Little Birthday Party!

Today was not the actual birthday, which is a little confusing for a three year old, I admit.  I think she had a fun time anyway though!

 First, cupcakes and sparkling grape juice.  Little Girl came in the kitchen while I was opening the bottle this morning, and said "you're letting us have wine?"  Not quite.  ;)

 While the girls ate their cupcakes, I read How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart, which is one of our favorite books.  At Marcella's tea party for her dolls, they drink lemonade colored with grape jam to make it a "lovely lavender color," which is something I feel might be more fun to read about than to actually drink.  Every time I read that, I wonder how it tastes and come to the conclusion that it cannot taste very good.  I'm probably very wrong though, and we should try it sometime...

 Then we did a quick craft table cloth switch-a-roo, and got out the paper cutouts and glue sticks.  The girls made 1,2,3 placemats to play with play dough on.  I sent my husband on a search around town for clear contact paper, which is not as easy to find as one might think!   He finally found it at Ace Hardware, and the mats came out pretty cute, if I do say so...

I found this recipe, for great home-made play dough!  It was super fun to make, and so easy! I loved watching it form into a ball all on it's own in the pot, and it is so squishy.  Yes, I am easily amused...  So these were not only an activity at the party, but also the party favor - a too cute place mat and play dough to take home.  I made two batches for our party of 6 girls.

Happy birthday, almost Three Year Old!!!!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

I have been looking forward to this day for a LONG time!!!  The alarm clock will not go off tomorrow, and although there is a bit of busyness with grocery shopping and lunch dates, etc. these things are just not the same when we are on break.  Plus, due to an appointment in the afternoon, I almost have a guaranteed visit alone to my favorite paper store, and who could ask for anything more, really?!?
Over at simplemittens, my sister-in-law is lamenting the fact that she can't share all her handmade Christmas gifts, since the people who will receive them read her blog!  The same is true here, so let's just say that I spent all of yesterday afternoon sewing, all evening knitting, and there will be more of that today!
Today I helped with my oldest daughter's class Christmas party, where we made these darling hangings, and I forgot to take any pictures!!!
Well, here's some other things we've been doing...

 More gingerbread houses...

 Party favors for our staff Christmas party...

 What d'ya think of this fabulous cake stand I got my dad to make for me?!?!

A weeks worth of baking for our "coffee and dessert" party!