The week

I have been pretty much hiding from the computer this past week. Not blogging much, not going on Facebook and letting Hubby check the e-mail. I wanted to disconnect for the week, spend the time with Boo. And time we did spend!

Monday was errands. All day long. We did a ton of returns, but went to the library to get books for the week. Boo was done with hers by Thursday. No cleaning...at all.

Tuesday we went with Big Sis to a HUGE craft store north of us. We walked around for almost three hours, it was crazy. We both loved it, and they match Michael's and JoAnn's coupons! Now that is a deal!

Wednesday was a day of friends. We went to a local Community Center to meet up with my Friend, it is half way between us. I brought another little girl, who is the cousin of the friends little girl. The four girls (total) played for almost three hours, while my friend and I got some much needed conversation and time together. It was perfect.

After that Boo, her friend and I went to see New Moon. Boo has been begging for weeks to see it, and her friend already had. Boo is still talking about it, she loved it.

Wednesday night Boo's friend K slept over. The girls had a blast watching movies and playing dress up. I ended up with both of them in my room because our neighbors Christmas Lights were on the fritz and flashing right into Boo's room.

Thursday we went to our local zoo with my Sister in Law, RC and EC. They were having a Noon Years ball drop with all kinds of activities. The Radio Disney Road Crew was there and we majorly embarrassed RC. It was fabulous. It was also Chaotic, but very well worth it. Only one injury, and that was me with the stapler. If you ask my sister in law about it she will bust out laughing and crying. It was hilarious.

Thursday night Hubby picked up some overtime, so Boo and I rang in the New Year together. Well, she made it to 11:57 before she passed out on me, but I woke her up to say Happy New Year and call Hubby.

Friday, New Years Day, was Ma's birthday. We all gathered at Lil Bro and Sister In Laws to celebrate. The kids, as always were a hit. They crack us up. Before we had dinner, the girls headed to the movies to see The Princess and the Frog. It was cute, but not a hit with our group like some previous movies. I love that they did it "old school" and not with Pixar, but it just wasn't enough...hard to explain.

After we had dinner and laughed a ton. EC is such a nut, that no matter what we are in stitches.

Saturday was bowling and our final Christmas at my Dad's. We headed up there despite the freezing cold temperatures (-4 at his house). We had a great time, but was glad to make the drive home. I was exhausted once again.

Today...we did pretty much nothing. I did laundry, cleaned and took care of some things that had been pushed to the side over the past week. Now I am simply battling to get Boo asleep, as that has not changed.

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year, and that you all enjoy the kids going BACK TO SCHOOL!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a blast at Big Sis and BIL's house. All the kids were together to open gifts for the first time EVER and that was FANTASTIC, even though a big chaotic. The poor cats are STILL trying to recover (the adults too).

This is my nephew, EC. He is 2 1/2 and a HOOT to talk too. He thinks everything through, and will give you the most insane attitude ever. He got a dinosaur from Ma, and fell in LOVE with it "This is my friend Dinosaur".

Here is my SIL opening her gift from me. I purposely used ZhuZhu pets boxes because they scare her. Boo has the set from when I did the review a while back, and they freaked her out. I KNEW I had to do use them. She was not as impressed, even though she LOVED her mouse and Princess and the Frog goodies inside.

I love being with my family, because they get my kids. The understand Boo's need for Lego's, Littlest Petshop and clothes. She got some of all on Christmas Eve, and more. I think the shirts from Big Sis, the pants from Ma and the game from my SIL won though.

My other nephew RC is a very controlled never-show-emotion kid. At bowling (they bowl with Hunter and Boo) he never shows his excitement, fights the smiles every time. I knew opening this gift would bring a huge smile, so I was ready for it! The boy loves his Lego's!

We took some down time after eating our appetizer meal, and the kids watched Night at the Museum while munching on cookies and more snacks. Having them all together is wonderful. Hunter didn't want to leave at the end of the night, he just loved being together.

CHEERS to Christmas Eve all together! I am so glad we were able to all come together. CHEERS to Big Sis and BIL for having the entire brood over and enduring the crazy wild kids. CHEERS to the family, the love and the chaos!

