Creativity at it's Best!

So, if any of you are in the market for some amazing, creative and fun gifts for a loved one who is turning 30, may I suggest the following:

A hand-made scrapbook full of 30 things you love about that person (with funny pictures that person wishes you didn't have).

A hot-stone massage!

A turning 30 survival kit full of things like: A 'signature scent', A more 'mature style', Calcium chews, etc.

A birthday poem, 30 mints, 30 hand-made cards, and a 30 mile away trip for a night out!

And, the gift that keeps on giving, 30 days of cute gifts representing things you love about that person. My favorite was a toss up between a darling mug and hot chocolate (my favorite morning treat) and a Jane Austin Classic DVD!

But, don't underestimate the power of words in a well thought out note, birthday card, e-mail or well, a blogg http://pbemett.blogspot.com/2008/05/big-30.html

I encourage you all to try one of these! I can no doubt guarantee complete success!

It is Finshed!

Closing ceremonies for Sarah's 30 days was held where it all began 30 days ago, Paradise Bakery. I said farewell to 30 days of FUN. Each guest received:

Sar-Tracks

A soundtrack to the First 30
Brown eyed Girl, Van Morrison

Give A little Bit, Supertramp

Footloose, Kenny Loggins

Pour Some Sugar on Me, Def Lepperd

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss, PM Dawn

Crash, Dave Matthews Band

Fields of Gold, Eva Cassidy

Bye Bye, Jo Dee Messina

With or Without You, U2

I Love you, Always, Forever, Donna Lewis

Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel

The Wedding Song, Peter, Paul & Mary

Lights, Journey

Independent Love Song, Scarlet

Everything, Alanis Morissette

Banana Pancakes, Jack Johnson

Blessed Be, Alison Krauss

What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong

Thank you Thank you to all of you who made my thirty days some of the funniest yet! I don't think I was able to do everything on my list, but there is always next year right?

Day 28, A Real Gem!

So, instead of doing this while my two little ones napped (and Lizzy was at School).....

I DID THIS:

A movie (Juno)

A Coke

A Big Bowl of Popcorn

and a 1 1/2 to myself! It was so wonderful!

This was then followed by a surprise dinner and shopping trip with a friend! How Fun! This day rocked!

The Last Week!

Sadly, thirty days of 30 is coming to a close. I have had SO MUCH FUN!! Here is a review of the last few days:

Day 24:

Went to the M.A.C. counter. Bought my favorite lip gloss. Viva Glam VI. I highly recommend. It is great by itself. It's great with a lip color. A must have for summer. And of course some See's Chocolates (thanks Mom) on the way out!

Day 25:

Happy Birthday to me! Family and friends came over for a Birthday BBQ! Kelly wins another vote for husband of the year as he planned the whole thing, cleaned the house, cooked the food and cleaned up afterward. As for me, I enjoyed the good food, good company & a relaxing evening.

PS- There was also some totally sweet party favors that I will blogg about on the last of the thirty days (as to not give it away since some very lucky readers of this blogg will receive one)!

Day 26:

Put the kids down Early (sort-of) and watched a movie with Kelly....on a Monday Night! It was so Awesome. Of course there was Popcorn and Tasty Beverages, and some good old fashion cuddling while enjoying a very charming show (Dan in Real Life).

Day 27:

Besides going to the Zoo with Ms. Lizzy (who thinks I am counting that as day 27), it is my night to take a very long Bath. All of my potions and lotions await me. The candles are ready. The magazines are in place. The house is dark and quiet. What am I waiting for??? Gotta go enjoy!

Day 22 & 23

Day 22-

Made one of my favorite meals:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Corn Bread
Spinach Salad
Home-made Salsa & Chips
Brownies

Enjoyed this meal with our good Friends the Emetts and got to hold a darling new baby!


Day 23-
Went to Lunch with my Parents!

The Big 30!

Day 21

This cake is Heaven on Earth, truly!

In 21 minutes it will be official! 30!
What will the 30's bring?
A new perspective? Yes, I think so. I have already changed my mind about Mini-Vans.
Wisdom? Actually I feel like I am loosing Brain Cells......Mom can I borrow a Sudoku book?
Wealth? Here's hoping.....would anyone like to make an apt. with their neighborhood Podiatrist?
Wrinkles? Planning on them, but secretly hoping to inherit my Mother & Grandmothers beautiful skin.
More Babies? Wouldn't you all love to know!

