Happy Birthday, Kendall-bug!

Today was Kendall's actual birthday...and what better thing could happen on your birthday than to have a snow day? WAHOO!! So, we slept in, and then just had a lazy day at home. Kendall declared early in the day that she would be wearing her jammies all day. No problem there!!

We played Wii, play-doh, Kid'nex, and watched a movie. She requested peanut butter and jelly for lunch (she lets me off way too easy...) and for dinner she wanted BREAKFAST! So Barry and I made eggs, heart-shaped pancakes, and bacon. It really was good! Especially since it was followed by birthday cake and ice cream!

Kendall got a new game for the Wii, Acme Arsenal, featuring the Looney Toons characters. She also got the soundtrack to High School Musical, so after dinner we turned up the tunes and had a dance party in the kitchen!! Even Noah was shakin' his little booty! We were really having a great time. But not too soon after, we had to get those kiddos to bed. Noah has school for sure tomorrow, and we're not sure about Kendall yet. Here are a few pics from our little party....

Have a great day, peeps...and stay warm!!

Girls Nite!

This coming Wednesday is Kendall's 8th birthday. 8!!!!! Where does the time go?

My sweet girl told me that this year she didn't really want a big party like we usually do. What she actually said was more along the lines of, "Hey Mama...I was thinking that maybe I shouldn't have a big party this year. The economy is hard on a lot of people and having 2 parties is probably going to be really expensive. Maybe I could have a big party every other year. Would that be ok?"

Ok, now first of all, where she got the stuff about the economy blew me away. Girlfriend must have her ears open all the time! Secondly, I have to give her credit for thinking about the "every other year" part. And yes, we usually have two parties...one for her school friends and then one for all the family. See, normally we have her party for her friends at some fun location, like the paint-your-own-pottery place, or Universal Gymnasts, or Galaxy Games & Golf. Because all of our family has to come into town (and there really aren't any other children), we have a second family party the next day so the grandmas and grandpas don't have to sit through a Chuck E. Cheese - type place. It's nice to have all the family over, serve them lunch, cake, and ice cream and just sit and visit. So anyway...we took Kendall up on her offer.

Except...I asked her if she would like to just have a couple of girls over for a sleepover. Why? Because I believe a person's birthday is a day to be celebrated over and over and over. It's a special day! And because these girls don't get together that often. Of course, she was THRILLED with that arrangement! So at 4:00 on Saturday, my house was filled with the squealing of little girls. They had so much fun...

They designed their own picture frames...

Pretty nice, eh? I found these cute kits at the Target Dollar Spot...and then I took a picture of all the girls that they could put in it.

They brought gifts...

And Noah thought the tissue paper was a gift for him to play in...

They had cupcakes...

I did mani/pedis on all the girls...so fun!

And then, after watching HSM, (and after much cajoling), they went to bed. After midnight...

And boy, were we tired the next day! But we all had a nap and made it through. Now, I just have to get the family party all ready to go for this Saturday...wish me luck!

Fun for hours...literally.

The weather around here, as you may know, has been very cold. Cold enough to cancel school one day, delay it the next, and just be a general pain in the hoo-ha. We spent a few days inside, as it was too cold to even go out to play in the snow. Luckily, we have lots of things to do! By the third day, however, I was starting to worry that we had exhausted all possibilities and the kids were getting a little stir crazy. Then I remembered the Play-Doh box in the pantry!!!

See, when Kendall was a bit younger, we had one Christmas where all she wanted was Play-doh. She loved that stuff!!! So, we have a box in the pantry full of fun little Play-doh toys. All of the Play-doh, however, had dried out. Well, Noah is now fully in the Play-doh stage, as they make all different kinds of play-doh at his school. His teachers get such a kick out of him because he would play with it all day long and never hear a word they said. Anywho...he wanted Play-doh for Christmas this year...and of course, he got it. Plenty of it.