Baking Day

Last weekend we were finally able to have baking day, or Cookie Palooza as Big Sis calls it.

It was a blast.

The sisters, Ma and 4 kids all got together and baked the day away. We laughed, yelled, measured and helped the kids make some wonderful decorations.




Baking day was a huge success, with us each bringing home more than we ever thought we would get done. We could have done more, but the kids had had enough, the grown ups had sore feet and Koda was sick of being locked up.

I can't wait for 2010!

Thanksgiving and then some

I could say that I am sorry I haven't been around...but that would be a lie.

So, I will tell you that I have been too busy, worn out, laughing too hard, sleeping too little and being with the family all week long.

It started with Hunter coming a day early. While this made my day, it threw a kink into my schedule. After begging the Grandparents to take him for the night, it was solved. Plus, my FIL had been going through Hunter withdrawls.

We spent Thursday among family, and it was wonderful. The siblings all stayed until later, we played games and tortured the children. It was the best thanksgiving yet!

Friday I was up at the crack of dawn to to go a few stores with Big Sis. We hit Target, Micheal's, Old Navy and Best Buy. Best Buy was a huge disappointment. They had no good movies on sale, and that is what I mainly hunt for on Black Friday. I did get Boo a new winter coat at Old Navy, her zipper is all jacked up on her current one. I got her this one in the Plum color (not listed for some strange reason). It was only $15! Such a deal.

I also got Hunter a hilarious graphic-t there, they have the best ones in my opinion (these crack me up the most). I wanted to get this one for me, but got this one for Hunter instead. I also debated getting this one for my sister in law too, it is totally her shirt (make sure you read the fine print at the bottom, too funny!)

Target is always my favorite. I don't mind the lines, it gave me an Big Sis some time to talk more. I got a ton of movies, and some fuzzy socks for Boo's stocking. Big Sis got what she was hunting for, and a couple other things too. The people at Target weren't as crazy as other places, but it was busy.

Micheal's I was in search for the $3.99 wreathe they had on sale. I got it, plus ribbon and mini ornaments. I didn't have a wreathe, never had a place to hang it. I knew I wanted to make the wreathe myself, so much cheaper that way. It was pretty easy to do, I will have to show pictures soon.

Friday we also got my new Christmas Tree. I have had a 3 1/2 foot tree since Hubby and I started living together (9 years ago) but with the new house I got to get a "normal" size tree, and we found the best one. I love it, it is pre-lit with multi-colored lights and has enough branches to look pretty full. I can't find a picture online, and I haven't take one yet so use your imagination! lol

Saturday we decorated the house, the outside lights were hung and had some family time. The boys played on the Wii while Boo and I made her Gingerbread House. Then had to fix her gingerbread house because someone, who shall remain nameless but has 4 legs and a tail, tried to EAT her gingerbread house. It is all fixed, just looks a bit like a shanty now!

Sunday was just us all day. We made cookie dough, decorated the tree and watched the Vikings go 10-1! It was a good day. A good Thanksgiving and a good weekend all together.

Shopping-Paloza!

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day. Wait...back up.

For my birthday, Ma and Big Sis wanted to take me shopping, because I never do for myself. Usually when I do, I end up getting stuff for the kids. It is just easier than dealing with finding clothes. I have no patience. So when they offered I knew it was their way of telling me that I needed some new stuff, so I said sure.

Last week I e-mailed my Fashion Guru of a friend Jo-Lynne, asking for HELP. I had no idea was in style or what was out there. I just don't pay attention. I am a jeans and t-shirt girl. She came to my rescue and gave me some great ideas, along with asking others to chime in as well. It helped so much! I got a great base for what I needed, and what was as in style as I would go.

So, yesterday I spent about 75% of my day in a dressing room. We started at Clothes Mentor, a consignment shop that sells 99% name brand clothes. It was FABULOUS!! If you have one by you GO THERE for clothes! We founds so much fabulous stuff, 2 pairs of pants, 3 sweaters and a cardigan. It was wonderful. Their selection was great, even having the bigger sizes. Oh, and you can sell your clothes to them and they pay CASH on the spot! How fabulous is that!! Seriously, go there.

