Blair's Halloween Party 2011

We got to the party just in time for the boys to participate in all of the games! They started with bobbing for apples!  Although, neither of the boys got an apple during the actual game, later that night they kept practicing and were successful! 

Jacob

Little Brian 

Then it was time for an intense game of ring toss on the witches hat.... 

Jacob 

Little Brian 

And then, the pinata -

Allan (at the top) and Bo getting it set up

Jacob taking a swing 

Little Brian's turn 

Its raining Candy !!! 

a pile of kids... 

OOOOH an check out this bathroom. Blair's roommate Chuck did it. Blair and I are both not the biggest fans of this type of Halloween decor, but you have to admit he did a great job!!

Jereme and Melodi came too and we all had a fun time. Jacob was so darling when he saw me in my costume... I am not sure he knew it was me! He kept asking me, "Whatcho doing?"  All the little girls were very interested in my costume as well , especially the wig,  and asked if they could touch it. Later in the night when I took the wig off Jacob came over and curled up in my lap like he normally does : )

Here are our silly pictures-

Luigi  and Mario (Brian and Kenny) 

Jereme (the Rabbi) , Kenny and Brian 

Brian (big Luigi), Me (princess Peach), Kenny (Big Mario) and Jacob (little Luigi) and Little Brian (little Luigi) 

Jacob

Brian and Jacob - the Luigi's switched hats 

The Ladies

Melodi and Jereme 

Princess Peach and Mrs. Potato head (Blair) 

Women's Expo

I have seen the Woman's Expo advertised for years and always wanted to go and finally got the opportunity this year! Livingsocial.com had a 4 for 1 deal for admission, so my co-workers Donna, Becky, Kim and I made a day of it!

I am still giddy about it ; all the freebies, learning new tricks and tips about everything from hair and make up to your love life.

The giveaways were unbelievable! Grocery bags, backpacks, chap-sticks, mini mirrors, post-its, pens, chip clips, drink koozies and candy. My favorite was a motivational bracelet from a new company called Lakshmi. Not only was the bracelet super cute AND free, but it the idea is to assign a specific goal and time frame to the bracelet and the company will follow up with motivational e-mails to remind you of your goal and keep you going... great idea! Don't know if they will make money at it, but I like the idea for personal use with an accountability partner. I set my goal to finish CPCU by December 12th of this year... we will see if I feel more motivated to finish my goal now: )

With each admission ticket you got a passport for the show that included 5 free sampling booths for adult beverages. I tried the Adult Chocolate Milk and Hpnotiq (my favorite!), but passed on the champagnes and wines (wine gives me a headache). There were plenty of things to sample that didn't require the passport like Luna Bars (the new mint chocolate chip flavor is amazing) and Go Girl energy drinks- SO yummy but not sure it gave me a lot of energy... There were a few weird items to sample too like tons of different weight loss smoothies and other things.


We stopped to sample Touch of Mink and ALL four of us ended up buying the package deal! Touch of Mink is a skin care product that has been around for over 40 years that uses mink oil in their product. It is a miracle product let me tell you! I love it and Becky has used the product for years and years... I couldn't believe the results on my poor heals! Awesome. The four of us also purchased a bottle of Touch of Purple. It is basically an all purpose cleaner... it can be used for everything from costume jewelry to boats. Now not all of the products were so great. I let one vendor try a microdermabrasion home tool on my face... um it hurt. I have sun spots and I thought why not try... its a little scary when you try something out like that and have negative results- all is well now though! I also had my make-up done at the Dior counter. Although I wasn't impressed by their spray foundation (that really didn't match my skin tone) or their 3D mascara (which was quite clumpy) I did really like their Lip Glow product! It is basically a lip gloss or chapstick that is designed to enhance the natural pigment in your lips so it looks different on each person. If it wasn't $29 a tube I would have bought some!