So I broke out the new Play-doh and all of the toys to go with it. We spread it all out over the kitchen table and they went to town. Now, let me just say that I fully expected to sit down and play with them, but they were having none of it! They wanted to do it ALL BY THEMSELVES. And here's the kicker...they played at the table with NO BICKERING for two and a half hours. TWO AND A HALF HOURS, PEOPLE!!!!! I would walk by and ask questions and they would answer without looking up. They were in their own little world, creating characters and acting out stories. It was awesome!Now as we mothers know, we avoid Play-doh like the plague most of the time because it makes a mess. But ladies...two and a half hours?!?! I was happy to do the clean up, and it only took 10 minutes!

I think I have just fallen in love with Play-doh!!! Maybe you should pick up a box while you're out and about today!!! :)

Things to do on a cold & snowy day

When it looks like this out...

here are some things you can do!

play in the snow, of course!

Imagine a visit to the Island of Sodor

Build potato heads

Create structures with blocks

Read (but no Twilight here... :) )

Get in your pj's and watch a good movie

Remember Colorforms? Still a hit!

We kept VERY busy today! Kendall's school let out early today, so she was able to enjoy our activities as well. We've accumulated 6 inches of snow today, and it's still snowing. I'm thinking we may have a snow day tomorrow, and at the very least, a delay. Who knows what we'll do then? Play-doh? Sewing projects? Scrapbooking? Who knows...the possibilities are endless! Stay warm and safe, peeps!

Friends

As all girls know, a good girl friend is a necessity in life.

In all the different eras of my life thus far, I can remember always having a "best" friend that I spent all of my time with. However, something always happened to end those friendships. Most of the time I was completely clueless and confused as to what had changed! I don't know if I just get on people's nerves after awhile, or if I don't read people well. Honestly, I think I only ever ended two friendships in my entire life! Either way, in my twenties I was sad to find myself having moved to Columbus after my engagement with no close girl friends to speak of. Now don't get me wrong, I had plenty of friends, just not that one friend with whom you just "click" and you never get sick of...the friend who has known you since childhood, understands you completely, can talk all night and still have things to talk about the next morning, who knows all of your quirks and annoying habits and likes you anyway, who knows your heart inside and out.

My mom and her best friend have had that kind of relationship since they were very young girls, and still do. My sister still keeps in touch with a lot of her "group" from high school....she had so many good friends that they were a GROUP...like a package deal. I have countless friends who still get together with their best friends from high school on a regular basis. But I didn't have that, and I longed for it in the depths of my soul.

That is, until I started going to the chiropractor for my headaches. He had his massage therapist work on my neck, and lo and behold, we were from the same area and found plenty to talk about. Before long we were doing things together, and little by little, THAT kind of friendship was formed! Yes, I'm talking about Sheri, of course! And let's not forget Sarah, my favorite Canadian! I also have Heather,Alicia, and Amy, though I don't see them often enough due to where they live. Additionally, I've met even more good friends since moving out here to the boondocks. So for all the years I watched movies like Steel Magnolias, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Beaches, Circle of Friends...(you know, all the "lifelong friend" movies) and fretted about the fact that I didn't have that kind of relationship and might never...now my cup runneth over, you might say. And I couldn't be happier.

So when Kendall's friend Kayla gave her this the other day...
and she was so happy she cried...I understood. Boy, did I ever.

Because like I said, a good girl friend is a necessity in life.

Signs of Winter

Finally! Some real winter! We didn't get all the snow they were forecasting (of course), but we got a little...and some nice icy rain to go along with it. So, just like any kids would, mine wanted to get outside and play in it! I decided to suit up too and grabbed my camera to see if I could get any good shots. Just look at what I had to work with...




I love these kind of lazy days! We've been snuggling on the couch and watching movies since we came inside. What do you like about snowy days?

High School Musical, The Ice Tour

Every kid should have an Aunt Jessie.

