The Laws of My Life

Shaggy Rag Wreath!

2012-01-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

I am getting so excited about my baby boy's

Sock Monkey 1st Birthday party

next month!

Yesterday I made this cute wreath for the front door for his party!

It was very simple and inexpensive to make.

(About 2 hrs and $15 dollars!)

I thought this is something that could be done for holidays and

special events at your home too, so I am sharing the how to's with you!

A SHAGGY RAG WREATH!

1. Start with a straw wreath.

(leave the plastic on so it does not shed)

2. Buy the fabrics you wish to use.

I purchased 5 fabrics @ 1/4 yard each on sale.

(best to use fabrics that are not dull on one side)

3. Cut the fabric at 1 to 2 inch intervals and shred into strips.

(my strips were about 1.5 inches wide by 10 inches long)

4. Purchase one box of greening pins.

Stick the greening pin halfway into the wreath and tie the fabric strips on to the pin.

(I tied the 5 different color strips onto one pin.)

Push the pin down as far as it will go after all strips are tied on so it is nice and tight!

**REPEAT AROUND THE WREATH**

5. Lastly, you can finish it off with a pennant!

I purchased mine to match Jameson's 1st birthday theme from Chickabug on Etsy!

ENJOY!

Black and White Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party!

2011-10-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

Every year I host a

Pumpkin Carving Party

for my girlfriends!

This year I decided to use the color scheme

Black and White

based on a few blog posts my friend Ashley found!

It was a wonderful evening full of laughter and friendship,

and a wee bit of competition and red carpet action!

Check it out...

THE BLACK & WHITE DESSERT STATION

Banner idea from: Julias Room For Dessert black and white halloween blog post

Hanging spiders from Martha Stewart at Michael's craft store!

Black and white pumpkin idea from Stone Gable.

I used decorative brads and ribbon from Hobby Lobby to embellish my pumpkins

and placed them in a discount Halloween wire basket from Ross!

CAKE AND COOKIES

Yummy black and white two tiered cake and assorted sugar cookies by Tina Stepp!

SWEET TREAT!

Ghost Peeps on a stick!

(I placed them in an open cookie jar and used napkins, craft paper, ribbon and sticker to embellish!)

Dark Chocolate truffles!

YUM - My favorite!

Ghiradelli Twilight Dark Chocolates

and

Inside Out Junior Mints and Halloween black Dots!

Black and white Sixlets with black licorice pinwheels on bottom!

"BOOOS"

aka...wine!

I found these great halloween wine labels by Martha Stewart at Michael's!

Simply tape the tag over the wine label!

Of course, 7 Deadly Zins did not need one! :)

I made wine tags with craft paper (same paper used for banner) and a 2" scalloped punch.

It was fun to let each guest monogram their tag using gemstone letters from Hobby Lobby!

GIVEAWAYS

I sent my guests home with these cute Halloween bat bags full of white chocolate popcorn!

The bats were made using mini black bags from Michael's, large goggly eyes

and craft paper cut into bat wings and fangs!

So easy...so cute!

CARVING TIME

Some of the finished products...

After we carve, each guest is asked to vote on their top three pumpkins.

While the votes are being tallied, I put on a....

HALLOWEEN SOCK

RED CARPET EVENT!!

All the girls are asked to come wearing the most Outrageous Halloween Socks

they can find! This year I decided to make my "own" outrageous socks!

Halloween Dog Puppet Socks accompanied by the song,

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT by the Baha men!!

To me...it was GREATNESS!!

Some of the other participants walked to

I'm too sexy (Right Said Fred) and I like to move it, move it (Madagascar)

Such fun socks..

Meow...

Maternity skeleton ensemble...LOVED!

Loved the socks with wiggly toes!

The girls working it....

THE WINNERS!!!!

**PARTY PICS**

What a fun fun fun night!!

I can NOT wait for next year!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

xoxo,

jennifer

Firehouse 3rd Birthday Party!

2011-09-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

My twin boys, JAKE and JACK,

turned three this year!!

The boys LOVE playing in their "FIREHOUSE"

(aka, playroom) so I thought FIRE TRUCKS

would be the perfect theme!

I booked all the necessary vendors:

1) The bounce house company, Sooner Bounce

2) The local firehouse, Deer Creek Fire

and

3) The local dalmatian shelter, Rocky Spot Rescue

It was the perfect recipe for a little boy's

THIRD BIRTHDAY PARTY!

It was just as fun to plan as it was to celebrate!

Check it out..

Introducing,

MY BIRTHDAY BOYS

Junior Fire Chief, Jake

and his younger brother by 2 minutes,

Junior Fire Chief, Jack

(Fire hats from Target, red shirt and iron on transfer paper from Hobby Lobby,

Jake and Jack Fire Truck logos by Twiced Blessed Designs!)

