Mommy's little ladybug: Reflections of the day

I am going to miss planning for Christiana's party, but now it's time to reflect on the entire process.

cousin gio in the grass

Birthday girl

•  Always start planning early - I started planning 6 months ago.  Man, what would I have done if I started all this 2 months before the party.
• Have a budget - It's sooo easy to spend tons of money.  While I was looking for ladybug themed decorations I saw soooo many CUTE things, but I had a budget so I either had to find a cheaper item, figure out how to make it myself, or not get it all.
• It pays to be a teacher - MAN 96% of the decorations were student made.  They really made my vision come to life.  It also helped that I had a reward system in my class because I don't think I would have had AS many kids.  As long as I am teaching Christiana will continue to have student made decorations, or until she gets to the point where she says "Mommy I don't want these anymore".
• Mommy friends give great tips - Out of all my friends, Christiana was the last to be born so I was able to get some "do's & don't" for parties
• RSVP's - people don't believe in doing that!  That was one of the most annoying thing!!! I thought by having a texting option that would make it easier, but people still didn't RSVP.  We had sooo much food left over (which is good because everyone got fed, but it was a bit wasteful).  A few people said that we should have just gotten enough food for the people that did let us know, but I couldn't do that. :OP
• Christiana will NEVER have a small party - although everyone did not come celebrate Munchie's first birthday, she still had a great turn out 14 children showed up (all under 10)!
• Arts & Crafts - I think that's the way to go!  This is good for the little ones & gives the parents the opportunity to let their creative juices flow PLUS it's more parent & child bonding time.
• Pictures - If anyone knows me, I am the picture taking queen!  Unc-key Ray did a great job of capturing great moments at the party!  Good job Unc!  I would have liked another set of eyes.  I don't have any pictures of my brother at the party!  I think for the next party, having the "picture booth" right as people are coming in so we can have pictures of all the families that celebrated with us in front of the CUTE backdrop that we worked sooo hard on.  ;oP
• Having a great circle of family & friends - This one speaks for itself!  I cannot thank my family & enough for all their help throughout this party planning process.



Kiddie play mat - look at how the bday girl is just chilling



She couldn't wait to dig into her cake

•  Sleep, sleep, & more sleep - This is another one that speaks for itself.  I was soooo tired the week of the party, especially the two days before!  I almost felt like all my 6 months of planning was thrown out of the window.  The next party I will totally make sure I get enough sleep.

sisters

Family prayer before lunch

Cousins

auntie, tutti, & gammy

Look at their faces...her cousins want to
help her dig into the cake