Lucky #7

My idea of a birthday party is where we make dinner, have cake, sing happy birthday and give a gift.

Ethan has been around the block as far as birthday parties are concerned and let me know balloons, friends, multiple gifts and caramel apples had to be involved.

I will give him props for the caramel apple idea, it was super fun.

Notice the Happy Birthday sign?  I didn't notice the typo until Emry pointed it out the next day.

I planned two games.  A relay race ran with eggs on spoons held in your mouth & a race where they soaked sponges and ran to fill up a bucket.

I am glad I didn't stress over this portion of the party or put too much effort into it because all the kids really wanted to do was play on our swingset, ride Ethan's razor scooter and use the sponges for a water fight.

Lila with our good friend's baby, Mason.   Where I am from a 9 year old is totally legit to babysit.

 There were some friends from church and friends from school, the sweetest kids ever who spoiled Ethan with fun gifts.

So he's 7 now, although I still can't believe it!  He hasn't lost a single tooth yet, therefore I think it's fair to still call him a baby.  You aren't a big kid until you lose a tooth.   That's the new rule in case anyone's wondering.

***My kiddos start Spring Break tomorrow & I am joining them.  I'll be back to blogging all things proper and serious in 2 weeks.  Happy Spring, Happy Easter, Happy family time!!!

Brand Names

We had tons of these eggs growing up.  Boxes upon boxes.  Did I giddily unwrap the foil like Charlie looking for the Golden Ticket?  Nope.  I am proud to say I've never liked them. (Cadbury mini eggs however are a whole other delicious story)

Growing up our house was filled with Cadbury creme eggs, Cadbury chocolate and Cadbury candy bars during Easter.  Why?   Simple.  My dad was a buyer for grocery stores and brought home boxes of candy during the holiday and other food and products throughout the year.

I have memories of all sorts of logo'd paraphernalia from my childhood.

There was the red Armour (hot dogs) knit scarf and matching hat that would totally be considered kitsch today.  My dad's La Victoria (salsa) golf bag.  Numerous book bags, hats and about a million polos, some of which my dad still wears.

There were others for sure, like this gem I found at my mom's house tonight.  I swear this beach towel has got to be at least 30 years old.  'Waste not, want not' is very much my mom's motto.

Just another thing I can hang over my kids heads.  When they want the latest styles or brand name jeans I can just tell them I wore a hot dog scarf to school. 

I win.

Just like my kids

I've been meaning to make THESE 'simple' treats for a while now.   I've heard good things about them so they've been on my list.

The thing is, they're not so simple.  The instructions said nothing about when to take them out of the pan.   I, being a clever baker, realized they may stick as there is a fair amount of honey involved and while they were still warm I tested one. 

Too late,  I had to pry each one out scraping my cute little muffin tins.  I was in a race against time as I had 3 pans and these little oat cakes were drying fast.

In the midst of removing these goodies I tossed the recipe into the garbage (ok, it wasn't that dramatic, but it sounds a lot better than 'putting it aside to be recycled')  I wasn't going through this again.

Even after Pam-ing up my tins and adding a few minutes to the cooking time to make sure they were set, they were sticky and I had to handle them so gingerly so they wouldn't all fall apart.

They set.  I had one.  My kids had some.  They're a treat for sure, but chock full of freshly ground oats and flax.  I used the amount of honey called for, but left out a half cup of brown sugar. 

I "dug the recipe out of the trash" & put it back in my binder.  They're yummy, healthy and portable.  I am not ready to give up on them.   I am thinking a little wax paper in the tins would do wonders.

Besides I am used to sticky situations.  Exhibit A

As frustrated as I get with my kiddos sometimes, they always have me coming back for more.  Weirdly enough I just can't get enough of them.

 My kids that is.

And apparently sticky treats as well.

The Wallworks are here

The other Wallworks that is.  That would be Glenn's little brother Mark, his wife Thira & their 4 sons.  All staying comfy cozy with us.  In our house.  In the rain.  7 kids in one house in the rain.  We had to get em' out so we headed to the hot tub.

The Wallworks & The Wallworks

Wallwork cousins aka the loudest, rowdiest kids in the world.

I just noticed there's a Roberts in there, (my sisters son)  These were taken after church today, left to right

Ladreal W. Nathan R. Lila, Ethan, Emry (my 3), Karm W. Landell W., Raith W.

St. Patricks day morning.  The kids awoke to a trail of golden chocolate coins leading them to a dining room  where a licorice rainbow treat and Lucky Charms awaited them.  I debated getting the sugar cereal and then I just thought I would throw caution to the wind and go for it.  I am so glad I did the kids loved the whole fun and excitement of celebrating.

Saturday night we had a barbecue so celebrate the other Wallworks being in town.  As usual I didn't get all the food because as soon as it was served we demolished it, but aren't these fruit platters lovely?

You don't expect a little something like rain to stop us from playing volleyball do you?

Mark & his boys  -  Glenn and our kids

Just had to show the progression of Glenn's face.  He can only stand so many pictures before he starts to lose it. 

We had 30 people here for dinner.  20 were kids.  We're pretty much masochists.

Way to show your home town pride Ladreal. 

My mom makes the best homemade caramel & chocolate sauce for sundaes.  One taste brings back so many memories of eating this growing up.  Jeannette & I were sitting next to each other eating our sundaes while literally being transported back in time.

I always get mad at people using their cell phone at my house since I am controlling and all (really it's because I am jealous and hope they'll teach me how to turn it on) but since Kylee was reading my blog I'll give her a pass this time.  Jeannette says she loves my blog and is a loyal reader.  Hey, Hey, Hey Kylee.  That's supposed to sound cool, not like Yogi Bear, it doesn't really translate, moving on..............

It rained all night last night and even hailed.  Hailed!!!!  I was surprised they didn't shut the city down, us Southern Californians aren't used to such frightening, dangerous weather.  Emry took this pic today.  Guess the Lucky Charms were a good call after all.

**To all my lovely blog friends who are hosted by Wordpress.  I love you & your blogs unfortunately I am irate with your host right now and can't communicate with any of you.  They have some (lame) new rules, maybe you've heard.  Hope to get the situation remedied soon.   -Marie