THE INVITATION

Invitations by Kristi @ Twice Blessed Designs

**Signs, banners, tags, labels were all part of a

party printable package from

Intrigue Design Group on Etsy**

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

DESSERT STATION

*My husband always gives me the "evil eye" at parties when I grab
the cookies before it is time! I made sure to let my guests know
that at my party, that is A-OK!!*

THE *AMAZING* CAKE

I loved this cake!

It was two tiered with strawberry (at Jake's request) on top

and butter white on bottom (at Jack's request)!

It was baked and decorated by a local OKC baker, Tina Stepp.

THE COOKIES

Red Fire Chief Hats and Yellow and Orange No. 3 iced sugar cookies by Ruth's Sweet Justice in OKC.

THE GOODIES

Fire Hydrant Squishers and Fire Hose Blowouts from Birthday Direct. Treats included Reeces Pieces, Hot Tamales, red & yellow cherry limeade filled Twizzlers, chocolate popcorn, s'mores on a stick and fire hydrant lollipops!

Fire Hydrant lollipop molds from Candyland Crafts!

Make N' Mold chocolate and bucket from Hobby Lobby!

Extra Large Marshmallows dipped in melted chocolate and crushed graham crackers on a stick!

THE GOODNESS JUST OOZES FROM THESE!

Butter popcorn tossed in melted chocolate is the best!

TABLES & DECOR

I topped off the adult cocktail tables with a fire chief boot from Hobby Lobby,

tags and pictures of the birthday boys!

THE KIDS TABLE!!

The kids table was set for 24!

Each place setting included a lunch and dessert plate,

a red or orange juice box, and bottled water, along with,

a fire chief badge, hat and coloring book from the OKC fire department!

Kids were served hot dogs and chips and the adults were served BBQ from Earl's and sides!

This hydrant is actually full of dog toys! I found it at Walgreen's in the pet care section!
It fit perfectly into the decor and also served as a take-away for the dalmatians!

Flowers from Wal-Mart anad Fire Truck decor from Hobby Lobby!

FIRE TRUCK BOXES

I took old diaper boxes and transformed them into Fire Trucks for the little ones to play around in!

Inspiration from Enchanted Learning.

ROCKY SPOT RESCUE

We were so **blessed** the have the company of Rocky Spot Rescue at J&J's birthday party!
What an AMAZING organization they are! They are doing so much for the Dalmatian community in OKC. We held a small donation collection for them at the party entrance, "Toys for Dots!" They are in need of time and doggie essentials! If you would like to donate to their organization, whether in the form of money, time, a donated vehicle, or supplies, help right now and donate online!!

DEER CREEK FIRE

(*Jake in AW*)

We were equally as **blessed** to have the Deer Creek Fire crew out to J&J's party as well!
How amazing to have a real fire truck in front of your house! (...and not for a real emergency!)
They were gracious enough to open all the doors and compartments and let 24 toddlers peak around! They even pulled out their gear for the little ones to try on!
AMAZING!
What a wonderful community we live in!

Also, our wonderful neighbor, David Bradbury, is an OKC Fire Chief and came out to
meet and greet with the little ones too! He brought each guest a coloring book from his station!

The boys had such an amazing time with all the fire fighters, doggies and friends!
What lucky little boys!

CAKE TIME

Happy Birthday to you....

How did three years come and go so fast!

(It wasn't easy...but it did fly by!)

The boys were so lucky to have so many close friends

in attendance for their big #3 candle blowout!!

GIFT TIME

Jack feel asleep before the party was even "officially" over! When you spend 2 hours bouncing, climbing, running and eating GOBS of sugar, one is bound to pass out!! So when the boys woke, we immediately dug into the lute! What fun! Even baby brother Jameson enjoyed the unwrapping!

Custom thank you cards by Twiced Blessed Designs

BONUS PIC!
I just loved this picture of Jack running with his bestie, Aubrey!
It looks like there should be some kind of triumph/love song music playing in the background!
So sweet!

A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY DEAR FRIEND

ASHLEY RIHERD

FOR CAPTURING SO MANY AMAZING MOMENTS!!

THANK YOU!

(Check her Fire Truck Birthday blog out too!)

and...

HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY

JAKE and JACK

WE LOVE YOU!

- Mama and Daddy

Fourth of July 2011

2011-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have been one big party blog slacker!!

(Three boys under three will do that to a mama)

Anyways, you guys know how much I love holidays and THE FOURTH is no exception!

This year I hosted three get togethers at my home over the long holiday weekend!

(with three little ones I was kicking myself for making my "own" (a.k.a Betty Crocker) cupcakes for two of the events! That is 48 cupcakes... never again. Okay, maybe again, they were YUM-O!!

Here is how my family celebrated

the Fourth

in Two Thousand and Eleven!

Grand Finale Cupcake Tower!

(...and please note that I made those cupcakes, k, THANKS!)

