Thanks & Kid's Party Revisited

I want to first thank you for the encouraging comments on my last post.  And, I got a few emails that seriously mad me cry!  You should really just be reading the comments because that is more encouraging than anything.  And, I do know that there have been problems with the comment system and I’m trying to figure all that out.  So sorry about that!  If it keeps happening, please let me know (catdmoore@gmail.com).  Thanks!

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?The last time I posted about the kid’s joint birthday party, it was going to be cowboy/cowgirl theme.  When I posted that, we thought by the time the party rolled around John Taylor would have a new job.  Since he doesn’t, I revisited the party idea/theme for obvious reasons.  I had no idea what I was going to do until my friend Megan suggested we share decorations!  Um, yes please!  Not only is it a wonderful idea, but Megan has the best style of anyone I know, she is super creative and crafty, and she is amazing when it comes to party stuff….especially on a budget.  So, the kids are still having a joint party, but it’s just a celebration of them both.  I picked a few colors to stick with for the theme.  Most ideas are Megan’s and a few are mine, so I don’t have a lot of pics to show you that I gathered for inspiration.  You’ll just have to wait and see what we (and when I say “we”, it’s mostly Megan) come up with. 

Here are a few things that are in the works for the celebrations:

* burlap table cloth with big, white polka dots painted on it *

* brown & white burlap party bunting *

* cute cupcake toppers that I’m going to design/print myself *

* bright, colorful tissue poms *

* long kids table covered with craft paper with crayons for drawing *

* set of 4 long benches for kids to sit at table painted in bright colors, built by KWW *

* custom cupcake tray stand, built by KWW *

* personalized m&m’s *

* super cute ‘Happy Birthday’ banner made by Megan *

Did you know that you could get these?  Personalized m&m’s!!!  Here is the site:
My M&M’s
You get to pick your colors (which they had all the colors I’m using in the kid’s party!) and you get to personalize them with initials, name, number, whatever!  How cool is that?!

So, the m&m’s were my splurge item.  They are only$11 per bag, but considering our party budget, that’s splurging.    Here is a run down of all the other stuff:

burlap: we already had some, but got more at Walmart for $2.17 per yard
twine for bunting: Megan already had
cupcake toppers: design/printing by me & bought 1 package of sucker sticks for placement
tissue poms: had some tissue paper, but bought a few other packs at various stores for only $1 per pack
kid’s table: using our little white table and borrowing two others to make 1 long table
craft paper to cover kid’s table: already have a roll
4 benches for kid’s table: JT building out of scrap wood, etc.
cupcake stand/tray: JT building
personalized m&m’s: from site listed above
paper for ‘Happy Birthday’ banner: bought from Hobby Lobby
party invites: designed & printed by me

Can’t wait for you to see our joint birthday party celebrating our kids!  On a budget, too!

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And because I feel like this post needs some cute, inspiring photos, here are a few from my Pinterest:

Chore sticks!  Hey, it would make cleaning up a little more fun. 

Fabric book holders, hanging on wall with curtain rods.  How stinkin cute is that!  And creative!

Just love this.

And this.  Garden baskets for toys/books in child’s room.

Chore chart for kids.

Creative entry way.  Would be cheap and easy to make.