{Parties} Travel Themed Adoption Shower

My mom, sis, and I threw together a shower for my sister-in-law, Jane, in a matter of a few weeks. Because Jane and my brother, Rob, will be traveling to Africa {the Democratic Republic of the Congo to be specific} to adopt their boys, the date of the shower was unknown until they received word from their adoption agency that the adoption was a "go." Their travel plans are still not set in stone, but we're hoping and praying they can get their boys very soon. A few more details still need to fall into place.

Because Rob and Jane will be traveling so very far for their boys, I thought it'd be cute to add some travel touches to the dessert table.

Let's talk business first. Enter in dessert. Michelle of The Occasional Cookie made the adorable and delicious cookies for the dessert spread. She used my invitation as inspiration and created the cutout of Africa for one kind of cookie.

The other cookies were little African boys' faces. I mean seriously. HOW CUTE! The pic is a little blurry but if these weren't the cutest things. I couldn't even eat one, it was so adorable. I tried the Africa one instead ha!

My mom also ordered yummy cupcakes from Country Sweets, and I made flag toppers.

Back to details now. The backdrop for the table was a variety of frames and and old window. Inside one of the frames, I hung a sign that I made that said, "Africa, here we come!"

The other frame held a cutout of Africa that I crafted using scrapbook paper. I added a heart in the place where the Congo is.

I love this old window. Using more scrapbook papers, I made a bunting that I hung from the window.

When my little man, Dean, turned one, I ordered these suitcases for his dessert table. If they weren't perfect for our travel themed table, I don't know what was. Inside, I added some old maps, my expired passport, and a little jar that held the party favors.

My mom asked me to make a bookmark as the favor. I added a bible verse that my brother and sister-in-law like to the bottom.

The kitchen held the eats and drinks for the guests. My mom and sister did a great job with all of the food. It was a yummy luncheon.

My mom, sister, me, and Jane....I'm thankful for these ladies!

All in all, it was a really nice afternoon, and we all had a chance to tell Jane how excited we are to meet the new members of our family!

{Giving} Back-to-School

The kiddies are pretty much all back to school at this point, and another school year is underway. I'm still somewhat in a state of shock that my little mister is now in preschool two mornings a week. We met his teachers last week at orientation, and his first official day is Monday, September 9th. I'm not trying to brown nose, but as a teacher myself and a parent, I wanted my son's teachers to know how much we appreciate them {and pray that they are caring, loving, patient individuals with hearts for children} by sending in a little teacher gift.


I haven't been in the classroom since last November and am taking another year off to be home with my children, but I know I would have loved these little personalized note cards. In fact, I always kept a stack of notecards in my desk at school because there would be many times that I would want to send a little thank you to a student, a note home to a parent, or an encouraging note to a fellow teacher.


I also made some matching apple tags that I plan on attaching to little treat bags. I used pretzels to display how I might use the tags, but I plan on sending in chocolate covered pretzels. I mean, come on...after the first week of school with three-year-olds, more than chocolate is needed! I probably should ditch the pretzels and just send in a bottle of wine ;-}

Speaking of back to school, I took some "school" shots of my little guy and my nephew a few weeks ago. The weather and the kids cooperated, and the pics turned out really cute.

My nephew started kindergarten last week....say what?!

** I'm excited for the fall weather...are you?!
** The old desk I used in the above pics? My hubby trash picked it for me a few years ago. I knew it would come in handy one day ;-}
** My sister-in-law's shower is today! Pics and details next week.
** My hubby just returned from a Cape Cod guys weekend/fishing trip. I'll be planning my girls get-away ASAP. Ha!

{Invitations} Adoption Shower

My brother and his wife are adopting two brothers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a month -- AHHH! This has been a long time in the making, and we are all so excited for them. My mom is throwing them a little shower in the next two weeks to celebrate and welcome the boys into our family, so I whipped up some invites for the occasion.

I used boyish colors, simple fonts, and...

...crafted a blue/green "world" with Africa in the center.

Rob and Jane would like to bring some items with them to the orphanage where their boys have been, so I included an additional enclosure asking our guests to consider making a donation for these children and workers that have so very little.

**I'm working on some details for a dessert table now. I'm hoping it turns out the way I am envisioning in my head. STAY TUNED!
**My little mister is going to pre-school this year, and I'm putting together a little gift for his teacher, whom I've already met and really like! Not a gift per say, just a little something. POSTING SOON!
**I've also got my baby girl's first birthday on my mind. It'll be here before I know it {November}, and I've got to get MOVIN' on some of the details!
**My hubby and I planned a mini-getaway for this fall, and I'm so excited! We are headed to the city of Charleston, South Carolina. I NEED this!
**Soaking up the last of summer, but also looking forward to the fall at home with my sweet babes :-}

{Invitations} Maura Kate #3

My neice, Maura, has a birthday that is approaching. She will be three, and we will be celebrating with a pool party at our local swim club. My sister pretty much gives me complete freedom to design her children's birthday invitations however I want. I thought some fun, summery colors would be fun and went to work. The above proofs are what I ended up with. My sis picked the one with her girl's sweet face. I also made coordinating wrap labels and thank you cards. Wishing my pretty neice a happy #3!

