one year today

I can't believe it! It has been ONE year today since our Lil' Brave Heart had his open-heart by-pass surgery. November 11, 2008 was his new heart repair day. This has been a very slow yet fast year. Does that make sense? So glad that all of this is behind us and we can figure out how to live. That has been the hard part breaking out of this unusual way of life. I really don't think people grasp the sacrifices made since Schafer's birth just to keep him and everyone around him healthy. This was cabin fever to the extreme...imagine when there is an ice storm and you are in your house for 2-3 days. Most people are about to go nuts! I had 11 months of that pretty much then finally when we get the green light...flu stuff hits everyone like wild fire. One of the very things they told us to protect him from. So hard to settle the nerves and get rid of the conditioning we adopted...even months after the surgery. But all this time away from most things brought a family together closer than ever! So thankful for that. I know my new found germaphobia will settle a bit over time and my lighting fast eyes watching everyone and everything going on have to do with germs should settle to half speed. You laugh, but I can't turn it off. I think I can hear a nose being picked from the other room;). Let's not try it around me y'all...that is just sick...then you'll get sick cause you just stuck swine flu germs up your nose cause you didn't wash your hands after you touched door knobs, or elevator buttons, or your steering wheel (where you last picked your nose)etc. etc. etc. Do you see how crazy you can get!:)
I came across my list of advice for other heart parents going through this the other day. I remember thinking that if i don't write it down as i go through things I will forget the heavy emotion behind it. Man, that is so true. I read things to tell others that I have already forgot about, but quickly felt when I re-read certain parts. I so have a heart for heart parents and i know the lord will open doors in that area. I didn't realize that i needed a break and time to regroup and heal myself. Take a break from blogging and focus more on living. So sweet.
Anyway, the Lord has been so faithful and truly life-changing! Thank-you Jesus! He is my sweet lil man...I love him so much! He is so engaging and sweet with this comical twist. So cute, but of course I think he is cute cause I'm his mom! But God is so good! Thank you all who have been so supportive and have been tolerant of our "breaking out in the world time".

I told ya i've been buuusssyyyy!

I still have pictures i need to take of my friend reagan's house. Three rooms to be exact, but here are some pictures i did for her baby boy that is coming any day. It is a vintage car room, but with a twist. It has the old distress stuff but is combined with bright graphic print designs. It has turned out so cute. Lucky lil' guy! The other pics are of a church kids area I have been painting about 4 Saturdays in a row. Just finished last Saturday! Yeah! It looks very cute in person. Some times i don't like posting stuff cause it just doesn't look right. But you'll get the idea. I also did some children's ministry paintings for the same church (church of the servant-across from galardia) in there main area for directional purposes. The canvases are 4x5ft. each...I did 5 of them. Let me say that my poor living area was full! Well, here they are...enjoy! Taking a break in October...kinda. Working on my house in some areas and taking pictures of two families. Then who knows what next!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

busy, busy, busy

hey all...

I've been a bit busy with some side jobs. I really wasn't trying to take on this much, but it just happened this way. I will post the rest of the rooms when I taken them. Enjoy!

