Birthday Eve Eve

That's right folks, in two more days it is my birthday. And as this landmark 3oth event is rapidly approaching, I have to admit that I am totally experiencing some major anxiety! Now, before I get lots of comments from anyone older than me that 30 is not old and that I'm such a baby, etc. let me just explain. It's not that I think 30 is "old," it's just that it sounds so much older than I feel. In my deluded mind, I'm just barely out of my college years and still "young," "fresh," and "hip." Hahahaha. Haha. Now that I'm approaching my 30's, I finally have to be a grown-up. Because apparently the 4 kids under my belt hasn't done the trick yet. Woe is me.

To ease this transition into the rest of my life, I have a super party planning committee to thank. To silence all my moaning and groaning and whining and complaining about turning 30, Scott has been working overtime to ensure that this birthday is one for the ages. And since my birthday is on a Sunday this year, the festivities will commence tomorrow! I can't wait to see what kind of surprises are in store. I mean come on, Scott has even created an Excel spreadsheet to aid in his planning and prepping for the event! And I can't underestimate the planning capabilities of those kids of mine, either. Based on the agenda Ethan just brought down for me after an impromptu party planning session with the girls when they were supposed to be going to bed, it looks like they will be taking care of me as well. All-in-all, it's nice to be spoiled every now and then. Hahaha.

(Scott working on my birthday plans as we speak)

(The Party schedule according to the kids -- in case you can't read the list of activities, here they are: 0.) Sleep, 1.) Surprise, 3.) Present time, maybe decorate cookies, 5.) Sing, 6.) Cake time, maybe cupcakes, maybe ice cream, 9.) Party bags, 10.) Baby-sitter. I'm not quite sure what kind of numbering system he was using. Hahaha.)

Alright, now that THAT is out of my system -- here is what else we've been up to.

• Snow
• Snow
• and more Snow

• Potty training Sophie (FINALLY)

• Snowman building

• Valentine's Day

• and more Painting (this time the Laundry Room -- I'll post pictures when I'm finished [and don't worry, it won't take as long as the kitchen and family room])

So pretty much just same old, same old. Nothing too new or exciting going on. So basically this is a pretty lame post. To spice things up, let's debate the following: Would you classify me as a "Type A" personality? Because apparently that's what I appear to be according to a random stranger who was chatting with me while standing behind me in line at the post office a couple of weeks ago. Hmmm. I'm not quite sure what I even said in our conversation that would prompt this kind of comment from him, but now it's got me really paranoid about what kind of impression I leave on people.

Apparently perfect strangers standing behind me in all kinds of lines lately feel comfortable striking up conversations with me as evidenced by a recent encounter while grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. As I was checking out after a big shopping trip the other day, I heard someone say "what's a free space?" And I was like, huh? Is she talking to me? So, I turn around and find this lady looking over my monthly menu that is still hanging over the handlebar of my buggy (or shopping cart as most of you call it). I answered her question quickly while trying to get the rest of my groceries on the conveyor belt and then it became 20 Questions or something! "Do you mind if I take a look at your menu?" (sure, go ahead) "Do you have a leftover night once a week?" (usually, it just depends on how much is leftover) "How many kids do you have?" (four) "How old are they?" (6, 5, 3, & almost 6 months) "Do you do all your grocery shopping at Wal-Mart?" (mostly -- it's definitely cheaper, but if we run out of milk or bread or need just a few things we'll usually just run to our local Kroger) "Do you always make up a monthly menu?" (In theory, yes -- in actuality making up the menu is my least favorite part of the process and in most months a couple of weeks usually go by before I finally get around to making one) "What do you serve on the side?" (a fruit and a vegetable) "Thanks, I always like to get new ideas for what to make for dinner" (no problem, you're welcome).


So there you have it. And in case you're still wondering, Free Space means whatever is easy (like canned soup or frozen pizza), leftover, or the kids can do themselves (such as cereal or Pop Tarts). Just call me "Mother of the Year."

And finally -- a parting shot:

In addition to sucking her thumb, Jane has taken to playing with her hair at the same time. Precious.

Alright, I'm out. Peace.

Addendum
Okay, I'm not quite out, yet. I just went to go kiss the kiddies goodnight before going to bed myself and found this sight in Grace's room.





They really made Party Bags for me. Tender. I'm getting kind of excited for my birthday...