for ever

While we were in California, baby boy and I had time to visit with my dear friends that I had not seen in too long (love to you all). I didn't realize just how much I missed them all so much. All these girls truly inspire me and I am so grateful for their love and support! They are always so thoughtful and helpful and understanding! My dear friend d threw the sweetest party for her daughter while we were there. She is amazing! Please read her blog! I am always in awe by what she posts. The party had a Camping theme and we were asked that our gifts be themed as well... such a great idea! It was so fun to see what people came up with.

Baby boy and I decided to make a semi-homemade gift for this sweet little girl. My mother and I headed to Joann's, picked out some wood pieces and a few things in their summer section and headed home. This is what we came up with:

Some mini x's and o's, medium u's, a wooden dowel, fabric, net, wooden boards, a mason jar and lots and lots of soy paint!

And somehow it turned into this:

horseshoes

tic tac toe

butterfly jar (and a net that wasn't pictures)

and a camping chair.

Everything was wrapped in fabric and it seems that she liked it... or at least I hope so!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

mister man

We had a birthday in our family a few weeks ago and boy was it fun to celebrate! I love a good party! The shin-dig's theme was "Mr. Man". Little baby G from day one has been beyond his years. He is bigger than most of his cousins and has always learned very very fast. He was born very prematurely and we were told it would take a few years for him to catch up. It didnt. He is a total champ and the Man theme was absolutely perfect! We had a blast!

Food was simple and "manly" themed. Hot dogs and "handlebar" veggies with plenty of sweets. I made cupcakes to look like sliders and cut thin sugar cookies to look like fries.

We wanted to make sure that everyone knew this was a party and to act like it was, so instead of the boring center pieces, I spruced up each table with balloons tied to a basket of games! Each basket had bubbles, kaleidescopes, UNO (for the adults), crayons and coloring pages. We played games, had a pinata and made funny faces in the photobooth too!

looks like it was a hit :)

We sure loved our party and hope you do too! Here is a printable for the coloring pages just for you!

Just open in a new window, right click and save. enjoy!

my favorite things

Last night I threw my first annual Favorite Things Party (an idea that I got off of Pinterest) and I must say that I think it was a success! We ate, laughed, talked and played. It was quite the party!

The idea of the party is that each person needs to bring 3 of their favorite thing (three of one item or three different, not exceeding $5.00 each). This can by anything you like from lip gloss, gift wrap, craft supplies, kitchen gadgets, candy, gift cards, games etc. When each guest arrives, they write their name on three pieces of paper for the name jar and puts their favorite items into a bag. Each person introduces their items and draws three names to take your favorite thing home with them. You come with three of your favorite thing and leave with three new favorite things!

It was really fun to see all the fun things that everyone loves and we all got to go home with some new favorites! We shared lipgloss, nail polish, mod podge, popcorn, gift cards, candy, hair accessories and so much more. It was a great way to spend the evening! I can't wait for next year!