Lessons from THE FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY DECORATING COMMITTEE:

1)  Tape dispensers are a good thing.  Note:  We didn't have one.

2)  Whenever possible, ask the kind people who deliver tissue paper pom-pom's to also assemble them before arrival.  Instructions - even when in "best friend language" - don't always cut it.  Especially when working under pressure....

3)  The polka dot straws that you've been DREAMING OF may just show up compliments of the tissue paper pom-pom people.  They believe in spectacular first birthday parties too - polka dot straws INCLUDED! 

4)  Have chocolate cake in the fridge.  One made by somebody else, obviously.  You have enough to do!

5)  Streamers go wild if you let them.  On the ground, in wheel formation seemed to be the key in preventing seriously unwanted twisty-ness. 

6)  The child who is celebrating the first birthday?  Should probably be in another room from you.

7)  Throwing out random hashtags provokes a giggle and relieves tension.  #thegarlandneedsmoretape  #lookathowmuchtapewehaveused  #aboutthattapedispenser

8)  If you've dreamed too big for the time frame, have reinforcements on speed dial.  Good people like Steve Q. who can fly in and help save the day!  (Thank you, Steve!!!)

9)  Don't place chairs under the tissue paper pom-pom's that have been taped to the ceiling.  They may not stay in place for the entire duration of the party.  They may fall down and give a guest a fright.  They may do this more than once. 

10)  Make ZERO PLANS after the event is over.  You may just pass out by 8 o'clock.  Even if it's Valentine's Day.  Even if your baby is asleep.  Even if you and your husband have the house to yourselves.... 

Party Set-Up is WELL Underway!

Emily came over right after school yesterday to do some setting up.  Thank goodness she did, too!  After four solid hours of work, we still have much more to do this morning....

What we accomplished yesterday?  Tissue paper pom-poms, streamer curtains, colourful-circle-garland-making, happy birthday banner hanging and giant caterpillar posting.  Phewff.  A big HIGH FIVE to Gem for doing all of the prep work behind these decorations.  (For real, once you see pictures, you will understand the HOURS and HOURS of cutting, pasting, and drawing that the BEST GODMOTHER EVER put into this event).

This morning we need to run to the grocery store to pick up the food, favours, and drinks.  Then we will swing by the Auntie's house and bring her back to our place for more pre-party fun.  Phil, Nory and Mom P will be heading out for a little Valentine's Day breakfast/shop, while Emily and I work to complete the first birthday details.  And Steve too.  He has graciously agreed to come over as a reinforcement.  Thanks, Steve!!!

It all sounds like a lot of work.  And it is.  But Em and I had the best time last night.  We were so overtired that everything was funny - every little mess-up made us laugh hysterically.  We've been working on a list of lessons we've learned throughout the process so stay tuned!  We may just make YOUR next event MUCH EASIER, haha.

Hooray for celebrations.  Did you remember to hop on a plane yesterday?  Here's to hoping you special people back home are mid-flight-to-Kuwait! ;)  (Kidding, sort of.)

LOVE YOU! xo 

Happy 1st Birthday Nory!!!

So many great memories put together by Bubby! xo

Your Daddy and I may have dark circles under our eyes but we have SO MUCH LOVE in our hearts for YOU!  You really, truly are our "bright shining one" Miss Eleanor.  

We love you!
XOXO

It's First Birthday EVE!!!!!!

With Nory's FAVOURITE thing being bath time, we decided that a good pre-party to the party-party would appropriately take place in this very spot.  Ladies and gentlemen, you're looking at a mini-birthday-party-in-a-bathtub!  It's all ready to go for tomorrow night.......after a basketball game, that is.  Yep, the game doesn't even stop for FIRST BIRTHDAY'S of FIRST BORN'S!!!!!!   

We have Disney fairy balloons, foam hearts and foam #1's, colourful bathtime fish, a "my first Disney Princess" doll, and some cozy jammies for bed.  More details on the baby Ariel?  First of all, she's baby version and extra adorable.  Second of all, her fin changes colour with temperature.  And lastly, her companion Flounder is present in LOOFAH FORM!!!  As for those zebra p.j.'s, Nory is a big fan of the show "Zou" and so now she can match one of her favourite tv pals.