long time but a good time

I have wanted so much to post something for awhile but it just hasn't seemed right to me. Even on Facebook I haven't left many if any posts. I think I have needed an "info" computer break from everyone. I love knowing the news, journeys, struggles, musings and everything else in between of those I know, but I think I needed a break emotionally from all that. This is the first season in which our family is "slowly" venturing out and experiencing life together has a family. Some cool moments that seem so routine to everyone else, but i would pause and stare and reflect was going to one of the frozen yogurt places as a family (so small but such a great time). We also went to dinner with some good friends and it was so weird that Haiden could use a booster seat and Schafer needed a high chair. I know it sounds silly, but I too haven't thought of these transitions til I am there and experiencing them. I sometimes stop and think..."oh my gosh...this is crazy that is the first time I've done this with my family of 4 when everyone I know with 4 or more it is second nature". It will get there soon. That is just me. I will get it down and it too will be a second nature. All that to say, that though our summer isn't crazy eventful it is fast enough for me.
I have also taken on a few painting and logo jobs. I really didn't mean for them to be at one time, but i promise that is how it ALWAYS works. I think that is why I stress. It usually works out I just have a few extra grays and happy customers in the end;). I'll post pics as they are winding up...really cute stuff.
The big thing I have struggled with is what we want to do schooling wise with Haiden and Schafer. I've heard it all. Now, everyone...I don't need "devil's advocate comments" this is a prayerful decision that didn't come easy. I was a public school girl and i did go to private school for 3 years and I loved it. So I am not against those institutions of learning at all. I think you do what is best for your family. I have had a crazy amount of people peppered in my life that home school. I ask questions out of curiosity, but kinda glaze over as they talk cause I just don't see me doing that. But on the flip side...I felt sick sending her to public school and private right now money wise may not be a solid thing right now, but still not liking that option either. All that to say...I have been unsettled about any options, and I really wanted to be confident and excited about where we decide to educate our children. So recently there was a meeting about the pros and cons of homeschooling, and it was good. i didn't leave thinking, "Oh yes, I am gonna home school for sure". No, I had some great solid facts from reputable sources that I agreed with, but did i want that responsibility. I was still unsettled. Well the other day a good friend of ours was telling us about a wedding they went to and it was our "youth ministry days reunion". This was a group of kids (all grown-up) that came after Chris and I got married, but I know names and backgrounds of most. Our friend was telling us the complements from parents of these kids and that these youth are just doing amazing as adults and "love the Lord". And well, isn't that what it is all about at the end of the day. Well, what I didn't realize was most of those kids were home schooled. Their parents were involved and pouring into their lives more than peers and teachers did. Most parents get 2-3 hours an day to instill value, attitude, and anything else that they feel is important. The thing is that so many of the youth "had to find" there way themselves. Not alot of guiding from parents and alot of trust in each other to make life decisions. Did some make it through and turn out fine...sure I still communicate with them. Love them dearly. But when you look at your babies and think about unnecessary struggles, influences, under lying self-confidence problems, and really not able to converse well to adults or in front of people. Why not try. After all...the Lord gave us our kids to take care of. He also was telling us about this leader ship meeting and he was telling us about a title of a book "too small to ignore". Can I just tell you that that comment stuck. That morning I was painting a mural for a church and I had my ipod and was just listening to worship and getting lost in my thoughts. very little interruptions, phone calls, not taking care of anyone at the moment but getting lost in the Lord and painting. Which I would do all the time, but I haven't got to experience in awhile. It was truly a great time touching the Lord. I was at one time just tearing up and weeping as I was painting and It hit me hardcore. Yes, we are going to home school. My little babies are too small to ignore and trust others to pour into their precious lives. I have to at least take it one year at a time. I started getting excited! that is what I was looking for a peace with excitement. Thank you Lord for showing me what we need to do with our kiddos right now. I started thinking about haiden and what would kindergarten look like and let me tell you...fun exciting ideas just started flooding into my head. I never got to learn like that. And of course, I am already thinking of what our learning space will look like. I have to decorate;). Well, that is a touch of my heart and a small insight into our summer. I will try to post more soon. Lots of pics that I haven't posted either. Stay tuned.

schafer's 1st rock/punk birthday

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Well, it has been hard to write this for some reason. I have searched my brain and heart as to why...cause on millions of levels I am so happy and over joyed that my sweet little man made it a year! And what a year to celebrate too. I normally try too hard when it comes to a birthday party. I try to do anything a budget will allow me to do. This party was so difficult...cause to us it was so much more than a 1st birthday party...it was a celebration. I wanted to figure out how to connect our year people missed with the heart surgery in the theme. I really didn't feel like I had to do everything in a "look what I can do" way, no this party was so special. It was more special to me than I thought. It really hit me HARD Sunday night as I was going to bed. Man, Chris and I bickered so much the week of on just trying to get things done, I couldn't make clear quick decisions, I felt very overwhelmed and scattered brained, I would remember what to do then in seconds forget, I never felt like I was done with the details...etc., etc., etc. It was very unsettling. I just had this funk and convenient enough it was the time of month I could have gone without that I'm sure didn't help. I truly felt like I was on a roller coaster..then it hit me that all these things were just things and I have my little boy alive and whole, healthy, and thriving. I really think that's why I kept trying to do more. Just trying in anyway to let people know how special, amazing, reflective, and that we survived and we are blessed. I just didn't realize this in the mist of the planning and executing that nothing can be better or more perfect than him. it just wasn't working for me.

I look at that little boy and he just fills me up with so much love. He is so amazing and he just takes my breathe away. I can't believe that Chris and I were picked to raise him and pour into him. I am so thankful that the Lord created his heart the way he did. It was perfect. I just want my sweet boy to know the Lord so he will then fill that perfect heart with Jesus some day.