Red, White and Blue Chocolate Popcorn!

Mixed Berries with strawberry shortcake bites!

Drink Station

Play Group Party Pics!

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

I love all those little guys & gals...

We didn't get all of them in the picture this year, but we tried...

My Boys:

#1, Jacob Xavier, "Jake"

Almost 3

This little guy is starting to become our comedian! Eager to say, "cheese"

when mama pulls out the camera! His toddler laugh will bring a smile to your face instantly!

(Especially at that very moment when he was eating his cupcake like a little piggie! Face down.)

#2, John Thomas, "Jack"

Almost 3

Too busy to be bothered to stop and say, "Cheese" to the camera. This little guy has his

own agenda and timeline. His way or the highway (a.k.a Interstate Tantrum)!

He is super head strong and knows how to push mama to the limit, BUT,

he is the first one to give you a hug and kiss while saying, "O, so sweet!"

#3, Jameson Daniel

4 1/2 months

This little guy melts my heart. I love him so! He's a cutie and a little porker too!

He NEVER misses a meal - day OR night - and wants to be held ALL the time!

He definitely has his mama wrapped around his chubby little finger!

My Family on the Fourth!!

We're kind of a big mess these days! So many moving parts when trying

to raise three boys under three! Were starting to figure it out...well, sorta kinda!

But, honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world..

BABY JAMESON'S FIRST FOURTH!!!!

~ EEK! Those cheeks! ~

Our Neighborhood Parade!

Our neighborhood rocks! We have the best 4th parade!

Check out the photos and join us next year if you want!!

Deer Creek Fire!!

Johnny and his boys taking it all in!

Loved this picture of Jack!

(This was the first year they got into the parade!)

"Holy cow, they're throwing candy!"

Luau

(Jake enjoying his blue sucker as a spectatur)

"May the 4th be with you"

Miss Northwest OKC, Emily Ousley!

(One of the boys' babysitters! They are lucky little lads!)

The Thunder

The Mamas!

(I think we were wandering if it was too early for margaritas in this picture!!)

Back at the house we had 3 families and 7 kids...

ALL under the age of 5!

Look at all those sippies!

It was a long yet SUPER fun weekend!

(I think I am just now recovering -- 2 weeks later!)

I love celebrating the fourth here in Deer Creek!

Such a great place to be with family and friends during the holidays!

I hope everyone else had a safe and fun 4th!

Princess Party!

2011-05-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Kristi at

Twice Blessed Photography

threw her daughter the most

amazing Princess Party!

The details were so magical

I just had to share!

Her Royal Highness,

Princess Allyson Jane!

Welcome to Princess Allyson's

5th Birthday Party!

Allyson wore a pink princess gown with sparkling tiara!

Guest were greeted into the princess party room

with a custom banner made by Kristi.

The Dessert Station

A pink back drop and table were the perfect setting for

Allyson's dessert table! A custom made banner and labels were

all made by Kristi. Guests dined on a magnificent cake, cupcakes

princess cookies, pink popcorn balls, oreo cake balls and chocolate covered pretzels!

The Cake

This two tiered marble cake with buttercream
from Cakes by Tina was so perfect!
I loved the pink fondant tiara, "A" monogram and
all the colorful polka dots around the bases!

The Cupcakes

Cakes by Tina also made the white, chocolate and strawberry cupcakes!
The white and chocolate cupcakes were featured on a platter with custom toppers

made by Kristi and the strawberry cupcakes were displayed on a pink cupcake

stand and topped off with fondant tiaras!

The Goodies

The Invitation

Kristi also made these adorable custom boutique invitations!

All princesses were asked to wear their finest royal dresses.

The Dining Room Set Up

The dining tables were each set with a pink table cloth, pizza and dessert plate,

custom rolled forks, tiaras and take away bags full of princess goodies!

(bouncy balls, bubbles, princess fruit snacks, etc!)

The Party

Belle, from My Princess Party, attended the party as well! Belle provided

over an hour of entertainment for all the princesses at the party

including, story and music time and princess makeovers!

All the lovely princesses had a royal time!

Happy 5th Birthday

Princess Allyson Jane!

We LOVE you!

Jake & Jack's Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

2011-04-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share with you

all the details of

Jake and Jack's

3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

This years color scheme was based on the

SPRING OREO!

(which was brown and yellow)

THE SET UP

This Spring Oreo inspired dessert table was so fun to create!

Peep Wreaths

These peep wreaths were so easy to make!

How-To

A Lemon Drop and Peep Tulip Bouquet

This was also easy (and fun) to make!

Yellow & Brown

chocolate covered pretzel sticks

Yellow & Brown

iced sugar cookies

Yellow & Brown

cake balls on a stick

Yellow & Brown

cupcakes and juice boxes!

The Easter Bunny came!

The Easter Bunny even handed out little packages of Spring Oreos!