{Decorating} Hair Clip Frame

I've tried my best to jazz up my daughter's nursery a little with some pretty touches here and there since I decided to keep the blue walls, rug, and bedding that she inherited from her big brother. In another two years, we'll do it up girly style with a big girl bedroom. Until then...let me introduce to you yet another Pinterest knockoff ;-} In other words, an old frame with wire to hold some of my baby girl's clips.

It was simple really. The frame originally came from my in-laws home. I spray painted it lime green for my son's first birthday party. Then last summer I added wire to the frame to hang pictures of my parents and family for their 60th birthday dinner. So, all I had to do was find a spot to hang this baby and add some clips.

Enter in a lonely little wall on the other side of my girl's closet. You don't even see it unless you walk all the way into the nursery, stand at the far wall, and turn around and face to door. It's slightly hidden, which I kinda like.

So, these clips? Not much use for them at this point. As you can see, my girlie is pretty much a baldie! I love that little, round, peach fuzzed head. And I'll be ready with some cute clips when her hair finally does decide to come in ;-} No worries...I was bald until I was two {my mom used to tape bows on my bald head...ha!} and if you know me now, then you know I've got a head of hair on me.

{Parties} Dedication Celebration

My baby girl's dedication was a few weeks ago, and we had a small, private ceremony at a local country club followed by brunch. All of our immediate family were present for this special day. A family friend performed the dedication ceremony...he also baptized me when I was ten, married my husband and me almost five years ago now, and dedicated our son three years ago. We were honored that he was able to dedicate Drew, and he will forever hold a very special place in our family.

Our family had a private room in which I set up a SUPER simple little display. A baby dedication is a celebration, but it's not really a party. It almost felt inappropriate to go over-the-top with decorations and party fluff because the day is really about so much more than that. I have Drew's first birthday for all of that fun stuff...ha!

I did order a cake, which was actually somewhat of a waste because Scotland Run's brunch is overflowing with decadent desserts. Oh well. I added a pink and green cake topper made from ribbon scraps that I made a few years prior but never used.


Behind the cake, I brought along my chalkboard and added the verbage, "God Bless Drew."


My friend Jamie made me sugar cookies and decorated them as pink and white daisies. I used these as a simple favor and way of saying thank you for coming. I bagged the cookies in clear plastic treat bags and added tags that I whipped up a few days prior. They sat in a white pot that I bought for Dean's dedication centerpieces. I took the brown and white polka dot ribbon off and added pink and white for my girlie.


At each guest's place setting was a little program listing the order of events for the dedication ceremony. I quickly created these and layered them onto dark pink shimmery paper.


Two days before the dedication, I went to Shoprite's floral department and picked out about ten bunches of varying floral blooms. Once home (and when the kiddies were napping), I spread them out on my kitchen island and mixed and matched the blooms together. I used my own glass holding vessels...most of them were just mason jars from spaghetti sauce that I rinsed out and saved. Lastly, I added some pink and white polka dot ribbon around the jars. So for approximately $25-30, I made four pretty centerpieces. Not bad.


My family of four...love them! I tried to stay in keeping with a dark pink and white color palette. I ordered my son a tie from Etsy and my hubby had a few pink ties in his closet already. I found a dark pink shirt that I paired with white slacks, and my sweet girl wore a very simple dress that I unexpectedly found at Carter's {I wasn't even looking for a dress}. I had my son's dedication outfit made from the train of my wedding gown and my daughter got an $18 dress from Carter's. Don't judge...life has been a little busy! I had Lisa of My Sunshine make Drew a sweet headband {Lisa made my bridal jewelry and is a very crafty and talented lady!}.

All in all, a great day!

**TGIF! Boo rain!

{Invitations} Baby Dedication

My six month old baby girl is being dedicated this weekend, and here are her simple invitations. I'm sticking to a dark pink and white color palette.


I also created coordinating wrap labels for the invitations.

**Next week I will post the details -- stay tuned!

{Giving} Teacher Appreciation

Last week was teacher appreciation week, so I put together a quick little gift for my son's two teachers. It's totally a Pinterest knockoff ;-} Who doesn't love a pump soap from Bath and Body Works? I'm practically obsessed...ha!


I designed a little tag, had them printed, quickly cut them, punched a little hole, added some pretty ribbon, and tied them around the soap bottles. Nothing over the top or fancy, but as a teacher myself, I would have loved to have received a little gift of appreciation!

**I hope all you mommies out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!

{Home} Paint Job

Hello! We recently took a big leap of faith and painted our little old farmhouse. It had been a pale yellow, and it was cute. I really and truly liked it, BUT...there's just something about a grey farmhouse. So, grey it was. Now, my flowers pop, the white trim around my windows pop. Things just pop.


