Strawberry Shortcake Party - Noelle Turns FIVE!

My girl is five. I look at my baby - fun-loving and shy - but gracefully maturing into a beautiful little lady. She starts Kindergarten this year and I'm terrified. When we talk about it and she sees the tears welling up in my eyes she reassures me with this speech, "Mommy, it's going to be okay. It will just be for a little while and you can go to Target while I'm gone. I have to go to school to learn stuff." I've heard it a dozen times already. She's so brave.

In May we went on our annual Disneyland trip during Mother's Day weekend to kick off the summer and celebrate her birthday. She agreed to have a small birthday party but insisted it have a Strawberry Shortcake theme. I grabbed her Strawberry Shortcake doll and we headed to JoAnn's for a few supplies. Six yards of fabric, a box of 12 mason jars, a string of Martha Stewart pom-poms and we were pretty much ready to party.

Since it was June and the day heats up quickly we decided on a mid-morning brunch. The menu included Sausage Quiche, Muffins, Strawberry Greek Yogurt with granola, Fruit Salad and Cinnamon Rolls. 

For the backdrop, I cut the fabric into 5-inch strips and tied them using a slip knot onto a birch tree branch. I had the crates but painted them white and added the strawberry to the inside of the large crate.

The table was very quick and easy to set up. I found vintage Strawberry Shortcake fabric at Walmart for $3/yard. 

At Walmart I also picked up a couple bundles of cheap flowers and a bag of limes. 

Noelle's refinished desk was used as the beverage table. 

Mr. G drilled holes into the mason jar lids just big enough for the paper straws. It's a one time deal since the lids will rust if they are washed. 

In the dining room I set up the dessert (strawberry shortcake and cupcakes) along with Noelle's previous birthday party invitations. 

When frosting cupcakes, I always whip a half teaspoon of vanilla extract into the frosting and pipe it onto the cupcakes for a bakery-style look. 

For the craft, the friends decorated a clay pot with foam stickers and then planted a flower. 

I'm certain that no flower made it more than a day but it kept them busy for 10 minutes. 

It was a lovely morning! 

My girl. 

Strawberry Shortcake hair bow from The Palmetto Baby on Etsy

Noelle's Strawberry Stand was an easy project that she loves and plays with every day. The total cost was about $20. 

Here's what you need from Michael's:

(2) Crates - They were half off for $7 each

(2) 24" sticks

4"x 24" plywood

From Home Depot:

Berry Pink Spray Paint

Wood Screws

Once all the pieces are sprayed with paint, stack the crates and line them up. Then drill the screws through the top crate into the bottom crate. 

The 24" sticks fit perfectly snug in between the gaps on the side of the crate. Mr. G used wood glue to hold them in place. You can touch up the glue with spray paint when you're done assembling the stand.

Lastly, paint the plywood slab and use wood glue to secure it to the top of the sticks. Done! Such a cute little stand that can be used as a ticket counter for a circus party, lemonade stand, grocery store play, etc.

A family photo for once!

Happy 5th Birthday sweet girl! I love you so.

Top 5 posts from 2012

A quick recap of the most-viewed posts from 2012. It has been a whirlwind of a year. Noelle turned 4 and Noah had his first birthday. Nothing has brought me more joy than watching my babies grow and play together. Their little personalities have me bursting into laughter every day. I am grateful beyond words to be their momma.

At the end of July, I opened an Etsy shop after receiving many requests for my Luke 2:11 sign. It has been a dream of mine to be able to do exactly this and thanks to my hard-working husband, my dream came true. He does the grunt work, preparing the wood for staining and putting everything together. My dad was also a huge help as I hustled to get the orders shipped. I've had a wonderful time not only doing something I love, but also getting to know many of my customers who have become friends. Keep an eye out in 2013 for many more designs added to the shop. 

Here are the top 5 posts from 2012. 

1. Our Family Code

Our Family Code was a simple project using our birthday's and wedding anniversary. 

2. Honeymoon Bridal Shower - Vintage Travel Theme

I had the pleasure of hosting my dear friend Megan's Bridal Shower in 2012 and coming in 2013, her baby shower! 

3. Noelle's Snow White Woodland Theme Birthday Party

My baby is 4! We hosted a dessert party for Noelle's birthday. She and her friends had a blast watching the dry ice smoke around the "poison" apples and creating their own swords and princess crowns. 

4. Noah's Red Wagon 1st Birthday Party

I can't look at a red wagon without tearing up now. They remind me of my sweet baby boy who is now nearly two. I wish I could jump into this post and kiss his chubby cheeks! 

5. A Classic Christmas at the Gardner's

Our Christmas decorations this year have taken off on Pinterest. The mantle piece was so easy to make. Just 7 boards and a light stain with a fresh wreath. 

Thank you for following along on our journey. May you have a blessed 2013.

Amanda

Autumn. {and a corn husk wreath tutorial}

Let me keep it real. Our fall decorations are up. They've been up for a couple of weeks now. We are enjoying them, but right now, Michael Buble Holiday on Pandora is blasting from the speakers in the living room. Martina McBride's version of Baby It's Cold Outside captivated us immediately. Noelle's dancing and twirling her Little Mermaid umbrella. Noah is running around in his pajama's and Aaron is smoking chicken out back taking regular breaks to peak at football scores. It's a typical weekend morning at the Gardner house.

Soon we'll be hosting friends for a BBQ, but first, I'll give you a quick tour of our fall decor (which is just the beginning since we haven't visited the pumpkin patch yet).

To make this sunburst-style corn husk wreath, first gather the supplies: corn husks, small-medium size wreath (any material should work. I already had this one from the Target dollar section), and a glue gun.

