Party Planning Again!

It’s time to plan Caden’s party, it’s at my parents house so I won’t have to do much running around.  My mom will be hosting the party which is so nice to have the use of their waterfront for the kids to play.  Mom loves to throw parties and cook, she is an amazing cook, her food is more for the grown up … which is great but the kids not always on board with dressed up mac and cheese with tomatoes or onions … lol.  I love her food but the kids sometimes look at it like we’ve gone mad.  She would like to do nice sandwiches.  I think I may have to sneak some hot dogs down, I sworn not to bring them but I just know the kids would really want them … hehe so I must be on a covert mission to bring them in. 

Now as many of you know my parents did a huge remodel of their waterfront and they say it’s for this party … hehe.  God love them when we had my wedding at their house they did a huge remodel their too some how that included a new smoke house which I’m not sure how it played into being because of my wedding but it did … lol.  So the lake is ready for a party, but as the rest of the country is having a heat wave here in the PNW we are experiencing storms and downpour of rain.  And yes we are known for our rain but usually we’re pretty safe to plan a party in July with out having to worry about rain!  I need all the prayers I can get right now for NO RAIN, right now they are calling for showers!

So now on to making the cupcakes, as you may have guessed I’m going to make them.  I’ve been working very hard to be able to make the kids party cakes myself.  Now I’m NO Duff, but I’m trying hard to make cute ones .  So on the search for the best cupcake design to use:

These are cute look like the ones I made for Cole just NOT in the ice cream cone!

These look cute but I’m not sure about transporting with the trees, could always assemble at the party.

These are super cute but I’ve never worked with fondant.

These also look like the ones I did for Cole.

 

I think I’ve decided on these! hehe I think they look a little creepy but I know the kids would get a kick out of them!  With out the flag about school.

What do you think?

Then of course I thought I’d do my pudding pops but make them like ocean colors so do dark blue, then light blue and white for the kids.

And for the adults and because my BF had her birthday last week I thought I’d make these Unfettered F-U-N . . . Rainbow Jelly Shooter! I found the COOLEST website for you Jello Shot fans It’s the Jello Shot Test Kitchen and she even has a book out.  Talk about elegant grown up jello shots, she makes the coolest one’s with not sight of a paper cup!

So I think I’m set on the cupcakes, pudding pops and the Jello Shots to be made.  I will sneak in some hot dogs along with items to make the s’mores.  Rick built them an amazing fire pit out of bricks.  It looks very pretty which is why Rick is not too pleased to be having me use it … lol.

On a plus side Rick is scheduled to work that day and he couldn’t get the day off, so he is going to take a personal day which is not ideal but hey it’s better then him not being there (which most times he has to work and only can be there for 1/2 the time).

So I’m still sick so I need all the prayers I can get right now for no rain and to be done with the cold!  Thanks again for all the well wishes you guys are just amazing!

Party Anxiety w/ Kids

Have you ever gotten an invite and worried about taking your kids? I do that every time we go to some one's house for the first time or a place we haven't been to in a while. As you know I love taking the kids to parties, it's a way for play and interaction not for just them but for me too. Working from home limits my outs with adults and I need to make sure I don't become a recluse :).

Lately we had a load of parties to go to which is fun and also gives me anxiety at the same time. You know when you go to someones house for the first time or haven't been there in a long time. Caden is so funny when we go somewhere he is not familiar with he wants to touch and see every part of the house. He really is careful but loves to see it all, which of course can make the party giver all nutty! I have a rule you come here let the kids play I don't care if they take all the toys out of the bin, AS long as it is cleaned up when you LEAVE! Now if something is broke and it's not a cheap toy then you replace it. Cole has done it before broke something and I found the item and replaced it. We've had this happen where a little boy broke Cole's 1st DS and the parent did not replace it, now that peeved me off! So when we go and the boys play with the toys I know 1 it will be cleaned up when we leave and 2 if anything is broke we will replace it. Now that doesn't stop that one parent that always has to be the hoover (you know them, there is ALWAYS one) that will make comments about the toys. They are toys they are to be PLAYED with! Kids are loud and when you get a bunch together they like to run and play. There will always be that Mom, Grandma or Person with out kids or grown kids that makes comments.

Do you ever feel like ok enough is enough? Really I don't want to stand up every 5 minutes to check on the kids, as long as there is no blood or tears it's a good day. Right?

Same thing happens at relatives houses, some of my relatives I'm not very close with but on the rare occasion you go to visit. You feel like you've entered the Glass house. There is no sitting down, you can't carry a conversation because your repeating to the kids sit on the couch watch TV don't touch anything.

Are your Peeves the same?

* Kid Party, where kids are to not be kids

* Hoover Parent

* Negative Comment Parent

* Party Guest who comments on others kids

* No touch house, kids to be seen not HEARD

* Tattler Kid (must pick on a kid usually the smaller one)

* Parent that is like a parrot w/ Tattler Kid remarks

* The Gang up kids, leaving one kid out

* Non Kid Person at a Kids Party

* Non Sharing kid, always taking from the guest kids

Now don't get me wrong, my kids are NOT perfect I know sometimes they can be crazy and excited to be out and about. We sometimes are one of those kids that drive me nuts, and believe me I will take them aside and have the MOM TALK with them. I try very hard to make parties and play dates fun and not STRESS over the little things. It will all be cleaned up, things can be replaced and washed if needed. And sometimes you just have to smile and think 1 it's NOT my kid this time .. whoo hooo and holy crap no judgement because I so know you have judged me and my parenting style in the past :).

Phew feel better now ... lol. Love to hear what you have to think.