Party prep

Our annual Memorial Day party is almost here!

Today’s guest count looks like about 29 adults and 25 kids. Wow! This should be a good one.

My first friends will arrive tomorrow night. I’m going to make them Spicy Thai noodles found here. My sister introduced me to this recipe and it is so good. Honestly I’m making it because I want it so bad again. But I think it’s good for guests too because A. it serves a lot and B. it’s meant to be eaten cold and even better the next day.

So, yeah, I’m going to feed them Friday night then put them to work Saturday. They will too. They’re so fun because they just make themselves at home when they come, it’s like we just all live in one communal house. And they really help a ton. I’ve put them in charge of macaroni and cheese and strawberry margaritas … it’s going to be a good weekend.

Dance recital rehearsal

Ella’s been taking dance for nearly a whole school year now.

At times, she’s wanted to quit. It was a long commitment for a 5-year-old. But she has stuck with it and we are nearing the big fancy recital at the end.

She was instructed to wear full makeup for it. She was so “freaked out”! We were too, to tell you the truth. 5-year-olds just don’t look right with makeup on.

I think she felt just fine once she was in class though.

She’s the tallest in her class. How is this possible? She always seems a little older than she is.

And always wanting to be in on the fun … this girl twirled all night in our own tutu.

New table

We’ll we’re finally replacing one gunk-filled item over here.

Yes, we are the proud owners of this new table from Pier 1.

It’s actually circular without the leaf, so it fits our family of four just perfect.

And 4 of these yet to be delivered chairs from Target …

And two of these …

And some of these chair cushions from Crate and Barrel…

I love it all. So happy about it. But I sure think we should update the dining  light fixture now that we’re getting a new table …

Checkup

Poor girls. They had to get poked and prodded today for their annual checkup for their spherocytois (a genetic blood disorder).

There were tears and even some screaming. Dang, that sucks. Wish Steve could have gone with us.

Luckily the nurses are so extremely nice and they have a wonderful playroom and even let the kids get into a treasure chest before they leave.

They also give us some hand-sewn gifts from a lady who just makes things for all the kid patients there. And that lady is taking care of her own husband who has pancreatic cancer.

I explained to Ella about how people with cancer take medicine that makes them lose their hair. I wanted her know so she didn’t accidentally ask about it and hurt some child’s feelings. The hematology center we go to is also a pediatric cancer center. So, yeah, I don’t feel too sorry for us. And Ella told me, “mom, if you say something would hurt somebody’s feeling I would never want to say that.” She’s such a sweetie.