Where are We?

I'll continue to blog important life events, but for everyday snapshots, follow us on Instagram @ sarahmccjacobs :)

Early Summer Photo Dump :)

Lots of Lounging

Painting

Swimming

Grilling

Silliness

Ben's 11th Birthday!

I would say the main theme of Ben's birthday was FOOD.

He wanted sushi for lunch at school.

Ben at Nagasaki waiting on his spicy salmon and crunch rolls

After he was fast asleep on his birthday eve, we set up a balloon wall in front of his door.

This was filled with regular balloons, large bungee balloons and neon glow-in-the-dark balloons. That's what happens when you send Dad to the store for balloons. He also came home with neon silly string and a confetti bomb.  The balloon wall was kind of a bust because the morning train woke Ben early and he was half asleep and confused.

The confetti bomb, however, went well. We let it off just as he was arriving home after school.

Then it was present time!

He has asked for an iPod Touch for 3 years! He thanked us 10 times in 3 minutes :)

In the evening, Ben dined at his favorite mexican food restaurant - El Mezcal 

And much later, we celebrated with a DQ Blizzard cake. YUM! I may have had two pieces..

Some traits of Ben at this age:

Continues to explore his love for food (like his mama)

Loves Boy Scouts and sharing that special time with Greg

All things Minecraft and Halo

Can't wait for middle school

Very creative and opinionated :)

Loves swimming and wants to continue to compete this fall

Enjoys reading and music

Enjoys playing Nerf guns, tag, and Green Ghost with his neighborhood buddies

It was a great day to celebrate a GREAT BOY!

We Have A Preschool Graduate!

Coming This Fall...Lost Creek Elementary!

Growing Up!

My little man is really growing up.

Yesterday, was middle school orientation. I was a little nervous to drop him off in this crowd of people, but Ben has no problem striking up a conversation with strangers :)

We topped off his day with ice cream because milestone days call for ice cream.

Overall, he enjoyed his day, signed up for art and band electives and really likes his fitness teacher/coach. That's pretty much all he would divulge.

This past Sunday, a new chore was explored...

Hard work, but I think he did great! I'm not very judgmental because I have absolutely no desire to mow. Zilch.

The boys continue to really enjoy their Boy Scout campouts and venture off again tomorrow night. Here are a few fish pics from the last one.

Daybreak

They keep their drinking cup tied to them! How cute is that?!

Impressive!

This past Monday, Ben  attended the Court of Honor and received his red scarf :)

 It wasn't long ago, he was struggling to keep that flag off the floor (sigh).

May Day

This is the first year we've made May Day baskets! It was a tradition for Greg growing up and he mentioned I should try and put something together with Ben, so that's what we did. Of course, I found some inspiration on Pinterest and completed the project for less than $20.

What I used:
Scrapbook paper, $5 for a 50 count tablet
Easter grass, $.08,  (75% off!)
2 boxes of Starburst, $1 (50% off)
2 boxes Laffy Taffy, $1 (50% off)
Gumballs, $2
Flower Seeds, $1.18 per packet
Ribbon, $.97
Stapler, tape, hole puncher

I simply shaped the paper into the cone, added a staple to secure, taped the sides, stuffed with goodies,  and tied ribbon and tags through punched holes. All in less than an hour!

Ben was super stealth with the delivery!

Here's hoping for some great May weather!

Easter Weekend 2014

The kids were out of school on Good Friday, so we hung out at home, then went to pick up Ben's new glasses!

This morning, the weather was gorgeous, so we headed to the park for a picnic (courtesy of Subway) and some play time.

Yesterday, we attempted to dye Easter eggs, but the fake Easter eggs that I thought were a BRILLIANT invention WOULD NOT TAKE THE DYE OR STICKERS OR GLUE! I let Ben use one of our real eggs to make one decent egg and then I threw everything in the trash and vowed to never dye Easter eggs again. 

Until next year, of course..

Today, I attempted to make up for The Great Egg Disaster of 2014 with some yummy holiday cupcakes!

Happy Easter!

Big Day!

Today, Mr. Ben went to the eye doctor!

And you guessed it! Another "4-EYES" in the family. I knew it was time when he was unable to read the menu board at a drive-through. "You can see that!?", he asked me. Of course I could see it. The words were two feet away.

He picked out an adorable pair of glasses that should be ready to lose to pick up in about a week.

And this munchkin has her first real loose tooth! We are watching her/it closely :) Look at the mischief in those eyes! She is too much!

Update: the tooth is out! Just a tiny tug post-bath. She didn't even notice!

Friday Favorites

Boy Scouts
 

This is just a great organization. Greg and Ben camp at least once a month with the troop and attend meetings together every Monday. I really like the boys in the troop and they are the same boys Ben plays with outside of Scouts, too. There are always great activities - tonight, Ben will serve/bus tables at The American Legion again and tomorrow will participate in the annual Scouting For Food event,followed by an afternoon of fishing with the group :) I purchased live bait today, which is hanging out next to the eggs in the fridge. Good times :-/

Sherwin Williams Paint Sale


This 40% sale only happens twice yearly + I had an additional $10 off coupon, so I purchased the 3 gallons it will take to spruce up our bedroom and bath. We think SW is the BEST paint.

Spring Weather
We hit upper 70s/low 80's this week and it is divine! Easter is right around the corner.

Guilt Trip

This is such a cute movie that Greg and I watched together.

We are also watching this, but I'm behind an episode. So far, so good.

Have a great weekend!

Birthday Week!

I know an actual birthday is only one day, but I really try to stretch it out for an entire week (an entire month if possible).

I started off the week with a trip to Omaha, where I did a lot of browsing and a little buying. I also went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  Let's start with that.

Mexican Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chocolate Truffle Tower

We all shared this when I arrived home :)

I started receiving goodies in the mailbox as the week went on. This is always so exciting!

This swimsuit from my Mom! Love! Everyone should get this swimsuit. So flattering!

A gift card from Grandma Deb! Target never gets old!

These Anthropologie stacking rings and tinted moisturizer from my sister

And this great tank and top from Greg :) I love it!

Speaking of birthdays, Ben went to a 4 hour party this past weekend, which included roller blading, dodge ball, lazer tag, and more! That is one extreme party. I was sure I would get a "Ben's broken his arm/leg" call, but he did fine!

 This will not upload properly, but Ben insisted on making home made cards for his friends. So sweet!

Getting the hang of it!

So the week is over and I am officially 38! Here's to a great year ahead!