I also signed Kenny and I up for a time share presentation. People think I am crazy for doing those... but come onnnnn you get FREE Stuff just for listening to a 90 min commercial. Most of the time they talk about travel and vacationing... they are actually pretty interesting if you ask me. This time we will be getting 2 free Sedona Jeep tours for our 90 mins. I am really excited about it! We also might attend a Sandles Resort night next month at Black Bear Diner... you get a free meal and get to learn all about what the resorts have to offer... how can you beat that?? I would rather listen to what someone has to say than google a company and read it online. Jereme and Melodi are going to Jamaica on their honeymoon to a Sandles resort and Kenny and I were already considering the company for our 10th anniversary trip in 2013... why not get a free meal out of it! ??

If you want to have a home party the women's expo is the place to find your vendor! They had ALL of the jewelry companies, bags, candles, make-up, tupperwear etc. I found a company that will do home pampering parties! The services such as pedicure, facial, manicure etc are all FREE! The catch is at the end of the party you have the opportunity to buy the products they used- no obligation though! I thought they must be crazy to do that, but she said, no they are just confident in their product... I will probably be having a pampering party in December!

The last thing we checked out was the Lap Dance seminar put on by this company ... sounds bad, but its not like you take lessons like this for a profession its just for your personal love life. Nyla the instructor was awesome and had us all laughing the whole time... I think a small group of us might get together for a class or two just for fun.

Although, we were all exhausted by the time we got to the car, it was a wonderful day! I just love learning about new things that are out there and having fun with the girls- the retail therapy didn't hurt either!

Make n Take ... by me!

Our company is very big on Health and Wellness and does events and challenges throughout the year to promote healthy living. In conjunction with that we have a Health and Wellness committee in our branch that sponsors and organizes events. They do activities at work like group walks, health trivia, Fresh Fruit Fridays (free fruit!), healthy pot lucks, games and puzzles (mental health).

The ghost card in the middle is what we made 

One day I got back from lunch after doing a make and take at a local scrapbook store and thought ' What a great mental break in my day?!' So I offered to put on a make and take at lunch for my coworkers.

This is the card we made and everyone seemed to really enjoy it. Only about 8 people signed up, but that is a little over 10% participation for our branch so I was pleased with that number. I was able to use ALL supplies I already had at home so the project didn't cost anything but time!

Kids craft night

Since I have become totally and completely addicted to pinterest my mind is just over flowing with ideas of things to make, cook and do! I know Jacob loves crafts and Little Brian will do them if you ask him to, but Blair and I had talked about having a craft night long ago and never followed through... so I decided to put on a little craft night for Blair's two older kids Matt and Hannah and then our friend Tamera's kids ; Janessa, Nathanial and Jonas and my favorite nephews Little Brian and Jacob. 

I invited Brian and Kenny to come along and hoped they would participate, but thought it would be nice if we all just got to hang out together too. 

We made Ghost Poop, Hershey Bar Mummies, Jack-o-lantern seeds (AKA tic tacs) and eye ball frames. Even though all of the kids were on different skill levels it was doable for the 3 year old up to the 11 year old. Everyone's projects were just a little different and most of the kids were very proud of what they had made.

When we were walking out the door, Blair said what do you guys say to Amanda and They all screamed, "THANK YOU!" but Janessa added that this was the best night ever : )  

I defiantly want to do it again- I love spreading the joy of crafting (my checking account just doesn't always love it lol) 

Celebrating 12 Years Together

Today marks our 12th year as a couple! (married 9 years this coming January) To celebrate Kenny asked me out to Ah-So Sushi & Steak Restaurant to try Teppanyaki ! I have never been, but Kenny went for Jereme's bachelor party last week and really enjoyed it. 

Onion ring volcano fire 

The food was SO good and it was a lot of fun to watch. I just love to try new places and I love it even more when its Kenny's idea!! 

 I saw this idea on pinterest where you take a picture on your anniversary with the year before's picture in your hand... after several years the pictures look really neat. Since I can't go back and do that for the past 12 years I thought I would just start this year with the picture from our first date. I think you defiantly need an 8X10 to be able to see it better in your picture, but its still a fun idea. 

