Ribbit

On Monday, Em, Tianna and I went to see the new D*sney film

The Princess and the Frog.

It was super cute.

All those years of teaching anti-feminist constructs in D*sney films did nothing to temper my joy of the film. Great music, beautiful and simple animation, and (I think as good as it gets for D*sney) a solid message for girls.

Em loved it.

Especially the part where she gets to eat popcorn the whole time.

After we got home, she found a big box from her Secret Santa!

Thanks Rachael for all the wonderful items... a Hello Kitty Pillow and stickers.

Em's favorite things!!

A Decade...

As Liam likes to remind me often...

He will be turning a DECADE in a few weeks.

The Big 1-0

Two digits.

How is this possible??

Last weekend we had a birthday party for Liam

using Roses and Rhubarbs Vintage Superhero template.

It turned out really well.

Hectic.

But well.

We hung white cloud-like pom poms on the ceiling with

sayings like "Pow" and "Boom"

I framed vintage comic heros around the house...

Buffet table, island, and on the dining room table.

Each boy got a bucket with a Marvel Comic shirt (sale at Target)

a flashlight (for flashlight tag later) and a bag of candy held together with a comic pin.

We used comic stickers and gift tags too.

Em ready to be one of the boys...

The Candy Bar.

David asked me if I was insane to hop-up eight boys on sugar when they

were to be in our house for four hours

(Some spending the night)

The boys ate pizza, had cupcakes and opened gifts.

They played flashlight tag outside for a good 45 minutes with only

a few boys wiping out in the dark.

Then they had a Wii tournament and/ or played games on Nintendo or board games.

Andrew tries to stuff a whole cupcake in his mouth.

Then they watched Superman circa 1978.

And they were bored out of their skull.

LOL.

One comment was about the record player. When I explained what it was... another child said, "Oh!! My grandpa has one of those!"

Sigh.

Then a couple of boys spent the night.

They stayed up to 1:30. Not too bad all things considered.

The Office

Last week one of the many parties we attended was David's office party.

This might be the first year that nothing horrible happened.

No one cut their finger or fell or beat each other before we left.

The car didn't break down.

I didn't have a massive headache before we went.

The kids smiled for the camera before we left.

Life was good.

And I won that poinsettia.

A tradition.

(Anyone else notice Liam keeps getting taller and taller... and Em - well- doesn't.)

LOL.

Earlier that day we did some last minute shopping.

I'm so behind with gifts this year.

Cookies!!

Em looks lovingly at the sprinkles.

Sugar Girl.

On Friday we hosted our OAKS* group Cookie Party.

There was another one the previous week, but I didn't get any

pictures due to my camera.

We had a great time.

So many wonderful kiddos and their Moms.

Wish we were able to get together more often.

The group shot... minus a few girls that left early.

Notice Em in the background.

She cracks me up.

She doesn't wear glasses...

These are dress-up ones and she wore them the rest of the day.

She's Crafty

The camera is working.

YEAH!

It was like missing my right arm.

It isn't working as well...

I've noticed it isn't as fast but it will work for the holiday

and then I'll figure out what to do later...

Em and I have been busy with crafts.

I've made 15 little gingerbread men for Em's school.

(Not finished yet)

and Em made little wreath ornaments with beads for her friends

at a Cookie Decorating Party.

Camera blues...

So.

My camera has been acting funny and I am having it cleaned.

Fingers crossed.

So since I don't have new pics or anything new to report ...

(except that we are CRAZY busy with making stuffed gingerbread toys for Em's preschool, shopping for gifts, wrapping, Liam's birthday party, a sleepover, a Cookie Decorating party, an office party, 2 school events to organize, a concert, Pokemon tournament... yada yada. You get the drift. And I'm sure it is the same in your house. LOL)

I'll go ahead and post a pic of our Roses and Rhubarbs blog.

A Mad Hatter New Year's In Wonderland.

Check it out.

Final Sale Week

This is the last week for reduced prices on

our party consultations and on all dolls in stock.

Please visit Roses and Rhubarbs at Etsy for a full list of all dolls available.

They make darling stocking stuffers and gifts.

Em loves her fairy... with removable wings, she also dresses

her doll in other clothes for a different look