I just finished another round of college finals. The tests and term papers came on the heels of a fall blog tour and planning a party for 100 people in another state. This is accompanied by two large jobs that need to be completed by the end of this upcoming week. A Happy Moment to Breathe.
Through it all, I have managed to keep my eyes on the prize.
The barometer I always use in determining what truly matters is to ask myself “What would I be glad that I had done twenty years from now?” And so, when Sweet Guy asked if he could have a party for 20 of his closest friends in the midst of it all I said, “Yes!”
Sweet Guy’s 15th Birthday
I hit the “easy” button. All the paper goods came from Target and the dollar store.
The ice cream cake was found in the frozen section of the supermarket.
Party favors consisted of crazy straws and miniature candies selected for their color palette and tied up in clear bags.
The centerpiece was simply store bought cupcakes on a tiered tray.
We had a birthday dinner of chicken pasta with vodka sauce and a garden salad.
This guy, as usual, helped me out tremendously.
Sweet Guy wanted “cash” for his birthday and Mr. Decor origamied a delightful presentation.
I love spending time with my son’s friends.
They were hilarious and delightfully cerebral in responding to the request of “make a gift”.
After dinner, the Mr. and I excused ourselves to another room as the kids spent the evening playing card games and watching movies until midnight.
I was a tired, but happy crazy straw drinking, mom.
Here’s to you finding your happy moment to breathe,
Laura
Oh you always do so much and have so much on your plate. The party looks like such fun.
How cute. I love hitting the easy button on a party. Have a good rest.
First of all, congratulations on getting through exams. I so admire your return to school.
And your party looks great. You're right — you have to know when to prioritize and you can have a perfect party with papergoods from Target and wonderful snacks. The Origami shirt is the best! Love this one, Laura.
Congratss on finishing another round of exams. Kudos to you and your very busy life. What a lovely party. I love the simplicity of it all. Sometimes simple is wonderful. That shirt is so cute! Have a great weekend.
Congrats on getting through this round of finals! Happy birthday to your boy. What a fun way to give money. I'll have to show our origami expert. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
“I'd rather have sandwiches served by a relaxed, happy hostess than a gourmet meal served by a flustered, nervous hostess.” I have thought that, and said it out loud, many times.
The party looks relaxed and happy. Obviously, everyone had a good time. 🙂 That's all that really matters. I think you did a wonderful job!!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
This is great, Laura. Congratulations on finishing the class finals, organizing the party for 100 as well as the party for 20 (Happy Birthday, Sweet Guy!), and for keeping your eye on the prize of family. I hope you have a relaxing weekend.
Rita
Laura, you're as cute as a bug and you know how to make the moments special. 🙂
Happy Birthday to your sweet son.
Nothing wrong with hitting the easy button! Congrats on finishing another term of school but more importantly on keeping a great perspective on life!!
Looks like a great party to me. I agree, small gestures like this from a loving and thoughtful mother are what makes the difference in years to come. Kudos to the Mr. too!
You are sooooo CUTE!
That must be where you get all you “cute” ideas!
What a great party!! Simple but fun! I will file this idea away… 🙂