tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39715547338556428342024-03-19T03:15:01.197-07:00impressive ideasmelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-27472908445753731432011-07-02T18:42:00.000-07:002013-03-05T10:54:51.310-08:00Ava's Pretend Play Party<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ava’s Pretend Play Party</span></b></span></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh45hyVSGjNDdH8ZnPK5adGVQ3UUZpH3jFFjSGw2eZ-W3IGxjTADpWjbHx5tv1Uqy8tHG-eC4umF6YQNbdIQIoVbuNWsVdnVApJ7yllJ4FDz1Uqzufw1sIQFsRrSJ3rR-SAJ_JkdEjVzhx/s1600/Post-1164.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626291010690633874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh45hyVSGjNDdH8ZnPK5adGVQ3UUZpH3jFFjSGw2eZ-W3IGxjTADpWjbHx5tv1Uqy8tHG-eC4umF6YQNbdIQIoVbuNWsVdnVApJ7yllJ4FDz1Uqzufw1sIQFsRrSJ3rR-SAJ_JkdEjVzhx/s320/Post-1164.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh45hyVSGjNDdH8ZnPK5adGVQ3UUZpH3jFFjSGw2eZ-W3IGxjTADpWjbHx5tv1Uqy8tHG-eC4umF6YQNbdIQIoVbuNWsVdnVApJ7yllJ4FDz1Uqzufw1sIQFsRrSJ3rR-SAJ_JkdEjVzhx/s1600/Post-1164.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a></span>My daughter Ava loves pretending. If we get in the car I hear “Can this be an airplane?” then I have to turn on the pretend fasten seat belt sign, give her pretend head phones, announce the in flight movie etc.When it’s dinner time I’m the waitress and she must make a reservation and peruse a fake menu. So when it came time for her birthday I decided to take this love for pretending and turned into a party theme.</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We booked the Chino Youth Museum <a href="http://chinoyouthmuseum.com/">http://chinoyouthmuseum.com/</a> to have the party. This is a small Children’s museum that is very affordable and not overwhelming for the little ones. The entire museum is about pretending so it was a perfect place to have the party.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: large;">I was stumped on what to do for decorations at first. I decided to let Ava pick out her favorite birthday plate from our local party store. Then, I used this plate as the color scheme for the rest of the party.</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffoBBf0hIdhin0OVs2ZkHjQmYZgDSMbG_DqNSMbaoQOjlQA2ofOeNQZt3jEdb5v-BwhIXLASDX9qikPeaL8ATs0wJVE0Mi0u-_qBmQ5kkI2XeyBeknL5TDXWyUUVqKky4Rn59_64H1RSK/s1600/Post-1148.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626290601018696978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffoBBf0hIdhin0OVs2ZkHjQmYZgDSMbG_DqNSMbaoQOjlQA2ofOeNQZt3jEdb5v-BwhIXLASDX9qikPeaL8ATs0wJVE0Mi0u-_qBmQ5kkI2XeyBeknL5TDXWyUUVqKky4Rn59_64H1RSK/s320/Post-1148.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 165px;" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sign I made with my Cricut<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>The plates Ava chose had a crown on it so I dubbed her the “Queen of Creativity” .We used the crown image as accents & carried the royalty vibe into her invite too.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Invite wording</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ava’s 5 <u>IMAGINE THAT</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We hope you and your active imagination can join us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for a day of magical make – believe as we celebrate,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the Queen of Creativity’s 5<sup>th</sup> birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For favors I did a couple of things.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">First , I went to a dollar store and found different hats and accessories. I set up a table with a sign that said “Who will you pretend to be?” .The kids got to</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">chose the hat they wanted and their favor bag include the matching accessories to their hat. We had pirates, rock stars, firefighters, and princesses.