Next up, Ma's personal heaven...SHOES! We went to Schuler Shoes because of my knees. I have major problems wearing anything over an inch heal and normally they need to be the chunky kinds. So, I knew it was going to be interesting. Ma loves them because they give you great service, will fit your foot the RIGHT WAY (who knew there was a wrong way!) and tell you the best kind of shoes if you don't know. I got two pair, and they are FABULOUS!!

These are Nita's from Trotter. They remind me of an actual ballet flat, more like a Toe Shoe really. They are SO COMFORTABLE! I have been wearing them tonight to make the bottoms scuffed a bit, and oh my heavens they are fabulous.
These are Janison's from Naturalizer. If you don't know Naturalizer (and I didn't before) they are not just for old ladies anymore (like I thought...sorry Ma). They have the cutest shoes, and I never got to wear the cute shoe before. They are uber comfy, and something I can wear everyday if I wanted to.

I mean really, how fabulous are these! I am now a shoe lover, as opposed to before.

Next up, was Dress Barn which was right across the walkway. I had never been in there before, again pre-stereotypes and all. It was OUTSTANDING! I found the BEST PANTS EVER in that store. I wanted to show them to you, but can't find the picture online, so you just have to trust, me. You can actually see them in this picture, the light grey/black/PURPLE pants dead center, with the purple top on them. HOW GORGEOUS are they! Love them!

After Dress Barn, we hit Kohl's and got me some super comfy Dockers and some wonderful shirts that are work comfy, and that I would wear outside of the office. I always find stuff at Kohl's!

After Kohl's it was time for stuff that is not fun for me...under garments. This is a constant battle for me, I am...gifted in that area. We tried one the "normal" stores and it was not happening, to the point of melt down. Yes I am 30, leave me alone.

So we hit Lane Bryant and let me TELL YOU! They know their stuff about under garments of all kinds. Especially when we told them what happened at the other store they were there for me and beyond! They really deserve a post in themselves, but we will gel it into here.

Did you know that when I was trying things on, the sales rep came over MULTIPLE times to see how things were fitting. She asked about how it was laying, how it was feeling and even what I THOUGHT about it! I have never been asked THAT before! Also, did you know things should FIT RIGHT? Who would have thought it! She was outstanding, definitely a place I will be getting my...undergarments from in the future.

The last place we hit? Barnes and Noble. Why? Because I had to pre-order THIS, really go look it is worth it. Not only did I get the book, but next month The Pioneer Woman is coming HERE, well not to my house but to the Mall of America. Andrea and I will be there with out cookbooks in hand just waiting. She is amazing if you haven't "met" her before. I can't wait! Her book tour starts on Tuesday in Oklahoma and then she is making her way. I am excited to follow her trip!

After wearing Ma out, Big Sis and I took Boo out for dinner. We had some laughs, because Boo is just a nut when she is caught up on her sleep (woohoo!). It was a great end to the day.

I am so grateful that Big Sis and Ma realize that I won't shop for myself, but even more so that they love me enough to do this for me. It was an amazing day, one that I won't forget. We had some great conversations, and realized a lot about each other. It was great, and I can't wait for more time together.

Fred

Today has been a rough day for our family.

I have talked about Fred before, he is the Master of the House, King of all Cats, The Supreme Crotchety Old Man.


Phantom Freddy loved walking in the grass, on his little harness. He would roll in the dirt until we didn't know what color he was anymore. He would sit at the window and growl at all the cats that would walk across the yard. He would wrestle with the other cats, and even our dog. He was a lover, a snuggler and a darn fabulous cat.




My Dad used to sit and have fabulous conversations with Fred, with Fred sitting on the edge of the table on the newspaper. The minute any of us would walk into the kitchen in the morning he would bat Fred away. The next day, it was the same.

Fred would sit in the windows, even during a storm to watch the street and what was going on. He loved the windows. I remember one night I kept my window open, not knowing a storm was coming. I woke to a HUGE clap of thunder, and found Fred on my face. He had been so startled he had fallen out of the window.


