happy birthday papa

today is a very special day.  my grandfather turns 92 today.  he has always been the most wonderful man i've known.  he's kind, wise, gentle and thoughtful.  he rubs his cheek to show me where he likes a kiss to go- he's done that for as long as i can remember.  he's the best story teller.  every time we talk he reminds me of how he had the "special touch" when i was a baby.  he was the only one who could put me to sleep.  he teaches us to love well, to put family first and to enjoy life.  he calls my kids cherubs and  likes drinking cuban libras with my husband.
last week he talked about the number 28 being so lucky.  he was born on the 28th, his first wife was too.  they were married for 28 years.  my grandmother was born on the 28th as well.  they too were married for 28 years.  one of papa's daughters was born on the 28th, along with my cousin billy and my will- all october 28th.  crazy huh?  he then told me that i should gamble with that lucky number :) 

here is a picture of my sweet papa back in the day.  i look at it daily.  he's so handsome.


papa george in his early 20's, and my grandma jan as a little girl. 
papa likes that i keep those pictures together.

 my sister has a way with words.  check out a more current picture of papa here- listen to his words at the end, like i said, he's the smartest man i know.  papa doesn't have a computer, he won't read this post.  i do hope that he has a wonderful birthday.  he is someone who deserves to be celebrated. happy birthday papa.  here's to many, many more!

"just plane fun"

this mama knew what she wanted for her little guy's birthday.  the little pilot is inviting his crew for an airplane party.  here's what we came up with:

side note- i know my sister is going to cringe at these pictures.....the camera was acting up yesterday- but i needed to send the package- so, yes, i know these pictures are bad- but the party is cute :)



airplane cupcake toppers and favor tags




she's going to have a drink cart just like on a plane!  the in-flight meals will be served in individual boxes.




this is a game the kids will play- they'll land their airplane on the runway. 
a cute version of pin the tail on the donkey




thank you notes

 this was my first airplane party.  i hope the birthday boy has lots of fun!

happy valentine's day

we're in love with these little guys.  they are SO simple to make- the boys helped a lot.



  press the marshmallows onto candy sticks.  you could probably use popsicle sticks if you'd like




i just used the microwave chocolate- it's just easy.  use whatever kind you like best.
 dip the marshmallow in the melted chocolate.




decorate with  your favorite sprinkles!  we've dipped them in crushed graham crackers- super yummy.




line the bottom of your container with a styrofoam block.




you don't have to display them standing up- i just think it's fun.
 i'm sure they taste just as good on a plate :)




now who wouldn't love a bouquet of these today?




happy valentine's day. xoxo



we're having a party....

tonight my house will be rockin' and we can't wait!  jack and will wanted to have a little valentine's day party- because my boys know that love rocks!  here's a little preview:



these are for the grown ups..cupid's cosmos




rockin' cupcake toppers




this is the centerpiece for the kids table




yummy snacks will be filled in these later tonight




will picked these out from target.  we used vinyl to make each child's initials and guitar.
 these would be so cute as birthday party favors too.




we'll decorate these giant cardboard guitars from Michael's.




hung the disco ball for the big night :)




 yes, in this house we love to love.  that's why we think valentine's ROCKS!!

valentine treat

here is a really easy, really yummy treat we made today for our preschool teachers.  my sister and i made these for christmas as well.  i think oreos are perfect for any occasion.

here's what you need, yes i know- they already look good! 

FIRST mix the cream cheese in your mixer- then add a few oreos at a time.  (my sister did them all together over christmas- let's just say flying oreos....... ) chill for an hour

next have your little helpers roll the mixture into balls. we had kate over today- she kept saying
 "hey, i think i'm very good at this." :) 

sweet will/the hulk was turning his into "hot dogs" 

chill the rolled balls for another 15 minutes

melt chocolate in microwave then coat oreo balls

cover with your favorite sprinkles!!

next let them hang out on wax paper in the fridge for about an hour

ta-da!  homemade oreo truffles- made my my favorite 3, 4 and 5 year old! 



i think these will make a really nice gift for jack and kate's preschool teachers.  i plan to package them in small boxes or tins with a hand written note from the kids.  these would make nice gifts for your neighbors, the mailman- whoever deserves a sweet treat this time of year!  happy heart day!

anna michael

anna michael was born a week before christmas.  for obvious reasons it's hard to plan a party that time of year.  we decided to celebrate christmas with my family in charlotte on her birthday.  it was the first party i'd thrown for one of my kids out of town. my sister graciously offered her home.  i invited a few dear college friends and my family.  it was sweet and lovely, just like my girl.
it snowed the day she was born.  i remember watching the snow fall all day from my hospital window.  it was actually a blizzard.  jordan was stuck at home the day after she was born, we had no visitors....it was that kind of snow.  it seemed fitting to celebrate her first birthday with snowflakes and snow girls. 



this beautiful cake was made by tricia at something sweet. she's out of charlotte and is fantastic.  she is so talented and creative.  can you believe the snowflakes?

 


it was as yummy as it was cute.  it was pink polka dotted in the inside!  yes, i know- adorable!




her brothers have nicknamed her annie p




i can't get enough of the hot chocolate bars




i made these plain white cups match the theme by adding some ones, snowflakes and am's. 
very cheap way to stick to a theme.




i can tell she's thinking: i have the best brother in the entire world.  and she does.




my sweet anna michael.  her outfit was made my an old friend of mine.  nikki has a great little company,  very bright design- check it out.  she makes really cute things!  she also made crayon rolls that i used as favors.  the material matched anna michael's skirt.  GREAT party favors!




addie's party hat was from target's dollar section.  they always have awesome finds there.




annie likes cake




could you imagine having a sister and brother-in-law who takes pictures like this?  they pretty much rock.




the boys shirts were made from nikki too





told you that cake was good!

 happy birthday to my sweet little snow flake.  never has a girl been so loved.  xo

are you ready for some football?

will has a new friend.  they love playing together.  they both like cars, monster trucks, trains and "rockin' out" to loud music.  when they play there is always lots of giggling.   it's adorable.  will is so proud to have his very own friend.  ryland is turning 3 and his party is being held on super bowl sunday.  perfect for a football party!     

happy birthday ryland. 

if you're little guy likes football too- i'd love to recreate this party in his favorite team colors.  just check out my shop!  hope your super bowl party has lots of yummy snacks!