American Girl Birthday Party

I baked these cupcakes using a box mix from Betty Crocker.  The flavor was Golden Vanilla which was a big hit.  I couldn't try them because I'm allergic wheat so you'll have to take it from my friend Jalane that they were good.  I had some extra left over and when I found out she was having a crappy day I knew immediately she needed them (the neighbor girl fell in her only uncovered window well and required emergency surgery). She said they were the best cupcakes ever and so did all the 10 year olds who were here for the party. 

 The girls were so cute. They all noticed that the invitations matched the plates, cups, napkins, and cupcake stand - all of which was 50% off or on clearance. That cute re-useable cupcake stand was about $6. It was so cute I just had to share.  We then did some of the crafts that are the American Girl brand sold at Michael's, necklaces and bracelets and rings.  The girls had lots of fun for 3 hours and so did I.

To frost the cupcakes I put the icing in a disposable bag with a #12 round tip and swirled it on the cupcakes.  Then I sprayed them with pink and added purple sugar sprinkles.

Humanitarian Aid Birthday Party

My basement still smells like Irish Spring. How did that happen? Let start by going back a few weeks. My daughter and I were looking through the photos of Japan and the devastation when she suddenly stood upright and resolutely said, "That's it. I don't want a Tangled birthday party. I want to do Humanitarian Aid Kits." Tangled is Disney's latest princess movie - my favorite I think.  And it's all the rage with elementary school girls.  But she changed her mind and then the planning began. 

 She wanted her friends to bring stuff to make those kits instead of gifts - although someone brought her a balloon, another brought her s bracelet, another some bubble gum, and even a bubble blower that works really well.  We gave each of the kids a Medic Arm band with their name on it.

They brought toothpaste, toothbrushes, unbreakable combs, bar soap, and hand towels.  She had 15 friends show up.  

We ate pizza, cake, and ice cream, and guzzled down a few liters of pop.  Then my daughter opened her gifts and after that we set out to put together the kits - 32 kits in all. 

 I just need to pick up a few more hand towels.  We have some left over bar soap which I think the center will take, if not I'll donate them to the Food Pantry to help locally.  After eating we helped them put the kits together in gallon ziploc bags. We finished a bit early so Tyler put on a movie in the theater room.  Sudden silence - a nice break after the chaos of the past few hours. Their parents had to practically drag them away.  We got out the bubble blower and had fun with the last few that were left.  As I sat on the side walk watching the children run after the bubbles, my heart was full of joy.  It was great to enjoy their laughter and to know that I was able to help with something that allowed them to run and jump and giggle.  But I really have to give credit to my daughter.  I've never felt what I felt at her birthday party.  Usually they are about giving and putting on a fun show.  These kids were all giving including the birthday girl.  I hope that she remember this day.  

Some of the children had to leave early for another birthday party but we got a bunch of them in our final photo.

Happy Birthday little Monkey!

My little boy recently had a birthday.  This birthday is a big milestone for both of us.  We are both blessed to be here.  You see, I was full of cancer when he was born.  To give you an idea, a large tumor is the size of a quarter.  My tumor was almost 14 inches long and 3 inches wide.  It's been 5 years.  He had his "Well Child" check up and he has the green light for school.  It's all very exciting.  One more kindergarten prep class and he'll be ready to go.  

My son helped me design the monkey on his invitations.  We then made Pin the Banana on the Monkey and also wall decor. Oh and we can't forget the masks.  Every child went home with a mask and a balloon.  

 The day before his party we found this cute monkey balloon at the grocery store.

And I made the cake.  Really it's off balance and I piped on the icing with a plastic bag because I'm too cheap to buy the real stuff that I know I would rarely use.  But decorating like this and making the cake for my child's birthday was a dream come true.  And I finally had the energy to do it. 

We even drew and cut out the monkeys for the cups. We served banana shakes in the cups.  My Dad loved the shakes! He kept commenting about how well everything was going which made me relax because I felt like the pizza was late and I was making a mess.  

You can see the masks on the wall waiting to be chosen by a lucky preschooler.

Here's a cousin taking his turn at pin the banana on the monkey. We liked it so much my husband suggested we laminate it.

 This balloon is almost as big as my son.

Grandma and Grandpa P drove up.

And Grandma V walked over.

I love this photo with my sweet boy.  He cuddled up on me at the Dr.'s office today - no shots - he finished them last year.  He was so happy about that. He got to hop around and share his coordination.  He has 20/20 vision.  We are truly blessed.

Brother and Sister 

And Daddy!

We had a room full of preschoolers but I decided to honor their privacy and not share those photos.  We did take a photo of my son with each friend and each gift so we'll be using those as Thank You cards.