As Fred got on in years, he lost some weight, but he never lost that kitten glow in his eyes. Whenever Big Sis would open that tub of Cool Whip, he would circle her feet, howl in anticipation and his eyes would be bright and full of energy.

My kids LOVE Fred. He was the first thing they would hunt for when they walked into Big Sis' house. The first Christmas that I had Hubby and Hunter in my life, Hunter fell in love with Fred. He named his stuffed cat Fred, and he still has him 9 years later. He spent Christmas on the couch with Fred in his lap, it is still one of my favorite pictures of the two of them.

The only time Boo would sit still at Big Sis' house was the pet and snuggle with Fred. He didn't have the energy to run and hide, but Boo was so gentle, that I don't think he really minded it.

Today, my Sister had to lay to rest her Best Kitty Friend. The one that she longed for when at college, the one that she held and cried when things got rough. We will all miss Fred. He was such a major part of our lives, a staple in our family.

I say this with tears in my eyes, but things just won't be the same without Fred around. He is the end of an era, the young kittens we all had as children. He is the last to go.

I say one last time...Fred-Dog...Fred-Dog...arwoughwough (dog noises).

We love you so much Fred.

Mother's Day 2009

Today is Mother's Day, but in my house...it is Packing Day!!

Ma, Big Sis and I spent a better part of the day packing and getting things organized for the move next weekend...6 days people...

But, we did take a break for some pampering, we decided to get pedicures and bring Boo along too.

We all were in a line, feet soaking on the baths. Boo kept telling us "how wonderful!" it all was, until her feet started getting tickled. Talk about a ticklish girl.

I wasn't much better. It is like I am having convulsions in the leg when I get a pedicure...very ticklish.

But we all had a great time, and Boo told us that next time she would purple like me.

Next time???

I have created a MONSTER!!

What I Learned this Week

It is time again for What I Learned this Week hosted by Musings of a Housewife.

There has been a lot going on, as usual. Last week was dress rehearsal for dance, first baseball game and the state tournament for bowling. On top of it all, we are moving in less than two weeks and I am NO WHERE NEAR ready to go.

I did learn one very important lesson. Big Sis and Ma rule. Really, they do. Mother's Day is coming up, and when we (Big Sis and I) asked Ma what she wanted to do all she said was "Pack and Clean". awwww

We are getting Pedicures too, but look at how wonderful they are!

I also learned that desperate fear is something you can feel for a friend. We haven't had any updates since yesterday, but I am still asking for prayers.

Boo will wake up at 6:05 this morning, with no desire to go back to bed for her last hour of sleep time. She is just goofy already.

Lastly, when I say that I won't be around as much that seems to be my cue to blog MORE in four days than I really have in almost two weeks. Who knew!

For more What I Learned this Week posts head on over to Musings of a Housewife!

Ew Ew Ew Ew Ew

There are very few things I hate. I dislike many things, but hate nothing really.

There is one things I CAN'T STAND.

Only one thing, so not to bad. But this one thing is a big thing.

Vomit.

Hate it. With.a.passion.

Yesterday that is what we dealt with, well more Hubby than me. With being out last week I couldn't be out yesterday afternoon of all days.

So after the school called to let me know that Boo gave the music room a makeover (lol), I brought her home to poor Hubby who had only be sleeping a few short hours.

Once home, she curled up to nibble on crackers and sips of water. The poor thing could keep nothing down. We don't know if that was the stomach bug, or if she was drinking to much water. Either way, it was a rough afternoon for Hubby. And my bedroom floor for that matter.

Once I got home, we switched to Sprite and nibbled on some Oyster crackers. We also added Pedialyte thanks for Mom. She was my life saver yesterday!

Boo crashed around 9, both of us sleeping on the couch just in case. While I was soon behind her, every time she moved I jumped. Every noise she made I was up like lightening. The poor thing had such restless sleep until about 2 am.

This morning...we are all good. She won't stop talking. She is laughing, asking for food and wanting something to do. While we spent a lazy day on the couch, she was a motormouth the entire time.

Big Sis, (the softy that she is) brought over a couple movies this one, this one and three others that I don't remember off the top of my head. Plus a new book and lunch. Another savior!

I am glad she is feeling better, but man my ears hurt now. I can't wait for her to go back to school!