Irony

I find it ironic how my little nephews want nothing more that to grow up and "be big" and I find myself wishing I could freeze time... I love their little voices and sweet personalities. I love how they squeal with delight when they see me. Or how Jacob practical jumps into my arms the moment I see him and says, 'hold me' (which means hold him upside down, tickle him or just carry him wherever I go).

Little Brian has such an amazing personality, he loves with his whole heart and genuinely cares about people- ALL people. He has an autistic friend at school who has been known to hit him in the past.... he doesn't care he forgives him wholeheartedly. If you accidentally hurt Little Brian, he doesn't get mad he just says, "Its okay I not mad at you"

Jacob is such a happy little boy with the best manners ever! You wouldn't be surprises to hear him say, "May I please have a drink?" or "Thank you very much grandpa." He does NOT like to be in trouble or yelled at and pretty much falls apart if he thinks that will happen. He loves popcorn and doesn't really like to eat actual meals.

Can you bottle this stuff up??

Bintz Wedding

Friday evening was the rehearsal dinner. It was really helpful to go through exactly each part of the ceremony and practice walking up and down the isle with the groomsmen so I knew just what to expect. After the rehearsal Brenda, Jereme's mom, made a huge Italian meal ... from scratch! It was SO good! We met a couple from Melodi's church, Penny and Ray and ended up chatting with them all night.

The next morning I picked up Melodi at 8AM. I felt honored that she asked me to drive her around on her wedding day! We stopped at Starbucks for her favorite pumpkin muffin and a hot chocolate, but since it was so warm out we opted for soda and water... if you haven't tried the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin from Starbucks, you are missing out! Be warned they are 470 calories each AND addictive!

We arrived at JCPenny shortly before the doors opened and met up with Jenika, another bridesmaid. The day of papering began with a pedicure- Jenika's first ever and then a manicure! Although, I did not get a pedicure or manicure I sat and chatted with the girls as they got pampered. I went to the cheap nail place by my work and got mine done for half the salon price on Thursday.... I know that is kind of tacky, but Melodi said I could do what I wanted and bride= boss : ) Michelle got her hair done first and then joined the group to do her nails.

Melodi- pedicure time!!

Jenika 

manicure time 

Before we knew it is was time for hair for Melodi, Jenika and me. I am SO cheap I really didn't want to pay someone $60 to put a few curls in my hair.... but they convinced me to do a wash/blow dry style for $28 and I am SO glad I did! She did a great job!!

Melodi got an updo and we were all amazed as we watch the hairstylist get all those long locks up on her head!! When she did her practice run through it took her an hour and half!! Luckily it only took over an hour on the wedding day!!

After Jenika and I grabbed a pretzel as a snack (I was specifically instructed to make sure the bride ate!), we walked down to Dillard's to have our make-up done next at the Clinique counter. We all had our make-up done by professionals and man did we look HOT! lol I LOVE Clinique make-up and defiantly have their liquid foundation on my wish list!

hen we finished it was 12:40PM ... we were scheduled to be at the church at 1 PM for the 2PM ceremony! I was panicked, especially since the 101 was closed and we needed to make it from 83rd Ave and Bell to 40th street and Shea !! Melodi was not nervous AT ALL ! She had it right though, its not like they would start without her!! All that was left for us to do was change into our dresses so she just wasn't worried... We actually made excellent time and got to the church about 1:20. We quickly changed, took some pictures with the photographer and waited for the time to come. I was getting more and more anxious as the time approached and I finally heard Melodi whisper that she was nervous as we walked out the door to head to the chapel.

my bouquet 

Mel's completed hair 

Tyler, my groomsman, and I were the first of the wedding party to walk into the chapel.... I was SO nervous I was shaking. Once we made it to the front I knew I was pretty safe, because all eyes would be diverted to the rest of the wedding party and then the bride! We were asked not to take pictures during the ceremony (bummer and please don't think I would have done that from the front of the church... I would have had Kenny do it ha ha) so I have to wait until they get their professional pictures back. The ceremony was SO nice! Melodi's pastor is a female and I am not sure why, but I just don't like that BUT this woman is amazing! I wish I could remember more specifics from the beautiful service, but to be honest I was just trying to stand still and not pass out. Jenika and Michelle sang a duet which was also amazing - so much talent in that little church!