To conclude the party...it was lovely. It went well, and we were surrounded by people that have loved us from afar as we have traveled this journey. We are so thankful for everyone of you out there that have poured your prayers, thoughts, golf tournament stuff, love and support to our family. It is so humbling and precious. We love you all! Can't wait for everyone to get to know our little man aka "brave heart". He will touch your heart...just wait til he smiles at you then you will understand. ps...the smilebox at the end has most of the video of schafer's first year we showed at the party. if you want to see the rest you will have to come over, eat popcorn, and hangout. :)

website wednesday

k guys...I promise I will update on our family, art stuff, stc. soon. My evenings and free time have been consumed with internet research stuff and editing pictures. BUT here are some fun sites to search.

http://www.dashandalbert.com/

http://www.delight.com/categories.php

https://www.myretrobaby.com

http://www.thepetitepress.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=6

http://www.whimsypress.com/index.php

Enjoy!

memorial weekend pics

Make a Smilebox slideshow

funny things

Well I have noticed that my little girl is a comedian...not sure if it is on purpose but very entertaining.
For example...Chris and I were talking about Schafer's birthday coming up and Chris just starts going on and on about some stuff he is excited about. The thing is I was talking before he started and tried to continue after he was done and he thought of a few more things to interject. So, I sarcastically say, "The problem is..." and he noticed what he was doing and said, "The problem is that I'm interrupting". Just as I was about to talk Haiden butts in loudly then casually points her finger in front of her analytical expression on her face and waves it side to side and says, "No, the problem here, (sigh) the problem here is that I am watching Backyardigans...guys." Needless to say we cracked up laughing and she smirked mainly cause she then knew she must have said something that was humorous.
And did I mention that my little girl wants to play drums! Yeah, she wants to play drums with sticks as she puts it. Where did she get that? Not ballet (though I'm sure if I mentioned it she would), not softball, not dance or tap, not even a musical instrument like the piano...drums. She did say she wanted to play golf cause her Paw Paw plays it. Which is great with me...I played it in high school for 2 years and really loved it. But Chris told her that if she wanted to try the drums and likes it...sure we will make sure you are the coolest chick drummer ever! And we will. When we thought the conversation was over she says..."I really want to play the drums, I just now need to join band." LOL! I could go on...I have about 3 more funny things but gotta save the content ya know:). here are some websites to check out for "Website Wednesday". Enjoy

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6871124&order=&section_id=&page=1

http://www.dearjohnnies.com/shop/index.php

http://www.plainmary.com/burpcloths1.html

http://www.tiny-tales.com/

http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/index.asp

http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/index.asp

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sorry if some of you have seen this in a few places...alot of people don't do facebook, but check blog. Just wanted you all to enjoy!

new website wednesday

Ok, I've decided that on Wed. I will share some sites, blogs, or finds that I have stuffed away in the great beyond. I'm talking about sites that have good ideas, home stuff, nursery stuff, family needs and interests, a great little find, or something corky and fun. I may still keep some to myself for back-up, but I thought you guys would enjoy the things out there. So I will probably have anywhere from 1-5 new places to explore on the web...have fun!

http://twotinas.com/index.html

http://www.littlemissmatched.com

http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com

http://www.patinastores.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5922499&section_id=5656247

where have all the bloggers gone?

Dear Bloggers,

I remember the first time I searched for a blog. It was a friends. Oh, how I found it intriguing! The thrill of pictures, plethora of news, creative blog backgrounds stretched awkwardly across the screen, and the composition of song. How my heart leaped when new blogs of dear friends joined this crazy craze. The feelings of connection and up to the date information made my lonely days. Silly kids playing, smiling, saying the darnest things, what's for dinner, and the occasional birthday and/or anniversary were so lovely. The deep thoughts, comical moments, decorating delimas always set my head spinning. So I ask you now..."Bloggers where have you (consistently) gone?" I read your words once in a great moon after your time update is past "4 weeks" and/or wishing everyone a "Happy Valentine's Day"...which ever one comes first. If I may leave you with this thought bloggers...wipe the dust of your "new post" button and give your FACE BOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS a rest. These tiny little blurbs are throughout your day...though addicting are not satisfying to readers and friends. I know the urge of scoping out old high school chumps...oops i mean chums and seeing who they married and what their children molded into is at times a legal way of spying on each other, but we need depth and substance from each other. So please reclaim your blogs more often. Thank you.