</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> In front of each hat I placed Bobble head Avas (the heads didn’t really bobble but I think they looked like bobble head dolls so that’s what I’m calling them) . I found coloring sheets that matched the hats, colored them, cut them out, and glued pictures of Ava onto the heads. My finished product was scanned on my copier because I’m anal like that,but it probably wasn't necessary lol.</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favor Table</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJPyQZNilypJ35In5jMQl7lOHYDydxPminibxOle0I8teXQqGRQvE3tXzypLdaWk2Y2ygLTgMoClpOk5MIGXhHZz6mw716Jei3YbyZFvB-1Z8bVU_Xb-gWUNV6aNspW55GWXY53znxKvZ/s1600/Post-1142.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626290589220485314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJPyQZNilypJ35In5jMQl7lOHYDydxPminibxOle0I8teXQqGRQvE3tXzypLdaWk2Y2ygLTgMoClpOk5MIGXhHZz6mw716Jei3YbyZFvB-1Z8bVU_Xb-gWUNV6aNspW55GWXY53znxKvZ/s320/Post-1142.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bobble Head Ava’s</b> (My favorite thing about the party BTW)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Favor Bags</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pretend grocery bags filled with play money, pretend food, grocery list, accessories (Pirates had hooks and eye patches, rock stars had microphones etc.) , & a “Thanks for pretending with me!” bobble head tag.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfxNdE6lE2pHF-xQ6Qa7I84f13efjAXsiA27m3ULk77WKuzNpfX35RK56e2pYNSD_v9bEsAZVtl36eqot4ki7d4PdPX9W6PG4peGK_ysO2Dr1C3P0oAdsVENZFa6sNjqsVcrWcgc1QQxu/s1600/Post-1143.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626290024131439666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfxNdE6lE2pHF-xQ6Qa7I84f13efjAXsiA27m3ULk77WKuzNpfX35RK56e2pYNSD_v9bEsAZVtl36eqot4ki7d4PdPX9W6PG4peGK_ysO2Dr1C3P0oAdsVENZFa6sNjqsVcrWcgc1QQxu/s320/Post-1143.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I chose to order cupcakes from the grocery store ( reasonable price & hassle free gotta love that). My husband made these cupcake toppers on the computer to match the theme. I love the way they came out.</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Ava had so much fun and it was probably the least stressful party I’ve ever thrown! </span></div>
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melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-68442315860851857992011-06-02T14:45:00.000-07:002011-07-02T18:40:18.279-07:00Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJznQaBbyneVPcfAoYu4FjMC9Dhp1KJd7ypD7iSLo0cJNfpQKhZyQ-tKQOjkoTsFU8UwGGch0oY-ylKyu3vvJV7pvwTT1NNHyTDTIt0ClQnqre_bBOHYujBcWkCybmVqPM0KAl9pg58q2j/s1600/very+hungry+caterpillar+cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJznQaBbyneVPcfAoYu4FjMC9Dhp1KJd7ypD7iSLo0cJNfpQKhZyQ-tKQOjkoTsFU8UwGGch0oY-ylKyu3vvJV7pvwTT1NNHyTDTIt0ClQnqre_bBOHYujBcWkCybmVqPM0KAl9pg58q2j/s320/very+hungry+caterpillar+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624828960518021762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWtFoVZL4qYVlC8xFYymFIX2NsVb7_c_hfOKuI9w06KMnDVk7XGKyx2ekjZVVwPQvfivXwyBWhr_DtGOhwxMpISBU8IY4R-9W4TBOdIg322Z9xvi_IjHmhP5hLAZrg25Nka5WPN3xxGPX/s1600/ELLA+PARTY+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWtFoVZL4qYVlC8xFYymFIX2NsVb7_c_hfOKuI9w06KMnDVk7XGKyx2ekjZVVwPQvfivXwyBWhr_DtGOhwxMpISBU8IY4R-9W4TBOdIg322Z9xvi_IjHmhP5hLAZrg25Nka5WPN3xxGPX/s320/ELLA+PARTY+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624828951669039074" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When Ella turned one I knew I wanted a unique theme for her party that had bright colors. I search the blog world and found some cute ideas for a Very Hungry Caterpillar party. Given Ella's love for food and my love for the book I thought it was a perfect fit. I made some really lucky finds while planning and they really pulled everything together.</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I found the idea for these invites online. I loved the way they came out! Those of you who came to the party might be saying … ‘hmmm I never received one of those fabulous invites’. For reasons out of my control I never got to send them out , but darn it they will be seen lol. <span> </span>I cut out all the construction paper shapes with my Cricut and attached them with scrap booking brads. Then, <span> </span>I printed all of the party details on label paper , cut them out , stuck them on and TADA!