Laila's Baby Shower

Laila's Baby Shower (November 17, 2012)

I haven't planned a baby shower in forever, since my cute little nephew was a baby, and he is ten.  So, I was a little apprehensive about planning a shower for my cute daughter-in-law Danielle.  When I approached her with the thought that I could host a shower for her she was pretty excited.  We went about checking out our favorite source of inspiration PINTEREST.  We found a bunch of little treasures from here and there.  We made a list of our favorites and started making a plan.  I am a fan of the post office.  I love wrapping packages and I love chatting with the people that work there.  Ever since I found out you could send anything (well, almost anything)...I have wanted to send an invitation that was "out there".  So, I had an idea of sending a baby bottle and Danielle (the great) had an idea of a "She's about to Pop" shower.  Together we created a balloon in a bottle invitation.  Danielle was afraid her Grandma would not know how to open it - but she did and loved it.  Can you believe I didn't take one photo of them?  Thank goodness my friend Tanya recorded her fun experience opening her invitation. She posted her photos on Facebook of her popping her ballon to find her invitation.  Kelsey (my daughter) thought it would be fun to have a photo booth at the shower.  She wanted me to remove all the furniture in our living room. We compromised and did it just as everyone entered the shower.  Danielle is going to use the photos we took as her thank you postcards and a fun treasure of the day. My neighbor, and amazing friend, Elaine is really talented at making anything but especially baby diaper cakes.  She made one and it was so gorgeous. We served all kinds of things that "popped" - popcorn chicken, pop rocks, tootsie pops, popcorn, poppyseed salad, popovers, pop rings....   Kelsey also wanted to do a balloon arch as you came in - more sparkle.   It turned out to be a fun event.  Danielle got lots of cute outfits and treasures for her cute Laila.  It's only a few short weeks away until that cute baby arrives.  At then end of the day you are grateful to all the people who came and were so supportive.  I find myself so thankful to Katrina (Danielle's sister), Kelsey and Mallory, Keith (for -as he would say "bankrolling" the whole thing), Jeremy for helping me blow up all those balloons, Kelsey's roomates Kelley and Hailey who stayed with us the night before and helped us make all the cute cupcakes...and last but not least my daughter-in-law Danielle who has hung in there with a bunch of weeks of bed rest and my son Tyson who showed up and did whatever I needed him to do.  So, if your thinking about throwing a baby shower for someone you love ...DO IT!

                   

Gender Reveal Party - It's a Granddaughter

After four long years of infertility trials, my cute son Tyson and my Daughter-in-law Danielle are expecting their first baby.  Danielle has wanted to have a "Gender Reveal Party" ever since she first heard about them.  Last week the doctor told her that she would have to be on bed rest for what might be the rest of her pregnancy.  But, he also told her that he could tell the gender of their cute baby.  So, within a couple of days Danielle had it all put together.  Someone had to put the colored balloons in the box - so, for a twenty four hours I (and their cute doctor) was the only one who knew the gender of the baby. We had a super fun time celebrating with them.  I highly recommend this little family get together  the next time a little spirit from heaven is expecting in your family.  

                      

Love in a Pan Recipe

This is one of our families favorite desserts.  I actually found this recipe in a Festival of Trees cookbook.  It had a different name.  But, my fourteen year old Mallory can't stand it when I use that word so we have changed the name to accommodate her.    It's best if it sits over night.  Next time you have a family function try this yummy recipe and let me know what you think.

I never go to the grocery store without THIS!

I actually like going to the grocery store.  But, if your going to go you might as well go organized.  I keep this list in my kitchen and when I am out of something I add it to the list.  It's always so easy just to grab the list and go.  I like the fact that the list has categories.  This makes it easier for me not to forget things or feel too overwhelmed at the store.   I try to only go to the grocery store once a week ( this gives me more time for other things).  Fitting more into like is all about the organizational tips. I print these up and keep them in a folder in the kitchen. Thought I would share this template and maybe your next time at the grocery store can be more enjoyable.