After Jereme kissed his bride and they were announced as husband and wife they left and we followed to the song, Walking on Sunshine which was super cute. We headed back into the bridal room and waited for the chapel to clear out so we could head back in to take pictures.  After my part was done Kenny and I got to hang out until the reception started 1 1/2 hours later.

Kenny had been asked to help Jereme get ice for the bottled water (since it was over 100 that day!) and he was so funny about getting to be part of the wedding. He took his job very seriously and regularly refilled the bins with water and ice to keep all of the guests hydrated. He was also constantly seeing what he could do to help out and bring water for Jereme and Melodi. It was cute : )

Melodi and Jereme 

Nathan 

Kenny and I 

The reception started about 4PM with the announcement of Mr. & Mrs. Jereme Bintz and their first dance as a married couple.

Jason , the best man giving the toast 

Melodi signing the marriage license 

Jereme signing the marriage license 

After the food was blessed, by Jereme's pastor it was time to eat. All of the food was amazing, my only complaint was it was too much!! Salad, rolls, rice, potatoes, kabobs and an entire roasted PIG !    Wow! Luckily the Martinez's (Penny and Ray that we met the night before) joined our table so Kenny and I weren't loaners all night (since we didn't know anyone else there) and they brought their friend's Barb and Bob.

After the grandfather/daughter and mother/son dances they did an anniversary dance. All the married couples were asked out onto the dance floor. Basically you danced until you were eliminated by years married, first was less than 4 hours and Jereme and Melodi had to leave : ) Then one year, two year etc. The couple that was married the longest was Jereme's grandparents at 61 years!!

Next was the cake cutting. The cake was beautiful, but it was a really good thing they were nice to eat other because that blue icing really stained their teeth and lips!

Next they did a honeymoon dance where you paid to dance with the bride or the groom to provide funds toward their honeymoon! It was a super cute idea... Kenny and I were the first to jump in! They danced and danced with all the guests. Jereme's brother Nathan is so hilarious and paid to dance with Jereme which was a riot.

They did a teddy bear toss to the little kids which was adorable and would be really cute if there were more than two kids. What kid doesn't want to go home with a little teddy bear from the wedding?

That was followed by the traditional bouquet toss ( I donated mine since the florist forgot to make a tossing bouquet!) and then the garter toss.

The DJ requested both the winners of the garter toss and bouquet toss to come back to the front for the garter 'return' ceremony. The poor girl (Jereme's cousin?) was so red when she thought it was going to be on her.... but then they switched her for Jereme's brother Nathan... It was a good laugh.

Near the end of the reception someone a couple blocks away set of several fireworks which added to the super amazing reception! It was a surprise to the bride and groom and no one knew who did it!

Before we knew it, it was time for the last dance! Everyone rushed to the dance floor and somehow they started a big circle and we all joined in and circled Jereme and Melodi as they danced.

They dashed off into the night with caution tape streaming from the back bumper as the newest married couple in Phoenix!

After they left the wedding party and whoever was left helped fold all the chairs and tables and bring them into the building along with the linens and centerpieces.... it was hard work after a long day, but many hands make light work was defiantly true here! The DJ was super and continued to play great music while we cleaned up.

All of their hard work finding the perfect vendors really paid off! Their photographer was amazing and would set up a photo and then yell - photo op for the rest of us to take our pictures. I have been to weddings before where the professional photographers get mad when you take pictures on top of theirs... Plus the DJ was great as well and all of the food was amazing and everyone was super nice and friendly.

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Bintz!!


PS I included this picture just because its funny: