A Creative Cosmic Valentine Adventure

Valentines Day 3-Day Weekend

Friday, February 13, 2009

After dropping off Sunni for school at 12:45 Eric and I started our V-Day plans!

We started off by picking up the BASKIN ROBBINS ice cream CAKE the we had ordered. We took the YUMMY treat home and put it in the freezer for later ENJOYMENT.(Chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream... YUM-O!!).

We then headed to the store to buy 3 huge Valentine balloons for the kids.

We wrapped a few GIFTS from "CUPID" (The game OPERATION a NERF dart game and a Collectible MY MELODY Barbie )

I picked the kids up from school with gift bags, balloons and carnations for Sunni in hand. (I didn't think the boys would approve of flowers from Mommy in front of their "buddies"). I felt weird because I felt like the only Mom bearing gifts.. The gift bags contained (of course): candy, a card and some small dollar gifts. Glow in the dark teeth ( a hint to what was to come ahead) some flying balloons and some love potion bottles filled with (candy). Also some "Love Notes" that were edible. I wish I had a camera ready for the look on each of their faces. It wasn't a "Mom, I'm going to kill you for embarrassing me in front of my friends" look but more of a "I cannot believe you did this for...me?? Awwww my heart melted from the HUGE hugs I received that day. I wish Eric could have been there to share in the JOY!

Saturday February 14th, 2009

The day started off with Daddy making the family breakfast. Waffles, eggs and sausage YUM!!

(*The kids still had no idea what was in store for the day. Eric and I had kept it all a secret.*)

The day was kinda muggy after the rainfall on Friday but, that did not dampen our spirits! Off to our first adventure. We went to the local craft store and picked out some crafts to work with on Sunday! For Michael some wooden letters spelling R.O.C.K. and a small wooden treasure box with engraved stars to stain/paint and then place his collectible guitar picks in. For Joey a large star shaped box to paint. And for Sunni an 8x10 canvas that Mommy (me) promises to draw a ballet Hello Kitty for Sunni to paint and hand on her wall.

Next was lunch a munch at the kids' first Las Vegas buffet!!! RED ROCK STATION CASINO!

Michael was actually BRAVE enough to try the Sushi (with chopsticks of course). First time EVER. And he really liked it!

After eating at the buffet we we COSMIC BOWLING at Texas Station Casino! We had a BLAST. Even Sunni decided to become a bowling pro by getting the FIRST SPARE!

When the lights go out the DJ comes on and the madness starts. It was SO MUCH FUN! It also helped that I got the FIRST strike..heehee Sunni had a SUPER DOOPER good time and loved the attention and high fives!


After two sets of 10 we were worn out!

To end our night we took the kids to F.A.O. SCHWARZ. They were allowed to get ONE toy each. Three levels and after looking at over a 100 different toys Sunni and Joey FINALLY decided to make their FINAL decision.

Here was Sunni choice. It's called Kitchen Littles. (Barbie size and full of detail) You can find the whole sets here. http://www.kitchenlittles.com/

Sunni decided to get the "Baking Set" along with her collection of Madam Alexander Dolls she has decided to collect these little cuties.

"What is a Munny?"
That was my question when Joey decided to get this little buddy as his Valentines gift. Joey came home with this "doll" from F.A.O. Schwarz. Apparently decorating these vinyl toys has become a pop culture phenomenon, of which my husband and I were completely clueless. I think we even saw them at Urban Outfitters! If you google these little characters you will see the HUGE array of design concepts kids and adults come up with. It amazes me to no end. Joey has decided that this is now going to be the start of his "collection". He is the little "Artist" of the family. He gets it from "cough his mom cough"...They come in blue, pink, white and glow in the dark. They range from tiny to 18". I have seen these sold on eBay for upwards of $600.00 depending on the designer. I will post a picture of Joey's final design (once he has finished it). I told him to make sure and take his time. This may turn into a monthly family project as well. Who knows?

What did Michael get you ask? Well, since Michael no longer plays with toys (his words) he decided on the logical choice to impress the "ladies". "I want some new clothes Mom". So he got some cool Holster shirts and some Element shirts instead...He's no fun...lol

And that was our Valentines 3-Day weekend. We hope to take up bowling as a monthly activity to add to our family fun list. It was truly a BLAST! Now if I could only get back into roller skating. Ahhhh I really do miss those day!