One thing is for sure, I enter this new decade of my life knowing I have the world's most loving, kind and patient husband, 2 beautiful little girls, a darling baby boy, a fun & supportive extended family and the best of friends a gal could hope for. Thanks to all of you for making my birthday so special. I have felt an overwhelming feeling of love and appreciation from those whom I have expected it from and from those who I have not. For this I am grateful! So, I say BRING ON THE 30'S!

Catch-Up!

Spa Sarah was Simply Divine! Here's a quick recap:

Day 13- Went straight from the airport to BurgerVille which has the greatest Strawberry Shakes EVER (I have been dreaming of them since my May trip last year). I was so happy to count that as Day 13.

Day 14- Mani-Pedis- Don't they look great!

Day 15- Shopping 'Serendipity' as Phoebe described it! We shopped it all from Walmart to Anthropology and I dare say found killer things at both.

Day 16- Ate at one of my favorite places to go with a girlfriend! Who doesn't love a good chat over some chips & salsa. I love Phoebs because we always have great chats!

Day 17- HOT STONE MASSAGE, need I say more?

Day 18- How perfect was it that I came to visit Phoebe on the Temple Marriage lesson (she serves it up in the Y.W.'s)?? Awesome! We went to church and then enjoyed a fun walk down by the river; it was the perfect backdrop to savor my last day there. Thanks to Phoebe, I was able to check many things of my 30 days list! Thank you Phoebe & Family for a wonderful visit, can't wait for next year!

Day 19- Had a great reunion with my family, came home to a clean home and relaxed for the rest of the day, not unpacking a single thing!

Day 20- Turned off the Phone and played with the girls and Max!

Day 11

I Took advice from a favorite Sister-in-Law and spent some time at the book store. Rosie, Max and I had a great time looking at all sorts of fun reads. I picked up Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for my airplane distraction. Has anyone read it? We then had to have a hot chocolate & cookie from the cafe (especially since it was cool and raining outside). I love browsing the book store and I love reading a great book even more! The rest of day 11 was spent preparing for "SPA SARAH". I am sure it will be oh so grand!

Happy Mother's Day

"My Greatest Blessings Call Me Mom"

Day 11- Took a very long afternoon NAP

Then enjoyed time spent with my sweet family.

Day 9 & 10, "GANO" & Beyond!

(Some of the GANO Gals)
Day 9 & 10 were spent at: GIRLS ALL NIGHT OUT, Draper Edition! Our very fun group of friends went away for the weekend to enjoy Food, Talking, Laughter, Sharing, Tears, Chatting, Dancing, Talking, Singing, More Talking, Giggling, Mourning (the birthday girls' youth), Shopping, Gift-Giving and VERY LITTLE SLEEP. I had no idea about any of these top secret birthday plans and that made it all the more fun. I came home with 4 very large bags: 2 from shopping and 2 under my eyes! But even better, the feeling of being truly loved and accepted in our still semi-new neighborhood. These gals proved what I have said all along: The Draper Ladies Know How to Have Fun! Thank You to all who attended and planned on my behalf, can't wait for next year (hint hint Connie).

Day 8

Meet Les Tol (Leslie). Lover of "swimming frocs", D.C. (diet coke), DMB (Dave Matthews Band), Baby Gap and long chats.

Talents include: working with the youth, packing, cleaning and writing special occasion poems. I have been the lucky recipient of many of these poems throughout our 8 year friendship. Les is one of my most favorite people and holds a special place in my heart. She was my mother and friend away from home. I still frequently count on her for sound advice and a laugh when needed.

I was so excited when Les Tol was in town for Day 8, what a treat!

Day 7

Today was the most fun yet! I decided to play "hookie"! Lizzy stayed home from school today so we could go out on the town....in the middle of the day. She was delighted to say the least. We went to the children's museum with my brothers and their baby boys (HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN), had a fun picnic (thanks Patrick for making it) and shopped at one of my favorite places: Hip & Humble.

To finish off the day of fun, we visited with Miriam & Crew in our old stomping ground and it was so fun to see them.

Now, back to reality!

