Thanks so much for the nice comment on my blog. I read it right before bed last night and it made me smile. When things get scary like that, it really helps to just put in down in writing so that I can stop obsessing over it.

Oh I found your comment! Yes you can post this. I appreciate your interest. :)

Hello. I received your message but there's no additional info on what I wrote that you wanted to post. Anyway, of course you can repost whatever it is that you liked.

And thank you.

Yes, through true love, not emotion, actions! Which is very simple, "Treat your neighbor (everyone) as yourself!"

I think you just chose what I am going to make for an afternoon snack/lunch!
I will definitely make a good salad or possibly a black bean and corn salsa with fresh greens.

We brainstormed last night and this is what we came up with and sent to the family:

6- 9:30am
Jer would like to take the men in the family out to the lake for some morning fishing. I will pack a small breakfast for them with caramel rolls/coffee/ or something in that realm. So, Dad, my brother, Jer, and Jack will begin the day fishing for just a little bit.

While the guys are gone, us ladies will have a breakfast tea party (with something light and fruity) and start the day off with a little relaxed conversation. [note: the ladies don't have to come as early as the guys and can kind of wander in as need-be]

9:30am - 10:30am
I figure the guys will be back around 9:30am and I can have a couple of egg-bakes and muffins for a brunch.

10:30am-12
Then, Mia will go down for her nap and we will play games outside. We have a couple ideas on this... but we'll solidify everything later.

12- 2:00 or later depending on how we like it
After Mia is up, there is what I believe to be a free festival. (they haven't posted a price, so I'm assuming it's free, but if it turns out to cost something I will choose something else)
Here are the details: Minnetonka Summer Festival and Burwell House Ice Cream Social
-children’s rides, a petting zoo, ice skating, musical entertainment and much more! It all takes place on the grounds of the Minnetonka Civic Center campus.
-Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Burwell House, complete with free tours, entertainment, antique market, fine arts fair and food concessions.

We can all hang out here and look at the arts and crafts or walk through the little shops. There will be plenty to enjoy.

2:30ish to 4
Once we are done and/or when Mia needs to take a nap, we can come back to our house for a little snack and possibly some down-time with games or simply relaxing. We have so many ideas for outdoor and indoor games, so we will definitely have more than enough things to do during our "down times".

5-7,
Jer has this idea (which is mostly the reason why we request this day at our house) that he gleaned from a foodnetwork show. He is going to create a kebab hibachi pit near our firepit. We will have various vegetables and meats on little metal skewers. Everyone can help cook them and we will throw everything over couscous. Then, dish it out in bowls after our Moroccan kebab meal.

Our activities for the evening are still being discussed and there is bound to be a surprise or two along the way.
We have thrown out ideas surrounding movies, mystery game, and fireworks... but we'll have an evening that primarily involves being together and enjoying our time.

I think you are right, after all I can't do everything! However, I'll still try to get the house in order. I might leave the laundry-room and office to the "close the door and they won't see it" state, but for the most part it'll be a party that is indoors and outdoors. As for food, I'm just concentrating on making something fun for their cakes. The actual food is necessary, but should be stress free. Last year I made a lemon-raspberry cake, chocolate torte with raspberry coulis, and raspberry sherbet/vanilla cake (like a raspberry dreamsicle). So, this year I thought I'd try to do a cupcake spread.

Yes, you can be Ally Sheedy, but all that dandruff grosses me out. I must say I did not get your IMAO reference I read it a few times then went to Ask.com and looked it up…

Acronym Definition

IMAO In My Anal Opinion

IMAO In My Arrogant Opinion

IMAO Inhibidores de la Monoamino Oxidasa (Spanish: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor)

IMAO International Maritime Arbitration Organization

So I'm guessing it's one of the top two...