..And the Hunt is on!

PARTY PICS:

Avery's Pinkalicious Pink Party!

2011-04-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

One of my dear friends threw her daughter a

*PINK**PINK*

Pinkalicious Party!

It was so cute and full of all things

YUMMY & PINK

I just had to share the details with you!!

Heart

this party!!!

The Pinkalicious Birthday Girl,

Miss Avery:

The Pinkalicious Candy Station:

The very yummy to your tummy candy station included all things PINK:

Pink & White animal crackers, Pink Whoppers, Pink swirly lollipops, Pink marshmallows,

Pink M&Ms, Pink Kisses, Pink candy corn and finally Pink Tootsie Pops!

Phew... my sweet tooth hurts just thinking about it! :)

Look how darling Avery's custom Pinkalicious invitation and

labels were from Twice Blessed Photography!

Take home bags!

*Should you get 'Pinkitis' from too much pink candy then eat

lots of mushy green vegetables!*

The Pinkalicious Food and Cupcake Station:

Along with scrumptious Pinkalicious cupcakes, pink sandwiches, pink bagels,

pink popcorn, pink strawberries and strawberries & grapes with pink dip were served!!

The Pinkalicious Drink Station:

Pink milk and Pink lemonade were also served!

The Pinkalicious Party Room:

A custom banner from Twice Blessed Photography hung in the party room!

Pink balloons, Pink table clothes and Pink ribbon chair backs

also adorned the party room!

The Pinkalicious Game:

Pin the cherry on the Pinkalicious Cupcake!!

The Pinkalicious Craft Station:

Pinkalicious Story Time:

My friend, Kim, read all the party girls a Pinkalicious story!

Have you ever seen so many girls in PINK?

WHAT FUN!!

Wasn't this party amazing!

My friend Kim did such a beautiful job transforming

this clubhouse into one super cute PINK party!

O, the happiest of memories..

Happy 6th Birthday

Miss Avery!

You have a very

*S*W*E*E*T*

life ahead of you!

SHE'S SIX!

How fast they grow...

Easter Peep Wreath!

2011-04-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

This Easter Peep Wreath was so super easy to make!

All you need is:

2 Packs of Peeps (any color)

1 round styrofoam wreath from craft store

Ribbon

Hot Glue

*Optional: Spray Paint

How I made:

Spray paint wreath

(then let dry over night)

Glue the ribbon around wreath at the top

Pull apart peep ears but not bodies

Hot glue backs and stick around wreath

Hang!

Easy, right??

Happy Easter 2011!

A St. Patrick's Day Party!

2011-03-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Ashley, throws the

most amazing parties

for our play group!

This St. Patrick's Day,

she out did herself (again) and threw a super cute

St. Patrick's Day Party for our little ones!

What a fun day to celebrate with ALL ages!

This party was so cute, I just had to share with you!

We were welcomed to her home with a custom sign:

SET UP:

Ashley had a party set up that would make any little leprechaun jump for joy!

I loved the rainbow sign and all the rainbow treats!

Rainbow swirly pops, licorice sticks, skittles, cheerios,

goldfish, cake and marshmallow pops!

Look at all the little pots of gold!

(chocolate gold, my favorite!)

Ashley used chocolate coins and rolos to fill her pots!

DRINKS:

The adults sipped on GREEN drinks..

with these super cute straws!

And, the kiddos sipped on rainbow drinks!

(One of my favorites! Who knew juice boxes came in rainbow colors!)

CAKE:

Ashley made this amazing rainbow cake that we ALL enjoyed!

(Cakes are much better when they are yummy and cute at the same time!)

ACTIVITIES:

The little ones enjoyed playing outside and all throughout the house!

Ashley had a St. Patrick's Day coloring station set up that was a huge hit!

GIVEAWAYS:

And when the party was over, all the little ones

went home with their very own rainbow and pot of gold!

How cute!!!!

Not only does she throw the best parties,

she also takes the best pictures too!

Thanks Ashley for a memorable day and for capturing

these special memories in such a 'clever' little way!

Introducing...

2011-03-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

#3!!

Hope to get back to bloggin again soon!

A Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Bouquet!

2011-02-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today I made a sweet treat for our playgroup's

VALENTINE'S PARTY!

I thought it turned out super cute so I had to share the how to with you!

A Chocolate Dipped

Marshmallow Bouquet!

