Grace's Donut Birthday Brunch and {Chalkboard Party Favor DIY}

I think I know why fall is my favorite season... October and November are full of holidays and opportunities to celebrate! Last year, Grace didn't really seem to care about her birthday, but this year she was so excited for her big day.

I can't blame her. Turning 3 is a pretty big deal. We decided to celebrate with donuts (my Grace's favorite) and her closest pals. She even got a special visit from her Auntie Jen!

Thanks, Auntie, for making Grace's special day even more special!

I created this invitation and then had it printed with Vistaprint. 

We planned to have the party outside and crossed my fingers that it wouldn't be raining or too cold. The week of the party the weather app kept showing Saturday's temperatures getting lower and lower. After much debate, we decided to move the party inside. I was worried there wouldn't be enough room and the kids would be bored, but it turned out perfectly and the kids were thrilled to play with the toys, eat donuts and run up and down the stairs. We just decorated with some pink table clothes and streamers and these cute little donuts that I printed and cut out. (We also used them for decorating our thank you cards.)

Source: Free Printable from Oh Happy Day

Our guests decorated their party hats with sparkly stickers and polka dots when they arrived. I was surprised by how entertained they were doing this. More proof that simple is better when it comes to toddlers. 

Decorate Your Party Hat Station

The "brunch" menu was very simple:

• LOTS OF DONUTS (from Donut Country, a Murfreesboro favorite)
• Yogurt (greek for the adults and Gogurts for the kids)
• Bananas
• Cheerios (otherwise known as donut seeds)
• Coffee, milk, chocolate milk, OJ and water

Grace sang right along as everyone sang her "Happy Birthday," and she had no problem blowing out her candle, which we stuck in the middle of a coma-inducing cinnamon roll. 

Grace's extra large frosted cinnamon roll with sprinkles

Cheerios as "Donut Seeds" 

I had a lot of fun creating the party favors for each of Grace's friends- monogramed chalk boards inspired from here!

The process was super easy, but did take a couple nights to finish all of the coats of paint on each side of the letters. My goal was to give our guests something that they would use and that wouldn't add more junk to the toy box. Here are the DIY instructions if you want to make your own chalkboard party favors:

How To Make Monogramed Chalkboard Party Favors

Supplies:

MDF Letter 
1 Bottle of Chalkboard Paint
Paint brush
Chalk

320 Grit Sandpaper
Small rubber bands
Jute and/or Ribbon

1. Following the instructions on your chalkboard paint, paint 1-4 layers of paint onto the letters. Make sure you use solid strokes alternating horizontal or vertical for different layers. 
2. Once you've painted all sides of your letters and they are dry, rub the 320 grit sandpaper over the entire letter to smooth it down. (This will make the chalkboard easier to use and erase.)
3. Prime each letter by rubbing chalk on all of the surfaces and then wipe clean. (If you don't do this, the first thing you draw on your chalkboard won't ever completely come off.)
4. Attach a few pieces of chalk using a rubber band and some jute to the letter. 
5. Add your party tag and some curly ribbon, and you're done!

Putting the finishing touches on the party favors. 

Overall, we had a wonderful party and felt so lucky to be able to celebrate our baby's third birthday with our new Tennessee friends. Grace was over the moon! I was so proud of her throughout the whole party. She was kind to her friends, shared her toys and used good manners when opening her presents. I really do enjoy being able to throw her birthday parties, but I also want her to be a gracious host and to be appreciative for all she has.

We had a polka dot themed party when Grace turned one and an ice cream party at a farm for her second birthday.

P.S.

A maternity update!

#30 weeks

Cravings: Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream (Let's not talk about how I ate half of a week old pumpkin pie with a can of whipping cream on the couch while I watched Revenge.)

Feeling: Rotund 

I can't believe we're in the final stretch until baby Anderson gets here! I am so excited to meet him!

Lilacs and Lemons: Making Murfreesboro Our Home

October seems to be flying by- just a few weeks until Halloween and Grace's third birthday and then we'll be well into November and the "holiday season!" I feel like having kids makes you (re)learn how to enjoy the small things in life. Holidays have a sense of wonderment and anticipation. Seasons changing mean discovering fallen leaves and stomping in puddles with rain boots. I love watching Grace discover new things each day and being able to rediscover them with her.

Enjoying the last warm days of fall. 

Our baby is still growing and healthy (and Grace still calls him Baby Market). I have no idea why she calls him this, but she insists that is his name and has kept it up for a good couple months. While we don't plan on calling him "Market," we are still discussing names and haven't 100% settled on anything. I think naming a boy is harder. There's more pressure to find a name that will be strong and fitting for both a child and an adult. Cole seems to be into historical names, while I'm more a fan of older names or surnames as first names. We both like the idea of using family names, too.

Cole, Grace, Baby Market, our $12 popcorn and I at Frozen on Ice

Lilacs: 
We have been in Murfreesboro for 8 months now, and I could not be happier with the town and all it has to offer. My only wish was that it was closer to our families. From the start, I was lucky enough to find support and friendship in the MOMS Club, which has given us a chance to explore middle Tennessee with a wonderful group of moms and their little ones.

