More shower stuff.....

Thought I'd add a few more shots from Saturday's shower here. Sorry, I do realize that my shots are all out of focus, thanks to a smudge on the lens. (Thanks kids) So, until I can get that remedied, you'll have to put up with these.

Turn out the lights, the party's over.

Whew. I survived. Barely. Thank goodness for my very good friend, Jenny, who came and helped and really should get the credit for pulling it off. As usual, I still had a million things left to do when guests were arriving. She got busy in the kitchen and got it all done, so that I could do my hostessing duties. I think it all went over really well- there were lots of positive comments. The only things I would do differently for next time I won't even mention here as they are only my perfectionism getting in the way. I got 5 hours of sleep on Thursday, and only 3! on Friday, so needless to say I am exhausted. So, without further ado, here is the evidence.

Fruit platter



Chicken Salad Sandwiches w/ Rosemary and Smoked Almonds



Raspberry Swirled Lemon Cheesecake Squares

Ta Da!

The invite. Of course, I think it looks better in real life than it does here, but you get the idea. They were very fun to create, although a bit time consuming to put together. They seem to be well received. I am drawing from this invite for the "theme" of the shower. A vintage look with grass green, salmon pink, ivory and silver. So far, so good! On the inside was a poem (found on the internet), that asks each guest to use the enclosed bag and put a little something extra inside. A jar of spice, a sponge for the kitchen sink, a bottle of hand soap... you get the idea. Also, a request for their favorite recipe. So, I included a couple sheets of tissue, the gift bag and a recipe card.

Okay! Deap breath in! And out......

The stress level is mounting. So much to do and so little time! And my tendency is to make sure the really important things get done first, like completing the favors, and doing some re-decorating. Who wants to wash windows and toilets and floors?? Besides, my philosophy is those things HAVE to get done, right? So, my using my method then, EVERYTHING will get done. All the cleaning and scrubbing, plus all the fun extras. Okay, okay. I'll admit. It does tend to make things a little more stressful, but it's more fun that way. Right? right?

So, here are the goals for today.

1. Get breakfast dishes done and kitchen tidy.
2. Bring DS4 to speech.
3. Go to post office and mail clothing return.
4. Thoroughly scrub my second level. (Started last night- need to do bathrooms and floors.)
5. Cook chicken for Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
6. Clean Main Floor- Bathroom, Entryways, Dining Room and Laundry.
7. Finish putting favors together.
8. Make signs for directions.
9. Get groceries and run remaining errands.
10. Clean fridge.
11. Put groceries away.
12. Fall into bed in an exhausted pile of weariness and giggle myself to sleep at the sheer thrill of it all.

I think I need a different hobby.

I made the decision that I am going to keep the weight-loss aspects of my life separate from this blog. I will be starting a new blog for all of that jazz.

I am hosting a bridal shower for the fiance of my bil on Saturday. I have tons. of stuff. to. do. And my throat is sore and I want to go back to bed. But I have 5! kids at home today (DD7 is home sick) so I'll be lucky if I can stay on top of the situation, let alone get anything done above and beyond breakfast, lunch, supper, feedings, diapers and general supervision and refereeing. Ack! What was I thinking??!?! Oh, it's not the first time I've done this to myself. You see, I LOVE hosting and entertaining. I would love to create my own event planning business. Not sure if I have large amounts of talent, but it is a passion of mine. So, whenever there is an opportunity to pretend, I usually jump at the chance. And then stress about how I am going to find the time to pull off all of these fun, wonderful ideas that I must! do!, plus cook, clean, shop all while being the mom. I must figure out how to post pics, because I think it would be fun to put up a pic or two now that I have a place to do just that.

Well, baby is calling my name. (Waaah-ahhhh-ah!) The good news of the day is I am hoping to surprise DH tonight. He will not be home until late as he has appointments, but I am going to pick up my 15yo brother to come and do some yard work. I hope to have things looking spiffy when J gets home from work. Wish me luck!