</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNAQ-Dui-rZRfzjhZxTMFMPt8Gz7egJFXlAYBbLjyTIi5tK-I9F87LNDEe1viJLVnvV8keypHIGeF_QYJKymUWeUyiah0IXc6mTjnNSZ5-96__RiBosPsxWm3SC_pc8qScX7-nxIBPDte/s320/DSC00418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624828948422728482" /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I found these paper goods in the clearance section at the best store in the universe....that’s right Target .SCORE!!!! I always buy a few themed paper goods then I find cheaper solid color paper goods that match and mix them in .It’s a big <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>money saver.</span></li></ul><p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsChUF5eyELYvSecn3C7V9o3WtrE3fh_d-NJVNFEsHhINIqKwhemOh6SgALkE4SqF3PFqE8HRdfbDcLp4fFCG6z5IXemPxVxUwbnXaMYDnOy9zXOryE5MSfVLlANTuUP7qzV85yDzRbjZa/s1600/DSC00423.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsChUF5eyELYvSecn3C7V9o3WtrE3fh_d-NJVNFEsHhINIqKwhemOh6SgALkE4SqF3PFqE8HRdfbDcLp4fFCG6z5IXemPxVxUwbnXaMYDnOy9zXOryE5MSfVLlANTuUP7qzV85yDzRbjZa/s320/DSC00423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624828289376579650" /></a></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>These stuffed animal Very Hungry Caterpillars from Kohl’s made great centerpieces .They also doubled as prizes for the games we played. *Bonus: These $5 stuffed animals were part of the Kohl’s cares program so the money went to a good cause </span><a href="http://www.kohlscorporation.com/communityrelations/community01.htm">http://www.kohlscorporation.com/communityrelations/community01.htm</a><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> *</span></li></ul><p></p></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD36RlZ74_rgO010yOZWU6pa-3CMj0K_E9Xm8BcZ4EsPPcyp9Tk8040YM4YdVp3zNCcTl4R9sRiWf6JDXgCjuR7q1UNOrMob_c79_3cTPk-P9DWZ5Aqwl_jvDXegW38NUMq5pHQltnMyd/s1600/caterpillar+stuffed+animal.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD36RlZ74_rgO010yOZWU6pa-3CMj0K_E9Xm8BcZ4EsPPcyp9Tk8040YM4YdVp3zNCcTl4R9sRiWf6JDXgCjuR7q1UNOrMob_c79_3cTPk-P9DWZ5Aqwl_jvDXegW38NUMq5pHQltnMyd/s320/caterpillar+stuffed+animal.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624828288041378594" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I planned (what I thought to be), some awesome activities but apparently the playground was way cooler. I had to tear the kids away to get them to participate lol. We played a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Feed the Caterpillar Toss Game, Pin the Caterpillar on the Apple game</i>, and we hit a Butterfly Piñata .I also had a table with themed crafts on it for the kids to do when they got tired of running around the playground ( however , apparently kids <u>don't ever</u> get tired of running around playgrounds lol).</span></li></ul><p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black">Ella playing the Feed the caterpillar toss game</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZrFHrpG2fJe1O8tbGDJq9QUVfGHS_tEgHxzVLZ1BYlaBQppQmg7fwaici92v11qA46itTc_ROeNUVLu5zN0cqmyi2mUyY-Hwn_A6fiXYcqVMP90gu6X8Mi6G9iMetXCiHdkT9M37Q-Mb/s1600/ELLA+PARTY+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZrFHrpG2fJe1O8tbGDJq9QUVfGHS_tEgHxzVLZ1BYlaBQppQmg7fwaici92v11qA46itTc_ROeNUVLu5zN0cqmyi2mUyY-Hwn_A6fiXYcqVMP90gu6X8Mi6G9iMetXCiHdkT9M37Q-Mb/s320/ELLA+PARTY+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624827801737524226" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: black; "><b>One of the many </b><i style="font-weight: bold; ">Caterpillar Crafts</i></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: black; "><b>. </b>We used ribbon and beads to create very hungry book marks. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "></p></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI0SkqGiI_mPtB2A6lmobGqbgLvY4KSR0BC3iMVwT9oRiAnoSxGak5TjHIMfRbzzNwQyZQAYTucRaCdKre7bfa67RJUvID41Wcx4LIfam1EiTDk-zHeogwfGAbR9lrlH6JMY2U64DLgCx/s1600/DSC00420.