Eclipse Party

This is a party I did for a large group of my friends for the release of Eclipse.

I used printables from Hostess with the Mostess for the cupcake picks and for the framed quotes throughout the party.

"Wolf Kibble"

"Doggie" bags to take "Emmet's Grizzly Bears" (cinnamon bears) for the movie.

"Vampire Venom" and party favors

We had such a fun night, and I had a great time putting the party together!

Baby K Turns 1

For Baby K's 1st birthday

I decided to have a kite party .

It was at the end of March, so I figured it would be the perfect weather for kite flying.

The plan was to have it outside under the canopy tent, with picnic blankets all over the lawn. But you know what they say about best laid plans... we moved inside.

There was a large bucket filled with kites for everyone.

Everyone did get to go out for a bit to fly kites.

Sorry for the poor pictures. I was running late and didn't have much time to take pictures.

We had barbeque beef sandwiches, salads, and chips followed by cupcakes. Even though it didn't go exactly as I had planned, it was still a very fun party.

Here's the Story of a Lovely Lady...

Who was busy with three kids... That's the way this story starts. I'm the lovely lady :) and this story starts with my having three wonderful children. Life was good. Was I busy? Absolutely. Did I have "those" days where everything went wrong? You betcha. But was I overwhelmed? No. Did it all seem like too much? No. I was in my element. I was in control.

Then I did something that didn't seem like too big of a deal. I had another baby. I know, every child is a big deal and changes your life blah, blah, blah... but I mean in the overall big picture I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. Each of my kids brought new joys and new challenges, but each one just meshed into my life so nicely. Maybe my overconfidence was the problem.

Fourth child enter stage right. Chaos ensues.

I am a very "in control" sort of person that has found myself completely out of control. Not that the fourth child is difficult. He is an absolutely adorable boy who is mostly quite content and happy. I couldn't ask for a better baby. I'm not sure why I am so overwhelmed, but I am. I keep telling myself it will get better. No luck so far, but I do have hope. One of these days I will begin to feel in control once more. I just know it. (It's the only thing that keeps me sane.)

The crafter in me is longing for that day because there are so many projects I want to do and just can't find the time for. So, I know I am not on here very often. I wish I was, but occassionally I will find a minute to make something and then I might even find a minute to write about it. Those are very good days. Like today. Today is a good day. I found a minute to craft, and a minute to write.

(The styrofoam balls I had on hand for my topiary were a little too small, so I covered them in sapnish moss first to kinda beef them up a bit.)

Now back to reality. I have a pile of laundry, and a dishwasher calling my name. Where's my "Alice?" Hopefully you will see me again soon.

Pink Cupcake Party

I have to start by saying that this wasn't an actual party. Today the princess and I had what she called a "pink cupcake party." She was just dying to make cupcakes, so we made pink cupcakes with chocolate and vanilla frosting with pink, white chocolate hearts on top. Of course we had to have pink milk to go with it!

I just love having a daughter to do things like this with.

It's a Pirate Party, Savvy!

This party was a blast to put on! It was for my son who was turning 8. The invitations really helped set the mood

This was the walkway up to the house

Inside the door was a large treasure chest for coats, boots, etc.

I had the soundtrack from Pirates of the Caribbean playing and there were skulls, bones, treasure, and snakes everywhere. As each boy came in he was given a pirate hat and an eye patch.

The Captain got to sit at the head of the table where everyone had hotdog boats, gold fish, tropical fruit on skewers, treasure (chex mix with candy), and rootbeer.

The centerpiece was an opened treasure chest that held the first clue to our treasure hunt. (We did the hunt last. The treasure they found was their own treasure box favors.)

This was the awesome cake that my mom made for the party. Whatever other talents I may have, cake decorating is not one of them. Thank you, Mom!

This was the sign on the bathroom door because they are 8 year old boys and I just couldn't resist.

One of the games we played was Pass the Pretzel. Each boy got his own hook to wear and they divided into two teams. They had to pass the pretzel from one hook to the next all the way down the line.

They also had to walk a plank blindfolded and had a cannonball war.

There were two ships in the room, each with a Jolley Roger flag hanging behind it. They divided into teams and were each given a stack of scrap paper. They wadded up the paper threw "cannonballs" at each other. They loved it!

The captain got to sit up in the pirate ship to open his presents while all the rest of the pirates sat on the floor. I think he felt pretty cool being up higher than everyone else.

This party was a huge hit, and so fun to do. Hope you got some good ideas for your next pirate party.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Merry Christmas, everyone! Here is a bit of Christmas cheer from me to you! I apologize for the picture quality. I can never seem to figure out how to photograph a Christmas tree, so you will only get little glimpses of parts of the trees. If you have any helpful hints (my photographer friends) please share!

The Princess' Tree

We'll start with my favorite tree. I really wanted to do a lot more with the ornaments and topper on this tree, but I just didn't have the time this year. Maybe next year. But I love the fun pink color and the super cute garland.

Family Room Tree

This tree has a very rustic feeling. I made these balls a few years ago, and I love them. I just glued small red beans and black-eyed peas to a styrofaom ball and used jute as the hanger.

I the pictures you can catch a glimpse of the garland. It looks kind of like rope, but up close you can tell it isn't. This used to be a broken basket. I just pulled the basket apart and used it as garland. I love the way it looks, and best of all, it was free.

Tree in the Library

This tree was the worst to photograph, so again, sorry. I got this tree topper years ago, not long after I got married. I paid entirely too much for it, and would never even consider spending that kind of money on a tree now, but I do love it. And I am so glad I was frivolous years ago so I've been able to enjoy it for all these years.

I made these ornaments with some frosted balls, ribbon, and two floral picks that I intertwined.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

I'm linking up to Funky Junk's Christmas Trees Unite.

Let the Countdown Begin

Well okay, it actually began a couple of days ago, but whatever.

Take one unfinshished wood frame. Add scrapbook paper, chipboard, stencils, stamps, ribbon, and of course the everfaithful Mod Podge... and voila! You're counting down until Christmas.

I don't know about you, but I better get off this computer and start getting ready for Christmas.