65th Surprise Party

We threw a surprise 65th birthday party for Andrew's parents in August and it was a success! Dennis and Marilyn had no idea and both were completely surprised! It was a lot of fun to plan, and gather family and friends to celebrate such a special couple, who are very loved by so many. And, who certainly don't look their age! It was wonderful to see almost our whole extended family and catch up with one another. Our gift was a scrapbook with photos, notes and special memories. They loved it.

A very special and happy birthday, that we'll remember for years to come! xoxo

50th Surprise Birthday Party

In January, my sister, Lisa, threw her husband, Chris, a SURPRISE birthday party. And he was completely surprised! Success! This was a big birthday, too. 50! However, Chris certainly doesn't act or look his age! 

You make 50 look good, Chris! 

When Lisa started planning the party, I volunteered to design the invitations and help with decorations. I love party planning! 

We wanted to celebrate his 50 years in a fun, upbeat, and classy way. Lisa selected the color theme and plaid napkins in blue and green. Then we added touches of gold and silver. I cut out "50" numbers in gold, attached them to skewer sticks for each centerpiece and wrapped large mason jars with burlap. We filled them with paper filler, added curled ribbon and a Bible verse. I had silver chargers and enough small glass jars to hold flame-less candles, which we filled with rainbow sprinkles. How cute is that?! 

Lisa made a photo collage in the shape of "50" on foam core and we used my two burlap message boards to pin the rest. Everyone always enjoys looking at photos from throughout the years. 

It was a fun afternoon of celebrating with family and friends. 
 

Chris, you are loved by so many! God has blessed you with a beautiful family and dear friends. You are a testament of God's goodness and faithfulness and we are thankful for you!

Paper Treat Pouch

Raise your hand if you're addicted you like Pinterest. Raise your hand if you pin more projects than you actually do. Now, raise your hand if sometimes you actually try a Pinterest project and it turns out to be, in fact, as easy and wonderful as it looked. This cute little paper craft was one of those projects. You can put your hands down now.

I don't know what it is about sewing paper, but it makes me giddy. Like when I sewed Christmas cards and Valentines. I just love combining thread with paper. 

I made a bunch of these little triangular pouches as favors, filled with pieces of saltwater taffy, for a ladies luncheon that I hosted. I also went through a saltwater taffy addiction. Cute sewn paper pouches AND candy. It was a lethal combination. My favorite flavors are orange creamsicle, cappuccino, and butter popcorn. Weird, I know.

All you need is:
scrapbook paper (mine were 6.5 by 5 inches)
double sided tape
sewing machine
frilly scissors
and CANDY

Look at that cute little paper edge. Adorable.

I found the idea here with excellent directions.

Cut your paper to size. Make it into a cylinder (like a toilet paper tube) and tape it together. Pinch one end and sew it across. Fill with candy. Pinch the other end in the opposite direction (making it triangular) and sew it closed. Trim the edges with decorative scissors.

That's it! You can make a whole bunch of them for a party, bridal shower, or birthday celebration, in no time. The paper can match your theme. Add stickers. Make large ones to hold more candy, or even wrap a small gift.  

And, if you're my age, this shape might also remind you of those triangular popsicle icey treats from the cafeteria in elementary school. Who remembers those?