Crazy Chicks!

Remember Little Fluff?

He had an accident (he might possibly have jumped off the oven range into a greasey pan), so I got a new little fluff.

And then that Little Fluff did the same thing into K's dinner. I think they need some mental health evaluation.

Oh, I Had a Little Chicky and It Made me a Blanket... (and other fun camp tunes)

I have the cutest, most nicest, most sweetest teenagers. Before I tell you why, I have a confession.

I am a Camp Fire-aholic. You thought YouTube was bad? Oh, no. I dreamt about Camp Fire last night (it had to do with picketing and cake, that's all I'm saying for now). I sometimes chat with my former coworker at one in the morning online and say things like "make sure to contact (volunteer) because I was helping her with (issue) and she might panic when she hears I got laid off." I am that freakish. My point is this: My name is Holliberry and I am a volunteer for Camp Fire. They should have groups for this. Actually come to think of it, they do. And I used to staff their meetings. But I digress.

When I was laid off, one of the things that had me tearing up without fail when it came to my
mind was my little teenagers. They are like baby chickens that were about to leave the nest. They had learned how to tweet, and even how to feed themselves, and, okay, they could do things without me, but they were fluffy and sweet and they had these little beaks that...

Um... what was I talking about? Oh, Camp Fire. Anyways, I realized that the High School kids that I worked with only met on a monthly basis. Once a month. And that's only during the school year. So I could totally do that, right? Yes! I could! So, while I still tear up from time to time over my chicks (I believe the term "chickens" is copyrighted by Dizzle, so note the quaint shortening of the term), I mean teenagers, I at least am consolable, because I get to see them!

So at my last meeting, which was my first meeting as a Volunteer Advisor, versus a paid advisor, a few of my girls presented me with the softest, most fluffiest, most nicest blanket. That had Kermit on it. Because they love me too. They were so excited to present it to me, and I just HAPPENED to be wearing my newest Kermit shirt from Disney world, being that I am a volunteer now, and didn't have to be dressed all professional-like, and could wear a comfy t-shirt and jeans.

I know that you are jealous. I know that you wish YOU had sweet teenagers who would make you things like

Kermit blankets (not to mention windows!). I guess you will just have to start volunteering.

P.S. The thing that fills my heart with glee about this post? That possibly the formatting will drive K nuts, because it's a little wonky, and her yearbook editor's eye will see the flaws. That's whatcha get when ya mock the YouTube, missy. Also, the title. What? It's supposed to make sense? It does. IN MY MIND.

And Then the Little Chicky Had Other Little Chickies

In the continuing saga of titles that are kind of lame and only make sense to me, I wanted to share with you some exciting news.

You may have noticed it in my previous post. Little Fluff had Little Fluffs! They appeared atop my oven range a month or two ago. Aren't they sweet. I think we need to name them. That means six names. Yay! Any suggestions?

Yes I am regressing. This is what unemployment does to you.

Tips for Being a Good Friend on Birthdays

Birthdays are a special day no matter what the age! Take the time to make your friend's birthday the best it can be by planning ahead and thinking about the details. It's the little things they will remember!

Be sure to include lots of black in your decorating scheme. Black for birthday decorating is always classy.

Recognize that each year is special. I prefer spelling out the age with food. Little Fluff does also. He feels that it is important to celebrate the moments of our lives with sweet little morsels of food.

Confetti is an important piece of the equation (it's on the table, just trust me). Make sure to put confetti everywhere, especially in shoes, pockets, and in beds. That's a big birthday girl pleaser. Also presents are a birthday girl pleaser.

Little surprises are extra fun! I like to leave little messages in unexpected places.


Individualize your birthday treats. I chose a theme this year, and little man with the walker was a star player. Note the way he is placed on the Steel Cut Oats. I had never heard of these. I think it's an old people delicacy.

Other tips to consider:

1. Dry erase markers work on mirrors! Leave little notes. This also work for non-occasion messages. Like, "have a great day!" and "don't forget to make me a cake!"

2. Fresh baked things on the morning of that special person's birthday are wonderful! I had a roommate freshman year who got up earlier in the morning than should be allowed in order to have sticky buns ready for me before I left for school. Mmm.

3. Experiences stick in your memory longer than possessions. Gifts with meaning behind them are great! Even better are gifts of experiences. For instance, you could get them concert tickets, a dinner out with you, passes to a theme park, or plane tickets. I most enjoy the last listed item. I actually received a plane ticket from my wonderful freshman roommates because they wanted me to be able to go home for Thanksgiving to see my family. But that's another post.

4. Treasure hunts can be fun. If you are planning fun for a friend who is tolerant of a little cheesiness, you can do a little mission impossible themed birthday hunt. We did this my freshman year, with clues leading her all over campus, leading her back to our apartement where there were friends and a cake waiting to surprise her. It was good times. My favorite was the mission impossible tape we recorded to kick things off, and the man in suit and sunglasses who delivered it. Ah, the good old BYU days. We knew how to party.

Oh, Christmas Tree

I didn't have to do anything this year and I have a pretty little christmas tree in front of me. And my wonderful roommate making it all sparkly and pretty and Martha Stewart-y (in a good way).

See:

K didn't want to be in the picture. She's no fun.

And the piece de resistance is the fluffy little angel:

See, that's the apartment chicken. There's a whole story behind why he is on the tree. The short version is that we've been hiding it around the apartment for each other, and then when we find where the other one has hid it, we put it somewhere to pop out and surprise the other person at an unsuspecting moment. I came up with the christmas tree spot. I also came up with the microwave as a hiding place, which I feel is one of the more brilliant places Little Fluff has hidden.

The long version is a little more difficult to explain, and is best done with a demonstration. So if you want to know that story you have to come visit me at my house.