The mom that has been stuck in a house for more than 10 months people!!!
Kacie

JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!! But seriously we need to get on it. Including me. I really do enjoy hearing about stuff from everyone. And though I may not always leave a comment...I do read them! Gotta love my comic relief...huh! I know ya can do it...I see ya on facebook. Not twitter though it still sounds dirty when you say, "I twittered you"!

maybe it is a case of spring cleaning?

So lately I have been battling in my head mind you several areas behind closed doors that need my attention. I know all of you have this going on too...don't hide and act like ya don't. I'll give you some examples.

As you walk into my home you will notice my entryway with a black armoire...nice and decorated...yes? Well what bugs me is behind the doors of the armoire. Unfolded blankets and old xbox game stuff we don't use. Oh, and to your left my office. When the computer armoire is closed and bills are put away...it looks picked up and nice, but once you wonder into this deceiving space...BEWARE! The armoire will eat you...it is full of random papers and receipts, discs, graphic design books and computer stuff. my file cabinets need an overhaul of throwing out bills from 2002 and on (in my defense I was told to keep them for 5-7 years for taxes, but come on). But one hidden area that I think bugs me the most is my "saved favorites" and "pictures" on my computer. Those who know me know that I have websites for most things and look up things for people all the time...even when they don't ask;). I HAVE to get those organized cause I have found some awesome sites, resource, blogs, and inspirational places on the world wide web that I can't find or over look. I have pictures, invitations, backgrounds, artwork, murals, etc. etc. etc. I love that stuff! It is so fun to find. So, I need to sit here and make folders, delete, and move a bill-zillion sites. I also have been organizing pictures of Haiden and schafer and getting them into digital photo books, and I really have been wanting to start a new blog for heart mommies facing before and after open heart surgeries with their babies. I still have a huge burden for that...thank the Lord that surgery is over and schafer is doing great! Oh, k...anyway I also am slowly redecorating my bedroom. Don't think I will have it done by Bunco though girls. I wish I could. I'll keep ya posted on that project...lots of ideas...LOTS! I have many things just needing a little attention and TLC. I will get to them knowing me, but I have to say it is way more fun in the evenings after taking care of two kids and a house with a few freelance jobs on the side, I would rather watch TV and chill. Just venting and talking today...nothing awe inspiring. Everyone have a great day!!!

a new name board and pics

Well, I thought I would share this name board painting I did for my neighbors little girl's room a couple of days ago. She was updating her room from nursery to "big girl" toddler room. She gave me a sham of her new bedding and whala...Here it is. They love it and it really looks great with her stuff. I thought I would also share some pics I was playing around with of Schafer on our porch.His hair is a bit goofy cause I wasn't planning them, but oh well. He is just awesome! I love that little man!!!! Sorry if this and Facebook have the same things...I always put things on here, but a few people wanted to see the painting on there. Enjoy!

oh my little babydoll

Okay...

Haiden woke me up yesterday morning and we started our routine of going potty etc. After we were done we went to get her robe, and she wanted to read ME a story. Which was fine with me cause I was still in zombie mode. So, we climbed in her bed and she grabbed her kid bible. You know the one with pictures and words. She randomly started opening the bible in different places telling me stories. For instants, "See saw (Esau) and Check-up (Jacob) were talking one day...see they both have beards." "Oh, here's Noah, and Noah, and Noah, and Noah. Four Noah's and they are in front of the ark or a big tower." Mommy trying not to laugh, "Baby, those are just men in front of the tower of babel." "But they have beards that are gray like Noah, Mommy." "Then there was a tree on fire and the snake turned into a stick then back in to a snake, and the man was scared and covered his face." I then said, "Okay Baby, that is Moses, the burning bush, and God turned Moses' stick into a snake then back to the stick. But you were close...hehehe." No mommy he looks like Jesus. Well, I'm done let's go get some warm milk...not cold, warm."