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI0SkqGiI_mPtB2A6lmobGqbgLvY4KSR0BC3iMVwT9oRiAnoSxGak5TjHIMfRbzzNwQyZQAYTucRaCdKre7bfa67RJUvID41Wcx4LIfam1EiTDk-zHeogwfGAbR9lrlH6JMY2U64DLgCx/s320/DSC00420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624827799490933586" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>One of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>my favorite things was this guest book. I bought the book ( $5 Kohl’s again), and had all the guest write a message to Ella inside. It’s something we can keep for a memory for years to come.</span></li></ul><p></p></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAhf5OnjXx7KH8kte2rg5QBIR8nNYuGBpP7H-d38jyt08SM9eXkrKdGXkgen7GduOW-N9Zx0OglD75abkX_z0FHmIEOStoR8LSALEC0ovpQC7JrXBxPST15Bbxn9TlJAJupSJ01Sy1Ha/s1600/DSC00421.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAhf5OnjXx7KH8kte2rg5QBIR8nNYuGBpP7H-d38jyt08SM9eXkrKdGXkgen7GduOW-N9Zx0OglD75abkX_z0FHmIEOStoR8LSALEC0ovpQC7JrXBxPST15Bbxn9TlJAJupSJ01Sy1Ha/s320/DSC00421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624826995610724562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMRHozzoau5cUx2uLvzajfS1iOy8uV9xGrWpNU1G8FVWCcw2xd-fHDHptkCQ2iUEHWb2WgswRtsj5FKee53tbeLu01yYGBpK5D3gj19ewutluLAUMwYCWIPkpLPjZ0-4YfZzz7F-z5jVI/s1600/DSC00422.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMRHozzoau5cUx2uLvzajfS1iOy8uV9xGrWpNU1G8FVWCcw2xd-fHDHptkCQ2iUEHWb2WgswRtsj5FKee53tbeLu01yYGBpK5D3gj19ewutluLAUMwYCWIPkpLPjZ0-4YfZzz7F-z5jVI/s320/DSC00422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624826991662744066" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; ">For Ella’s cake I saved time and my sanity by purchasing green cupcakes from Albertson's . My mom made and assembled the rest of this adorable cake ( Thanks Mom xoxo ). The cake board was wrapped in some rainbow polka dot paper from Target and I added a "Ella" sign to the corner of the board for an extra touch.</span></li></ul><p></p></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEYVUSPGXN_ClGWq4Xp-U6S-JxcvQmoIVrbcbtqhE0uDmWXp3NjXvXpHRA-wpaV3IzzLDN_4oe0CDKYkyfahc4rElWsK4nsu0VK8NGxBaahJ_b5b-Kglh7celo_fF_RQQMlnCK2T6AFBm/s1600/ELLA+PARTY+05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEYVUSPGXN_ClGWq4Xp-U6S-JxcvQmoIVrbcbtqhE0uDmWXp3NjXvXpHRA-wpaV3IzzLDN_4oe0CDKYkyfahc4rElWsK4nsu0VK8NGxBaahJ_b5b-Kglh7celo_fF_RQQMlnCK2T6AFBm/s320/ELLA+PARTY+05.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624826457331269282" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks to all the Bloggers who gave me / sparked these great ideas. I would credit you personally but I looked at so many blogs that they've formed a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">Pangaea</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> like picture in my mind lol. Hope you got some helpful ideas and have as much fun with this theme as I did </span></span><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black;mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings">J</span></span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></p></u></div><br /><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-11745155275073216152011-03-16T23:04:00.000-07:002013-03-05T10:55:04.320-08:00Back yard Picinic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoq0J943Sscax_sYkoy9mhHiqB26fNB0587L9swYa2oSDwDLzvPUs86eAwa611J04qtv6BA6KIkDLieGJ6dlpTKJB784qVzp_ZqSvK1VTBUS864d2ig3JtTOadsfAXdcpL5TMfAl9zreb/s1600/DSC00284.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585070757659816562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoq0J943Sscax_sYkoy9mhHiqB26fNB0587L9swYa2oSDwDLzvPUs86eAwa611J04qtv6BA6KIkDLieGJ6dlpTKJB784qVzp_ZqSvK1VTBUS864d2ig3JtTOadsfAXdcpL5TMfAl9zreb/s320/DSC00284.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This impressive idea came about when I was forced to stay home and was looking for something entertaining to do with the girls. We had been cooped up inside for a while (we were taking turns being sick). The girls had a serious case of the wiggles and on this particular day, I was the lucky host to strep throat and a double ear infection. Needless to say going out in public <span class="Apple-style-span">was not an</span> option. What’s a girl to do? Hmmm. … Back yard picnic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was such a beautiful day and it happened to be lunch time so I got a sheet and blanket, made a healthy lunch and had a picnic in our back yard. Even my youngest ate her baby food outside .We had a blast.