Kaley's Birthday-Part 3 (the last)!

We had part 3 of Kaley's birthday festivities last night...to celebrate her on the day. She requested spaghetti, salad and garlic bread for dinner and we included her Grandmother and her new friend in the fun. Grandmother brought her a cake (vanilla-her fave) so we blew candles out again and wished her the best 13th bday ever! Here are a few snaps...didn't get many as the camera was acting up (or was it the photographer...I really need to read the manual for my new camera, ha ha):


Kaley & her sister's chick...can you believe how big it's getting already?!


Doug's Mom and her new friend Joe helped celebrate on Kaley's actual bday on Wed.!


I love this pic of the birthday girl! :)

Kaley's 13th Birthday- Part-2

We had a lovely brunch with my entire family today and finished the rest of the huge cookie cake from the day before with everyone...



Carolie picked out this very pretty purple candle for her sister...sweet!



Whoa...awesome! A new 20" TV for her room from Mom and Dad!


Kaley got a DVD player from Grandma and Poppy to go along with her new tv!


Kaley is a very special young lady and is so blessed to have a family that loves and spoils her the way they do! She made out like a bandit and has been the center of attention (something she is shy about) all weekend...I think she's relieved to have 2 "regular" days before she officially becomes a teenager on Wed.! :) Stay tuned for part 3 soon...

Kaley's 13th Birthday- Part 1

Kaley Rose celebrated her upcoming 13th birthday this weekend with a great skating party with her friends. I think they all had a blast! Caroline was very brave and although petrified, didn't give up and ended up doing very well for her first time. I, on the other hand, only lasted on the ice for about 30 minutes...my ankles were killing me, LOL! I gave up and let my sister Lisa hang with the kids on the ice while I took pics and video. Kaley was most excited that her boyfriend Austin came to her party and was a good sport being the only boy there. He gave her a sterling silver heart necklace too...I've never seen her smile so big! She has some wonderful girlfriends too, so thanks Brooke, Sheryl, and Jordan for helping Kaley have a great birthday! I'll post some video, but here are some snaps from the fun:

SURPRISE! Look What Was Waiting For Me When I Got Home...

Yet ANOTHER Update (sorry, no pics yet)...

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've been down with the new flu strain that's kicking people's butts around here. It comes with the oh-so-much-fun side effect of extreme dizziness, LOL! While I was in bed with a high fever and spinning head, I channeled "Super Mom" (visual the air quotes people) long enough to get Kaley's bday festivities planned in 2 weeks. Can't wait to blog those pics as she is having an ice skating (her new fun hobby) party with some of her BFF's. I printed out a cool invite with a graphic of skates and she and I made a CD with the same graphic on the label called "Kaley's Skate Mix" as thank you's. I must have been delirious from the fever to have been that creative...I was impressed with myself and they turned out great too! Thanks to a special far away friend with the consult on those too. :) I now have only a handful of days left too process the fact that my firstborn will officially be a teenager, yikes! How come no one ever told us Mom's that we have to grow up again (and learn to let go) as our kids do?! I'm strapping on my seatbelt for what I know will be the scariest but best ever roller coaster ride of my life...wish me luck!

Update

Hi bloggers! Just wanted to pop in to say I hadn't forgotten about you, but have been busier than usual with the usual "life" stuff. Our family from Norway sadly left for home earlier in the week and we miss them already! What a cool thing that was to get to know and spend time with Cousins that live halfway around the world that we haven't seen in 15 years?!

The girls have also been busy with friends and their activities and the statewide school test here recently. Haven't taken any pics since the Norway family, but will get back on the blogging track soon. Now I'm off to catch up on everything I missed in your lives...check back soon and have a good weekend everyone! :)

Shameless Plugs

Just had to pop on real for a few shameless plugs of some new stuff that I am in love with. The first is a conditioner from Bath & Body Works. It's a volumizing conditioner called "Tranquil Mint" and it totally rocks! It makes your scalp tingle and the refreshing mint smell is soooooo nice. I can't live without it now and it sure does help a tired Mom come to life in the morning. :) What's even better is that I got it 75% off for only $2.50 (no more than I would spend for the regular stuff), man I love a bargain too!

The second is one of those things they sell on TV that intrigued me called the "Ped Egg". Have you seen the commercials? Well, in the South where I live being out in public in flip flops (which can be worn year round by law, tee hee) it's a major crime to have ugly feet. I never have the time for spa pedicures, so this thing is a gem! I also walk around barefoot a lot, so if this little miracle works for me, I know it will for you too friends. I walked into my local Walgreen's and almost tripped over the display and took it as a sign that it was mean to be that I get one. :) I highly recommend you try both of these if you can...sorry I'm feeling too lazy to post pictures, LOL!