Paczki Day, Birthday Party, Wedding Show, Idol Draft

Last Tuesday was the day before Lent, and if you have kept up with my blog in the past year, you will know this means Paczki! Paczki (pronounced punch-key) are a Polish tradition. Every year you are supposed to indulge in them before Lent begins. Growing up, my mom always hosted a paczki party. It was a great day in the Smith house because when we got home from school the house smelled so delicious from my mom baking all day. That evening, we would have a party at our house which seemed to grow each year and my mom would just love it. Therefore, I have tried to keep the tradition alive. In years past, Matt and I have actually made paczki, as well as making them with my whole family. This year, we did not make them and thought we could luck out and find them in town. But we had to settle for regular doughnuts because we were unable to find them. We went over to Dave and Vickie's and had our own mini-paczki party.

This weekend was a busy one. Friday morning Matt left for a football clinic in the cities until Saturday. Kelsey and I relaxed and played on Friday night and got ready to head to the cities on Saturday morning. My niece Lauryn and nephew Soren turned 6 and since their birthdays are so close together (February 18 and 20) their birthday party was combined. My dad made the trip from Pulaski, and it was quite the house full once everyone arrived. I think I counted 13 kids age 8 and under. Matt joined us once his clinic was over and we spent the remainder of the evening playing cards and watching the Olympics.


My wonderful father even brought me a special delivery from Pulaski--real paczki! Thanks, Dad!


After leaving my brother's house, we went to see Nate and Diane. Diane and I went to a wedding show in Minneapolis and the boys hung out with Kelsey. The wedding show was really fun. I don't think I have ever gone to one before. Even when Matt and I got married, I can't remember ever attending one. Oh my goodness--there were brides everywhere! There was so much to look and sample. We tried some yummy cake samples, gelato, and a pork sandwich. We also received tons of information for Diane to check out. It was a really fun day, and I am so glad I was able to attend. Thanks for asking, Diane!

Once we got back to Nate and Diane's place, it was Idol time! I have been an American Idol fan for a long time, and every year Matt and I make picks as to who we think is the winner. This year, we decided to expand the operation. My loving husband helped organize an American Idol draft. Nate, Diane, Matt, and I all got to pick our top 6 contestants out of the final 24. I think this will make the show even more fun to watch. (And I can post my picks on here if you would like so we can be sure to vote for them a lot...hehe) Gotta love American Idol :)