Where has the time gone?

My oldest just turned 7 years old this past weekend. Seven years old... Where has the time gone?! Its as if yesterday I was wheeled into the delivery room and now he's a walking, talking, little question-filled boy. Its been amazing, trying, tiring... a long journey that seems to have passed in the blink of an eye.

This year he wanted a Star Wars themed party. He loves watching the Star Wars Clone Wars cartoons on Netflix or the Rebels on cable. And with the new movie coming out soon, its a family thing all around. I didn't have the time or resources to do too much this year, but thanks to Pinterest, I was able to find ideas to decorate and make it fun with. 

I printed out this cool little certificate. 

Then came decorating cups and water bottles with R2-D2 labels. 

The cake was awesome though. HEB had this one with the Vader mask that makes that breathing sound we love so well. 

I hung Star Wars dangle decorations, had a table cover, and a few other things I had picked up on clearance at Target. While most of the people invited weren't able to join us as the weather wasn't cooperating, some of my ex's adult friends stopped by.

The kids enjoyed just having visitors for a change. 

The birthday boy got some fun gifts too. 

The following Monday, my ex in laws asked to take the boys out to Chuckee Cheese.

They had pizza and played games. 

So much fun! I treasure these moments I have with them. They are fleeting and pass me by so quickly. 

Star Wars!!!

In case any of you are not aware yet, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has a new trailer out.

And with its release on Monday night during the Monday night football games, tickets are now on sale everywhere!

This newest trailer has raised my hopes and given me more excitement to see the new movie than before. So how many of you will be going to the midnight showing?! I want to, but sadly, thats during the blackout dates at my new job. 

America's Incredible Pizza Company review

We recently went back to America's Incredible Pizza Company to do a review for them through the US Family Guide. If you are around San Antonio, this place can offer lots of fun and a tasty buffet of pizza, soups, pasta, tacos, nachos, desserts, and salads. I love the set up. Its like a 50's theme with the time period music to boot. Really family-friendly dining experience. 

I still think they shouldn't have the dessert bar at the front... its rather backwards. Salads at the back... Yeah. Anyhow, food is good. Their dessert choices are limited and I didn't bother, but the kids loved the ice cream machine. Pizzas were good and there were several types to choose from for all your picky eaters. I loved making myself nachos and salads too. Plenty to pick from there. 

The game room is rather large.

They have laser tag too, but I didn't think my kindergarten-aged kids would do well in there. Other things like bumper cars are there and fun.

They have a little kids area with games and rides that are geared towards their speeds. 

There are so many prizes to choose from.

And I like the fact that they carry some that are Christian themed. 

Keep a lookout as they usually have deals and bundles that save you money. They host events as well.

Take time out to live and love

I recently made the choice to take a vacation. Alone. To another state. To visit someone very important to me. I spent 3 days there cooking up my Nana's favorites,

cleaning up her little house and otherwise enjoying the peaceful country. I saw the old family farm,

graveyard,

and traveled around her little town that doesn't even have a real Walmart. In all my years of going there, not very much has changed. Its so quiet, so peaceful. Everyone is friendly, even if they don't drive according to the same rules as the rest of the nation. I got to slow down for a while. And my Nana shared so many wonderful stories with me. 

My Nana is 81 years old. Her mind is sharp but her body has given up on her. She's outlived her only child, most (if not all) her ex husbands, and a huge chunk of her relatives. Her sister has the beginning of Alzheimers and lives in another town that is too far for either to drive to see the other. Nana's only companion now is a little kitten she adopted. 

My Nana has lived a full life. She's seen Europe, lived through WWII, worked so many different types of jobs, loved and been loved by so many... And now she's at the end of her journey. Her days of excitement are over. She sits, watching tv, and the most movement she has if taking a bath.  Its hard to see her like this, but it reminds me that life is fleeting. Nothing should be left undone. Live without regrets and get through that bucket list, if you will. You never know when your days of doing and being will be over. For some, it comes far too soon. 

So do something that is totally you. Like this guy, I saw at a gas station on my way home...