It is so hard to comprehend the fact that I have a SEVEN year old. On the one hand it seems like just yesterday that I brought her into the world, and on the other hand, we have done so much and been so many places that it seems like she has been with us forever! What I do know is that the last seven years have been so incredibly amazing...thanks to this little one and her siblings that followed. Being a mom -- while being tiring, frustrating, overwhelming, time-consuming, and heart-wrenching -- is the most amazing, laughter-filled, encouraging, awe-inspiring, and humbling thing I have ever done. There really are no words to describe it. It took us a number of years and three miscarriages to get to this little lady. And she has brought SO MUCH into our lives. We are so very blessed! HERE is a really long account of the little girls real birthday!
And now I have a mommy confession to make. Up until this year, I have successfully talked Alaina out of a friend party every year. I know. I am bad. I am horrible. And I am selfish. One, I want to celebrate as a family all alone and two, friend parties scare me. The planning and the prep are just fine, but the actual running of the shin dig? Well that's another story! Each year she mentions a party and while I never say no, I always manage to find some other idea that I know she can't resist. And so, for seven years, I have never had to throw a birthday party for a room full of girls. Sure, we have had families come over and celebrate with us but that is totally different than invitations, decorations, and food! But this year, Alaina really wanted a party and my mommy guilt set in (even as I offered her some other tempting options) and I finally said, "Let's do it."
I asked her what kind of party she wanted (I really needed a theme to work with) and she settled on a little bakery. So we made some invitations and I knew there was no backing out! Because I work best under pressure, I really didn't have any solid plans until....oh, about two days before the event. And I had no plans for decorations until....oh, about four hours before the event. Yea, me and procrastination go hand in hand. That said, I DO think things turned out great and Alaina said many times yesterday, "This is the BEST birthday EVER!" I am SO glad my little girl loved her big day!
We had four activities: we made chef hats, we put together cookies in a jar (for the girls to take home), they got to throw plates of whipped cream at Jason (Alaina's request!), and we decorated cookies. Then there were cupcakes (white cake with seven minute frosting) and Fanta Floats and lots of giggles and playing and being girls!
It looks everyone had fun. Janet, you did a nice job. I think Jason is getting pay back for tormenting his siblings ;-). It's nice to see how she celebrated while it's still the 30th here. Happy Birthday Alaina.
Posted by: Dee | January 31, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Janet! Everything looked so great! Your photos are amazing (as usual) and the party details look so cute. She will always remember this special birthday. :o)
Posted by: Rebecca | January 31, 2010 at 12:03 PM
WOW!!!! the pics are wonderful......looks like yall had a great time.....very well planned. Love all the pink!!!
Posted by: jennyg | January 31, 2010 at 08:32 PM
Looks like she really had a great party. Love all the girly pink.
Posted by: Miranda | January 31, 2010 at 08:45 PM
What font did you use on your layout "Two Weeks"? thanks!!
Posted by: jennyg | January 31, 2010 at 11:13 PM
As always, I am amazed by your pictures! I so miss your posts at The Daily Digi, but feel blessed that I can still access some photos and layouts here! On that note, would you mind sharing what products you used on your Resemblence Layout (the example on Collection 36) and what product you used for the title on gerber baby? I love it! Of course, I love every single one of your layouts...
Posted by: Ashly Hanson | February 01, 2010 at 12:25 AM
What a beautiful party! Love all the details!
Posted by: Christin P | February 01, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Wow Janet, that looks amazing. Well done.
Can I ask what font you used for the words you can see more pictures here?
Posted by: Robynne | February 02, 2010 at 07:11 AM
So glad I'm not the only one who doesn't do the friend parties so much! My hubby and I decided that we'd only to a few parties at special ages: 8, 12, and 16. So I still have a year and a half! I love what you did though- perfect!
Posted by: Tamara | February 02, 2010 at 08:17 PM
This is SO perfect! LOVE your photos, and your house looks beautiful! My daughter just turned 7 the day after yours, on February 1st, so we were celebrating as well :) No big thing this year though because we are way too busy this month with ministry stuff... sad. But we have actually have only had one "invite" party in our history and it was BIG. We just did the normal "princess for the day" family thing and we all enjoy that.
I'm glad you guys were able to make the most of your celebration!!
amy in peru
http://apilgrimsproject.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amy | February 04, 2010 at 04:55 AM