Spring Time Happenings

We've been busy around here at the Parrish house, and as a result I've slacked on my blogging. Here's a little glimpse into what we've been up to.

In April John went to Helsinki, Finland and Berlin Germany as part of his MBA program. *lucky*

He tried to pull the ole' I missed you and it wasn't any fun. Blah Blah Blah. We all know he had a blast.

One Sunday the boys and I messed around on my new sewing machine. Jackson wanted to make a solar system t-shirt. Max opted for a simple M for Max t.

Now that we've been playing outside a lot more, Sadie has been passing out on the couch every now and then. It's the sweetest thing to see her laying there all hot and sweaty!

On our way to drop off John's parents at the airport on Monday, we stopped by Minnihaha Falls. The falls were flowing higher and faster than I've ever seen and the weather was perfect.

Here is Sadie all dolled up for Easter Sunday. Sorry boys, you looked cute but I forgot to snap shots of you. oops.

Easter morning after our annual basement Easter egg hunt. It didn't take Sadie long to figure out what was going on and ended up with almost as much loot as the boys.
I love spring here in Minnesota. The weather is the best, there are garage sales left and right, and I can see an end to my white pasty skin!

Master P

Almost two years ago, John started on a quest.....he wanted to be referred to as Master P. Every once in a while he would remind me that he was working so hard not for his MBA, but so that when he asked me a question I would respond "yes, master." There is only one problem....he forgot who he married. Do you think I am ever going to call anyone my Master? Nice try....all that hard work for nothing. Well I guess he did get his MBA, that has to count for something right?

All kidding aside, I am proud of him for all of his hard work. I am also so very very happy for this chapter in our lives to be closed. It's time to hand over that honey-do list that has been put on hold for a while!

John's parents were able to make a whirlwind trip out to show their love and support.

Congrats John!!!

Help a sista out

Dear Reader of this Blog,

So I've got this super duper awesome friend named Erin. AKA Girl Kusch. We have something in common.....we've never won anything before. I feel her pain, so I would like to help her out. Please go here to check it out. If you have ever claimed to know, like, adore, or love me, now is the time to show it. Heck, even if you don't know, like, adore or love me....still click over and help my friend out.

Thanks!!!!

xoxo

Jamie

Happy Birthday Jackie!

How many times can I say time flies? I've said it before and I'll say it again...slow down Jack, you are growing up too fast! Jackson or as Sadie likes to call him Jackie, turned 9 last week. Mother nature decided to give him a little surprise and snowed. He wasn't going to let snow in April ruin his special day!

I was excited that I finally got to use this Birthday banner a friend made for my b-day last August! It looked adorable.....Thanks Camie! Jack was excited to open the card presents first....he knew that meant $$$!

We took a trip over to the Science Museum because Jackson can't get enough of that place. He had some birthday money to blow, but somehow didn't think the stuff in the gift shop looked as cool when he had to use his own money, so he went home empty handed!

Jackson got extra lucky and ended up with an ice cream cake and cheesecake! (it's a long story)

All in all, I think his birthday was a success, even without a party. Happy Birthday Jack!

We interrupt this spring break blogathon to bring you this breaking news:

This is how I feel about the whole situation below:

John Parrish is in trouble.

Major trouble.

Trouble beyond description.

Why you ask? Well, I was putting away laundry today when I found his stash. I feel hurt beyond words. I keep reaching around to pull the knife out of my back but can't quite reach.

What was in his stash? Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. That's right, he was hiding thin mint cookies from me. That dirty dog. He will never get away with this. How could he possibly think that I wouldn't find out about this betrayal and deception. I wonder what other goodies he has stashed from me throughout the years. I don't know if I can ever trust him again.

I'll be expecting a big, huge apology when he returns.

A fun day at the MOA

Tuesday afternoon John headed to the valley of the sun. On the way to the airport, he met us for lunch at the MOA. We ate at Wolfgang Pucks restaurant where they have fabulous butternut squash soup. MMMMMM

As soon as John left the real party began. We headed straight to Nickelodeon Universe to get our ride on. Can you believe my boys went on this roller coaster? OK, I guess for my boys that is not such a big surprise.

The boys spent a lot of almost unsupervised time while waiting in lines. (I had Sadie and couldn't go on most of the rides) I was pleasantly surprised how well they treated each other in such close quarters. I guess even they can manage to get along when fun is on the line.

You know your t.v. might be on a little too much when your toddler yells out Sponge Bob! She couldn't wait to go meet him. Max on the other hand tried to pull his arm off and almost got escorted out.

