Diaper Cake

I had to show off this diaper cake I made for a baby shower last night. Something may be seriously wrong with me because it made me so happy to create this little project. It was relatively easy to make, that is if you have a great husband like mine that humors you with your crazy ideas.

Ingredients:
About 50 size one diapers (this was a medium size cake - you could use different sizes if you choose, it would just change the size)
Bottle of baby shampoo
toilet paper roll
Ribbon and baby supplies of your choosing
Cake base (card board would work fine, but since I plan on doing this again I bought a package of bases at walmart)

1. Attach shampoo bottle to the base. Spread about 4 diapers 1 inch apart and stand up against the bottle. (I chose to use pampers swaddlers because they were mostly white and undecorated around the bottom.) Grab another set of diapers and continue to do the same, spiraling around the bottle, then tuck the ends behind each other when you've got it the size you want and have come full circle.
   
2. This is where your great spouse comes in. Have them hold as you do your spiral, then wrap some ribbon around and secure with a glue gun. Glue only to the ribbon so you don't ruin the diapers.
   
3. Repeat for the next layer, on top of the first around the upper portion of the shampoo bottle.
4. We stuck the toilet paper tube down over the lid of the shampoo bottle and then wrapped the third layer around. Decorate as desired. There are some pretty elaborate ones out there on the web, but I chose to go simple.
5. Admire it every time you walk past it for the next two days. Hey, if it makes you happy....
   

Shmalentines Day!

I think this goes down as our most uncelebrated Valentines Day ever. I felt awful over the weekend. We didn't have a romantic dinner, go to the movies or exchange glamorous gifts. There were no flowers, cutsie cards or fancy poems. I laid on the couch most of the day, we put the kids to bed and crashed early.

However, there is something about having your sweetheart take care of you. Phil was amazing. He took care of the boys, the housework, the shopping and my mental well-being. He really stepped it up and I think this will go down as the Valentine's Day when I adored and appreciated my valentine the most. It's amazing how hard times bring us together and I'm grateful for my husband and sons. They are wonderful! Thanks for being mine Phil.

On a side note, we did go to a Jazz concert a few weeks ago. The singer was Stacey Kent - you can check her out on youtube - this was my favorite song she did, but I thought it was better by herself, not with the other gal. The words really intrigued me. She had such a cute personality and beautiful, effortless voice. It turned out to be our Valentines celebration and it was great fun! I guess we haven't lost all of our charm just yet. (Thank goodness, we're only in our early 30's~ Good grief!!)

Nuts about you!

With Valentine's Day approaching, I thought I'd update you on the men in my life.
Mr. Micah
I have friends that could made this picture look much better, but I couldn't resist. Micah had to have 2 whoppers, and when I gave them to him, I realized it was one for each cheek! My little chipmunk is definitely my sweet tooth. He's asking for treats first thing in the morning. I guess he's figured out I give in sometimes. Micah's done a great job potty-training. He's trying to give up naps and grow up altogether, but I'm still trying to trick him into one once in a while.

Micah loves to pretend to be baby jaguar, baby bear, baby Gwingerbread boy etc. We're thrilled because a few months ago he would have just sliced us in half with a light-saber, we're happy that he is having a childhood after all. When he's happy, he's very fun to be around and already has a great sense of humor. Micah also loves to cut. I've never taught my 2 year old to use scissors, but somehow he's figured it out. He cuts strips of paper, then rolls them up. I don't know, but that sounds like a sign of a genius to me. He found a little pair of scissors that I use for sewing, just his size, and his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree! It was very cute!

Benjamin
This is a picture of Benjamin eating his favorite food, cottage cheese and crackers, on his "You are Special" plate from primary. And he is indeed special!! Ben has started reading and he is doing a great job!! It is fun to have him read to Jacob occasionally and we all love those funny characters in the SWIRL books. He's doing a great job in Kindergarten and loves to go to school. Ben's favorite thing right now is still Wall-e. He, Micah and his friend Aaron can play for hours, cleaning up trash etc. It's pretty cute. Ben has snapped out of the funk of few months ago, and is usually a very happy kid to be around. We love laughing with him and hearing his nonstop stories!


Jacob
Jacob is our snow boy. He has loved this winter and played in the snow quite a bit. We like having another helper that actually enjoys shoveling snow. Phil's hoping the other boys follow his lead!! Jacob does a great job reading and his favorite subject is math. Jacob loved his remote control helicopter from Christmas and loves to play the wii when he gets a chance.

I realized the past two weeks while Phil was gone, what good boys we have. They really get along so well and love to be together. Happy Valentines Day boys!

PS. I had to add these pictures of the three goof balls in their berets from grandpa and grandma in France. It supports the fact that they just have fun together.

Blog2Print

I just got an email from the company I did our blog book through. They are trying to spread the word, so if you go to their site and place an order, you can use this code MyBlog31MAR05580 to get 15% off your order. I was pleased with ours, but take no responsibility for any transactions with them...just passing the savings along!!

Good Friends

Ok, so I have to admit, I have been having a bit of a pity party this week. Just a little one. I don't know why we feel like we have to do that sometimes to make ourselves feel better (are you saying speak for yourself? Change that to I don't know why Jennie has to do that sometimes...) If you read the post below, you know that I wasn't the one taking that beautiful picture. I was the one home with the aforementioned screaming kids. That's really not true. They are great kids and I love them dearly. They actually do a fantastic job when Phil has to be gone and we do just fine.

But, I do miss adult interaction. Which is why I am so grateful for friends tonight. We live in a slightly older neighborhood with a lot of families who are a bit (I emphasize a bit!) more mature and experienced than we are, and it's great! They often help me to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and to enjoy the daily moments because they don't last. Anyway, I had one of these dear friends come rescue me and whisk me away to Enrichment tonight in her red suburban.

Now how fun can going to the Humanitarian Center for 2 hours and making hygiene kits be? Man, it was wonderful! To stand and talk and giggle with great, amazing women really lifted my spirits and buoyed me up tonight. All while being productive! I'm grateful for those that listen to promptings and act upon them. They make my life better. I hope to be like them when I grow up!

Picture this:

Far away from civilization. Nice sandy beaches. Warm, perfect weather. Crystal blue water. No screaming kids. A dream? Maybe for me, but Phil was asked to speak in the Dominican Republic last week and this was his view on the beach! Nice!

I don't brag enough about my dear husband. Besides doing fantastic work at his day job, he spends a lot of time lecturing around (and out of) the country. A few years ago he was debating whether or not this was the profession for him...maybe an early midlife crisis or something. But after long discussions, we decided instead of changing routes, he ought to try and become one of the best at what he does. I'm happy to say (in my humble opinion) that he has done just that! I'm proud of you Phil and all that you have accomplished. Muy bien!