See, my sister works for a local radio station, and this week she scored "High School Musical, The Ice Tour" tickets for Kendall. She asked me if we'd like to go, and if maybe Kendall would like to bring a friend. I decided this would be a fun surprise for my little Kendall-bug, so before I told her about it, I called her friend Kayla's mom and asked if Kayla could go. This was certainly a situation that would need special consideration, as the show was on Wednesday night (A school night! GASP!!), and since it didn't start until 7:30, the kids would be home very late. Kayla's mom thought it would be ok, so we went over the details and made a plan. Now that the details were set, I decided I couldn't wait anymore to tell her. I was working that night, so I called her from my office. When I got her on the phone and laid out the dealio, the screaming was ear-piercing! She was so excited!!!! And then when I added the kicker, that Kayla was coming home with her after school and going to the show, she lost it completely!
Of course, since we had to leave early to get Noah to swim lessons first, I decided that I'd take the girls out to dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse...and I had a buy one, get one free coupon too! ROCK ON!!! We called and invited Jessie to join us for dinner, and she agreed. Here are the girls at dinner...SO excited for the show!And here they are at the show...of course, Kendall is sporting her High School Musical t-shirt, compliments of Grandma Cindy.
It was good (but LONG), and the girls were having such a great time that it was really hard not to bee-bop along with them!
By the end of the show, these two little high-energy girls who had been dancing the whole first half were snuggled up in one seat with their arms around each other. I asked if they were tired and wanted to go, but the answer was a resounding "NO!!" So we made it until the end, but didn't end up getting home until 10:30...way late for kids who are usually in bed by 8:15!

The next morning was rough for Kendall, but she still swears it was "TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!"

Kid creations

Having to stay home from school because you're sick is boring. Just ask Kendall.

On Monday morning, the first day back from Christmas break, she threw up before even having breakfast. And let me tell you, she was really upset about this because she has been anxiously awaiting getting back to school. She begged me to let her go anyway, but I wouldn't budge. "But staying home is boring, Mama!! Kayla will be worried and wonder where I am! Aren't you afraid I'll miss something important at school?!? I feel better! Really, I do!!!" Sorry, Charlie...no dice. You're staying home.

After the one and only time she threw up, she felt better. She spent a few hours on the couch watching movies until she just couldn't stand it anymore. She was bored with a capital B, so she and Noah tried to make the best of it and played the rest of the day. They played a little wii, read some books, played matchbox cars, and got out the Kid'nex to create these silly creatures...
I just love what their little minds come up with. After they made these guys, they acted out entire stories with them. It was way too cute. Kid'nex rule!!! They play with those things for hours!

And I'm happy to report that my Kendall-bug is feeling much better and so far (cross your fingers, please!) no one else in the house is feeling yucky!!!

Have a great day, peeps!

Something I forgot...

I know that we're all ready to move on to 2009, but I just realized that I forgot to share something with you all. Every year, the monkeys make their own gifts for all of their grandparents, aunts & uncles. It started the Christmas right before Kendall turned 3 and we were living with my sister in a 2 bedroom apartment while we were building the house. Not having much space to store a lot of gifts, and needing things for Kendall to do while a lot of her toys were in storage, I would set her up at the kitchen table with a myriad of craft items and just see what her little mind could create. I know I am completely biased, but I thought it was all AMAZING! She loved to use the watercolors, and made so many fabulous little paintings one day that we decided to roll them up with ribbons and give them to all of her family members for Christmas. She hand-picked each one, telling me which person it would go to and why. When she handed them out at Christmas, she was so very proud, beaming each time one of her favorite people opened one and ooohed and ahhhhed over it. In fact, Aunt Jessie framed hers and still has it hanging in her bathroom to this day! Some day she'll be able to say she has a Kendall Kuck original! LOL!

And so it started...each year we look for an inexpensive craft for the kiddos to do for their gifts. From suncatchers and magnets that we filled with little crystals and baked in 2004 to the glass snowflake ornaments and foam Christmas houses we made this year, the grandparents, aunts and uncles are always surprised at what the kids come up with.

Here are some pics from our craft-making this year. All of the grandparents got a Christmas house, and the aunts and uncles got a glittery snowflake ornament...P.S...when a child's craft kit says 4 years and older...don't believe them. THEY LIE!!! Barry and I had to help with these little houses quite a bit! It was all worth it though, don't you think?

The Aries 2009 Overview

I am an Aries.

And like any good Aries, I am so very proud of that fact. Because, simply put, Aries is the best sun sign to be! (Spoken like a true Ram...)

