal displays. He made up a story for each one and acted like a little tour guide. I loved them because, unlike the zoo, each animal was perfectly photo-worthy and there was no smell!

Jocelyn learned that deer ears function independently (like satellites) and she looked adorable trying them on.

Joel's favorite was the walruses. We had no idea that they were so big!

Both of the kids loved the Discovery Zone area. This was a really fun high-powered fan that they could use to move scarves, whirlygigs and pinwheels.

They had an exhibit on the Amazon. This huge boa constrictor looks amazing real, doesn't it?

There were several fish tanks in that area as well. Aren't they so sweet all squished together in that bubble?

My favorite part was the Egyptian area. I looooove anything related to that period. Jocelyn also thought it was cool, since she knew about many of the things from VBS this summer.

I am absolutely fascinated by mummies. You can see this woman's face through her wrappings. I could have stayed in that room much, much, longer but the kids and Joel were starting to get a little creeped out. When we went on our cruise last year, we went to a cemetery in Mexico that was a highlight of our trip for me, and the graves in New Orleans strongly appealed to me. I think that is when I realized I have a morbid fascination with...morbidity! Even as a child I constantly borrowed a book about mummies from the library. So yes, I had to be dragged out of this room. I spared you the rest of the photos I took.

Carson's favorite part was the "fine-o-saurs". He wandered around with his neck craned trying to take it all in. He kept roaring and growling. I am sure he would have climbed into the exhibit and kissed them if he thought he could have gotten away with it!

We ended the day with a trip to the sweetest little cupcake bakery. If you follow Bakerella at all, then you might have caught where she took a trip to Denver. This is the "Lovely Confections" bakery that she visited! She tried the honey and lavender cupcake called the "Bees' Knees" but I wasn't feeling that adventurous. I tried the "Salted Caramel Chocolate", Joel chose plain 'ol coconut and the kids shared a strawberry and vanilla one. Aren't they beautiful? And I HATE sprinkles, but they were so pretty on these! I feel like a traitor for saying that, but they were the prettiest sprinkles I have ever seen. And we got to meet the owner, just like Bakerella!

We hung out at home on Wednesday, after all the excitement of Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday we had Bible study (which I am absolutely loving!) and Awana. Then on Friday we were able to go to the pumpkin patch with some friends from church. Don't our kids make precious flowers? Do you like how my son is trying to climb through the cut-outs? Never content to be ordinary, that one!

There was lots to do there. Both of them loved the hay slides. Josie had to go down "the big one". She waited so patiently in line. And had such a blast she did it 4 more times! She helped her friend, Bailey, go down to. And it was a pretty tall slide. I was standing on the ground when I took this shot.

There she is on the way down. I thought she might be scared but she was smiling the whole way. I took about 200 more photos (yes, really) but this post is already long enough. If you would like to see more of anything just email me! Just kidding... except for you, Mom. We had a great week. I will post about our trip to the other pumpkin patch another day. I don't think we could have packed another fun thing into this week! I think all of this is why I love fall so much!

Best Friends and Bridal Gowns

I love the show "Say Yes to the Dress". That is a little odd because, my own wedding dress selection experience was far less theatrical than the stories portrayed on the show. I tried on a total of three dresses, knew right away that the second dress was "the one" (just like they say-I "just knew" the second I stepped out of the fitting room) and spent a grand total of $300. The dress didn't need any changes so I didn't even visit the alterations section, although the store I bought my dress at had nothing similiar to Kleinfeld's.

However, I guess I am just still so entertained by the drama that seems to accompany most wedding dress purchases. First, I cannot believe what some of the women on the show seems to think is the "perfect" dress. There is a designer that is often featured on the show that makes these lace and corset monstrosities that everyone thinks are so unique. Not only are they totally inappropriate for a wedding (basically the whole torso area is see-through) but the store sells them all the time! That means there are a whole lot of "totally unique" brides that are all the same!