Equally as important, Grace's Pre-K school has been the perfect fit for us. It is right around the corner from our house. Grace wakes up each morning excited to go to school. She loves to play pretend school at home and emulates everything from me dropping her off, to getting a green light at the end of the day for good behavior. She loves her teachers and her classmates and seems to be learning so much.

Grace chose these funny glasses from the Treasure Box at school after she got 4 green lights for good behavior.

We also have a family pass to the gym, which has been awesome. The gym has a really well run Kid's Club that Grace is pumped to go to.  It makes me feel less guilty about dropping her off, when I know she's having a fun time, too. This is my first time back at the gym in three years (I did Stroller Strides and at-home work outs mostly since Grace was born). I feel a little intimidated, and round, but I like being able to lift some weights and do some cardio that is gentle on my knee. I've also been taking Gentle Yoga and a Zumba class at a dance studio. This time around having a fit pregnancy is really important to me, and I like knowing that I will have a better fitness foundation to start from once the baby is born.

Lemons: 

I haven't been too uncomfortable yet with this pregnancy, but I've recently started having a hard time falling asleep because my mind won't turn off. There are just too many thoughts bouncing around in my head and baby feet bouncing around in my belly. Here are just a few:

"Is Grace eating too many Grape Nuts and is it ok that the only meat she will eat is BACON??"

"Can I use spray paint on a lamp shade?" **Pulls up phone to check on Pinterest. Then goes to Facebook and Instagram. Checks email.**

"Do we seek shelter for a TORNADO WATCH or a TORNADO WARNING?"

"Griffin is scooting again. Eww, anal glands."

"Is it acceptable to wear the same black stretchy pants all week?"

"I hope it doesn't rain for Grace's OUTDOOR Birthday party."

"The downstairs toilet needs to be tightened." 

"How much extra does it cost to have a C-section?"

"Tomorrow we should get milk shakes. Mmmm, pumpkin milk shakes."

Part of what is stressing me out is anticipating the sleepless nights yet to come. It's like so many people say, you have amnesia after you have a newborn. You quickly forget the pain of labor and the multiple feedings a night. I know it was rough for the first few months, but at least this time around I'll know it gets better. I need to enjoy the time now in which Grace sleeps a solid 11 hours without waking up. Those days are numbered. 

My Lemonade: I'm thankful that I have so many blessings and that we are fortunate enough to be expecting an addition to our family. I try really hard not to complain about the annoyances and hardships of pregnancy because I know it is a gift and not every family dreaming of a baby is able to take this journey. 

#27weeks

Cravings: Blueberry Eggos with cinnamon, sugar and syrup

Feeling: Lots and lots of kicking

#Selfie 

8 Valentines I'll Never Send

I love sending and receiving mail, so, of course, Valentine's Day is great in my book. Grace has been working on some Valentine's Day crafts for her grandparents, so I thought I would write some Valentines for some people/places/things that might not get showered with love come February 14th...

1. Sochi, Russia

I actually haven't seen any of the Olympics because we don't have TV right now, but from what I can gather, some things were overlooked by the Olympic preparation committee...

Sochi,
I hope you prepare more for Valentine's Day than you prepared for the Olympics. Don't take all the criticism too harshly, people just love to complain. 

XOXO,
Allison 
2. Greek Yogurt

Professing my love for yogurt-if that's wrong, then I don't want to be right.

The Greek Gods Greek Yogurt,
Dang! You are so delicious! I'm not even mad that one serving has 290 calories and over 45% of my daily saturated fat. You're worth it! 

Yours forever,
Allison
3. My amazing husband

He deserves more than my cheesy blog Valentine!

My Love,
Thank you for being patient, helpful, loving and funny. You make me a better person. Grace and I are so lucky to have you in our family! 

Love,
Allison
4. Deployed soldiers

Deployed Soldiers,
I'm sorry you can't be home right now to spend Valentine's Day with your loved ones. Stay safe and know that your sacrifices and service are very much appreciated. 

Best,
Allison
5. Families of deployed soldiers

Military Families,
Hang in there! You are so tough, and even though I know sometimes it feels thankless, you are doing an important job. Pour yourself a glass of something and indulge in some Girl Scout Cookies! I hope your family is reunited soon!

Hugs,
Allison
6. The Mellow Mushroom waiter

Good pizza and good service- he should be showered in Valentines!

Mellow Mushroom Waiter,
I know it can't be easy to wait on a table full of babies and toddlers, but I appreciate your friendly smile, positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for our large group. 

See you soon,
Allison
7. The Post Office

They probably deliver a lot of Valentine's and don't receive many! 

United States Postal Service,
Happy Valentine's Day! I bet you love delivering all of those colorful greeting cards. We've been through some rough times-like when you let a complete stranger put our mail on hold and lied about trying to deliver packages. I forgive you, but pretty please don't let it happen again. I can see why people lose their faith in government... DMV, USPS... It's not pretty. 

