The "Promise me, No skydiving parties" Contest!

(Read + Comment = You'll be entered to win!)

Birthday parties have become mini adventures for my kids. One weekend it’s a princess tea party including dress-up, makeup and fashion show. The next weekend it’s breaking boards at a karate party.

What ever happened to some games, some cake, and then watching the birthday boy/girl open presents? I remember THAT WAS the entertainment.

I have to admit that I am guilty of elaborate parties including Elmo, pony rides, and DJs. And I have to admit that a part of me is thrilled the Twofer gets to try so many different things at the expense of someone else (oh please, so are you). Each new experience has left them with a huge smile, and for the most part, a good boost to their self-confidence. Trying new things even when you don’t want to, or are afraid, is a good thing.

Last weekend was no exception. The Twofer was invited to a climbing party at Earth Treks. M flat out refused to even look at the climbing wall. I didn’t push and simply said she needed to be friendly and wish our host a happy birthday…but we were staying. L, as usual, was shy but definitely wanted in on the action.

L taking on some vertical

L donned a hardhat, harness and web of rope and proceeded to stick her fingers and toes onto little nooks and crannies and climb up a fake, 2-story rock wall.

As usual, M’s twin-competitive streak in her won out and she got in that climbing gear quicker than you can say “listenmissy”.

M having changed her mind

She charmed her way to the front of the line and she was up that wall about 4 feet and said, “I’m ready to come down now!”

Well after 3 tries, both girls reached the top of that 2-story wall and I didn’t even have a heart attack. Of course, they were assisted (and safely tethered) by some very nice Earth Treks guys who tried to get me up there. Sorry, my thighs were not meant to be pinched and squeezed into those straps and I don’t need people staring up at my, um, padunk-adunk.

(The best part? The grandmother wanted to try climbing and I got to wear her huge diamond! Karma baby.)

Meemaw's Rocks on my pinky

Last time we hung with this particular boy the girls were tied to a rope and standing on a board about 50 yards from the back of his parents motorboat. Yes, some call it water skiing. I call it starting your 4 year old on the path to the X Games. So I made the mom promise me, No skydiving parties!

Have you thrown or taken your kid to a unique birthday party? Break it down for me (please, 200 words or less) in the comment section (by Friday 10/10/08) and you'll be entered to win a drawing for a Shrinky Dinks book from Klutz!

(Comments left after Friday are appreciated but won't qualify for the drawing.)

ScaryMom

Why I work (in between blogging, Facebook and Twitter)

Lately I find I'm scheduling my work hours around all the other things I love to do (as mentioned above). When the Twofer started kindergarten this year people would ask me, "What are you going to do with all that time?" To which, I responded, "Work more!"
I love working and find it makes me a better mom because I get to break out of that role a few days a week. Plus, I get to feed my hunger for accessories.

Recently Laura at Confessions of a Diet Coke Addict started a weekly blog series featuring a working mom of the week. I submitted a post and was picked for this week! Let's give a big Twofer Thumbs Up to Laura for honoring working moms of all types.

Of course this means I have to start working more so that I continue to qualify.

ScaryMom

Givewaway: 24 Handbags in 24 Hours!

There is a new site about to launch called Handbag Planet and they are going to be giving away a handbag every hour the first day they launch.

All you have to do is go to Handbag Planet, enter with your first name and email (I like that it's limited information) and pick the bag you hope to win (again, nice of them to give us a choice). If you want more chances you can link to their Facebook or Myspace page and, of course, blog about it.

I'm going for the chartreuse colored bag with lots of space. I love that color green. And Mr. Scary will be so happy if I win because then I don't have to go out and buy a new fall handbag (my favorite accessory).

Keeping my fingers crossed,
ScaryMom

3 key words for times like these... Let it Go.

Fellow blogger Mommy Meryl came up with the idea of "Let it go on Tuesdays" and after Monday's financial meltdown combined with a Twofer meltdown, I just couldn't resist jumping on this "Om" bandwagon. For me, if this to really work, I have to list exactly what it is I want to let go of for today, if not longer. (This might just replace my Weekly Worry List!)

1. the nation's financial mess
2. the presidential election
3. the fact that HBO canceled Tell Me You Love Me
(I know, old news, but I'm not over it yet)

So I encourage you all to leave a comment (you're so good at sending me emails but I need you to comment here so that I feel legit) and tell me what you are letting go of today.

Ommmmm,
ScaryMom

Unfinished Business

Here is a brief list of things I've started over the past 5 years, and never seem to get back to:

1. Jewelry making

2. The Twofer's baby books - not to be confused with...

3. The Twofer's scrapbooks

4. Sorting, framing or otherwise storing the BEST of the Twofer's artwork

5. Stamping a collection of gift tags (so I always have one)

Notice the craft theme here. This is the short list. The list I have in my head goes on and on. For 5 years (not a coincidence the Twofer is 5) I start projects and then never find the time to get back to any of it. Until, hopefully, now.

I was talking with a few friends of mine recently and discovered I'm not the only one with this problem. In fact, I'm not the only one with a supply of beads, tools, scrapbook paper, stamps, etc. Combined, we could fill a small garage with our "collections".

Jewelry making mess

That's when we came up with the idea of picking a monthly date when we get together and DO some of this! It would give us an excuse to get together and catch up, plus we might actually feel a sense of accomplishment.

Scrapbook/photos/artwork mess

And once we've completed our own crafts, I found a great website for suggestions so we can continue these monthly meetings til the kids are in college.

Twofer Thumbs Up to Kiddio.org, a weekly collection of ideas and links from all over the web. From crafts (mini notepads that looked easy peasy to make) to cooking (make your own toaster pastries) to fun stuff to do with the kids (bubble painting) kiddio has an ever-changing list of options.

I'm looking forward to this new excuse to visit with my friends and have a glass of wine and I can't wait get my crafty on!

Now all we have to do is pick the date. Let's hope that doesn't take another 5 years.

Committed to crafting,
ScaryMom