Mika's 2nd Birthday Party

I had a mini-meltdown this week. It was at that point I was reminded that the reason I work so hard on my kids' birthday parties is because I want them to feel loved and feel special. It doesn't matter if the party doesn't turn out exactly as I planned. They are worth every minute I put into their parties. Would they feel loved without me going to the trouble of a totally homemade party? Absolutely. I still love having these parties because it is something I love doing for them.

That said, we had Mika Lynn's second birthday party on Saturday. It was everything I imagined it would be. She was all smiles so I think she felt very loved and quite special. I decided a few months back to have an ice cream social for her party. It was tons of fun to plan and made for a fun party!

So here you go. A few pictures from my baby's special day.

I couldn't have pulled this off without the help of my sweet friend, Vickie. She helped with the fabric flowers, boxes, everything and she let me bounce ideas off of her. Thanks girl!

I made yummy cupcakes with a delicious frosting recipe I found on Pinterest. Topped with pearl sprinkles, they were the perfect girly cupcake. I thought the patterned boxes were perfect holding the cupcakes.

Garland, "ice cream" banner and balloons. I love how balloons scream "Party!"

Ice cream sundae area. Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, homemade strawberry sauce, strawberries, chocolate banana chips, cherries, candies, sprinkles and marshmallows. And don't forget the whipped cream.

I ordered the ice cream cups and spoons here. I stamped some of the spoons with Mika's name. I love fun details like that.

I used twine and stickers to dress up the jars a little. Details.

For some reason, two dozen cupcakes looked like a lot on this table. Ha! We had plenty left over this morning that we took to church to share.

The table. I loved the pinks with a hint of yellow. I also made cake batter balls from another Pinterest recipe. Delish.

How cute is this? The ice cream sundae bar was so fun! I loved working with the idea of an ice cream social.

The birthday girl with her Mimi and her big sister. Sadly, my camera lost the sweet pictures I took of Mika and her birthday table.

The girl with her gifts. What a blessing!

It was a wonderful day and the birthday girl loved every minute of it! I still can't believe she is two. I want to thank everyone who celebrated with us and everyone who helped me make the day so special for my baby girl.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Love. 

Parties and Babies and Boo Boos

Things have been so crazy around here. We have a big birthday party this weekend. I still can't believe my baby is two. Eeek. She is officially not a baby anymore. I have been working so hard on her party... the perfect ice cream social. Yes, I know, nothing is truly perfect. But I've been so pleased with how everything has turned out that it is perfect to me. A sweet friend and I have spent hours making all sorts of cute stuff for the party. I have loved every minute of it and hope Mika feels so loved at her party.

Here is a sneak peek for you:

I ordered some ice cream cups and little wooden spoons from a website and I am loving them!! We've made banners and garlands and cupcake toppers and cupcake holders and 'thank you' tags and a special birthday shirt. It has been tons of fun and I can't wait to see it all come together Saturday.

I'm also in the middle of planning another birthday party for sometime in March. It's a big party (Peyton is turning 5!) and I have big plans for it. Once I get past Mika's party I will get to work on P's party. 

The girls got to meet their newest cousin a couple weeks ago. My sister had her baby girl a couple weeks early and we are all madly in love with AK.

Is she not the cutest thing EVER???? I loved making her so fun hair accessories and it makes me so happy to see her wear them. Hehe! I can't wait to get back to Whit's house and squish this precious baby.

While we were at my sister's house, Mika burned her thumb on something. My Nancy Drew instincts tell me it was a lightbulb, but I don't know for sure. Anyway, a couple days after I first noticed a blister on her thumb it ended up getting really bad and nasty. So I had Jared take her to an after hours clinic one Sunday morning to have it checked out. I couldn't stomach this boo boo so I kept the other girls. The sweet doctor fixed her up and we had to keep her thumb wrapped for about a week. It was so pitiful. She was proud of her bandages though! Ha!

And finally - I am so ready to spend some time with my Mom and Nanny this weekend. They are coming for the party and staying the night with us. Yay!!! I love them so much and haven't seen them enought lately. I can't wait to see them. And the girls are even more excited than me.... they love Mimi and Nanny!!

 

And that is a quick (ha!) update on us. I have freed up some of my schedule so I should be able to blog more now.... I hope. I really do.

Love.

Busy Bees

I have been SO BAD at blogging. I have some very good reasons for my lack of attention to the blog Perhaps they are more excuses than reasons, but either way.... it is my life right now and computer/free time is very minimal.

First, I am going crazy waiting on my new niece to arrive. I send my sister texts constantly checking on her. I will have a three hour drive to get to the hospital when she goes into labor, eek! I have my bag packed as well as bags for the girls. I just can't stand it! I am so ready to meet her sweet little self.

Speaking of little miss, my sister is calling her "A" on her blog, we had the best shower for her and my sister last weekend.

Isn't that so cute??? Sweet Julia at Sweet Happenings did the shower and she is fabulous! Seriously, if you need a party/wedding/event planner, she is your girl. She blogged the shower with more detailed pictures.... check it out! Baby A is so loved!!!!

Another reason for my absence: I have been helping a friend out by watching her baby a few times a week. The girls love having a baby in the house and it has been so much fun so far! It means a lot to me to be able to help her out. Plus, who doesn't love a little snuggly baby? Am I right?!

I am also in the process of planning a baby shower for my S-I-L. It is in less than two weeks and I can't wait to celebrate her second daughter with her. I have all the ideas planned out for the shower, I just need to get a move on and get some things put together.

The first few months of the year are always quite busy for us. Two of my babies have birthdays coming up so I am planning a couple of birthday parties. I have some great ideas but really need to get things done. I haven't even finalized invitations for our February birthday. Eeek!

All of this is on top of my normal stuff - husband, three kids, the home, my Ladies' Group, committments I've already made, and on and on. It is a busy time for us.

My life is so full right now and I love it. I love having so much to do with my time. I will keep trying to post... bear with me as I try to balance all these things going on in my life.

Love.