Memorial Day Showdown

These were the budget-friendly favors I created for the reception.

Memorial Day weekend has been a whirlwind so far. My house is a disaster, as I've been prepping for all sorts of "going ons." Saturday, I traveled to the city to decorate for my cousin Jennifer's house reception after she got married in a lovely park ceremony on Friday. Her new Mother-in-Law, Jeannie, was hosting. I was happy to be involved in this celebration and made some special favors for the guests ahead of time. I used Jennifer's favorite colors together (pink and brown) and decorated clear cups filled with Hypoteses plants. I love to decorate on a budget. I also found some limited edition Oreos that were pink (strawberry) and brown (cookie) for favors for the kids that attended. During the party I helped to cut the cake and pick up and keep things stocked and running smoothly. It was easy to do when I didn't have three children hanging off of me. David made it to the reception with the kiddies very late, as it was wrapping up. Jeannie said to me, "Aren't you tired after all the work you've done?" I said, "Are you kidding me? I'm more tired when I'm at home with my kids. This was fun!" (wink, wink---I love my kids---but I also love to have a chance to have a semblance of a creative outlet as well).

Close-up of favors and Jennifer & Johnny bridal napkins.

The decorative table in the entryway. I made a monogrammed book for guest to sign.

The gorgeous cake!

Irene (my Mother-in-Law), Jeannie (the Hostess), and Annie (Mother of the Bride).

Anyhow, Jennifer and Johnny were the happy couple. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and had a nice time. When my family left the party, we headed over to McDonalds (for the kids' benefit), as they hadn't eaten dinner yet. They played on the slides and had a blast! We drove the beautiful back country roads home (a way I had never been). People think I'm crazy, but I just can't get over how quaint and beautiful Alabama can be sometimes. It was such a nice drive---a perfect ending to a great day!The happy couple sipping a drink that Jennifer's daughters and my niece make for them!

A close up of the creative drink the kids made.

The kiddos---Lilly, Gracyn and Megan

Today, Sunday, held adventures as well. It was downpouring this morning, so I opted shorts and casual clothing for me and the kids for church. I popped into church and prepped the coffee table for our guests and sat down as service commenced. It has become nearly impossible for me to worship, as my child are simply squirmers at heart (Bekah especially)!!! I was also keeping tabs for the two boys sitting in front of me, as a favor. So I had my hands full :) I think I was keeping pew members either amused or pertubed... Between that and multiple potty breaks (Kaelah is potty training and I was being daring to let her wear underwear to church), I was pooped!

After church we had an all-church luncheon celebrating our high school graduates, which was nice. I made a dessert and had made the teens some little cards (with Starbucks inserts that I wanted to keep--ha). When we finally got the kids home and to naps, I headed out for some CVS and Publix deals. At CVS, after my Extra Care Bucks, I will have theoretically only spent $1.21 for feminine pads, bandages, nailpolish and toothpaste, as I earned $8 in ECB's. I'm still trying to get the hang of that... I get irritated when they are out of stock of certain things though. This is a pet peeve of mine. I mean, how may times do you think I'm going to get out alone and be able to get back there? Not very often!

My Publix trip was moderately successful. I retrieved my Mystery Penny Item (pasta sauce), and stocked up on some dairy and breakfast items. I did not have many coupons for the things I wanted to buy during the Buy 1 Get 1 deal frame. So I spend about $16 and saved $25. And they were out of the cereal that I needed to buy with my coupon in order to get my free milk.... rrrrrrrrrrr! I will have to go back again tomorrow for that. rrrrrrrrrrr!

Tonight, I attended a double baby shower for Delana and Leigh from our church at my friend Holly's house. Her new house was just built and it is beautiful (though she discovered she has a crazy neighbor who enjoys swearing at her at the top of his lungs from his front porch step). ha. Anyhow, Bekah managed to get her hands in a potty over there and Haleah and Kaelah "tore up" one of the kid's bedrooms, and I was working to fix it before I left. Bekah also managed to flip a play table. She is a wild one! She also wouldn't eat, except for the ice cream I offered her. I think her poor teeth are coming in. I did not get to watch the ladies open their gifts, as I was chasing children, but I am glad I got to attend, and Holly was gracious to have us!

Before we went in to Holly's house I had told Kaelah (because she's new to potty training) that she needed to tell me if she had to go potty and that I would take her. She told me that she would "not pee in Miss Holly's house." And she didn't. She went potty in the bathroom at Holly's twice, and I was proud. But as soon as we got home, Kaelah promptly sat on her Tinkerbelle couch and peed all over it. I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE. Let me repeat that: I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE!

So that's our Memorial Day weekend, SO FAR, in a very big nutshell. Tomorrow should be more low key. I am thankful and will reflect on the sacrifice that our service men and woman have given to us. They are true heroes.