Ingredients/Materials:
-1 bag of Marshmallows (the big ones)
-1 bag of lollipop sticks (from craft store)
-1 bag of Make & Mold microwavable chocolate wafers (from craft store) - color of choice
-1 bag of sprinkles - color of choice
-1 jar - style of choice
-1 block of styrofoam (from craft store, size based on jar)
-1 sheet of tissue paper - color of choice
-Ribbon &/or extra decor

How-To:
-Measure and cut styrofoam to fit in base of jar
-Pull styrofoam out of jar for now
-Assemble the marshmallows onto the sticks
-Melt your chocolate in the microwave using the bag directions
-Dip marshmallows half way into the melted chocolate and swirl stick to let excess chocolate fall off
-Over a sink, sprinkle a pinch of sprinkles on top (I found this looked better then dipping on a plate)
-Arrange your sticks in the styrofoam block
-Once you have your styrofoam full and arranged how you like, place it on top of 1 sheet of tissue paper
-Place the tissue and styrofoam bouquet down in your glass jar
-Work the tissue in to give it a nice look
-Add ribbon and extra decor as you see fit

Wa-La!

The cutest bouquet there ever was!

And this sweet treat is just as

YUMMY

to the adults as it is the kiddos!!

ENJOY!

Valentine Card Wreath!

2011-02-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

O, what to do, what to do with all those

Valentine cards your little ones bring home!

My dear friend, Olivia, has the perfect solution:

A Valentine's Wreath!

It is simple to replicate.

Here is how:

Items Needed:

-Green wire wreath from craft store

-Wreath hanger from craft store

-Your Valentine cards!!

-Variety of ribbons

-Hole punch

-Scissors

-Extra Valentine colored craft paper (in case you need filler)

How To:

-Hole punch your Valentine Cards in the upper left corner or top center

-Cut ribbon into 4 to 6 inch strips using your scissors

-Tie the Cards around the entire wreath using your ribbon strips

-Add extra craft paper and ribbon where you see holes (get creative, cut out hearts or cicles, etc!)

-Hang in your home!

Enjoy!

(Use this idea at Christmas too!)

How to make heart shaped cupcakes!

2011-02-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

I ran into this great YouTube Video!

Who knew heart shaped cupcakes could be so easy to make!

With Valentines Day just around the corner,

I thought this was the perfect idea!

Enjoy!

Sweet & Simple: A Diaper Shower for 3!

2011-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

I have this most amazing group of mommy friends and

I get the honor to spend EVERY FRIDAY with them too!

They are my Play Group Besties, aka, lifesavers!

All of our little ones are within 4 months of each other.

There are 7 mommies and 8 toddlers (I have the twins).

We have been together for over a year now

and always have the best times together!

Our little ones are even becoming the best of buddies!

These mommies always know how to lift you up!

They always have your back!

They always make you feel sane!

They never judge!

They always go with the flow!

They are willing to help you in time of need!

They are always willing to meet!

It works...It's easy...It's simply, PERFECT!

As of December, there were 3 out of 7 of us expecting!!

Left to Right:

Me, Expecting a boy on February 16th

Shayna, Expecting a girl on May 3rd

Erin, Expecting a boy on February 1st

The remaining four mommies decided they just had to throw a

celebratory dinner and diaper shower

to honor these new little play group pals!

So a sweet and simple dinner party was planned and the invitation was sent:

Invitations through Punchbowl.

The girls choose a quaint little eatery in downtown Edmond, OK,

Othellos Italian Restaurant

It was the perfect spot to have an intimate dinner party for 7!

We all gathered in the upstairs private dining room where the girls

had a table set up with three personal diaper cakes along with a personalized

menu of meals we would each be receiving once the little ones arrived!

The three of us felt very special and it was the perfect way to

celebrate our upcoming arrivals!

The girls treated us to an amazing meal!

When it was time for dessert, they brought out a display of petit-fours!

There were three types of petit-fours topped with chocolate ganache,

one for each bundle of joy!

Vanilla: Decorated with a blue elephant, for my baby boy to-be

Stawberry: Decorated with a pink heart, for Shayna's baby girl to-be

and

Chocolate: Decorated with a yellow giraffe, for Erin's baby boy to-be

It was a wonderful evening filled with lots of laughter, good food and great fellowship!

Sweet,simple and as always,

PERFECT!

God has blessed me with many blessings thus far,

and these girls are one of them!

**WE HAVE BABY NEWS**
Erin delivered her second son, Griffin, on December 27th!
He was born early (34wks) but Mommy and baby, Daddy and Big brother are doing great!

I am NEXT!
EEK!

Got Cravings?

2011-02-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

Got Cravings?

I do!

Cravings for

COOKIES and MILK!

My dear friends threw a
Cookies and Milk Baby Shower

to honor the upcoming arrival of

Sweet Baby Jameson!

(The 3rd Laws boy)

For a mama-to-be that LOVES parties, this was a dream!

Paper straws, labels, pom poms, giveaways and more..

Oh, words can not express my gratitude!

It was such a cute shower; I just had to share all the details with you!

The Invitation:

Custom invitations from Twice Blessed Photography

Welcome:

The girls hung a diaper wreath on the front door
that included registry items, ribbon and
decor that matched Jameson's nursery theme!

Cookies & Milk Display:

A custom banner from Twice Blessed Photography and colorful
pom poms hung above the display table!