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMv8AiGRpunN_QntADf5b4euIVC0w_o7v0H8jDapV43y2hrMJeUDPWYi4Igwkip18dIET8QTeXy_SG1E0QRzK2V1vlZCKECtM1I-05c_nKMzIZRtuTbeasI45MdkcOcGsGLamMHfsf3iG/s1600/DSC00289.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585070748383722482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMv8AiGRpunN_QntADf5b4euIVC0w_o7v0H8jDapV43y2hrMJeUDPWYi4Igwkip18dIET8QTeXy_SG1E0QRzK2V1vlZCKECtM1I-05c_nKMzIZRtuTbeasI45MdkcOcGsGLamMHfsf3iG/s320/DSC00289.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who knew such a simple thing would bring us such joy. I think that I’m so use to the go, go, go, go of life that the simplest things seem to pass me by. Lying outside on our picnic we heard birds chirping, I shared stories with my daughter, a lady bug even joined us .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe some of you are reading this & thinking <u>CHEESY</u>. To you I say <i>don’t knock until you've tried it</i> .Soon you will be singing the praises of back yard picnics just like me. I was amazed at how something so simple could be so relaxing and fun. I know this impressive idea will be one my daughters & I remember for years to come.</span></div>
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melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-77132664938498818402011-03-06T10:08:00.001-08:002013-03-05T10:55:18.149-08:00Diaper Cakes<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>*WORK IN PROGRESS *</u></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Diaper Cakes</u></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Diaper cakes are the perfect example of incorporating something functional into a creative and meaningful gift.I love giving this gift because I have a chance to make it very personal to the the mom to be.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">You will need diapers ( cloth or disposable) , rubberbands, ribbon, cake topper of choice,cake core ( baby snacks, baby bottle, paper towel tube etc.), cake base, and decorations of choice.</span></span></span></div>
melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-75817524512519397122011-03-06T10:06:00.000-08:002011-07-05T19:56:30.501-07:00Labor & Delivery bag<p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); line-height: 20px; "><b><u>*WORK IN PROGRESS *</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Top Secret Mommy Bag</span></b></u></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; ">When I had my daughter Ava, I was shocked at how unprepared I was for the not so fabulous way I felt directly after birth .Everyone warns you about the baby crying and feeling tired but what about all the other stuff? Come on ladies a heads up would have been nice! If your the type who doesn't want to know the harsh reality that is child birth please stop reading now other wise.......... be prepared for stitches, hemorrhoids,chapped nipples to say the least.Sorry if this is TMI , just keepin' it real lol.<br />To help out the new mom to be I created a Top Secret/Confidential Mommy Tote.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; ">First : Get a bag that you can store all of your top secret items in. I chose black to add to the Top secret / confidential feel . Using my Cricut I created this “Confidential” tag to tie to the strap of the bag.</span></span></b></span></span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; ">Second: I purch</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; ">ased much needed sometimes embarrassing items. Large super absorbent pads with wings ( the nurse at the hospital recommended I buy depends yuck , right? But necessary), nipple cream ( for breast feeding mammas) , tissue (for the bouts of crying ), hemorrhoid cream ( no explanation needed), nursing pads ( for those embarrassing leaks),stool softener, and Tuck ( I found these to be a must for comfort ).