Mommy's Gone Birthday Bananas!

That's what Valie has been saying today :)  I suppose it's true.  I know and fully admit to my insanity.  Valie has been so sweet and helpful though through all the work and planning. Tonight she kept on asking what she could do to help.  So, she poked tiny windows out of die cut castles, wiped up the kitchen floor, helped stuff candy bags, made a few of her very own tissue paper flowers,  watered the garden, and helped me make dinner.  And now she is completely crashed out in the love sac.  

One thing I wanted to post on the blog for everyone is about COSTUMES.  It really doesn't matter if you come all decked out or not.  I just thought it would be fun and memorable to dress up.  It also doesn't matter if you want to be modern day fancy or medieval royalty.  Some people are breaking out old prom dresses (myself included!) or choosing a character to portray, others modern evening wear, and some are just wearing a plastic crown and calling it a day.  So whatever you choose to wear, we are just happy you are coming to celebrate with us!

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Tissue paper flowers have been around forever but they are new to me.  These are so fun to make, here is how to do it:

• Cut sheets of tissue paper in half and then half again so you have four equal rectangles from each sheet.
• Pick 7 pieces of paper in your choice of colors and stack them up.
• Fold the stack accordion style.
• Round cut both ends of the folded paper.
• Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center of the paper and twist the ends together to make the "stem".
• Fan out the paper on both sides and then separate the layers.
• Ta Da you have a tissue paper flower!

Valie is loving having all the flowers around the house.  But she is already picking out individual flowers that she wants to give away to people at her party.

Full Party Mode!

Ok, we are back from our little Vegas Vacation and now in full on party mode!  I have lists and party stuff coming out of my ears.  Here is Valie all dressed up at the Excalibur.  That is her new cat in the picture as well, Tink Dawson.  So my latest and greatest in party planning is that Party America in Sugar house is becoming a Zurchers and clearing out lots of stuff for 50 cents! So if you are having a party or are a nut like me and plan years in advance you should go, before I clear them out :). Cameron and I also bought a new organization system from IKEA for the exercise/everything room and I now have tons of cardboard to make into decorations, I'm excited!  

Valie's 5th Birthday is in 1 month!

I decided the time has come to start a new blog that is totally dedicated to my one and only baby's big day, Her birthday!  Everyone knows how much joy her birthday brings me and that I like to make it a big event.  So I thought I'd let everyone in on the journey especially since the big party is in 1 month and 1 day!  

By the way save the date  Saturday September 6th, 2008!  

All friends and family are invited!  

The theme for this year is a Royal Ball.  I'm actually having a harder time with this than I did with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory party.  I think it could be that I don't have an exact mold to follow, so I am having to come up with my own original ideas.  But I am getting really excited and progress it being made!  

Here's a small preview:

• A giant Castle Cake
• Fun crafts
• Royal Buffet
• Royal Atmosphere
• Pink Chocolate Fountain
• A Court Jester
• Lots of party favors for the kids & adults as well
• Games fit for princesses and princes

I have lots of other stuff bouncing around in my brain as well but I like to keep somethings underwraps so it's a surprise for everyone.  Also, if anyone has suggestions or ideas please pass them along!  Especially if you can think of how I would turn my house into a castle! :)