This is not a great picture, but it gives you an idea of the yellow we painted over. I'm happy with my decision ;-}

**So...it's been a while. My poor blog...it has been neglected BIG TIME. Maybe one day I'll actually have a few minutes to myself to update it more often ;-} Until then...it's here and there :-/
**We made settlement on our house 4 years ago this week. It was the same day as my husband's birthday. Time flies!
**I'm taking off another school year to be at home with my babies. Relieved!
**Have a good week!

{Home} Kitchen Island

About a month ago, I took the plunge and finally painted our kitchen island. It was something I had been wanting to do for a few years, but also something I continued to stall on. When my little man and husband took a guys trip to Florida for spring training last month, I knew it was now or never because two kids equals never getting anything done.


I chose a creamy white color with grey undertones {it was actually a color my sister shared with me and used in her new home}. The island took three coats, and I thought I was going to die. I strongly dislike painting. I love the look of a kitchen island that is not matchy matchy with the cabinets. Truth be told, I'd like to paint all my cabinets the color of the island, but I might be 60 before I would have time to tackle that ;-}


Last year, we replaced all the hardware in the kitchen. I mixed a simple knob and a more modern pull. My little kitchen is far from the kitchen of my dreams, but it's cozy and cute, and fits our little family for now :-}

**TGIF!

{Holiday} Easter Dinner

Hello! Easter was ummm...almost three weeks ago now, and I'm just getting around to a quick post on some of the details of that day. Just can't keep up these days! I kept my tablescape simple, using some springy colors, sparkly eggs, tulips, and candlelight.


I created dinner menus and cut them in the shape of a bunny {thank you, Pinterest!}.


Just a close-up of some of the details on the table.


Another Pinterest knock-off ;-} I took an empty toilet paper roll, cut it, covered it with shimmery white paper, and plopped a monogrammed hard boiled egg inside to mark each person's place setting.


I kept my buffet table decorated with the springy greens I added a few weeks prior and changed my chalkboard to say, "He is Risen" to honor and celebrate our Savior on Easter day. The buffet housed my desserts for the night, which included the chocolate covered bird nests {below} and a berry pie {not pictured}. We ended up only having my parents as guests, so I didn't need to overdue it with tons of sweets.


Yum!

{Spring} Green on the Brain...

With spring on the horizon {YAY!}, I've got warmer weather, tulips and daffodils, and springy greens on my mind. I'm more than happy to leave ole' man winter behind :-/

I decorated my dining room buffet with faux potted greens for the spring season, and I'm loving the infusion of color in my home. And it also happens to be perfect for the St. Patty's dinner I'm hosting this evening too. Nothing fancy, just both sets of our parents coming over for a ham and cabbage supper and a little time with the grandbabes. Speaking of, I better get movin'!

**I'm hosting Easter this year too...details soon!
**Happy early St. Patty's Day to ya!

{Parties} Diggers Galore

We closed out last week with a digger party for our brand new THREE year old. It was a sunny winter day, and we so very much enjoyed celebrating our little man.

Diggers are something Dean just adores, so it only seemed appropriate to theme up his party a bit. I didn't go crazy...but I sure do love little details ;-}

The buffet in my dining room held Dean's dessert station. Check out the details below:


The chalkboard I found in TJ Maxx this fall was the focal point of the dessert table. I created a "Dig In" dessert menu listing all of the yummy sweets served. With a brown and yellow color palette, a chocolate themed dessert bar seemed perfect.


I used yellow chevron bags to hold party favors for the kids and adults.


I ordered a chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery for Dean's birthday cake. It was YUMMMMMM. I crafted some homemade cake toppers {a #3 and a digger}, added some yellowy orange candles, and called it a day ;-}


I've tried my hand at using melted chocolate over and over and just don't seem to have much luck, but I was able to squeeze out some chocolate covered pretzels covered in chocolate jimmies and...


...chocolate covered pineapple and strawberries. If you've never had pineapple covered in chocolate let me suggest you get on that ASAP. To.die.for.


Tootsie rolls also made an appearance because of their chocolate flavor and brown wrapping. Plus, my mom and sister love them :-}


In addition to my dining room buffet, I also decorated my mantle with some digger themed decor. First, I made a "Happy Birthday" banner. Then I filled a glass bubble vase with dirt from my backyard. Yes, dirt. Ha! I stuck a handmade digger pick in the dirt. I also borrowed a few of Dean's play diggers for the mantle.

My current favorite picture of my boy also made an appearance. One beautiful day last week, I took my little guy to the local elementary school, which is under construction, and situated him in front of one of the huge diggers. That was it...he was happy as a clam and smiled his head off while I snapped away. Ohhh, I just love him!


I also conducted a little interview with Dean in an attempt to document some of his current thinkings and likes. His answers were completely sweet and "my chat with Dean" is something I will save forever.


Last but not least, I set up dinner on my kitchen island {which is newly painted and I'll feature soon right here on my blog!} and added a caddy full of brown and yellow essentials including: stripey straws, cute napkins, and cups decorated with washi tape.

That's it -- a simple digger party for an anything but simple little boy ;-}

**Hallelujah it's MARCH! Come on already Spring!
**Post on the new kitchen island is coming soon. And also? We're painting our house. Yup! Stay tuned!