</span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; ">Third: I included this list (with brief and whimsical explanations as to why they will need this product. I find this is comforting for new moms to know that many women go through this unpleasantness and we lived to tell lol.</span></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></span></b></p>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-16126126825714153622011-03-05T20:48:00.000-08:002011-03-06T13:31:38.198-08:00Yo Gabba Gabba Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p6OsQ2vArNouSolJJfsm1hq2GHZ6AXMcUcntF50FlDjf1h6_D0IJT8Rmns71Fm-fPg5y2UYT2QpfWEu9oMH1FLXNKKELlUzerCStVi0flQTYE_ONudmrmnunUsfqLLOTxsrXZGp2GO0t/s1600/YoGabbaGabba.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p6OsQ2vArNouSolJJfsm1hq2GHZ6AXMcUcntF50FlDjf1h6_D0IJT8Rmns71Fm-fPg5y2UYT2QpfWEu9oMH1FLXNKKELlUzerCStVi0flQTYE_ONudmrmnunUsfqLLOTxsrXZGp2GO0t/s320/YoGabbaGabba.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580848340739463746" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p6OsQ2vArNouSolJJfsm1hq2GHZ6AXMcUcntF50FlDjf1h6_D0IJT8Rmns71Fm-fPg5y2UYT2QpfWEu9oMH1FLXNKKELlUzerCStVi0flQTYE_ONudmrmnunUsfqLLOTxsrXZGp2GO0t/s1600/YoGabbaGabba.jpg"></a></b></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">For those of you who have not experienced Yo Gabba Gabba , let me say you are missing out my friends!We are a Yo Gabba Gabba loving household and for my daughter Ava's 3rd birthday we had a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "> </span>Yo Gabba Gabba themed party. I threw this party together in about a week so it was pretty bare bones but there were some ideas you might be able to use.</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold; "><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold; ">Decorations:</span><span style="color: black; "> I bought solid color streamers <span> </span>, balloons, and table cloths in the classic Y.G.G. colors .The rest of the decorations were found on http://www.nickjr.com . </span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhhNJU50KD7XvtpIYDGMVCr1Jl4gVwmFlL5uIbQkP5ikBSBlGaTnooG6zSkLb2xzFw37ByX0taP09Q805duYcc7aRYcanBQTR8u2ICiotyxukg7x9mfavI0XGzY5jxBrDY34tA0sFDrk4/s1600/DSCN1700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhhNJU50KD7XvtpIYDGMVCr1Jl4gVwmFlL5uIbQkP5ikBSBlGaTnooG6zSkLb2xzFw37ByX0taP09Q805duYcc7aRYcanBQTR8u2ICiotyxukg7x9mfavI0XGzY5jxBrDY34tA0sFDrk4/s320/DSCN1700.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580848343353367618" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; "><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; ">Favors</span><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; ">: </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; "><span style="line-height: 18px; color: black; ">I especially liked the way these bags turned out. The face cutouts were found on nickjr.com . I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; "> f</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; ">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; ">lled</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; "> the bags with goodies and a CD of some of the m</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; "><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; ">usic from the show<b>.</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="color: black; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oDj7LNsB0EaS2v4wPXLeBXOK2s9idu8k4Ko57WY7heeJBZl5rnApoCqTXqMtivZioILzI1K0eF0oW_kVFAdPdEGHxAdTo_I423DxmiwKTG5MvXxOL9cvjHrQUFspCzt4dkLEcO3bERxj/s1600/DSCN1698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oDj7LNsB0EaS2v4wPXLeBXOK2s9idu8k4Ko57WY7heeJBZl5rnApoCqTXqMtivZioILzI1K0eF0oW_kVFAdPdEGHxAdTo_I423DxmiwKTG5MvXxOL9cvjHrQUFspCzt4dkLEcO3bERxj/s320/DSCN1698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580848338240589314" /></a></b></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold; ">Games/ activities:</span><span style="color: black; "> First , we played Pin the Eye on Muno . I made this with construction paper, tape , and scissors.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ9xzv6os7V1M3HPcwZ8Upmwhn_7LluHwRKhU6-7aGIjs3nFUfGM-yqUkIslowZgEs0GKts4Gr7NEwQFxc6EsNLOpIk_Sx0u2KdRdiiyYwmh71RgxHIpH8tXIG7V4U-S06M24yOip3nY4/s1600/DSCN1701.