{Personal} Levi's Robin Hood 3rd Birthday Party

On December 2nd 2011 at 11:01am, our little Levi was born and changed our lives forever. He just turned 3 recently and I'm wondering where the heck the time went!! It seems like yesterday he was just learning to crawl like a little caterpillar in a big world, hitting peas out of our hand as we tried to feed him, exploring his tiny fingers and toes as he gnawed on them and filling diapers like it was his favorite past time.

Now, our little man is so grown up with an innocent curiosity of world, testing boundaries, limits and heights as he leaps from the highest of them. He is so brave, so smart and so intuitive. I am so thankful for this tiny, yet bursting soul of his.

To celebrate Levi's birthday, we threw a Robin Hood themed party for him. (Well, two parties actually because last year, there were SO many people in our home that it was a little difficult to even walk through. We decided to split it up this year). It was all pretty last minute due to many things going on these past few weeks and since we really didn't have the funds to get super fancy, we made do with what we had. I whipped everything up just a couple days prior to the party. The only thing I bought were red streamers from the dollar store which gave me a grand total of $1 spent on decor ($1.08 if you include tax)! Below are tips and tricks I used to come up with decor pieces.

Here are just some highlights of the themed party decor. All of the photos captured during the party where on phones but the majority was on the video camera. There is A LOT of footage so I have yet to finish the video to share but will once it's complete.

{enjoy}

...and the morning of his birthday.

I actually debated cropping this one but realized that this is Levi. He doesn't care if his bed head is totally crazy, his pants are missing (which is weird because he went to bed with pants on) or if he's only wearing one sock. He's happy and that's all that matters this morning!

Happy Birthday my little love!! You are the light of our lives. <3

Decor Tips

Arrows: I used sticks I collected from outside and felt I had on hand. Cut the shapes and glued them to the ends of the sticks. The kids loved them and they are gentle to touch if they are thrown!

Feather garland: Just some twine and a bit of glue added to the ends of extra feathers I had. Anything can be turned into garland right?

Triangle garland: Got a bunch of paint chips from home depot, cut them into triangles and glued them to twine. Love the paint chip idea because you can choose from SO many different colors so you are bound to find what you are looking for. We are going to use this garland in his room too.

Wood target and "let them be little" sign: We have a bunch of extra wood that we use for the fire pit in the backyard. My husband cut a few pieces for me, I used what paint I had on hand, grabbed my brush and painted away. I actually created the "little" sign for the kid's bedroom a while back so I was able to use that in the decor as well.

Feather/arrow cupcake toppers: I cut the ends of some feathers off so the feather sorta made a "V", glued them to some tooth picks and wrapped them with a bit of twine. They are supposed to look like little arrows going into the cupcake.

Robin Hood Prints: Googled images and also made my own from the movie.

Cupcakes: Target! Ok, I LOVE the vanilla cupcakes from Target but I love them even more when they are half off-$3.49 for a dozen! Go into Target the day or night before a party and look in the bakery (I found mine in the bakery markdowns). The markdown dates are still good until the following day or 2 so everything still tastes great (the cupcakes still tasted amazing even days after that-especially if you keep them in the fridge)!

What do you do to keep events within a small budget? Favorite decor tips? Food tips? etc.

I'll love you forever...

"...The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!"

But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be..."

by Robert Munsch

I love you little bug. I love you more than I could ever articulate into words. Sometimes my heart aches from the unconditional feelings I have for you.

No matter what, I want you to live a life of joy. A life that was given to you not because of mommy and daddy but because of our sweet Lord and his purpose for you.

Hold tight to your courage and remember that you are braver than you know, more compassionate than you may feel and worth more than anyone may say.

I love you. Daddy loves you. Your grandmas love you. Your grandpas love you. Your aunts and uncles love you. Your cousins love you. Your baby friends love you. But most of all, God love you.

I pray you never doubt this or underestimate the power of unconditional love. 

Recently (San Fran, Mohawks, Kite Dates and Summertime in the Water)

Happy Friday...evening!! It's been a while (long while) since I've done a "recently" post so I grabbed my computer and headed to Starbucks once the husband got home (since he has projects to get done) and the babe is asleep. 

I have an iced green tea in hand, a comfy Ninja Turtles shirt on ($4 at Target...heeyy!), messy hair and my prescription glasses on. I probably look like I just got out of bed but honestly, where I live, super casual is the norm.