A Holiday Recap

I was waiting to write this until we were all done celebrating Christmas...but I can't wait anymore.

With the rotating holiday schedule for Hunter, the days are all squeezed into one week, either before or after Christmas. This year, Hunter came on Christmas Eve night, and he is here until this Sunday. We are loving the long week with him, and he is loving the break off school.

We have been so blessed to have such wonderful time with our family. This afternoon we have more time, and our last celebration. It will be great to see our cousins from Iowa, we don't see them nearly enough since they moved.

My kids love to give gifts that make people smile, and we had a great deal of that this year. Giving Mom her first digital camera, their cousin his first set of Lego's, and listening to their young cousin scream "MICKEY" over and over again. It was wonderful.

The gifts they received were limited this year, from us at least. We decided long ago to cut down to three from us and Santa, and they each bought one for each other. It was great to see the excitement that came across their faces as they opened some thing they wanted, something they never thought they would receive.

Both kids received a Nintendo DS this year, something to keep them entertained in the car during long car rides, and something they can earn more games for. Boo and Hunter were both so excited, with thank yous flowing to us and Hubby's parents.

I think my favorite gift they received was Boo's "Build A Fort" kit. It is the coolest thing EVER. It has rope, clips and suction cups along with the canvass pieces. She uses my blankets and yarn almost every day to build forts or "Shelters" when she thinks I don't know they are the same. Half my blankets are all stretched out, not a good time. We are busting this out tomorrow, the one day we have nothing going on. I can't wait!

Hunter is in love with his i-Dog. I won this on Classy Mommy's blog. The lights and action are great, and you can make it do tricks! That is the coolest part I think. I keep hearing it bark though, so that is a bit odd at times...lol

I got my rolling scrapbook bag!!! I squealed...Hubby laughed at me. Big Sis always knows just the right thing to make my day a bit brighter, and this year was no different. When we went to our scrapbook night in November, I felt like an inadequate scrapbooker. I had my canvass bags, and that was it. Big Sis had her cool rolly bag, and so did everyone else. Now I have one too! I can't wait to load it up, and I need to do that since my craft area looks like a tornado hit it.

Below is a slide show, works so much better than uploading a bajillion pictures. Thanks to Jo-Lynne at Musing of a Housewife for turning my on to One True Media!

Today is the last holiday, but also Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!!! We love you!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baking Day!

Saturday was cookie day. After Boo got done with bowling, we headed up to Big Sis' house to bake the day away. Watching the weather I was prepared. I had a change of clothes for both of us, and tooth brushes. Last year we had snow and rain, this year just a lot of snow.

We had a lot to do, and with the prospect of a sleepover, we weren't overly rushed this year. We got the dough made for the sugar cookies, the gingerbread cookies and then made the Spritz cookies.

Have you ever made those???

They are EVIL. I am telling you that machine is the most evil thing I have ever had to deal with. But, we made it through and got a ton done. Boo loves putting the sprinkles on, making them "More Festive" as she calls it.

Big Sis and I did rock-paper-scissors to see who had to change the dough green, and she lost. I wonder if the green is off her hands yet... Boo wanted to do the red, Go Nuts Baby!

And she did.

My Mom was there as well, and showed us how to make Church Window cookies. Colored mini marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips and an egg. SO FREAKIN GOOD!!! I am keeping this away from Boo. She will eat them all they are that good.

Boo also got to work the mixer. I thing she felt the most love for this job.

After a long day of baking, we called it a night. We didn't decorate a single cookie. Sunday morning, after pancakes to replenish our strength we got down to it. We decorated the sugar cookies, and some HUMONGOUS cookies on sticks. Boo liked those the best (shocking).

And what cookie decorating wouldn't be complete with a phone call from Hubby. He spent the weekend snowmobiling, and would call to check the weather reports. He had the best weekend, and was telling Boo all about it.

The cookies were all boxed up and we headed home. After a slippery drive we made it. We divided the cookies up, home and work and I took them in on Monday.

Once again, Success!! My co-workers love when I do this each year. A personal gift, that comes from a fun fun night with Big Sis and my Mom.

