70's Birthday Party

I just celebrated my 31st birthday last month. We decided to have the party at our house, in part because it would force us to finish remodeling and cleaning (the 5 year ongoing project). It was really busy, but we finished it right in time.

Ted decided to throw me a 70's themed party, and to do it in stages. The first stage was at our house. We had snacks and hung out, enjoying the ridiculous costumes everyone wore.

I usually avoid parties- especially costume parties- but since it was my party, I had to dress up and be nice. :)

For the second stage, we went to the skating rink. It was surreal. I used to go every weekend as a middle schooler, and apparently they all still do. There were tons of kids, all trying to be cool and clever. The drama factor was intense. So there we were- grownups in 70's style, trying not to fall on the kids as we skated.

One of my friends wore a huge afro wig, short shorts, and knee high socks. The kids crowded around him in their skates. That wig actually made the rounds that night on several people.

But we had so much fun trying to remember how to skate. It was special for me to hold hands with my sweetie in the same rink we had first held hands and skated in 18 years earlier. Now, we held our kids' hands as they slipped around the rink.

After skating, we went back to our house for a house concert. I'm constantly amazed by my friends' musical talents. Ted had made the backyard really special with Christmas lights hung around a "stage" area.

Meredith & Nathan (my sis and bro-in-law) played first. They are without a doubt the most talented musicians I know. His guitar skills are unmatched, and her voice is pure but strong. Every song is unique and stays with you for days. Right now they're putting a demo together, which I can't wait to hear.

Next up was Mimo, with more of a folksy sound. I could listen to him sing all day, and his lyrics are clever and inspiring, often piercingly challenging and raw. Then Gina sang some originals, and I was so proud since it was only the second time she's done it in front of everyone. Her songs reflect her passionate nature, which I loved. Then Ted played his song, which is amazing, but it was hard to take him seriously with his crazy mustache and sideburns. Even my friend Kelly played an intricate guitar piece she'd written.

We finally said goodnight to everyone after 1:30 am or so. The concert was magical, with the music and twinkling lights shining in the darkness outside. I felt very loved and amazed at God's blessing- to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

Summer Fun-tivities!

Summer is officially on full-blast in Texas! It's crazy hot and muggy outside as early as 7 am. So with 3 kids at home, inside activities are the best way to go.

I've decided to be really intentional with my time over the summer with the kids. To see this as an excellent opportunity for investing into their lives. I love them to pieces, but we all need structure in order to survive the long days with each other.

So I'm kind of approaching this as my summer teaching job. I created a daily schedule, a weekly menu (even listing snacks), and weekly activities, crafts, and lessons (Bible stories and character development). Each week we have two major outings, and we have something special to do every day- whether it's just fingerpainting or making a tent in the living room.

I found a lot of resources online, and from a book called The Preschooler's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner. Our local libraries and malls have lots of activities just for the summer, and even the movie theaters have special discount days. If you have other suggestions, leave me a comment- I would love more ideas!

Hopefully, we will have a blast this summer making memories for years to come. And... we won't kill each other. That's the other goal. :)