Anywho, I thought I'd give a little update on life recently other than the shenanigans in the craft room-that will come later.

First things first, I've been watching Creative Live for quite some time now. It's usually playing in the background as I'm working because these workshops are so incredibly enriching in knowledge when it comes to the handmade market and small biz. Seriously, if you are looking to grow your skills and learn new things, turn into CL pretty much at anytime and you will get just that! Best thing is, it's free education too!

Here's the best news yet, I recently signed up to be a part of the live studio audience for one of the workshops coming up and just got an email of approval to attend! I will be in San Francisco next month for a few days (my first time going to San Fran)!! I'm so excited to go and get some serious brain food to feed into my shop! I also get to go with my friend Tara from Laila's Charming Pieces who also got accepted. This is pretty amazing for the both of us!

This trip lends some major guilt though because this means I will be away from my family for a few days. I tried talking my husband into going but since I will be gone pretty much all day at the workshop-every day, he decided that it didn't quite make sense...I guess he's right...I will miss him but it is too great of an opportunity to turn down. I am so thankful for such a supportive husband and family!

Since it's officially summertime-& HOT, we've been spending a lot of time outside playing in the water. Whether it's on the slip n' slide or spraying the hose, these moments make our home feel like HOME.

We had a "kite-flying date" in the backyard. It ended with my kite getting stuck in the neighbors tree with pink streamers tangled around the branches. Maybe next time I will tie my kite strings around Levi's pant loops so he can't let go of it. Ha ha!! It was so much fun while it lasted though!

We made strawberry, banana crepes with walnuts one afternoon. YUM!! This makes me want about 5 more.

This momma's heart stopped when I walked into the living room the other day and saw that my husband gave our son a mohawk! When I agreed to a hawk, I was leaning more towards a little "fohawk" but lo and behold, our baby turned into a little man with his new do.

I'm not going to lose sleep over it though because his hair will grow back and honestly, if he's going to have a mohawk, I'd rather give him one now rather than have him walk through the door as a teen with one! LOL

Ay yi yi!

I went out for a quick mommy date with my friend Tara. We went and saw "Mom's Night Out." After seeing it on Mother's Day and balling my eyes out, I knew it was a must see for Tara as well. As young mothers, this movie is so incredibly relatable! Again, the tears came and the laughs were had.

My husband and I got to spend time with some of our favorite babies (ok, so maybe they are too old to be called "babies" now but they will always be babies in my eyes)! Our little Caleb and Julia came over for the night to visit as they all jumped on the bed and ran around the house with Levi. They are his "besties". 

Summertime in the desert brings evenings that feel like paradise with the warm breezes and cotton candy painted skies. Every night, the Lord's canvas doesn't disappoint.

These nights remind me to breathe and trust as I gaze up at the vast skies.

So thankful for this life.

Levi Turns 2-A Balloon & Adventure Themed Birthday

It's been about 2 weeks now and I am finally getting around to blogging my baby love's birthday party. Whew!

My little man turned 2 at the beginning of the month (read his "birthday letter"). Where did the time go?! This year, we hosted his birthday party in our very own home. Last year, we hosted it at our dear friend's house because at the time, our little home wouldn't fit all of the guests. Since we've moved into our new place, (which is double the size), we were so excited to have all of our family and friend's over to celebrate this occasion. Mind you though, there were about 40 guests and we quickly learned...our home was still lacking the space we needed but it was so good to see everyone we loved under one roof. :)

It was a very cold day with a storm coming in and snow flurries hitting the ground. Hello December weather! With everyone mingling in the kitchen and living room, the kids ran a muck with paper yo-yos in hand and small balloons static clinging to their heads. It was so funny!

For decor, I wanted to keep it simple this year since we had just moved in only a few weeks ago. Levi is OBSESSED with balloons so I decided on a balloon theme with a bit of "adventure" thrown in. Within just a couple of days, I put everything together with the help of my wonderful husband. We blew up balloons to create little floating hot air balloons and made a cake topper and a few garland strands with several mini balloons. I also cut out cloud shapes to hang on 2 of the walls (hard to see in the photos) and used several decor pieces that I already had from previous parties or around the house.

For food, we went with a "picnic theme" and had croissant sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mac n' cheese, watermelon, grapes, potato salad, cole slaw and flavored sodas along with lemonade. I felt like a kid and that was just fine with me. :)

As we all sang Happy Birthday to Levi, he had the BIGGEST smile as he looked around and admired the attention. He loved every minute of it and as soon as we finished, he clapped. That was my favorite moment of the day.