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ9xzv6os7V1M3HPcwZ8Upmwhn_7LluHwRKhU6-7aGIjs3nFUfGM-yqUkIslowZgEs0GKts4Gr7NEwQFxc6EsNLOpIk_Sx0u2KdRdiiyYwmh71RgxHIpH8tXIG7V4U-S06M24yOip3nY4/s320/DSCN1701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580848326642076018" /></b></span></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color: black; " >We also did some other games / activities<span> </span>; <span> </span><i>Pass the Banana</i> to the song "Banana" from the show (this was basically hot potato) . <span> </span>I had coloring sheets out for kids who like quiet activities. Later, I gathered all the pictures and randomly picked one for a prize. We also hit a Broby <span> </span>pinata filled with goodies and had a "Jumpy Jump" bouncer. During the party I had a Yo Gabba Gabba DVD playing for the kids to watch , & a dance mat for them to get their “Dancey Dancey” on .<br /><br />I made this Foofa shirt for Ava to wear with a simple iron on transfer sheet and a photo from nickjr.com. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOhQjdLiliwehtj2RulixszGl5xfXeAynsHy4azyIvfPfmKDB47M_eUEgYkfE9-FyUL1DWqy8yZnK3f-qQRIvJHlWEtYcddMOpCTULrGnYPhCVxo0beVfiWBhffXOuJKhrwR0n_NkclZB/s1600/DSCN1709.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOhQjdLiliwehtj2RulixszGl5xfXeAynsHy4azyIvfPfmKDB47M_eUEgYkfE9-FyUL1DWqy8yZnK3f-qQRIvJHlWEtYcddMOpCTULrGnYPhCVxo0beVfiWBhffXOuJKhrwR0n_NkclZB/s320/DSCN1709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580848322431674994" /></b></span></a><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >We had a blast!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div></div>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971554733855642834.post-79374568625723224602010-12-10T22:03:00.000-08:002011-07-05T19:56:59.766-07:00Sweet Smell of Gingerbread ...magnets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCbWgI8TYnEluxKYmrJR6170UTGIan2cUVtG9VCo0_YKQm_4Dapo9hmDCG9DFMNOtJagGcg9jZx5tiPoCQ9K4Wd0qlXbZZ8V7hDwaSqsWPMztObrISGP58EO817Xdh-Sw7guNjXU3a_LW/s1600/Gingerbread+Man+Recipe+for+Kids1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCbWgI8TYnEluxKYmrJR6170UTGIan2cUVtG9VCo0_YKQm_4Dapo9hmDCG9DFMNOtJagGcg9jZx5tiPoCQ9K4Wd0qlXbZZ8V7hDwaSqsWPMztObrISGP58EO817Xdh-Sw7guNjXU3a_LW/s320/Gingerbread+Man+Recipe+for+Kids1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580861372109710354" /></a><br />A fun , quick and easy craft I like to do this time of year is make( fake ), Ginger Bread dough. The recipe is so easy to make and it smells FABULOUS!I make this dough into Gingerbread man shaped ornaments every year for my class and they're always a big hit.This year I made them into magnets this year.<div><br /><div>1. Combine equal parts cinnamon and applesauce along with a smidgen of white Elmer's glue<div>( yes I said smidgen).</div><div><br />2.Get your hand in there and mix away.you might want to wear latex gloves because I usually have orange Oompa Loompa hands when I'm done.</div><div><br />3.Make the dough into tangerine sized balls.They should be able to keep whatever shape you squeeze them into. If it is crumbling add more applesauce , if it is mushy add more cinnamon.</div><div><br />4. Use a gingerbread man shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into an adorable shape.</div><div>Let air dry for a day and very carefully flip the gingerbread man over.Let dry one more day .</div><div><br />5.Once dry place cream colored puff paint on the man in icing shaped designs.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx41b9KWvimB2Al8UhaGJvkUvEK5PBiSqxRn6eX47qDaDrDN7MWrTZlyqAR7LMgJkqhFr6aS0sldttJpK2W_nYodffD1KIVNJMgmct141jIfFbwBT-pcdPXX6hUBVvATaA6JTUc1-Chkwr/s1600/DSC00226.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx41b9KWvimB2Al8UhaGJvkUvEK5PBiSqxRn6eX47qDaDrDN7MWrTZlyqAR7LMgJkqhFr6aS0sldttJpK2W_nYodffD1KIVNJMgmct141jIfFbwBT-pcdPXX6hUBVvATaA6JTUc1-Chkwr/s320/DSC00226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580860064953779090" /></a><br /><br /><div>Voila ! A delicious smelling and adorable holiday craft!</div></div></div>melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04897138605292636000noreply@blogger.com0