Health, Peace, and happiness family!

Love,

The Hoffmans

COSMIC Valentines Day!

Just wanted to write a short note on what the "going ons" were for Valentines Day. It actually started on Friday the 13th. I picked up the kids from school at 3:16 pm. How awkward it was to be the only parent (as far as I could tell) carrying 3 big Valentine balloons, 3 gift bags filled with goodies, and a bouquet of carnations for the little lady. I waited for the bell to ring. Only a few seconds later Sunni came running out of her class with THE biggest smile on her cute little face.

"Is that for me?" she asked (already knowing the answer) I handed her the flowers and asked her to be my Valentine. The wind was really picking up so as I was untangling the balloons from the gift bags Michael came up.

"Holy cow Mom! Do I get one?" Yes, of course I replied.
"This day is AWESOME"...Soon comes Joey taking his time. But I swear as soon as he saw the gifts his speed picked up a little.

"Thanks Mom! Your the BEST"..(My heart was melting)

My response, "Okay let's get in the car it's FREEZING!!"

On the way home I told the kids that "Cupid" left a package for them. When they got home they unwrapped the gifts Eric and I bought for them and the gift from "Cupid" Here's what they got:

Sunni- A Barbie Collector Doll " My Melody" plus a gift set of Barbie clothes
Michael and Joey both got a Nerf Target Blaster with two guns!

And lastly "Cupid" got the kids the game operation.

**Ahhh the festivities did not end there my friends! It has only begun!**

Saturday we started the day off with practice testing for Michael and Joey from 9am-12pm
*Which meant SNUGGLE time for the hubby and I. (and some shopping for odds and ends)

After the pick-up at Noon we headed to the Red Rock for their yummy buffet. We have never had a chance to bring the kids to a buffet and give them a chance to eat WHATEVER they wanted. Michael was brave and tried the Sushi. He loved it so much her went back to get at least 5 more rolls! Joey stuck with pizza and mac n' cheese, and of course Sunni only had Mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes. All three also had an unlimited amount of deserts! Ice Cream, brownies, German chocolate cake. The kids were so full when we left they could hardly walk.

After letting our food settle for a little bit (shopping). We had a date with Texas Lanes. 5:00pm sharp! Cosmic bowling is the bomb! Might just be a bi-weekly tradition in this household! Lights go out, music blasts, everything glows!!! It's awesome. We paid for one round and had to go back for another. Too much fun! Sunni even had a blast rolling the ball. We did nothing but dance and laugh. Shared a mound of chili-cheese fries and a few sodas! Michael actually did very well. He beat Eric 101-103. That's my BOY! I woke up this morning sore but I suppose I used muscles that haven't been used in a while. Sheeesh it must have been at least 7 years since the last time we went bowling!

You would think that the night would end pretty well after that. Nope. I had the WHOLE day planned! After my defeat in bowling. (with bumpers..yea, I'm not a pro) We headed to Caesar's Palace to run around the forum shops. Eventually landing right in front of FAO Schwarz! How could we not go in? Toys, dolls, giant PIANO! This equals fun! Each of the kids had $10.00 to spend on anything they wanted. Joey got a funky doll called Munny. He comes blank so you can make him into any kind of action figure you heart desires. It's made by a company called Kidrobot. You can got to www.kidrobot.com/munny Pretty neat idea for the creative kid in your life. Sunni got some Kitchen Littles (the baking set) www.kitchenlittles.com
perfect for her new collector Barbie. Michael opted to wait until today to get something. He wants some new shirts (like he doesn't already have enough) or a game for one of his many systems.

What did I get you ask? Well number one and wonderful kiss and hug from my darling husband and secondly (This may sound weird to some people) but I got the Collector 1959 first Barbie replica Barbie. I have wanted this Barbie since I was 4 years old. Eric's present is a little delayed. He will be getting the NEW U2 CD and the New Nascar DVD (behind the scenes). I feel bad because I forgot the camera to take pictures of all the events. I promise the next time we go cosmic bowling pictures WILL be taken! (Which should be soon) Let me know about all your V-Day activities! Oh oh we also ordered the families FAVORITE cake. Baskin Robbins Ice cream cake, half chocolate cake half chocolate chip ice cream. (Which is also half my Birthday cake!)