Of course we couldn't leave out cupcakes.  There's ALWAYS cupcakes.  Strawberry ones.  That have yet to be iced but smell really good fresh from the oven!!!  Girlie will get to blow out reach for and try to touch some candles and enjoy the sweet treat if she likes.  Although.....she didn't seem to care much for cake during the cake smash shoot.  More on that to come.

Ahhhhh.  Last few hours with an under-one-year-old.  Eeeeeee!!!!!!!!

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

*  It must be said that my sister is OUT-BLOGGING me.  Yes, today she posted THREE NEW STORIES and it encouraged me to get back on the wagon ;)  THANK YOU, DANA!

*  Mom P arrived safely on Friday night, but her luggage did not.  We waited two days for it to come to our doorstep and let's just say the cortisol levels were SKY-HIGH in this house.  It was an entire "birthday party in a bag" and the thought of it all going missing was heart-breaking for all involved!  Thank goodness it's here now.  Every day it seems to deliver a new little gift to each of us!  HOORAY! 

*  The U14 track meet was on Saturday.  Phil ended up running the show (microphone and all!) and the rest of the family ended up cheering beside the track.  Except for Nory who SOMEHOW managed to get INSIDE the track with a certain VIP ;)  The BULLDOGS did outstanding and many of our kids placed first, second and third!

*  Yesterday the middle school students were BONKERS.  I have no idea what was going on - a full moon, a massive candy blow-out sale on Saturday - whatever it was, I hope it never, ever happens again. 

*  Today we walked to Pizza Express after school.  The weather in Kuwait is still a bit cool at times, but when you're walking in the sunshine, it is JUST PERFECT!  Nory took on the role of shift supervisor while we were there, making sure all employees were doing their jobs well.  She also took on the role of entertainer as she brought smiles to the neighbouring patrons.  It was a fun and delicious time :)

*  OLYMPICS RULE.  Sometimes I wish they were on all the time, but I suppose that would make them too normal and un-special.  We look forward to those rare weeks where we go home from work with ONE PLAN ONLY:  to watch The Games.  No other plans needed.  Just pajamas, a beverage, and the remote control will do!  

*  Tomorrow is VALENTINE'S CARD DELIVERY DAY!  I know that the holiday is on Friday, but we don't work on Friday's.  And people don't always check their mailboxes on a regular basis.  So, tomorrow it is!!!  I wrote out 64 of them today.  Like a boss. 

*  Our girl turns ONE in two sleeps.  Tonight Cathy asked me how I felt about it.  The honest answer?  NOT GOOD.  It went by way too fast.....

*  The next few days will be busy with party details and decorating.  I wish you could all be here to celebrate with us!  I know a really good photographer that will take many pictures for you though!  And with a MAMA-RAZZI like ME, you know you'll feel as though you were there too! xo

P.S. Do these come in LADIES sizes?

Tonight I had a mini panic attack that Nory would have nothing to wear on Valentine's Day.  I was about to talk to Phil about this issue - and about a last minute trip to the store - when I decided to settle down, act a little more rational and check her wardrobe first.  I put Nory in her crib to play and started pulling out shirts that would be appropriate for this heart-filled holiday.  I stumbled upon the following collection: 

It's safe to say that Valentine's Day is COVERED. 

Onto St. Patrick's Day.  I really don't think she has anything that is green.........

No Title / I Can't Think of One ;)

HI THERE (said in the very familiar voice of one of Nory's Fisher Price toys)! I haven't sat down to write for a while and the honest truth is that I simply haven't felt like it.  I suppose I was feeling a little bummed at times this week.  Kinda sad and gloomy and I woke up today with HEARTS on my mind!  Glittery ones.  And delicious ones.  And there's something about this shape that just HELPS.  

The week went by pretty quickly.  Nory was happy to be taken on many after-school outings to our school or other schools for some sports action.  Phil is deep into the basketball season in every way possible (does his coaching mind every stop?!).  And I enjoyed many well-rehearsed performances from my grade six students.  There was lots of running around and planning and marking and playing and cheering and chasing and wanting-to-be-sleeping.  Hence the fast work week!  Hence the fast school year.  Hence the "we're going to be home for summer SO SOON!".

Now it's the weekend.  HOORAY!  Today was special and I hope to share photos with you soon.  It involved a cake, an almost-one-year-old, and an Auntie Gem.  Eeeee!  I think an editing process is underway and we will get to see some of these sweet moments soon. 