Day 6

A large Diet Coke from the Golden Arches,

An even larger piece of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting,

Both of my little ones sleeping, at the same time, while I indulged,

Need I say more?

Day 5

A brand new much awaited spring purse! I have had my eye on a purse from Jump Up & Down for months; check out Jessica Brown's site on esty! She's got great stuff!

Day 3 & 4

Day 3:

WENT TO BED EARLY and actually got a good night's rest.....like over 8 hours!

Day 4:

Our family came over for Lizzy's Birthday. We had a wonderful time with all them! I relished in the moment of having both of my Grandma's sitting right next to me. Instead of cleaning up quickly and hustling around the house, I made a conscious effort to just sit and enjoy the company of our family. And, it must be said, I am totally living through Elizabeth Diane! She is the proud owner of a American Girl doll! The look of sheer delight on her face was enough to light up a room for days. Our supportive family jumped on the band wagon and bought her tons of clothes & accessories to compliment her new wardrobe. Kelly's Mom even made her doll (the Elizabeth Doll, naturally) a soccer uniform that matches Lizzy's. Our daughter loves her doll, and I can't wait to play with her too.....it's just so much fun having girls!

Birthday Par-Tea {Day 2}

A sweet friend once told me there is always something special about your oldest (http://storheimstory.blogspot.com/): your first baby, your first 2 YEAR OLD, your first Sunbeam, the first to go to School, etc. Not that they are your "favorite" but that everything with them is new.

I think she's right! Thankfully, our oldest has been such a joy! She's sweet, thoughtful, kind, witty, well mannered, bright & surprisingly obedient. She has made Kelly and I realize how fleeting this time of having young children is. I think we treasure our younger children more as we continually experience how quickly time flies with Elizabeth; yet can't help but be excited to see her grow-up and do new things.

And yet she still remains a fun "little" girl who enjoys being pampered and knows all about the fancier things in life like holding out your pinky when sipping,


Fancy Tea Treats & Fablous Hats!




So, no Snow White Dress this time, but, a tea party none the less! Lizzy wanted her shot at a birthday Tea after observing Rosie's success. I was more than happy to oblige. So happy in fact, that I most certainly am going to repeat what you see above tomorrow! There will be a Class Birthday combined Tea Party with her good friend Eden, who's birthday is May 3rd.

Elizabeth didn't want her other friends who aren't in her class to feel left out. What was a Mom to do? Well, with the help of my wonderful Mother, husband, Mother-in-law and friends, we are having two birthday tea parties. Luckily, the next one is at Eden's house (more pictures to come)!

As for Day 2: I enjoyed decorating my house, dressing up in my favorite "par-tea dress" and spending time with Lizzy on her special day!

Day 1

Opening Ceremonies for 30 days of 30 commenced this morning at approximately 9:47 a.m. In attendance: two great friends, three charming baby boys, three well behaved young ladies and one very happy Sarah who is so excited to get the show on the road (pictures to follow shortly)!

30 Days

1- Take a Nap
2- Get a Facial
3- Go for a walk
4- Go To the Temple
5- Write in my Journal
6- Take A Long Hot Bath
7- Make a new burned CD
8- Have some “GaNO” Fun
9- Buy some new Mac lip-gloss
10- Read a great book (in the Bath)
11- Go To Portland to see “Best-Best”
12- Call a dear Friend (that’s you Les. Tol.)
13- Plant some beautiful flowers in our garden
14- Enjoy a massage at the Spa with my Mom
15- Go out to dinner with my Handsome Hubby
16- See a Movie, in the Theater, with Popcorn, and a Fountain Drink
17- Play “Bawbies” with the girls all afternoon, getting out ALL of the Barbie Gear
18- Hold Max while he sleeps, and watch a chick-flick in the middle of the afternoon

These are some of the ideas I have come up with (and copied from Phoebe when she did this in October, way to be a trailblazer Phoebs) to enjoy the Month of May; a milestone in my life. What better way to celebrate such a big step than to do something for me everyday for thirty days? It may be life changing! As you can see, I'm still in need of a few more ideas. So, what would you do for thirty days of celebration? Please share, and I will try and post what I have done each day! I have been looking forward to this time for months and hope it will be everything it's cracked up to be!