Well, as you can see I had a very colorful bible lesson. We have some clearing up to do, but i love that she loves the bible. I pray that as she gets older it will be a source of time with her Heavenly Father and she will see the life in the words rather than it just being stories. Her innocence is precious. Here is a pic of my little babydoll when she was 3 months old...man do they grow-up fast!

light bulb moment

I know it has been awhile...I keep wanting to write something fun that was a project of mine or something clever, but I still have struggled with what is blog worthy. So, I thought I would just be real and share a light bulb moment with you all.
Not to keep bringing up my life these last 10 months, but it is my reality. I acutely noticed how everyone's life has moved on from how I remembered it. Some people are now close friends that I remember just meeting, some are not as close, little girls really don't know my little girl that well anymore but for her they are long lost friends she can't wait to play with as they run to the ones that have been there. You kinda think time stood still just for us, but it hasn't and I know that you just forget and have to adjust. At times I wonder "Why me? Why our family? I wonder what will come of this? How will God use this? How will he use me? How will he use Schafer? And on and on and on...This has totally been the scariest, exhausting, wildest, loneliest, worrisome, confusing, unstable, sweetest, trust building, eye-opening, fulfilling, amazing, life changing, passion building, rewarding, Christ-filled experience ever! The big question is...would I change it? NO.
God took an event in our family's journey and used it to touch us. Well, let me put it another way or in a question form. How can God heal someone that doesn't know they're sick? WOW! Let that sink in....go....................................k. I didn't know I was sick. I really was. Now let me try to explain. Before Schafer was born I was a self proclaimed "stay at home mom", but I painted my butt off all the way up to 8.5 months. I climbed 8-12 ft ladders so people could have poke-a-dot ceilings, swirls galore, glitter at every corner, pictures showcasing precious kid's names adorn with boas, and wild animal prints hugged in a harlequin shape. Phew...all the while I desperately tried to juggle haiden between my mom and a friend during the day so I could get it all done. Don't get me wrong...it is not a bad gig, but it is very time consuming and labor some especially when you are prego! On top of that hopping from life group, church, errands, grocery shopping, play dates, doctors visits, Chris' work, house cleaning, laundry etc. We all do it, but I really did feel full of activities and things and that God was where ever he could fit. Which was usually thought of when I crawled into bed and was about to fall asleep or at the Saturday night church experience. I think I grew "tolerant" of Him. Maybe that is what my sickness is called. Eew!!! That can't be good. I know the Christianise language, the right advice to friends, the check list of good little things we all claim we need more of. But for some reason I felt like I just ran a 100 mile marathon and was passing out and the Bible, prayer, and everything else you claim to do seemed distant, fatiguing, chore-like, and far from my reach. Sounds silly or does it? It was almost like I was spiritually numb. No LIFE. It took an event that humbly shook us to the core and made me isolated to the the rush of the world and the pressure to be all things and....STOP. I think I wanted to know his word and the knowledge of the Lord before that I forgot how to experience him in His fullness. How to touch Him. I still am learning, but it feels more full and healing than just words in the Bible. Cause that is all that it is unless it truly comes to LIFE. When was the last time you touched the Lord? Do you even know how? It isn't a check list of all the good little things we Christians stress over to do for the kingdom. Those are nice and nothing wrong, but when is the last time the Lord is your strength, peace, wisdom, understanding, love, patience, etc, etc, etc. Instead of asking him to help you with it. He is already with you and in you ready to guide YOU! It really is so simple and I make it so hard. All I can say is in these 10 months the Lord gave me a beautiful son that is a perfect reminder of His LOVE...Schafer has this scare that will ever remind me that the Lord not only healed my little sweet boy, but healed a family that realized we were sick too. Not anymore...praise the Lord! I am at awe of Him and can't wait to see what else He wants to do in us for his kingdom through a beautifully rough season in our life.

a new find via the web

Okay...

I have just had a fabulous night discovering more fun blogs, sites, and boutiques all with great ideas for stuff. You know me anything to get the juices flowing in this cranium of mine. I thought I would share a fun site called http://www.projectnursery.com/ it is loaded with tons of stuff and you can be there for hours hopping from one site to the other. Well, that is really it...I have been on the computer for 3 hours looking at random things and I NEED to get off. Enjoy though it can be a treat if you take the time to search.

issues of the heart

Well...

some of you already know that Sunday night my Dad had a heart attack. It was so random and out of the ordinary to us. He just is not a heart patient or has any signs of a heart patient. All that to say without going through the whole story, he stayed 2 days in the hospital monitored and he is home now resting and getting back to himself again. He will be going back in 6 weeks to see if they need to do open heart surgery or stints on the other 2 remaining blockages. My dad made a sweet comment that he will be very close to Schafer cause they will have some life changing things in common. Two open heart surgeries on people I love is too many to go through in 6 months. But if it makes him better and stay here longer than it is worthy it. I am just gonna need many bottles of hair color to cover this gray.