So today when I opened my Yahoo news page and saw the new 2009 astrology overview, I had to take a peek. It's all in good fun anyway, and there's ALWAYS something interesting! So, here's mine for 2009...which of course, is looking to be DIVINE, not fine. Man, am I killing you with my rad rhymes, or what? heeheeeheeeeee...... :)

ARIES

A unique culture is inspiring you, so start trying to integrate it into your life.

Pioneering and courageous Aries is being called to times of incredible new growth and renewal. The considerable reflective time you have spent rehashing and deciding which avenue will best serve your highest purpose has shaken you to the very root of your personal belief systems. Through surrendering to your higher self, new realizations and golden opportunities you never thought possible are brilliantly opening up for you.

Your new commitment to self has given you a renewed appreciation of the your divine wisdom and accomplishments. The understanding you have radiates love and compassion, and is attracting your highest good. As your creative spirit soars, the excitement you feel helps you submit to the larger purpose and vision gained in your dreamtime. You are easily able to bring your work out into the world with clarity and purpose. Your heart's desires are quickly manifesting right before your eyes and you are able to reap long-standing benefits as you detach from the past and are catapulted forward.

Because of your humanitarian ideals and desire to be a helper in our emerging world, be careful not to fall into old patterns of helping others fulfill their needs rather than taking care of your own. As you grow, people are drawn to your altruistic ideas and your visionary and compassionate personality.

In spite of your good endurance and concentration, remember to take care of yourself on an everyday basis to maintain wholeness and integration. Finding a good physical outlet for your frustrations is important so that you don't deplete your energy and prevent yourself from getting what you really want. Enjoyment is the fundamental desire of your life, and you are able to create the life you enjoy.

Rock ON, peeps!!!!! I TOLD you good things were to come in 2009!! Ah yes, I have a good feeling about this year...yes, I do!!

2009 is gonna be fine...

Welcome 2009!!!

My sisters from other misters, Sheri and Sarah, have declared that the motto for this year (at least for us) is "2009 is gonna be fine". You see, every New Year's we make these big, loaded statements about how the year is going to roll for us. "2006...this is it! We will accomplish great things!" "2007 is going to ROCK! Nothing can stop us!" "2008 is going to be OUR year! The year for Sheri to meet Mr. Wonderful and for Sarah to marry Torben and live happily ever after!" Yeah, you get the picture, because chances are you do it too...right?

Well, not this year. This year, S&S have decided that "2009 is gonna be fine". No pressure. No prophecies that don't materialize. They just want to go with the flow here, peeps. Chillax, you might say. 2009 is gonna be fine. Well, I have voiced my opinion on the matter, and...

I reject that.

I don't know about all of you, but I am looking forward to all this new year has to offer. Every year has to hold new hope and promise, and oh, the possibilities!!! That's what the start of the new year is all about! And let's face it folks, it's FUN to get all excited about the possibilities of the new year! So I am rejecting my two best friends' motto for 2009. "Fine" just ain't gonna cut it for me. However, if they are going for the reverse psychology angle and hoping that the universe throws great and earth-shattering events at them in 2009 because they aren't expecting it, then I am all for it! So Sheri and Sarah...I'm sorry, my little chickies, but in my book, 2009 will be DIVINE!!!

For me personally, I'm contemplating and hoping for an economic upturn so I can keep my office.

I'm looking forward to a new plan for getting daily exercise.

Of course, I'm also excited about sharing more recipes and possibly creating some of my own to share with you!!

I'm anxiously awaiting my "girls trip" to NYC with my two best friends in the whole world. Which in and of itself will make 2009 DIVINE!!!

Kendall will turn 8 this month, and Noah will turn 4 in May. I can hardly believe that, but I am looking forward to celebrating those milestones just the same. And yes, there will be tears involved, I'm sure...

Scout the Big Black Dog will be 2 in April. It's hard to believe he's just a baby still.

And of course, Barry and I will celebrate our 14th anniversary in September.

I'm looking forward to a year of friendship, family, and fun... learning new things and teaching new things...relaxing and keeping busy...

What are you looking forward to in 2009????