Who would have known!

Did you know that some Blockbusters have cut-outs of your favorite actors that you can buy for $30!

And, did you know that when those cut-outs don't sell as well, they will discount them dramatically?

AND, did you know that when a certain Big Sis sees said cut-outs in Blockbuster she will squeal in delight.

AND buy one.

For Boo

Then she would set said cut-out in front of our door and knock.

I think DOGS heard Boo scream tonight. Hubby said it was the loudest he had heard yet, Big Sis agreed.


I am going to cover him with a towel now...it has freaked me out a couple times walking into the room.

the Music of the season

You had to know that I would tie music into the holidays right??

I mean come on.

Have we met?

Or are you new?? If you are...Hi! Welcome!

Anyway, back to the music of the season.

One of my favorite memories around Christmas time is from my freshman year of high school. This was the only year that Big Sis and I would be in the same school...EVER. We also were both in Choir, see more music.

For the holiday season all the choirs came together to sing Handel's Messiah. Man alive, that is some powerful music. Each Choir took a song and had it down cold for the concert. Then, together we all sang Hallelujah Chorus. The power of all the choirs was moving. (I can guarantee that right now, Big Sis is reading this, and singing. I am 100% positive on this one! I think I know which song too, but not completely sure on that one.)

There has always been music tied into holidays growing up. Whether it was the Elvis my dad blared when we got our first CD player, or watching Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas movies and listening to the hilarious songs. Between being the choir and being at home, music was ingrained. I loved every minute of it.

Besides, who doesn't love Bing Crosby singing with David Bowie...that is one of my all time favorites. You should watch this if you have 4 minutes. They are both amazing. This is right up there with The Blenders. They are a Capella group that is from North Dakota but calls Minnesota home. They have some amazing voices, built for the wonderful holiday season.

So, in the music mood that I am in...I have a $15 itunes gift card to giveaway! How fun is that. You can buy your favorite Christmas music, or give it as a gift.

Now, the rules. There are two ways to enter this lovely giveaway...

1) - Leave me a comment letting me know your favorite holiday music. If you don't like holiday music I won't hold it against you, but tell me your favorite song of the moment.

2) Tweet about the giveaway will give you another entry. Make sure you have @FritzFactz if you tweet! If you aren't on twitter, that is okay. Blog about it instead. This will get you one extra entry.

Tune in Friday around noon for the winner! I will contact the winner via e-mail and order the gift card that same day. If I don't hear from the winner by Saturday at noon, I will draw another winner.

WICKED!!!

It feels like days since I blogged last, and it was only two. That is how hectic the week has been. On top of it, Boo and I are both still fighting this cold a bit. We have moved onto the cough portion of the program. Hubby loves us...I swear.

But, this week I did have one piece of escape. One night of culture, music and FREAKING AWESOMENESS!!

Tuesday night...

I saw WICKED.

Let me tell you how amazing that show was. The music, the voices and the costumes. It was FREAKING AWESOME!! I am still in awe of what I saw, and wish I could see it again and again. This is one that I will see again, some day.

Wicked is based on the book of the same name by Gregory Maguire. He has written twists on many fairy tales, including Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Mirror Mirror, Son of Witch (the sequel to Wicked) and newly released A Lion Among Men (the third book in the Wicked series). I can't wait to make my way through all of these, and buy his kids books for my little readers.

The book and the musical are different, the endings are very different. I won't tell you what happens, in case one of you is seeing it or reading it, but it was a great change. One that I never expected.

During the musical there are lines from Wizard of Oz thrown in "There is no place like home" for one. The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion make an appearance in the end, with a little twist.

The story is about Elphaba (el-fa-ba), who turns into the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda (who become Glinda by mistake), who turns into the Good Witch. It tells the story of them meeting at school, and how things ended up. You never see Dorothy, but do see the water being thrown in the end. How that comes about, it where the twist on the old comes into play.

This is also one of the funniest shows I have seen since Lion King. There were a couple ad lib moments, when even the cast was laughing a bit. The stage was slippery, and Galinda kept slipping in her bare feet. It was very funny.

That is all I will tell you about the story, I don't want to be a spoiler.