Here is a little peek into Levi's 2nd birthday party.

My sweet baby bug.

My adorable niece,

That SMILE!

Photo taken by GPMcCash ("G Pa")

Photo taken by GPMcCash ("G Pa")

So thankful for my family-my heart.

I love you little man and I am so proud to be your mommy. Forever my baby you'll be.

A Birthday Letter to My Dearest

Two years ago today, my husband and I were given the very best blessing we could have ever prayed for. On December 2, 2011 at 11:01 am, we welcomed a little 6lb 11oz baby boy into this world. That sweet bundle of love has changed our lives forever.

Before I became a mother, I thought I knew what love was, I thought I learned to be selfless and I thought I knew what made me happy. 

Dearest Levi, 

When my eyes first met yours, my heart became bigger, my smile wider, my hugs tighter and my tears heavier. You have brought so much joy to my life and I thank Jesus every day for you, including every night as you fall asleep as daddy and I sing "Jesus Loves You".

Although I get tired and worn out much sooner than you do, I am thankful for your endless creativity and bounds of energy. If only I could bottle up just a bit of your endurance and fearlessness, we could soar to the moon and back. 

My hope for you is that you will follow the path that the Lord has set for you, you won't let any fears overcome your purpose, you will love big and you will hold tight to your creative imagination. You are so incredibly smart little one. You will do amazing things!

It has been 2 years of being a mommy to you and I couldn't imagine life without you. You have taught me so much more than I could have ever dreamed and you helped make me a better person. I am eternally grateful.

You will forever be my baby.

I love you so SO much!!

Happy birthday bug!!

Love, 

Mommy

P.S. When you wake up from your nap in a few minutes we will be going to pick out a fish for your birthday gift. You are infatuated with them and today, you will have your very own "fishy". <3

Recently (a wedding, a styled photoshoot + a baby)

It's been a while since I've posted because lately, I have been a bit busy and priorities had been placed elsewhere.
I have been running around with baby love trying to keep up with all of his energy and excitement. Morning rituals of bath time and naked baby as well as his first dentist appointment leading to broken utensils. Whoops!

I also had 2 full days of wedding coordination starting with decorating and rehearsal time on Friday. Saturday was the big day so running around and making sure everything was going smoothly was the job on hand. Thankfully, everything did go well and there weren't too many major hiccups. I did get a bit emotional though as the bride (a dear friend of mine) danced with her husband for the first time. It was so sweet and as usual, I had tears in my eyes.
On my way to the festivities!

Sunday, after church, my husband and I decided to take our young adults bible study to the beach. It was PERFECT weather outside and many people had the same idea we did because it was pretty busy.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to participate in a bohemian inspired shoot by Beyond the Wanderlust. Without hesitation, I sent out a piece to Salem, Oregon to be featured in the photo shoot. I am absolutely in LOVE with the styling of the shoot and I'm so excited to see the rest of the photos!
Here's a sneak peek. Get the headpiece here from my shop!

Photography Credit: Hurtienne Photography

I also went to talk to the Dr. this week about having another baby soon. My husband and I have been talking about it so I wanted to make sure that since I have hypothyroid, my thyroid levels are stable and we are good to go.
He gave us the green light but I have to get ultrasounds every 6 weeks (as if I didn't have to see the Dr. enough already) because of my history with ovarian cysts. Oh boy! Keep us in your prayers that everything goes smoothly.

I took some time to myself the other morning to sit on the porch with coffee while the flowers were being watered. I keep telling myself that I need to wake up earlier to enjoy these moments more often.

I was able to get these pretty custom orders out in the mail to some brides to be!
Love these boutonnieres with vintage-inspired buttons, gold skeleton leaves, detailed pearl ribbon and pretty feathers.

These lovely flower corsage pins are going out today. They are inspired by these corsage pins in my shop and came out beautifully!

Lastly, I have also been trying to get Unit 3 done of  my Wedding and Event Planning course. All of that has been put on the back burner while I try to focus more on my shop but I have scheduled the units back into my agenda so I may doing more updates soon!

As far as 4th of July goes, we have yet to make any plans. We seem to spend the 4th all over the place and they seem to always be last minute plans.

What are you doing for Independence Day?