The Valentines activities are not over! After church we have crafts, heart shaped pizzas to make and movie night with popcorn and M&M's (valentine M&M's of course)

I'll write the details tomorrow!

~Traci~

The search goes on...

To be honest I am really sorta relieved. Now our search goes on. The guy with the house kinda lead us on. I am sure we can find a better home to fit our needs.

This weekend is a catch up weekend. The boys took a skiing trip to Brian Head with their band. So Eric and I are free from rambunctious youth until Sunday afternoon. Eric and I want to spend some quality time together with just Sunni. She doesn't get a lot of "Sunni time" with Mommy AND Daddy. She has us all to herself tomorrow. So what will we do? I have a few ideas:


homemade breakfast including peanut butter toast, A TRIP TO THE CUPCAKERY, playtime at dinosaur discovery park!, LUNCH AT WHATEVER PLACE SUNNI CHOOSES, a peek-a-boo of her choice from target, PLAYTIME WITH MOMMY, a movie, AND TO TOP IT OFF SHE WILL GET TO STAY UP AS LATE AS SHE WANTS.

I'll be sure to take pictures of Sunni's special day!!!

An anxious week..

Yup, it has been quite a roller coaster of a week.


So much to do. So much to wait for.. I have just been so anxious. Right now we are waiting to hear if we get to move into a new house. Normally I wouldn't be so stressed. But this is a perfect house. Playground across the street, school within walking distance, grass in the backyard (which I might add under "normal" circumstances this would be easy to find but we are talking about Las Vegas home of the desert landscape and dirt) So needless to say finding a home with grass in the backyard is a warm welcome. A church nearby. (which helps on busy Sundays).

Tomorrow we find out for sure if everything is in place. I would post pictures but, if it doesn't happen I would just be left with looking at pictures of a home I will not be owning. I have done so much debating over this home. (Mainly with myself) Eric spoke with the owner on Monday. He is in town only for a few days. (He is in the military) I believe Eric said that he had a ton of meetings from Monday to tomorrow. Tomorrow he will be at the house getting the carpets cleaned and the walls painted. He told Eric that he would like to meet with us tomorrow but, declined to state what time. He said once he got into town he would get his schedule and we could set up a time.

I get that he's busy BUT, does he understand how stressed I am.....

I mean sheeesh.. I have had hardly no sleep..Does he care? Most likely not. It's not his job.. So I deal on my own. I have been trying to keep so busy. Yesterday I cleaned up our bedroom and packed some things. I should be doing laundry right now to keep my mind off of the obvious but to be honest.. Does any wife WANT to do laundry? I don't mind the "DOING" of the laundry but it's the putting away that is hard for me to swallow..And when there are boxes everywhere and your home is like a maze it makes it more of a circus to find a way thru the maze just to hang up some shirts or dresses.

Last night to take my mind off of things I even dyed my hair back to it's natural color. Checked Eric's e-mail almost hourly for a response and finally fell asleep around 11pm. Eric came home around 12 and I woke up. We talked for a little bit and then we both went to bed after checking his e-mail one last time and looking thru some more homes that were listed.


I have come to this conclusion. I usually sit and wait in the car for Sunni from about 2:00 to 3:16 which is when the bell rings. It gives me quiet time to take a break and write in my journal. I have written since I was a teen. Off and on mind you but I do have a lot of written journal entries. The time I spend in the car waiting for school to end is my time. I even update the kids' baby books. I love that time. So, in my writings I have come to the conclusion that I cannot mull over something as much as I have with this house this week. It's not healthy. It's borderline disturbing for me..lol...I have become.....almost...obsessed! I will put it to a rest tonight. Tomorrow everything will have an answer and I will be fine either way. (although it would be a wonderful Birthday present!) I will put it all in the hands of someone more capable of processing this. Life will go on.. The search will go on.. More importantly my stress level will go down. Keep your fingers crossed!