First soak the corn husks in water until they are pliable. Drain the water and peal the layers to open the husks and let them air dry. While they are still damp, wrap individual husks around the front of the wreath, hot gluing the back and front of the husk to the wreath. 

Continue around the wreath several times, making the tips of the husk shorter each time around.

It needed an embellishment so I cut three strips of burlap and hot glued a bow together.

A couple of buckets, lanterns and pot of crimson chrysanthemums finished the porch. 

Using carbon paper, I traced "Welcome Friends" onto the pumpkins (real from Target) and painted the tracing gray. If you're intimidated by tiny paint brushes, you could use a sharpie marker. 

On the mantel this year I only added to the "year-round" decor.

The "Harvest" bunting was recycled from the Harvest Fest photo area that I decorated last year at our church.

Besides making the corn husk wreath and picking up the Target pumpkins, I didn't buy anything new this year. In fact, the orange bins labeled "fall" in the garage are still half full. Which either means I'm in a continuous downsizing trend or I have too much stuff to begin with.

 

Dining room. Our "family code" found a new wall spot.

The weather is cooling off here in California. There was even a chill in the air this morning that required a sweater for fetching the coupons Sunday paper out front. Although Mariah's "All I Want For Christmas" has everyone bobbing around the house, we can wait for a little longer for winter. There's still pumpkins to pick and turkey (or three) to slice. Happy fall.

Amanda

getting away.

Over Labor Day weekend, we had the opportunity to stay with friends at a gorgeous 7-bedroom home in Lake Tahoe. I was hesitant to go at first because of the long drive. Two kids trapped in a car all day was sure to be miserable and most likely wouldn't be worth the fun memories we would make over the weekend. I was wrong.

My children surprised me. Once again proving that they are much more resilient than I give them credit for. They are road trip super stars.

After nearly 8 hours in the car we arrived in lake paradise.

Noah had no trouble adapting to his new surroundings. He owned the joint the second we walked in the door. 

The rest of us didn't do so bad either. Can't complain when there's great food, continuous laughter with dear friends and a hot tub on the roof waiting to take our aches away.

Aaron and I took the kids for their first jet ski ride. Noelle waved to everyone on land like a beauty queen on a parade float. And Noah fell asleep. Wrapped in a foam vest, soothing water sounds and rhythmic movement - how could he resist?

We've been feeling the need to get away from the house more than ever lately. The sweetness of the summer months when we were all home together has soured with late hours at work and daily evening activities. Taking a break from our new routine allows us a dose of family time that is otherwise impossible.

We need it.

As much as Noah needs naps. 

And sister needs sunshine.

I've experienced moments this month that have literally taken my breath away. Taking a minute to appreciate God's glorious creation from the middle of a vast lake. Watching my children play with my best friend's children - something we've talked about happening since we were in 5th grade. And hearing my college roommate bravely describe her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I know these are growing moments. Eye-opening lessons. The unfathomable power of our God. The realization that time is quickly passing by. And the uncertainty of the future. Being busy and overworked is not how we want to live so we are consciously taking time together as a family by getting away.

-Amanda

Growing Up

We celebrated Noah's half birthday this week.

My little man. He is awesome. During my pregnancy with him I was terrified that I wouldn't connect with a boy. Noelle and I were such a great team, how was I going to handle having a little boy? It didn't take long for me to understand the bond other mom's of boys described to me.
Noah and I have something special. Some days Noelle can be...complicated. Noah is just a guy ready to laugh and figure stuff out. And I love watching him do just that.

Here's what he has been up to lately:
Noah has 12 teeth and currently has 4 more coming through. Good thing he has so many chompers because he eats like a teenager. Seriously. The kid will put down three slices of pizza in one sitting.

He is a very active little guy. And by "active" I mean destroying everything he gets his hands on and then usually throwing it.

His favorite things are Brinkley (our dog), being chased, playing in the little pool, coloring and reading books at bed time.

When Noah was 15 months old he refused to nurse. It happened over a period of three days which were very hard on me. I tried everything I knew to get him interested, but nothing worked. I planned to breastfeed him for at least 18 months but now that I think about it, that goal was unrealistic. There's no way my busy boy would sit still long enough. He doesn't want to miss a thing.

At the beginning of this month, the kids started "school." It's an Spanish/English Parent & Me program that is funded by the state of California. It's just a couple hours each week but I feel very blessed to have gotten them enrolled. Noelle is interested in learning Spanish and has been picking it up quickly through her teachers and the other Spanish-speaking kids in the class.

Noelle is also keeping busy being mommy's big helper and the most amazing little girl. I cried last week when I checked my facebook and scrolled through many First Day of School pictures. Kindergarten is one short year away. My baby is going to leave me for the first time. Honestly, I can't handle the thought. Someone recently told me that it gets better the older they get. I'm sure they're right, but in this moment I don't believe them and I want my baby to be four forever.

Tonight we made a step towards the direction of Kindergarten. It was her first day of Awana's at our church. I explained to her that it will be just like Sunday school but a little longer and super fun. She cried when she got out of the car and begged me to take her back home. But we made it to check-in and once she got in her classroom she immediately walked over to a couple of girls and started playing. Two hours later I was the first parent in line and kissed her sweet face a million times. Then we went out for ice cream. She can't wait for next week.

I'm so proud of my babies. Growing up and becoming incredible people. I'm desperately trying to live in the moment more often. My mind has a way of sending me to the future where they are grown and I miss them so much that it's literally painful.

I hope I remember special moments like this. When I look behind me and see my heart walking hand-in-hand. And I hope they know how much I love them. "All the way to the moon and even the sun" as Noelle says. 

-Amanda