Sincerely,
Allison
8. My neighbor

To My Neighbor,
You're the epitome of a sweet southern lady. We will miss you. Thanks for letting us borrow your ladder. Happiest Valentine's Day to you!

Warm regards,
Allison

8 people/places/or things you'd like to give a virtual Valentine to. 

Super cute free printable Valentine's from Mufn Inc.

Ice Cream Party for Grace's 2nd Birthday

Not only is it less than two weeks until Thanksgiving, there are just 5 more weekends until Christmas! Before the madness of the holidays takes hold, let me take a minute to recap Grace's 2nd Birthday.

First- like all mothers, I can not believe how quickly she has grown up. She is not a baby any more. She is a big girl with a sense of humor and a fiery attitude. She says "Thank you, Mommy," and "Ready (to) go?" She sings (most) of her ABC's, Twinkle, Twinkle, and Rock-a-bye Baby. She can count to ten. She loves apples, eggo waffles, pizza and our dog. She is two.

We had her birthday party early, so we could go to the farm by our house for homemade ice cream. It was a hot afternoon spent with friends eating ice cream and touring the farm.

Mommy blowing out the candle for Grace

Invitation 

Party favors for the boys- handmade bow ties (tutorial)
Printable adapted from One Charming Party 

Party favors for the girls- ice cream hair bows (Simply Pretty Bows)
Printable adapted from One Charming Party  

Ice cream tickets for the party guests-
"Exchange this ticket for a small cup of ice cream"

The Birthday girl checking out the animals with her friends. 

Opening presents- not her best moment!

Tired and dirty at the end of the party! (I love the little smudge of dirt on her nose!)

Special thank you to Auntie Jen for driving down for the celebration and for helping with set-up and clean-up! LOVE YOU!

We also brought S'more fun treats to her class the week of her Birthday.  (Printable)

Streamers on the morning of her birthday. 

The day of her second birthday she also figured out how to climb out of her crib. This has signaled the end of nap time as we knew it. We finally had to switch her bed into a toddler bed, so that she wouldn't hurt herself. She is doing great at night, but WILL NOT stay in her bed during nap time. She trashes her room and pounds on the door.

I am devastated to see the end of her long afternoon nap. When am I going to shower/eat lunch/clean up/put laundry away (watch Scandal)??? I'm hoping we can make some sort of compromise where she will spend some quiet time in her room without flinging all of her belongings all over the room... Please tell me there's still hope for the afternoon nap. I don't know if I can survive the terrible twos without it!

The First Day of School Means Summer is Over

Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte is back and school is in session!

I am ready for the end of the sweltering southern summer heat and soooo ready for Fall! Although, honestly, this summer hasn't felt as hot as last year.

Baby Grace, who is definitely NOT a baby anymore, started school again at the greatest little place. She only goes one morning a week, but I love it! Four hours all to myself! I think it's important for Grace to spend some time away from me learning to share and catching other people's germs.

First day of school "MMO" 2013

In the past she would get pretty dramatic when I dropped her off. I had to un-cling her from me, crying and sobbing "Mama," while I scurried out the door. (Texts from her teachers proved that she immediately regained her composure after I left.) This year, she's an old pro. No tears. No last minute hugs or pleas for mama. She just walked right in and got to learning/playing.

I'm sure in her head she's thinking, "Wow, I'm really going to miss Mama, but this place is great. I'm so lucky!'

I love the excitement and anticipation that comes with a change of seasons. Right when I didn't think I could take anymore of the same old summer ho-hum, Fall is right around the corner like a hot tasty pumpkin spice latte.

Bring on the football (I'm playing in my first Fantasy League), the scarves and boots and the crisp cool nights. We are ready for Grace's second Halloween, and I'm dying to bust out our Elf on The Shelf!

A few things I'm not quite ready for include potty training, flying cross country with a dog and a toddler, packing for a move and dusting off the ole resume! In just a few short months we (my husband) are starting the process of getting out of the military. It's time to write a new chapter of our lives...

One last trip to Myrtle Beach before Summer is over

Wishing you all patience in school zones, a break from the search for your bikini body and a winning season for your football team! What's your favorite thing about this time of year?

First Day of school

Summer Fun

Long time, no blog. Bad Allison!

But... I have a good excuse. We've been busy enjoying the summer. Our college friend just got stationed in N.C. What a small world! We also went on a getaway to a house on Lake Wylie and got to spend some time with my Mom, sister and her boyfriend. 

Sunrise on Lake Wylie

Grace (and the rest of us) got a little sick, but she was a trooper and for once was willing to lay on the couch and be cuddled and held. (I don't think Grandma minded.)

Finally, Grace is the esteemed graduate of a music class!These pictures are from Grace's last Music Together class. If you live in Fayetteville, this class is awesome and the teacher is wonderful. This was by far my favorite activity Grace has participated in! She learned so much and really seemed to enjoy every minute of the class as well as the CD of songs. We LOVED it!

Now, if I can just get her past her obsession with Trot Ole Joe!