SURPRISE Party ::: The Decorations

We started planning the decorations almost before we finished saying the words "lets throw Mom a surprise party." Some were more time consuming than others, but the overall effect was exactly what we were hoping for.

Crochet doilies

Turned into doily garland

Before

After

Paper medallions and giant origami dress.

Lace wrapped "J"

Paper dress and heart garland.

More medallions, origami dress and doily.

Adorable pic of Mom.

Disclaimer: we did not take NEARLY enough pics at the party. The lighting was bad, too. But better than it was when we decorated at 11pm the night before.

Tomorrow: food prep

SURPRISE Party ::: The Invites

My mom's birthday is at the end of the month. She has been so selfless the past year and a half---dedicating her life as the caregiver for dad as he battles bladder cancer. My sister and I decided that it would be fun to throw her a SURPRISE party! It would have to be a party of the surprise kind because she would never consent to it.

We pulled it off!!! She was SO surprised! I'll be sharing party details the rest of the week. For now, the invites.

First make 40 origami dresses.

Next type up the insert. Format it perfectly. Fight with my printer. Email file to sister at work. Re-format because her computer doesn't convert the correct fonts. Settle for the next best thing. Print them anyway because they have to go out in the mail ASAP.

Don't forget the labels!

In the envelopes they go!

Tomorrow: decorations.

They're Over

I'm going through Olympics withdrawals. I watched more coverage of the games than I ever have before. Some of the events seem ridiculous to me, but I can appreciate the honor it is for these individuals to represent their countries. I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed more than a few tears over the course of the past few weeks. So many inspirational stories and journeys.

One of the most inspiring is Oscar Pistorius. If you don't know who he is you must have been living under a rock. His outlook and attitude towards life and hardship put things into perspective. "My mother used to tell us in the mornings, 'Carl put on your shoes, Oscar you put on your prosthetic legs . . . So I grew up not really thinking I had a disability. I grew up thinking I had different shoes."

His sporting motto is: "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have." I LOVE this quote.

The Olympics are more than a sporting event. They are human stories about dreams coming true. I can hardly wait for 2014 in Sochi, Russia.

David Millar:::Racing Through the Dark

Now that the Tour de France is over I'm going through cycling withdrawls. It isn't that I don't follow cycling all year long, but there is something VERY consuming about the three weeks of The Tour. It is the most prestigious event of the year. If you are fortunate enough to have cable you get up early to watch the stage live, and then watch the primetime rebroadcast. And if you have nothing else going on that day, you watch the mid-day. The results don't change but there is something inspiring watching these guys race for 4-6 hours over all kinds of terrain. These athletes are AMAZING. They put their bodies through what is the equivalent of running a marathon everyday for 3 weeks. Talk about warriors.

Why am I gong on and on about how tough they are? The sport is hard and is known for being a dirty sport. Cheating and doping are unfortunately part of every professional sport. I honestly feel that cycling has done the most to clean up and keep their sport honest. No other athletes are tested more.

I just finished reading "Racing Through the Dark" by David Millar. This book relates his love turning to disillusionment with the sport and his eventual foray into the doping world. He was caught and banned from competition for 2 years. He talks about how he hit rock bottom and how he learned to love the sport of cycling again. This is one of the most honestly written books about the dark side of cycling. 

Since his return, David has been honest about his past and not afraid to talk about it. He shares his knowledge with younger riders and is a great mentor. He joined a cycling team committed to clean racing. I am sufficiently impressed with him.

This is David Millar winning a stage at this year's Tour de France. One of the few times the breakaway stayed away. He will be competing in the London Olympics, despite Great Britain's stance on past dopers. 

If you know nothing about cycling I would still recommend this book. 

Christmas in July

It's Christmas in July at FlyAKite! 

We've marked ALL Christmas down 30%. Sale runs through the end of the month. Last day July 31. Handmade original stockings, cards, ornaments and present toppers. One week only!

Music Monday ::: MATISYAHU

Matisyahu has a new album---Spark Seeker. I LOVE some of the new songs. A few are just eh. We've been fortunate to see him in concert twice this month. First time at The Del Mar Fair. (I will always call it that. Even though officially it changed a few years ago to The San Diego Fair.)

Matis is no longer a practicing Hassidic Jew, so he's shaved his beard and locks. I kind of miss them. Don't think you like Jewish reggae? Give it a try.

Second, at Jimmy Kimmel Live. Another free outdoor concert! Fortunately the heat wave broke so it wasn't too hot waiting in line. We didn't get front row, but 3 deep in the center wasn't too bad. Especially when before the start of the show a couple of crew guys prepared us for the possibility that Matis would be stage diving right on top of us.

Right before he landed on us! So much fun!!! And he sounded awesome!!! 

"Sunshine"

"Live Like a Warrior"

We had a great time. We were the only blonds there. And some of the only few who danced. There was not nearly enough beat boxing---a skill Matisyahu excels at. Great fun!

July July

Can you believe July is over half-way over?! It's been a busy month. It started in St. George, Utah with a mini Moody family reunion. It was HOT, but fun to see long lost family.

We've already been to San Diego THREE times.

We saw Matisyahu at the Del Mar Fair.

Fun on the fourth with a cookout and SPARKLERS! Steele made an AWESOME pasta salad.

And what would July be without The Tour de France? The Wilde family becomes obsessive about cycling for the entire three weeks of the race. Some day I'll go to France and see it in person.

Can you think of a better way to spend a Summer evening than at the ballpark with friends? I kind of wish the month would slow down.