Josie's Rainbow Party

What a fun birthday party!

Just look at this sweet little face...

We had so much "fun" at Josie's party, that she ended up wearing two different rainbow outfits (and a new bikini) during her birthday party.

I've never been into primary colors, I'm more a pastel color gal, but after Josie's rainbow party, these bright colors have definitely grown on me. Enjoy ALL the pictures!















Thank you for all the rainbow suggestions and I have to give a special shout-out to Paper Glitter for creating free rainbow graphics for me to download and play with. I also have to give a big thank you to Grandma for making a beautiful rainbow cake and Aunt Marion for making such fun birthday jello. It was a very special party for a very special little four year old.

Do you hear angels singing???

I packed my last lunches of the school year this evening (cue the chorus of angels)!!! Friday is the last official day of school for Chris and Emma.

Although I'm still a full-time (year-round) University employee, I'm only responsible for "ME" and only "ME" starting next week. No more running around searching for Josie's cuddle buddy, gym shoes, the flute case, or making sure Emma is ready for the 6:40am band bus.

Even BETTER, do you realize how glorious it is to have a Mr. Mom home during the summer with the girls?

My Mr. Mom can even start the laundry and load/empty the dishwasher. I'm a lucky girl.

In other exciting news, we celebrated Josie's official birthday this evening.

One of her favorite new toys is this wok that I picked up at Tuesday Morning.

It comes with all kinds of food and it even makes sizzling sounds (with the help of a couple of AA batteries).

Only 3 days until Josie's RAINBOW party!

Feeling a little sentimental...

Tonight was my Emma’s award ceremony for 6th grade.

I watched from the audience with a huge lump in my throat and more than a few tears in my eyes. The realization that my daughter’s elementary childhood days are over, hit me like a ton of bricks. Next year, she’ll make new friends, meet new temptations, and learn to navigate the interesting world of junior high.

Goodbye elementary school.
You've been good.

And while I’m feeling misty-eyed, Josie’s 4th birthday is Thursday!

Tonight (after the award ceremony) we put together the rainbow cupcakes to bring to her preschool class. Watching her this evening, I realize just how much I’m going to miss her at age 3. But at the same time, I’m looking forward to the memories waiting for all of us during this next year.

Many hugs and kisses to our two sweet and spunky girls!!

Mini Cuteness!

Aren't these the cutest mini bowls?

Eight of them...all in various pastel colors.

I love them!

So summery and cool looking!

Where did I get them ... you ask?

Tuesday Morning!

I {heart} this store...especially their discounted prices.

Doesn't it look so cute all filled up with a special ice cream treat?

I wonder if vegetables would be more appealing if they were in these special bowls?

Happy Tuesday!

PS. Get ready for lots of family pictures over the next few days. Emma's 6th grade award night is Wednesday evening (bye bye elementary school) and Josie's 4th birthday is Thursday. Josie will be bringing rainbow cupcakes to her school/daycare for her birthday treat.


Yes. We like to party all week (or in our house for several weeks) when it comes to birthday celebrations. We had to test her cupcakes out...just to make sure. Her family rainbow party is on Sunday!

Party ON!

Pinwheel & Balloon Garland

My blogging friend, Jodee showed me a link to Martha Stewart's balloon garland and knew it would be perfect for Josie's upcoming rainbow party. I used wire garland from Dollar tree and miniature clothes pins to attach my balloons. I then took it one step further and created paper pinwheels to add to my balloon garland.

Instructions for making pinwheels can be found all over the web. I used enchanted learning to make mine. I also used scrapbooking paper that was already in square shapes instead of 8 x 11 construction paper.

1. You need to start with a square piece of paper (if you use 8 x 11 paper, be sure to trim the end to make it a square shape) and fold in half to create a triangle. Fold in half again.


2. Unfold the paper.

3. Make four cuts along the fold lines - about halfway to the center.

4. Punch four holes with a hole punch in the pinwheel, one at each corner.

5. Gently gather each of the four points (with a hole) to the center.

(Be careful not to crease the paper.)

6. Push a bracket through the four punched holes through the center of the pinwheel to attach the pinwheel.

I used the free rainbow graphics from Paper Glitter to further embellish the center 0f my pinwheels.




I then hot-glued Christmas hooks to the back of my pinwheels so that I could hang them from the dining room light and our balloon garland.


I had so much fun making these festive pinwheels, that after Josie's birthday party I think I might hang them in her bedroom. Happy Crafting!