I had a painting I had to do for someone...she wanted a heart with wings. I had been busy with little things here and there and just not inspired at all. I had a basic idea of what I was gonna do but not feeling the execution of the whole thing. After going through this with my Dad and bringing me memories of Schafer's heart surgery and hospital time...it came to me. I got it done in just a few hours. My friend really didn't give me a color palette or anything that she HAD to have, so I was pretty free to do what I wanted to do. That was nice. It is a painting but has some collage work in there too. I am posting the pics and also some of my brave man who is now a little over 9 MONTHS! Can you believe it...i will be getting on the planning of his 1st bday soon...wow. Well enjoy and just keep my Dad in your prayers.

where did time go...

Hello out there...it has been awhile. Some is laziness and doubting the content of being blog worthy or even of interest to you all. Cause frankly I feel a bit boring and busy with blah things. To update you bloggers I've finished up a nursery (which I currently don't have pics...stay tuned), trying to finish up taxes, projects around the house, and we just went to St. Louis with Schafer for the first time. They both did great in the car for it being a 7 hour drive. We made it in 8 on the way there...potty training can bite. But every time we took Haiden potty she was dry and said she didn't have to go, but I made her for the lack of stops between podunk towns. On the way home we only stopped once and she was good and dry the whole time with no panic stops! Good little girl. Schafer did really well...the last 45min there and back he had it. Wanted out and wanted to move. I really can't blame him, I sat between both kids in a 14 inch space on the hump in the back of an xterra...yippppie.:( Not fun at all, rather cramped if you would like to know. And I really could complain way more about much more with that lovely situation. I really can't believe I am saying this to everyone reading, but I really think I want a mini...miniva...minivan. There I said it out loud. Maybe in a few months we'll look into it.
Also, a mini update...the minute I confessed my desire to chill on the painting gigs etc. It pretty much has flooded in and I have been tested big time. I have to tell about...oh, 8 people that now is not a good time and space them out. Oh, can you even image trying to do all that even with out kids. Phew, I get stressed if I really think about it. That is alot to keep straight and put full attention to. Well, I would put some pics of Schafer's first trip to "the Lou" but I forgot my CAMERA!!!!! URRRRRGGGG! Til next time...Kacie out;)

a graphic invitation

Here is my nephews first bday party invitation. He has been jumping or kicking since 4 months and my sister-n-law thought it would be most fitting to have a froggy bday! It is a really cute fun theme and I'm sure he will love to look back at it when he is older. Here is the invite I just finished.

a baby nursery

I am doing this baby nursery for the owner of Pickle and Ice Cream. She is having a little boy soon named Maddox and he is gonna have a monkey room. It really is cute! I haven't painted the room yet...that is this Sunday, but I have finished some of the art work going on the walls. The big canvas is getting framed soon...enjoy! I will give an update on the room designs soon with some pics.
sorry it is sideways...it would not turn!

bibbidi bobbidi boo

Long long ago in a far away land....oh, this weekend about 4 miles from our home was Haiden and a good friend of ours little girl named Brinley was a birthday party.

They both turned 3 and are only fives days apart. Her mom and I thought that this year considering our stuff going on that we would have a celebration together. I really didn't and couldn't have a ton of people at our home during this time of year, so Erryn suggested having it at their neighborhood clubhouse. It was alot of last minute work, but I really think they enjoyed it...and that really is what it is all about. It was a Cinderella theme and the girls dressed as Cinderella. When their little guest arrived they did a craft project and made a mouse like in the movie while listening to the movie soundtrack. A bit later we had a surprise guest for the girls...it was CINDERELLA herself and she had gifts for everyone! she had a princess crown and wands for Haiden and Brinley. She then said, "Cinderella can't be a princess without a fairy godmother". And gave them all tutus and wands...the boys were not forgotten and got a fishing pole...ya know somethin' Charming likes to do. They played a ballroom dancing freeze game with Cinderella, then blew out the candles on their cupcakes, got pics, and then opened their enchanting presents. It was as smooth as it could be with having oh...15 or so 3 year old then 5-6 babies and 30 something adults. Phewww!!! Well, my sweet baby girl looked breath taking...of course I'm partial. She LOVED Cinderella a first sight. She would have sat her down and told her everything she could all day if she had a chance. She was a card and would pose for cameras too. We love her so much and are blessed to watch our baby doll grow-up! Enjoy some pics! at the end of the day....................Cinderella (Haiden) found better shoes!