All my favorite cookies were served in an assortment of glass jars and
and labeled with custom labels from Twice Blessed Photography.

White, Chocolate and Strawberry milk were served in glass milk bottles
and labeled with custom labels from Twice Blessed Photography.

Paper straws were displayed in cute little glass jars too!

Snickerdoodle, Iced Sugar, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip,
Monster and Chocolate Crinkle cookies were served!
They were o-so YUMMY and I ate o-so MANY!

Jameson and I were too happy drinking all the different flavors of milk
and sampling all the assorted cookies!

Guests were sent home with a bag of cookies and custom recipe cards to each!

The girls displayed the adorable cookie book,
"Moose Cookies & More"

Shower guests all signed a sweet note to baby Jameson and I was able to
take it home! I can't wait to display it in his nursery! What a treasure!

Gift Time:

The girls hung onesies on a strand of ribbon from the fireplace mantel!
What an adorable idea! So cute!

I had the best time!

A sweet monogrammed blankie for Jameson!

A keepsake embroidered burp cloth for Jameson!

Loving the diaper wreath!

A Big Thank You:

A big, no, HUGE, thank you to my beautiful hostesses who threw such an
amazing baby shower! It was the PERFECT way to celebrate the upcoming
arrival of my sweet baby Jameson! I am very blessed!

Custom thank you cards from Twice Blessed Photography

Pregnancy Cravings?

2011-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

Do you have a friend who just found out she is expecting?

If so, here is a great pregnancy gift idea!

How to:

Take 8X11 craft paper and turn it landscape and fold in half like a long card.
On the front write: "Pregancy Cravings?"
On the inside (top) write: "They'll be our little secret!"
On the inside (bottom) add gift cards of choice.
Tie with a bow!
For this gift I added 3 gift cards:

Starbucks: Get your morning off to a good start
Sonic: Your new happy hour
Taco Bell: For those late night snack attacks

This is such a fun and easy gift!

Now the mommy-to-be doesn't have to

explain to the daddy-to-be all those card

charges to the drive-thrus!

You know those pregnant gals just can not resist a drive thru!

*Well, I can't anyways!*

My Little Leap Frog Blogger..

2011-01-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

I just had to share these pictures of my sweet Jake with you! The boys got to meet Santa Clause at their annual play group Christmas party. Santa brought each of the little ones an early Christmas present all the way from the North Pole! Jake received his very own personal Leap Frog laptop and from these pictures you can see that Santa knew EXACTLY what gift to bring!

I just love how Jake set himself up next to Mommy's computer with his milk cup and all! Maybe he'll take after his Mommy and create his own blog...or two!

My Little Leap Frog Blogger...

Jake, I love you!

You are such a Happy and Humble little boy!!

xoxo,

Mommy

A Sneak Peak..

2011-01-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

At the baby shower my dear friends hosted for me and Jameson today...

Oooooh,

I cannot wait to blog all the goodness of this

Cookies and Milk

Baby Shower!!

Griffin's Rockin 1st Birthday!

2011-01-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

What a cute birthday party my friends

Mandi & Doug

threw for their son, Griffin's,

1st Birthday!

For parents who have played

ROCKABYE BABY,

Lullaby Renditions of Metallica

to their sweet son from the start,

this theme was the PERFECT one!

Meet the

Birthday Boy!

So sweet!

And his

Rockin Cute Family!

Even sweeter!

Welcome to Griffin's Rockin First Birthday!

Guests were greeted with a personalized door sign
from Design Girl on Etsy!

The Set-Up

Mandi custom made a "Happy Birthday" banner using black, white & blue
craft paper, ribbon and letters from Michael's craft store!

The display table featured pictures of Griffin throughout his first year,
a cupcake tower with custom toppers & wrappers, a jar of blue & black
ornaments, blue swirly pops, blue, black & white candies, a painted "G"
monogram and the ticket invitation to the party displayed on a guitar stand!

Custom cupcake toppers from Design Girl on Etsy!

Mandi purchased blue swirly pops from Candy Warehouse and tied white &
black checked ribbon on the stem and displayed in wrapped boxes!

Each guest received a box stuffed with a guitar ornament (being December)
from Hobby Lobby. Red Guitars for boys and pink for the girls!

Each little party guest also received a black beanie to rock
during the party! Mandi purchased the beanie's online at
Halo Heaven and ironed on white stars from Hobby Lobby.

The Cake!

What a cool first birthday cake from Handson Cakes!
I loved the musical notes around the sides!

Griffin wore a custom blue bib with black guitar applique by Jennifer Greer.

And....he likes it!
Rock-On!

Such a PROUD moment for Mommy & Daddy!
They all made it!

Activity/Craft

Mandi found these great bare wood frames from Michael's
for the kids to decorate with glitter & glue!

The frames were a big hit!

