Sams 8th birthday party!!!

Yesterday was Sams birthday party.  It had a bit of a Spongebob theme, lots of games and a craft too.  Ice cream birthday cake and lots of snacky food.  

We played 'catch the jellyfish':

Sam was very lucky and got so many fabulous gifts - he is one very happy boy!

We played a game where you had to put a paper plate on your head and draw spongebob:

Pin the treasure chest on the pirate map:

Some of the spongebobs - made from sponges :)  

disguises from the treat bags:

and a spongebob pinata:

Hair and therapy with Amber :)

Susannah getting her hair done:

I'm growing my hair long and it was at that horrible mid way stage but it's now in a sleek bob - all ready for me to grow it.  

Susannah sitting on nothing - she can do this for two minutes.  Strong leg muscles for sure!

And this pic shows her hair after seeing Amber - all straightened and soooo LONG! And she has long side bangs now too :)  

Birthday party preparations on Friday night.

Filling the pinata:

Getting the craft ready:

Wrapping Pass the Parcel:

Filling the treat bags:

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...cloudy yet bright....a fresh dusting of snow on the trees and rooves.  Still cold, but not as cold as it has been.  I can't wait for Tuesday when it's supposed to be quite a bit above freezing!

I am thinking...about going to the winter festival today in Edmonton.  Not really in the mood, but am thinking it might be good to get out.

I am thankful...for my amazing kids - all the help for the birthday party yesterday - and Susannah being so supportive last night.  LOVE my kids!!

In the kitchen...new recipes, home cooked dinners, birthday treats...filled with friends so often these days.  LOVE!!!!

I am wearing...yoga pants and a long sleeved T.  Casual and comfy. Sundays

I am creating...various bits and pieces, artwork, an art class on self esteem.

I am going...to take Sam to spend his gift card tomorrow while Abby is at French.

I am wondering...what is right for me...or maybe I should just surrender and see what happens.

I am reading...Nicholas Sparks 'Safe Haven'.

I am hoping...to hear from someone today.

I am looking forward to...a quieter week this week - hopefully with a bit more 'at home' time :)

I am learning...how great it is to live in town.  I love it :)  I really thought I would miss the old place - but I don't.  It has surprised me, but I love living here :)

Around the house...family and friends hanging out, celebrating, having fun....busy lives but soooo good :)  We are blessed.

I am pondering...making changes :)

One of my favorite things...watching Greys with Susannah - we are in the midst of our annual Greys Marathon - watching it on dvd.  Love it :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:  French class, ice skating, knitting tutorial from Joanne.  Growing Sea Monkeys, Pub quiz.  Sledding, swimming, growing  crystals.  Hanging out with friends.  Begging a certain someone for forgiveness for my stupidity.  Sigh....

A peek into my day...

Art

Old pics...

Abigail just before Christmas, playing Checkers (Draughts) with me in BP's

Kitty all comfy on Sams lap:

An old pic of broadmoor Lake that I edited

New book I am reading:

Cold, clear skies this morning:

Another edit of the Broadmoor Lake 

Chilly morning - windchill was around -28c at the time:

Edit of another old pic:

swimming and swimmers...

Our day started with some language arts work at the table.  Abigail wrote a letter to her penpal, and Sam did some alphabet and word recognition work.  Sam has dyslexia, so we are working on the basics  using advice from a special needs teacher and from the book 'Overcoming Dyslexia'.  

While Sam and Abby worked, I was working in my art journal - I'm prepping a workshop on self esteem.  

We met our friends at the recreation centre just before lunch, and all went swimming! So proud to learn that one of our friends is a champion swimmer!  She was Provincial champion TWICE :)  Although now I'm thinking yikes I have to do my poor attempts at doggy paddle in front of a champion swimmer hahaha!  

Yesterday was the first day Sam was old enough to wear the grown up wrist band at the pool - now he is 8 I no longer have to always be within arms reach - he was VERY excited to have the independence to do what he wanted.  Abby and her friends went and did some lane swimming in flippers and were very happy :)  

After swimming and the hot tub, we all met up at the food court for snacks, then Abigail went home with her friends, and I took Sam into the playground for a while, before we had to head off to pick Susannah up from the bus stop!

Sam went to his dads for the evening, Laurence went to work, and Susannah and I went to the farmers market.  We met T there who had Abigail, and we also were able to get our 'market bucks' - a deal they were doing only yesterday - we were each given $5. to spend at the market last night.  I gave mine to Abigail and she chose some brownies from the cake lady there.  Susannah used hers to buy Nanaimo bars - so they were both very happy!  

Home again and Abigail spent the evening on the computer - chatting to the friend she had spent the day with via skype and using Minecraft.  Susannah and I watched more episodes of Greys Anatomy - not sure why we do because it's always sooooo sad and I spent much of the evening bawling.  

So that was my Thursday - hope yours was a good one!  :)