We stayed the entire day and Sadie did better than I could have imagined. I honestly thought she was going to be my excuse to leave early......."ok boys, Sadie is getting way to tired, we have to go now"......but she was a trooper and waited around like a little champ. To end the fun filled day we stopped by our favorite Crepe stand and partook of it's yummy deliciousness. Do you see a theme in our outings? There is nothing like topping off a fun day with a sweet treat!

Spring Break Part One

Last week was spring break for my munchkins. Whenever we don't have any hot vacation plans I always dread spring break. As this was one of those years, I was honestly not looking forward to it at all. Maybe it was the fact that John was going to be out of town for a few days and at school for both weekends of spring break.

I decided to make the most of it and planned some fun little adventure every day, and you know what? We actually had a great spring break!!

On Monday we hit the Science Museum. Jackson got to bring a friend along, so he was in heaven.

Normally Sadie is happy strapped into her stroller, but not today. I think she has decided that checking everything out is way funner! She had no clue how to play with or what she was looking at, but she loved every minute of it.

Getting a good happy shot of Max is like striking gold. Consider me rich today.

This picture isn't the best, but I had to put it in here. This is the Mississippi River in all of its flooding glory. If you look closely, you can see a fence in the water. The river also covered the sidewalk.

We capped off the trip with Izzy's ice cream. As always, the salted carmel did not disappoint. I'm almost glad that Izzy's is so far away or I would be there on a daily basis.

Next stop on our spring break extravaganza: The MOA

This for that

Everybody knows that in almost every instance, you have to give up something to get something. You want to be a hot skinny mama? Say no to Rocky Road, and yes to diet and exercise. You want to pay off debt or build a nest egg? Quit eating out, and pack a lunch man. You want to sew a seriously cute skirt in a day? You have to let your 1 year old run wild and trash your house. Can you guess what one I did today?

That's right, for giving up a somewhat clean house today,

I got to make this:

A seriously cute skirt for Sadie!! I found the tutorial online here.

Yet again, lets review....

this:

For this:

This:

For this:

I don't think I like this trade off. I think I'll stick to doing projects during nap time and when the kids are in bed from now on!

I forgot to mention

My parents and niece Kenzie Lou flew into town for a cold winter visit in mid February. Sadie took to my Mom immediately. She actually gave her a precious silly band within minutes of her arrival. She doesn't share her bands with anyone! They flew in a day after my pops b-day, so I whipped up a scrumptious chocolate cake to celebrate. (that was honestly more for my chocolate loving Mom)

For whatever reason, I didn't get the camera out much while they were here, which is such a bummer because we had loads of fun. We hit the MOA, Science Museum, got a little crafty with Kenzie and ate and ate and ate.

I have to say though, that the biggest memory I'll take with me was watching all the boys make us ladies Sunday morning breakfast. I love that every time my Dad visits, my boys beg him to make his secret family recipe...creamed eggs.

Another unforgettable part of the trip was the fact that we had a major snowstorm the day they were suppose to leave, so had to stay an extra day. My kids were thrilled. My parents, not so much! Hopefully they've learned their lesson and will visit when the weather is nice next time.

I don't even know who I am anymore

Anyone who knows me knows that I am into almost anything crafty as long as it doesn't require a sewing machine. To be honest, I'm a little afraid of them. My MIL once gave me a used one an within weeks I had messed it up so badly that it was not fixable. This left me broken and shattered (just kidding) and less than excited to try anything that included a sewing machine.

Well time heals all wounds right? A couple months back, I was shopping for some fabric to cover bulletin boards for Jackson and Max with my friend Esther. She was inspired to make a dress they had on display for her daughter and asked if I would like to make one for Sadie. I agreed, and then simultaneously winced, cringed and gritted my teeth. I think the most stressful part of the whole thing was picking out the fabric, but I must say it came together nicely.

Because I don't own a sewing machine, Esther and I took turns on hers. I was instantly smitten! This baby has a self threader, button controlled speed, and all the bells and whistles. Thanks to Esther (and her machine), I love to sew!!!

This dress took hours and hours to make, but for my first big sewing project, I think it turned out great! (Just don't look too close!)

A few things come to mind when I look at Sadie in this dress:

1-She better not have a growth spurt anytime soon.

2- I am either going to frame or bronze it when she grows out of it. Do they still bronze things?

3- If I were to sell it on Etsy, I would have to charge about $649.99 for it to be worth my time.

4- The JGP3 pose must be in the blood. (am I right Parrish's?)

I wish I had a nicer camera so you could see the detail on the back better. The ruffles were probably the hardest part. Thanks Esther for your help on that!

Now I'm just waiting for my new machine to arrive in the mail to start on another project....this time something much simpler!

Why do I even bother with the head bands? One of these days she might keep one on!