In other news, I DO believe the winner of The Biggest Loser looks way to skinny.  I DO love Google's most recent search page.  I DO believe in steam-ironing as a form of relaxation.  I DO think that extra strength Tylenol is intended for people bigger than me.  I DO love my newest read "Wonder".  I DO think that "The Fosters" has potential to become addicting after viewing episode one.  I DO love me some zesty italian bbq chicken in the slow cooker. 

As for the going-on's of NOW, we are THRILLED to discover that we will be able to watch the Olympics here in Kuwait.  The opening ceremonies is on right now and we are quite enjoying it (British accents and all!).  It seems that we are in the perfect time zone to watch events AS THEY HAPPEN.  Here's to a safe Olympic games!  GO CANADA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

LAST BUT NOT LEAST - Phil will be leaving for the airport in about 45 minutes to pick up Mom P!!!!!!!  (And her 56 pounds of Nory spoilage, I'm sure!)  Here's to hoping she gets through customs quickly so they can get home quickly for a late night tea party!!! 

Sending much "wish we were cheering on Team Canada side by side" LOVE! xo

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

*  Phil is home and things have returned to SWELL!  The boys placed second in the tournament, losing to an all-American team by only 7 points.  SEVEN POINTS!!!!  I am so incredibly proud of Phil and his team.  If you only knew how much the team has improved since day one - four years ago!  It's UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

*  When I told you it was basketball season, I wasn't kidding.  IT IS BASKETBALL SEASON.  Meaning Phil got home late Saturday night from a basketball tournament, he had a varsity basketball game after school yesterday, and we watched a U14 game after school today.  He has a practice tomorrow after school and another game Wednesday after school. He has a practice Thursday after school and a men's league game on Friday afternoon.  Saturday afternoon he takes a break from ball as he coaches the U14 team at the track and field meet all day long.  HA! 

*  Re-wind to last night's game.  THEY WON!  And it was the first time they beat that school since we've been here!  (It happens to be our new school, too!).  WAY TO GO BOYS!!!!

*  You're not going to believe this, but the one drinking the cup of coffee in front of the last quarter of the Super Bowl this morning was ME and NOT PHIL!  He was exhausted and I somehow went against my "I HATE FOOTBALL" beliefs to engage in the hype at 5 a.m.  Alas, it wasn't so much of a "hype" in my opinion....

*  My kids are preparing presentations in class this week and one creative group decided to do a PUPPET SHOW!  I couldn't be more excited!!!! 

[I really did intend to say more, but my mind has completely shut down and it's time for bed.  SORRY!]

Drama School.

This here is funny.

But in other news, we had a big fright last night when the apartment above us was broken into.  I locked the front door, piled random baby devices in front of it, and slept in the living room beside a baseball bat. 

So, Dear Daddy, please OH please DO COME HOME!!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Not The Bravest Soul You've Ever Met

Reasons I LOVE THIS FEBRUARY:

*  Let's begin with really good thing number one:  PHIL ARRIVES HOME TONIGHT!!!!

*  Basketball season continues!!!!  (Nornado better watch out.  I'm soccer mom 2.0!)

The best shot I could get of Grandma's Girl On The Go!

*  Mom P arrives Friday night and will be here for three weeks!  We have some big plans for her:  giant sandcastles, camel races, a kite festival and MORE!

*  Nory turns ONE on February 12th.  AHHH!  Her party will be on the 14th.

*  VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!  I disagree with the nay-sayers about this one.  Who cares that it is commercialized?  And SO WHAT if some people feel extra lovey-dovey on this day?  I'm all for embracing the red, pink & ADORATION.  It's, I think, my second favourite holiday.  Although I really do love them all........

*  I travel to Dubai to see Dana at the end of the month!  Three nights with my long, lost sissy!!!  Eeee!

*  The "K" from ELK LODGE is coming to Kuwait!!!  FINALLY!!!!!!  He will be here into March as well :)

I know that some people tend to feel a little down this month.  The weather is still BLAH and the ra-ra-ra of V-Day can make others feel blue.  BUT.........the good news for these folks is that this month is the SHORTEST ONE and it's the gateway to warmer temps and spring flowers :)  HANG IN THERE!!!!!  (And if you're in DIRE NEED of some CHEER, just HOLLA!!!!!) xo