One Cute Button

This year, I promised the boys and myself that I would attempt to do birthday parties better than I have in the past.

I am notoriously, not a good birthday party mom. 

 I grew up with the notion that birthdays were for family only.  The only time I had a "friend" party was when I was 13.  I don't feel like I missed out, but when we moved further south, I realized that birthday parties are definitely "a thing".  Especially here in Texas!  We have been to parties with more than one bounce house, petting zoos, real Cinderella horse drawn carriages, Video Game trucks pulled up to the driveway, rock walls....do I need to go on?

So I am tentatively stepping my toe in the water, but I don't think I will ever take the full plunge.  Just so the boys can say "Mom tried!"

How did I start?  

A theme!  I figured that this would be the last chance for me to do a Button theme, since I will most likely have to do a character, superhero, or sports theme in the future!

The next step was color.  

I took my inspiration from his quilt.

Then I made a birthday invitation using a picture of him. I was going to go with "Cute as a Button", but then thought it would be cute to incorporate the number one.

  I kept the design simple, color and one big button...because he is only one, right!

I sent my newest friend (officially met her at my last scrapbook retreat) Angie, a picture of his quilt so she could make me some cookies for favors.  

If you are in the Houston area...I HIGHLY recommend her!

My photo does NOT do her work justice. Not only did she match the colors perfectly, they are so YUMMY!  The boys just adored them, they were so excited!

The next step was to decide what to do about bunting.  I traditionally, do not have it.  I have seen ADORABLE fabric and paper ones.  I ran out of time this week to make nicer ones...I kept it simple and fast.

I found matching papers, and used my circle cutters.  White circles just slightly larger than the patterned paper circles.  I then printed out the letters on my computer.  I chose a fun font on my word document application and changed the color to the blue.  It didn't take long to cut them out and glue them.  I then glued the ribbon in between the two layers of circles!

 Next?  The cake.  I went with fondant again. It just makes the presentation so much better.  And it is so much easier to work with than buttercream or whipped frosting (for me!)

Unfortunately, I had one of my "not so wise" moments and decided to tear apart my pantry and cabinets while making this the day of the party.  Once again, the left brain struck again and really made the whole thing stressful!!!  I overcooked one of the 10" layers so the bottom layer is much shorter than I intended. 

 I realize now, that his cake looks a bit like a hat....oops!

I didn't even cover the cake board...and can you see the icing everywhere?  

No?

How about now?  

I just rushed the whole thing!!  There was even an incident where I ripped the fondant in places, so I used more buttons to cover up the mistakes.

I didn't even secure the words and number...yikes!

But Button didn't seem to mind!

If he was happy, I was happy!!

A little help from big brothers to blow out the candle,

 and it was time to dig in.

And, yes, I couldn't resist, a bib to go with the theme!  

I designed an applique/embroidery design.  After I perfect the stitches, I will probably add it to the new Etsy store too.

He wasn't too sure about it...and he never really got that messy!  He struggles with solid foods right now, so we just let him play.  

He actually ate more than we thought!  Sorry no messy icing hair pictures!  He was too neat.

Button's Birthday WEEK is finally done....and I am tired! 

  Too bad, Butter's is right around the corner....ugh...

Button's Baptism

 

I have never waited so long to baptize one of my boys, but this time it took a wee bit longer than normal.  But 5 1/2 months isn't too shabby, is it?

It was a big day. 

My grandfather (the boys' great-grandfather) was able to baptize my all four of my boys now.  

It is special because he also was our celebrant of our marriage.  

 I am still waiting for a copy of his homily.  It was beautiful.

I was a little sad that he was never able to baptize Jamie Lynn.  

But Daddy did the honors for her, so I can't complain!!!

The boys were both sweet AND hilarious yesterday.

"He is not atheist anymore mom!"

 

"I can't believe it.  That kid is growing so fast"

 

"Now he is Catholic, just like us"

I am not going to bore you with all the details, but just will say it was wonderful and he was wonderful!

I wish I could claim I made his whole outfit.

I didn't.

 

I had a tuck-a-cedo (JJ's pronunciation of tuxedo) picked out by the boys.  

It was satin and very "fancy".  

Hubby thought the tie and vest were over the top.

  Honestly, so did I!  Shhh!!!

I scrounged through their memory boxes and realized their outfits were pretty tame.  

Thank you, Macy's for having a plain white outfit.  

White (denim) shorts, button down short sleeve shirt, and vest.

I decided to make the bow tie (adapted from Prudent Baby's tutorial), and embroidered the sweater vest with a simple cross.  

I also ventured into the Fondant world after my latest stream of failures with Butter cream icing.

More to come on that!!!!

Welcome to the Church family, little Button.......

We love you oh-so-much!

Never be afraid....

"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."
— Dave Barry

This project is all about firsts! 

Fourteen years ago, I bought patterns to sew my firstborn child outfits.  I bought enough fabric for two to three sleepers.  Hubby's grandmother gifted me her "snap" tool. 

I even packed my sewing machine on a plane to California and we then hauled it all the way to Texas in our little Ford Escort to Officer Basic Camp where I had to spend 11 weeks before getting stationed in Virginia.

I cut the fabric out with the patterns, started sewing it, and then.........nothing.  I never thought to make a baby outfit ever again.

So this week has been about firsts!  This is my first baby item to ever be made by me! Okay...the first baby item that was completed other than a quilt or a blanket!

The other first?  The button fabric/embroidery applique!  I designed it all by myself using my embroidery software.  I am so excited it to try my hand at some more elaborate designs now.

But can I tell you something that I think is funny?

Hubby had no idea that the applique was a button.  I started getting nervous.  I asked the boys what they thought.

All three said in unison, "Ah mom, you made a bib with a huge button!  That is awesome for the baby!".

So phew....no worries!

and yes...all from scrap fabric I had.  I am seriously making a dent in my fabric stash!