That doesn't even cover the tip of the lace and chiffon iceberg! The family members and friends these brides bring along are crazy! I would bring someone who would truly want to help me, not tell me that a dress looks like a shower curtain or a tablecloth on me. Also, one of Murphy's Laws must state that if you try on a dress that is beyond your budget that it will be the one you fall in love with. Then your mother will say, "I didn't pay that much for my whole wedding!". They just don't know how to be supportive, while at the same time being constructive.I took my sister dress shopping with me and I could not have had a better "consultant"; she knew the dress was about me but she also wasn't going to let me make a fool of myself.

I will say, in total honesty, that I did not begin this post for anything other than the fact that I was home alone (well, the kids were here but it is hard to wax philosophical with them) and couldn't discuss this with anyone else. But as I keep writing I cannot help but draw parallels with our spiritual walk. We all have those kinds of "friends" in our lives. The ones who are jealous that we are the ones whose "big day" is coming up, that we are skinnier (clearly I am speaking in generalities, not on a personal level!),prettier, smarter, or that we are the ones who are the focus of attention. You know, the ones that always have to top you in conversation. They can never let you have moment that is truly your own. Or when you are struggling, instead of being constructive and helpful they just reconfirm your own negative feelings. They don't suggest a different dress, or point out what is right about the one they don't like, they just heap on the insults. Or, they tell you what they are doing right, I guess maybe so you can follow their lead. But do we all want the same wedding dress?

I guess what I am saying is this: real friends know how to guide someone towards the truth, both in the realm of white ceremonial attire and also in the Christian walk. They don't stomp on you when you are down but neither do they let you parade around in the Emperor's new clothes. They speak the truth IN LOVE, putting your interests ahead of their own. Do you do that? Do I do that? Or are we always trying to make ourselves look/feel/sound/appear better than we really are? This isn't a popularity contest, nor is it about perfection. My wedding dress probably looked better on me than it would on you and vice versa. We should each be thankful for our gifts while using them to better others. I just hope that should my chance ever come to consult on a wedding dress that I will not mention anything about table linens...

Hindsight is 20/20

My dear friend Ruth was a very important part of my wedding ceremony, over 5 years ago. Her husband did all the sound and music and also videotaped everything. Well, they were newly married at the time and very busy expecting their first child and my video got set to the side. I actually forgot all about it until they sent it to me in the mail the other day. Wow! What a funny thing, to only have photos and memories and then get a chance to relive everything with sight and sound. First off, I would like to apologize to everyone who attended the ceremony because for some reason unknown to me (or most likely that I just can't remember) everyone was seated and then ended up waiting almost 20 minutes for the ceremony to begin. So very sorry!

However, I got to see some of the neat things all my friends did for me. Someone took care of opening the church. I had a sweet co-worker at the time who took all the pictures. My sister and her friend Heather helped with the decorations. My sister also did my hair and about a million other things. The decorations were just as cute as I remember them being. I can't believe that Jon did all the sound work and video taping free. Then my friend Georgia hosted (and paid!) for the "reception" afterward. Which my sister's mother-in-law hosted in her home! How do you say thank you to all the people that help to make such a special day happen? Why didn't I send them all gift cards?!

However, even though I deserved nothing, they all did what they did without regard as to whether or not it would profit them. I think it is in some ways about paying it forward. I couldn't even find some of those people now if I wanted to thank them. So, I will just have to do my best to return the favor to someone else.

It also showed me that I was as thin as I thought I was-it made me more than a little sad! Josie said I looked like a princess. That is a pretty good compliment from her. I realized my niece was about the same age then that Carson is now. Crazy, huh? Josie actually thought it was her. I also had to laugh when the music I was supposed to walk down the aisle finished as I was mid-way and something else started to play. I am still always late! I had forgotten about that. I also had to laugh when I remembered all the things I did before the ceremony that aren't on the tape. Like shopping with my sister for her dress-nothing like shopping to alleviate stress! Or, going to pick up my flowers at Schnuck's (the grocery store) and Sam's Club. Putting the flowers together for the altar and discovering they didn't fill the vase, and my friend's husband filling a ziploc with water and shoving it in to take up the space-great idea, Jon! Realizing Joel didn't have a boutonniere and giving him the 12th flower from my bouquet of a dozen roses to use. I hope I never get so old that I forget those things. Even with a great video I still have to rely on my own frail memory to remember some things. That's okay because looking back, everything is always prettier, right?