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Happy BirthMONTH.

Because I was stupid bright enough to have both of my kids in April, it tends to be a crazy month for us. This year, though, crazy is putting it mildly.

I thought I’d make things simple and have a combined family birthday party for both of the kids.

That plan totally backfired.

Instead of having two birthdays, this has turned into a month-long celebration. First we had Sam’s birthday celebration at school. And then one on his actual birthday. Then we had their combined birthday party this Sunday. Friday is Kate’s actual birthday, when we’ll celebrate with her class at school and then go out to dinner and bowling. And then the week after that, we’ll have her “friend” birthday party at the skating rink (that is, if I ever get around to calling to schedule it. And then send invitations. So yeah, that’s questionable.). Not to mention, we’re like hemorrhaging money.

Shoot me.

Even though it stressed me out, their party turned out to be nice, and they had a ball. Here are some pictures, taken by my talented sister Anna.

Check out the cake. I made it myself!

Yeah right – we all know what happens when I bake a cake. Actually, I ordered it from our friend Cortney at Sweet Top Cakery!

Isn’t it cute?

And Luanne at Lulee’s Lollies outdid herself this time – the Star Wars characters she made were amazing!

I only have one birthday party tip, but it is a good one – scoop ice cream into muffin tins before the party to avoid craziness when it’s time to cut the cake!

Kate, aka Princess Leia.

Sam’s lightsaber collection was enough to keep all the kids (and some of the adults) occupied.

Kate and Joshua “fighting.”

Jenny’s husband Bobby is an excellent multitasker.

This is my niece Lily reenacting the scene where Vader gets his hand cut off.

Kate takes this all very seriously.

Cutiepie Jonah.

Kate and her Chewbacca lollie.

The birthday boy.

Looking back on it, I guess it wasn’t that bad. But May can’t get here soon enough!

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Gimme a (Spring) Break, Ohio!

Today starts Spring Break for both of my big kids.  And Facebook statuses of all my other mom friends have me feeling a little guilty.  Everyone’s all “YAY, Spring Break, I can’t wait to spend quality time with my kids!” And I’m all, “Yay. Spring Break. I can’t wait to have 12 hour days with all three kids.”  Are you picking up my sarcasm?

I like it when my kids are in school. Sue me.  I live in fear of the summer.  Perhaps it is because my husband works very long hours, perhaps I am just the worst mother in the world, but I am not that excited about spring break this week.  I am excited about Thursday and Friday, when my hubby has taken the day off so that we can ALL be together!  But Monday through Wednesday, I just can’t get jazzed about!

I think maybe, just MAYBE it has something to do with the fact that THIS is the FORECAST:

So, it’s either 5 days straight in the house or 5 days straight at the mall play place, apparently.

Yee-haa.

Good thing I’ve got some new board games to review!

What are you doing (or did you already do) for spring break with your kids this year?

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Celebrate Earth Month with Scott Naturals

I didn’t realize this, but because of the popularity of Earth Day, April has been declared Earth Month. The actual Earth Day is on April 22nd, otherwise known as Kate’s birthday. Last year when she was in kindergarten, we started a tradition of bringing “dirt pudding” to her classmates to celebrate both occasions at once!

In honor of Earth Month, I’m participating in a campaign to change the way we use recycled paper products in our homes.

About a year and a half ago, I took a graduate course in philosophy. It was really quite interesting (even though I almost decided enough was enough on the day I walked in and the professor said we were going to go outside and observe a tree for eight minutes) and thought provoking, and one of the things that stuck out to me was a video we watched about the process of making paper. My grandfather spent his career working in a paper mill, and that man loved him some paper. Even now, in advanced stages of dementia, when he gets his hands on a greeting card or anything else he’ll touch, smell, and even taste it to determine… well, I’m not exactly sure what he is trying to determine, but I guess it’s what kind of paper it is or how it was made or something! But anyway, when I learned about the damage the paper industry he loved so has done to our environment, I must say it made me a little sad.

As we all know, though, recycling paper makes a big difference. According to Wikipedia, “The United States Environmental Protection Agency has found that recycling causes 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution than making virgin paper.” So recycled paper is the way to go.

The paper I use most, though, is in my home – paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper… not thing I generally get excited about being “recycled” – aka scratchy. In my experience, they aren’t as nice as regular ones (and really, using “nice” paper towels is more important than, you know, the Earth continuing to exist. Yes, clearly I need to examine my priorities.)

Enter Scott Naturals. They’ve created the world’s first line of “hybrid” paper products, including bath tissue, paper towels, flushable moist wipes and napkins by combining the green benefits of recycled fiber with the quality we all want, making it easy to “go green.”

They want to encourage everyone to try out their products for four weeks – which, if everyone did it, would save two million trees. Oh, and by taking this 4-Week Test Drive Challenge, you’ll be entered to win a new hybrid sedan.

To make it even better, Scott Brands will donate $1 to the Natural Wildlife Federation for each person who clicks on this link. – up to $25,000. That’s all you have to do – click here and they’ll donate a dollar.

Want to try out Scott Naturals for yourself? You can enter to win this gift pack:

To enter, leave a comment telling us what you and your family do that’s green.

For extra entries, click here, and Scott Brands will donate $1 to NWF for YOU and/or take the 4-Week Test Drive Challenge, and leave separate comments telling us you did so.

The contest will end on Thursday, April 21 at 5p.m. EST and a winner will be chosen randomly.

To learn more about Scott Naturals, visit their website, “like” their Facebook page or follow #ScottNaturals on Twitter.

Good luck!

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I received a package of Scott Naturals and additional compensation via this campaign through The Motherhood, but as always, the thoughts and opinions are my own!

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