Happy Housiversary

One year ago - I was standing on the front porch of our new home waiting for the Moving Truck (OK....that would be Moving TruckS) to arrive.

I can hardly believe we have been here for a year now. I still have a few boxes that need to be unpacked - and a long list of home decor and improvement ideas - but I'm feeling very comfortable and settled.

Thought I would share some of the beautiful sights of our new hometown that we have enjoyed over the past year.

Teachers Appreciation 2011

We are coming to the end of Teachers Appreciation Week.

At Little K's new school - the PTA does a great job coordinating the efforts throughout all the classrooms. They put out a schedule suggesting ways to show your appreciation to the teachers on each of the days of the week. You have the option to participate in as many days as you like.

Monday - the Teachers were all greeted with the outside of their Classroom Doors Decorated.



I was a bit worried - because her teacher is not much of a cook - but I loved the idea of showing how she nurtures and develops her students.



The recipe card spells it all out.



I went with a clean - sort of retro style to fit her teachers personality. She loved it.

Funny Story Side Note: I went to the school early on Monday morning (it's an outdoor campus) to put up the door decoration. As I'm working - a bright flashing light starts to go off (like the fire alarm, but white) - and then a voice comes over the loud speaker. "Unauthorized Activity Detected - Photo Taken".

YIKES - apparently the school has motion detectors, and when I started working on the door - I tripped the alarm. Picture me - in my sweats, no morning shower yet, and my hair barely combed. That's going to be one lovely picture.

Luckily - I had already seen the custodian on the grounds, and she told me not to worry about it. Apparently all the other Room Parents put up their decorations on Sunday - Oops.


Tuesday - was the day that each child brought in an individual flower. The roses are all in full bloom here - so she ended up with a beautiful bouquet.



I brought a vase in to hold all the beautiful blooms. She has a bit of a contemporary style, so I went with something more modern. Added a strip of paper and twine as an accent.



And a stacked tag. The outer one says "Thanks". The one underneath says "for helping our kids bloom".



Wednesday - the kids were asked to bring in a home made card or note.

Thursday - was the day to bring in any Gift Cards. I asked for her teachers input before hand and suggested some of her favorite stores to the parents.

Friday - was Fruit Basket day. The kids brought in a single piece of fruit.



We've had a huge participation from the kids so far - I hope the basket is big enough to hold all the fruity bounty.



I made a print using Wordle and some corny fruit sayings, and attached it to the basket handle.



This is the piece of fruit Little K brought in for her. We had to dress it up just a little. Isn't this apple cosy adorable?

I can't take the credit - I found the pattern here, and sent the materials to my Mom to crochet (since that's something I was never able to master).



She had so much fun making them - she whipped up a few extra. Guess what Little K's teachers are getting next year!

In addition to all the individual classroom efforts, the PTA also acknowledges all the Teachers with a Breakfast (on Monday), Lunch (on Wednesday) and Car Wash (on Friday).

Happy Teachers Appreciation Week to all our Teachers - and Thank You for all that you do!

Big 10 Birthday

We just celebrated Little K's 10th Birthday - Again.

Her actual Birthday was several weeks ago, but we were out of town on our annual Ski/Snow Trip with friends.



Not to worry - we brought along some cupcakes to celebrate.



Almond Cupcake with Raspberry Coulis Filling and Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting



And Vanilla Cupcake with Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Coconut Topping



10 candles just barely fit on that little cupcake



She also celebrated with her classmates and a Donut Cake.


But last weekend was her party at home with friends from school. It was one of the easiest parties I have ever done - mostly because Little K planned it herself. I was just there to execute it all.

The most time consuming thing was the cupcakes.



Her Party Theme was "Favorite Pets", so I had to decorate the cupcakes with each of our family pets.



Peanut Butter the Cat.



Tabby the Hermit Crab.



Baxter the Parrot (OK - it's really just a birdie - but it's in reference to our pet parrot).



Plus a little Puppy - because her guests have dogs.



I've been wanting to make these little pinwheels, and I had some extra cupcakes (since I made both chocolate and vanilla), so I used them as centerpieces.



The house was decorated simply with balloons and streamers.



I did add a little Happy Birthday Banner because I had some paper leftover from the pinwheels.



And I wanted to use my Cricut machine that I haven't played with much since I treated myself to the purchase.


The weekend celebration started with a trip to the roller rink.



Why is it that these places all look the same no matter where we live?
(note the Medieval Theme)
They haven't changed much in the 30+ years since I used to go as a kid.



I guess that's what makes it to much fun.




Then we headed home for pizza, snacks, cupcakes, presents...



...and a Sundae Bar.



While the girls were playing Twister - one of the neighborhood boys stopped by with some flowers for Little K.



His note is very careful to point out that the gift was just because they were friends, classmates and neighbors (just in case anyone might think there was some crushing going on). I'm sure his mother had something to do with it - but the sentiment is so sweet. I love our new neighborhood!

After more giggle time, movie watching and many rounds of Truth or Dare (thanks Aunt Lisa) - the girls finally fell asleep (and so did I).

I think I can get used to this low key kind of Birthday. Turns out Little K knows how to throw a mean party.
Until next year!

Rescued Bulbs

I have these sweet little bulbs popping up all over my back yard.



Poor little things have been chopped down by the lawn mower over and over again.



Their tiny little tops being cut off just when they think it's safe to peek out of the ground.

So today I rescued them. Dug them up from the yard.

I have no idea what they are:
Daffodils?
Narcissus?
Paper Whites?



With any luck - we'll find out soon enough.



They have been propped up in a pretty glass bowl, filled with pebbles and water and now sit by my kitchen window ready to drink up the sunshine.



I hope those little roots stretch their legs - right now they look pretty cramped and uncomfortable.



There are plenty more. These will be transplanted elsewhere in the yard. Somewhere safe from the lawnmower.



Next time - remind me that I have a perfectly good potting bench where these sorts of gardening adventures should take place instead of in the kitchen.

Better go mop up the muddy floor.

It's beginning to feel like Spring - at least today.