Beanies!!

Rockers don't wear party hats...
they wear BEANIES!

Rockin the beanies!

The birthday boy rocked his personalized beanie
(Halo Heaven), guitar t-shirt & jeans (Nordstom)!!

All n' All,

Griffin had the BEST first birthday any
rocker dude could ask for!

Peace out ya'll...this birthday boy has places to go!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY
GRIFFIN!

KEEP ROCKIN'!

Under the Big Top..

2010-12-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

When my dear friend called me to ask if I had any ideas for a

first birthday theme for her twins, I simply asked her what

describes them most.

Her answer...

"A CIRCUS!"

And there you have it!
I suspect if you were a mother of 3 under 3,
you might shout out the same thing too!

So, the perfect theme for this bunch was easy;
now it was time for Bev to plan!

Bev planned such an

AMAZING AND CUTE

first birthday for her twinnies,

Colin and Noël!
There are so many sweet and colorful details, I just had to share!

Meet the twins..

COLIN

NOËL

Aren't they cute??

The Birthday Buffet!

These birthday cakes were so adorable!
To top off the smasher cakes, Bev hand painted bare wood monogrammed
#1's with an N & C attached and added ribbon to the base!

Party guests enjoyed chocolate and vanilla cupcakes
and red velvet cake balls!! MMM!
Custom Big Top toppers adorned the cupcakes!
Bev purchased the cake & cupcakes at Kroger and toppers
from The Ooh LaLa Studio on Etsy. *Shop Now*

Bev punched 2" confetti with cute scrapbook paper and custom labels!

Colin's Side!
Colin's side of the birthday buffet consisted of a hand painted "C" monogram, pictures,
custom party hats, clown noses, animal crackers, animal cookie cutters and swirly pops!

Noël's Side!
Noël's side of the birthday buffet consisted of a hand painted "N" monogram, pictures,
custom party hats, clown noses, animal crackers, animal cookie cutters and swirly pops!

Activities!

Piñata

Bev had a custom Big Top piñata made especially for the party
from The Pinata Xpress in Duncanville, Texas!
The big kids enjoyed smashing it for candy!

Cookie Decorating

The big kids enjoyed decorating cookies with frosting and sprinkles!

Cake Time!

Oh how I love the first birthday cake experience!

Colin & Noël had no problems sampling their first cake...in fact,

they did more than just sample it! Ha!

The twinies enjoyed their sweet smasher cakes and looked mighty

"smashing" in their custom polka dot #1 birthday shirts while doing so!

(Noël's complete with a princess crown!)

** ** **

What a SWEET Bunch..

Otherwise known as the CIRCUS!!

Happy Birthday
Colin and Noël,
We LOVE you!

A Sesame Street Second Birthday!

2010-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Jake and Jack's

birthday buddy,

MAXIMUS LUKE, "Max"

also turned 2 this year!

His Mommy and Daddy

(our dear friends) threw him an o-so cute

Sesame Street Party!

Max's Sesame Street party was "sponsored"

by the letter M

and the number 2!

There are so many cute & creative details I just had to share with you!

THE BIRTHDAY BOY:

Meet Max!
Guests were asked to wear their favorite Sesame Street character colors.

Since Max's favorite character is

ELMO

he was sure to wear all RED and his favorite Elmo kicks!

His grandparents wore blue for

"Cookie Monster"

and..

His Mommy wore pink for

"Abby"

and Daddy wore green for

"Grouch"

THE CAKES:

Max had his very own birthday cake and guests had
2 choices of cupcakes,
Choice #1: Chocolate
Choice #2: Vanilla
The cupcakes were frosted and topped off with
corresponding Sesame Street characters & colors!

THE FOOD:

There were 2 choices of snacks!

Choice #1: Grapes

Choice #2: Cheese

(Max's favorites, along with a bowl full of

Goldfish in honor of Elmo's bestie, Dorothy!)

There were 2 choices of sandwiches!

Choice #1: PB&J on White

Choice #2: PB&J on Wheat

GAMES/ACTIVITES:

How many Dorothies are in the goldfish bowl?

Find a duck with an
M or 2 underneath
and a lollipop was your prize!

**and**

Make your own monster craft!

The kids--old and young--made monsters.

Brandi used old Gerber snack cans and covered them in felt for the monstor bodies.

Her friend provided fibers (dyed with Kool-Aid ) *Shop Fibers* for the monster fur
and Brandi provided glue sticks, pom pom balls, die cuts and pipe cleaners!

DECOR:

Brandi decorated with streamers, balloons, flowers and Sesame Street

characters inside

and...

Large M and 2 poster boards, streamers and lanterns outside!

Everyone had a blast at Max's party!

GIVEAWAYS/THANK YOU'S:

Guests were sent home with all kinds of Sesame Street goodies!
Sesame Street reading books, coloring books, make your own monster sticker set
bracelets and candy!

