Swimming Party {Cutest Cupcakes!}

My sister-n-law Christy made the cutest cupcakes for Collin and Corynn's birthday party on Saturday. I just had to share these pictures. How totally cute are these cupcakes? The shark fins were a big hit with the kids. I couldn't get over the bears in bikinis. Each one was different!!! Not only were they cute, they were delicious too! Great inspiration for anyone planning a pool party this summer.

Navy Baby Shower {Special Delivery!}

I'm in the process of planning a baby shower for my friend Amanda. Her husband is a Medic Coreman with the Navy and is currently deployed with a Marine platoon. He won't be home in time for the shower or their first baby's arrival. I wanted to be sure Joe felt included in all the events leading up to the birth of his baby girl. So, I'm basing the theme around him.

The back of the invitation reads:

Joe is away, but can’t wait for the day,

that his baby girl will arrive.

Amanda’s belly is growing, and she’s happy in knowing,

baby "K" is snuggling inside.

Despite the ocean that divides, they both cannot hide,

the love and excitement they share.

Daddy is sad he’s not here, so let’s bring him some cheer

with a package marked handle with care.

Suggested Items for the CARE package: Books on fathering, a brag book for pictures, a journal, letters of encouragement, a written description of Amanda and her belly, a list of ideas for ways for Joe to bond and be supportive from afar.

These invitations will be mailed in handmade atlas envelopes to perpetuate the "theme."

Instructions on making your own map envelopes are below.

Items you'll need: Envelope to create a template from, an old atlas or map, pen, scissors, exacto knife, ruler and double sided tape (I used Scotch Tape Runner). Gently open the envelope and flatten. Trace outer edges of envelope on a piece of heavy weight paper. I used the cover from the atlas.

Once you've create the template, use this to trace the outline of the envelope onto the maps. I used a red pen. Cut out the envelope using your scissors or the exacto knife and ruler. Place the ruler from corner point to corner point and score using the backside edge of the exacto knife blade. Do this to all four edges. This makes it easy to fold each of the edges.
Using double sided tape, adhere the bottom flap to the left and right sides of the envelope. Once you get the pattern down it's simple. I made 30 envelopes in just under an hour.

If you'd rather buy these, ready for mailing, check out Jam Paper. They have a variety of sizes available and prices range from 30-65 cents each.

Another Ribbon Wand

I made another Ribbon Wand for Corynn's birthday. I'm still perfecting the design. Having problems with the decorative wooden animals staying attached. Steven helped me this time and we used tiny screws to hold the lady bug on. I also chose to use a satin ribbon this time. I'm anxious to see if it holds up to "child abuse."

I thought the yellow pole with the red and black ladybug was so pretty! Happy Birthday Corynn. I hope you like your Ribbon Baton.

Marin's First Fishing Trip

Thursday afternoon Steven took Marin fishing. He was so excited about exposing Marin to the world of fishing. I think he had visions of the special daddy daughter time they would share. He couldn't wait to create a hobby they would enjoy together.

Marin loved the pond, she loved helping daddy make her first fishing rod out of a cane pole and wanted to help him get the hook and worm ready. Things were going just as Steven envisioned. They sat on the end of the dock, handmade pole in hand, just daddy and his baby Marin, waiting for a bite. Then they caught Marin's first fish.

There was a wiggle on the end of the pole and the bobber went out of site. Marin jumped and was instantly afraid. With each following fish her fear became more intense. The last catch was brought it while Marin clung to daddy's neck repeating "mommy? daddy? I scared..." The dream world was gone.

Steven saved her first fish thinking I would want pictures. Below is Marin and her first fish. Maybe Steven will try fishing with her again…next year. Sorry daddy.

What Do You See?

In an old house you become comfortable with oddities, like this old bracket hanging on the wall just above our bathtub. I think during its better days it held the soap dish on the wall. Today it's simply an eyesore. I never really noticed it until one evening when Marin dubbed it "frog." At first she was terrified of "frog." She wouldn't touch it but would point and had rambling remarks about him that I simply didn't understand. Last night she finally touched him and identified his eyes (the two big wood screws). Steven and I thought it was a bit odd that she saw a frog until we began studying it. It's a stretch, but...

A Lesson Learned

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel grumpy. I'm never sure why I have days (Steven says I have weeks) where I'm just grouchy. Everything looks ugly, nothing goes like you plan it. And it always seems that something MAJOR happens to "top it all off."

Well, yesterday was one of those days. And the MAJOR happening was with Marin's birthday party invitations...

I've been planning her party for forever and Saturday, July 4, was the date stuck in my head. Well, silly me didn't check Steven's work schedule (note to self: Check Steven's schedule BEFORE you order invitations). He's working, Saturday, July 4. So, the 20 custom printed, already shipped, invitations are no good.

After a meltdown. A "discussion" with Steven, ending with Marin asking for kisses too...we moved the date to Friday and I reordered invitations.

I'm feeling better today. I think Friday evening is actually going to be better. The weather will be cooler AND we can play with sparklers once it gets dark. Gotta love sparklers!!! Now if I could find someone to clean house for me, so I could sew more ducks, I'd be on cloud nine.

(Hey! This is my first-ever post without pictures. How boring!)

Quacky Birthday Marin: The Invitation

The most difficult part of throwing a party is the invitation. It's the first piece of the puzzle. The item that sets the tone for the entire event. It encompasses the theme, feel, look attitude and is the first introduction, enticing people to attend. That's why I stress over the design. Spending time tweaking and changing and looking for inspiration.

For Marin's party I wanted ducks, but not the plastic bath toy duck. I was going for a feminine, sweet, happy, hand-made duck. The kind that a little girl falls in love with. A timeless summer duck. Something that says Marin. I think it got it. This makes me smile. Oh, I'm so excited about the party!!! (Couldn't tell could you?)

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