Birthday Festivities

 I have been wanting to throw Chad a real birthday party for a while. This year was the year. If we can't celebrate 50, what can we celebrate? A few week ago I bought decorations and started really planning this party. I planned a game, food, drinks, and invited friends and family. 

Chad and I spent a good portion of our morning shopping for the party. First, we went to ARC to find a new punch bowl (this one has cups and a ladle with it), a pretty severing platter (Noel said I couldn't use the Girls Scout one I use for most things), and a couch cover. I was so excited to find a punch bowl and platter that matched. It was a very successful trip. (I think I have gotten to be pretty good at thrifitng.) Then, we went to the grocery store for the party food. I already had everything I needed to make the German chocolate cake including the frosting (a true sign that I love this man). We just needed chips, dip, veggies, cheese, crackers, and olives. There was a buy two, get three free sale on chips, so we got more than we would normally. There were various ecoupons and sales on many of the other items we needed as well. Overall, we spent a lot more than planned, but he only turns 50 once. 

When it came to party time, we had all of the kids in our home helping set up decorations and set up food. A lot of people showed up to celebrate this big day with Chad. They brought various treats and gifts. We played a game of "Who Knows Chad Best" in which I asked 11 questions and let them answer them either out loud or in their heads. Then, Chad would give the answers. I had each person keep score in their heads. Noel won. She only got one wrong. Chad's brother got second place with six correct answers. It seemed the main question people knew the answer to was where we met (at work in the Dish Network call center). They really tried to figure out the answers to questions, like what high school he graduated from, based on what they already knew about him. It was a fun game, and I wish I had more questions I could ask. 

I love Chad more than I ever thought possible. I am so glad that I could put this together for him and show him how much he is loved. 

Our Favorite Christmas Party

 

Every year, Chad and I are invited to the Riemans’ Christmas party. It gets bigger and bigger every year, and it is always fun. They have a few games, play Christmas songs on chimes, and have a white elephant gift exchange. In the past, we have won a few games including an ugly sweater contest. 

This year, I went alone because Chad went to a lacrosse game with his brother. I was so nervous because I don’t typically do well in big crowds. I was pleasantly surprised to feel comfortable as I found a person to attach myself to. We laughed and joked most of the night. She helped me get the gift I actually wanted with strategic steals, and I came home with a s’mores kit included an electric s’mores warmer. It will be a perfect addition to our appetizer dinner on Christmas. 

I love going to this party each year. I’m not sure it would feel like Christmas if I didn’t go. 

Start of Noel’s Birthday Week

Noel’s 18th birthday is in a few days. We try to make the 18th special. (Of course, it gets a bit bigger with each kid.) Adding to my desire to make this one bigger than others is the fact that her last few birthdays haven’t been great and she has needed a bit extra attention lately. This means I am doing my best to spoil her this year. 

Today, she had some friends over to celebrate with her. She made it clear that she wanted to be the one who planned it and didn’t want me hovering. She asked us to buy fruit and veggie trays. We also got chips and some appetizers for our dinner and for the girls to eat. Once they were all here, they mostly stayed in Noel’s room while we kept the dogs out of the way. It sounds like they had a good time. 

The next celebration is on Wednesday when we take all of us to dinner and decorate the Christmas tree. I hope she feels special. (That is always my goal even if I occasionally fail.)