All N' All:

A sleeping toddler means only one thing....

this party was a SUCCESS!

What a fun and creative Sesame Street Party!

Abby & Grouch did a

fabulous job!

(Elmo and company would be proud!)

Happy Birthday

Birthday Buddy, Max!

We LOVE you!

Star Wars!

2010-12-20T22:18:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Katy, threw a super fun

STAR WARS

themed birthday party for her son's 6th birthday!

It was so clever, I just had to share the party details with you!

This party is sure to make any 6 year old Star Wars fan...well,

HAPPY!

THE INVITATION:

Katy custom made and printed these invitations!

*So creative!*

THEMED FOOD & DRINKS:

Loving the names: Wookie Cookies, Vader Water, Jabba Juice and Yoda Soda! (Ha!)

ACTIVITY/CRAFT:

As Cooper's party guests arrived, they all crafted their very own R2D2s.

JEDI KNIGHT

and PRINCESS TRAINING:

Cooper's party guests all received Jedi robes hand made by Katy.
For the Jedi Robe pattern Katy used, click here.
Katy simply purchased fleece material for the robes
as it is very forgiving so hemming is not necessary!

Training consisted of 4 challenges.

Each party guest had to participate and complete each challenge

to officially become a "JEDI" Knight or Princess!

Challenge #1:

Pin the Light Saber on Yoda!

Challenge #2:

Who is Darth Vader?

Party guests had to close their eyes while one of the guests

was put in a Darth Vader robe & mask. Guests were then asked to open their

eyes and work together to figure out who was under the mask!

The kids LOVED this and the game was played over a few times for fun!

Challenge #3:

Light Saber Training!

Party guests had to learn to poke a floating

balloon with a straw! Challenging...yet fun!

Challenge #4:

Destroy Darth Vader!

Party guests had to take a crack at destroying Darth Vader

...Darth Vader, the Pinata that is!

Cake Time:

After a hard day at Jedi Knight and Princess training,

the Birthday Boy was able to share his very own

LIGHT SABER

birthday cake with his party guests!

**Look how happy he is!**

(Cake how to below)

Giveaways/Thank You's:

Party guests were sent home with Star Wars Pez dispensers!

What a fun and creative

birthday party for a 6 year old!

Happy Birthday Sweet Cooper,

We LOVE you!!!

Light Saber Cake
How-To:
Bake a cake in a 9X13 cake pan.
Once cooked, cut into 3 strips length wise.
Then cover a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil.
Place the strips together to make one long strip.
Shape long strip into the shape of a light saber.
Ice with a combination of whipped icing and Wilton's concentrated frosting colors.
Finally, cut marshmallows to make accents on the handle.

Hooray for Santa!

2010-12-20T21:12:00.000-08:00

First off....

I have the BEST play group!

We have the BEST parties!

I love it!

They make me happy!

Secondly...

Jake and Jack got to meet Santa at our
annual Play Group Christmas party this year!

Santa was sweet!

He brought gifts and chocolates!

My boys loved him!

They loved hanging with their friends
and decorating cookies too!

My Jake says,
"Hooray for Santa who brings toys to all the good girls and boys!"

My Jack says,
"Hooray for Santa who brings me chocolate!"

Decorating gingerbread cookies
with their friends..

Jake trying to figure out how to blog

this party before Mommy does..

What a cute & fun party..

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!!

Winter "One"derland!

2010-12-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

A Winter ONEderland...

(*clever*)

My pledge sister, Leslie, threw a super cute

winter themed birthday for her son's first birthday!

It was so cute, I just had to share
some of the party details with you!!

The Sweet Treats:

A Winter Wonderland themed cake & cupcakes!

Snowflake cookies were also served!

A winter themed candy bar complete with blue M&Ms and blue candy canes,
white chocolate snowmen pops and covered pretzels and holiday assorted chocolates!

Blue "Eskimo" juice and coffee with holiday creamers were served!

The Decor:

A custom 'Happy Birthday' banner hung from the ceiling over the snack bar!

Leslie simply decorated her Christmas tree in theme,
Winter Wonderland with blue and silver snowflakes and balls!
So pretty!

The birthday boy's stocking was hung by the chimney with care...

I loved all the blue snowflakes that hung throughout the house!

Cake Time:

I gather he liked it!
John Cameron had his own personal smasher cake
with blue icing and a dark blue #1!

Oh * how * I * LOVE * the

1st * Birthday * cake * time!

Giveaways/Thank You's:

"Snowflakes are kisses sent from heaven."

The adults were sent home with these silver snowflake ornaments!

The kiddos were sent home with either a snowflake sippy cup
or a bucket filled with candy and toys!

And I said to myself,

What a Wonderful World...

What a very sweet and blessed beyond belief family!

John Cameron,

we hope you had a

ONEderful Birthday!

We LOVE you!