The costumes were great. They took regular costumes, and put a fun spin on them. Strange angles and shapes. It was fun to see how it all played together.

The music and voices were spectacular. I can't wait for next weekend when I get the soundtrack. Some of the notes the singers held were amazing. You could feel how intense the scene was even before it started, just from the music.

Did I mention that Idina Menzel who is part of the original Rent Cast played Elpahaba when the show opened! Talk about an amazing voice. She has a solo CD coming out that I have on my wish list. Plus, her hubby is amazing as well.

Kristin Chenworth played the original Galinda, and was amazing. Her voice is a shock coming from someone I have only seen in comedies, not at all what I expected on the soundtrack.

I would recommend this one, even for older kids. The show recommends age 8, but I think Boo would have loved this one. She loves musicals as much as I do.

Another one I can cross off my list:
A Chorus Line (when I was 17)
Rent
Les Miserables
Phantom of the Opera
Lion King

We are hoping to take Boo to a show this year, just have to find the right one to break her in. Annie is coming (but only for three days) in February, and I think Mary Poppins. Both would be great for her. We shall see.

Take the time to read Wicked, Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men, to see how the other half lived after Dorothy!! I can't wait to read them all.

See the musical if you can, you won't regret it! I know that I never will.

Scraping the Night Away!

Last week Big Sis and I spent a night scrap booking...and I do mean a night. The little shop that we go too has Crop Nights a couple nights a month, and they start at 5 and go until 2 am. The store is open during that time, so customers can come in if they need to. I love this shop, small enough that they know their regular customers, but big enough that they have some products even Archiver's doesn't have.

We arrived at 5:30 after grabbing a bite to eat. We checked in, got set up, and then just looked a the group of women that were there to get some things done. It amazed me. They can fit 25 at the regular tables, and have 4 "cheap seat" tables on the side. We had a larger table, and thank goodness!

Another great thing is that you can start a tab at the beginning of the night, and as you find things you need add to it. This helped when I realized I forgot my silver paper. Not good when the main wedding colors were blue and silver!

We were both working on our Las Vegas books, and we had a ton of stuff. Even though it had been over a year, we talked about it like it was yesterday. So many memories came flooding back from the wedding, the party and the Bachlorette. It was a great time.

It was a bit intimidating to get going, so many people with so much stuff. I could have walked around for hours looking at the cool tools that I would love to own someday. But we got down to it, and got started.

I have found that starting is always the hardest. Where do you begin? How do you begin? This is especially hard when it is the first page in the book. Big Sis found this out, as she worked on her first page for a long time, making sure it was perfect. And it was gorgeous! I loved it.

As I made more progress, I got into a groove. I kept plugging away, and getting more and more done. I got the extra paper and glue I needed (since I forgot mine..smart...real smart). But, there came a point where I didn't know where to go with a certain page, and that is where having my sister there helped a TON. She gave me an idea, and away it went. It turned into my favorite set of pages.

The Elvis pictures always crack me up. I loved that he was at the reception, and gave them their "Elvis Vows" in front of everyone.

Here is the beginning of the Bachlorette pages. Can't show those pictures, really just not appropriate for a family friendly blog. But it was a time to remember!

Here is another simple yet wonderful page. Big Sis and BIL had a great little guide put together for all the guests (they went to 5 different hotels dropping off goody bags). It had the wedding day schedule, where we would meet and about transportation. It also gave some great highlights of attractions that were free or inexpensive. This is the cover, and I love it!

Big Sis does have two tools that I would LOVE to have. She has a great scrap booking bag, on wheels. I am jealous. It holds (almost) all her stuff, and is so easy to transport.

But the big thing, and something that she love having is her Cricut. This thing is AMAZING!!! I used it on the Elvis page, and the Drag show page. It was so easy, and so fun to use. I didn't have to cut anything! I do have to buy her a new cut sheet, since I abused it so much. I think this will be my next saving project, since they are almost $300! But so worth it.

It was a great time. We had so much fun spending some non-kid-non-football time together. We got to talk about things besides the normal, and that is great. We don't get to do that enough. We are going to go again in a few weeks, it was a blast.