Tag's Pirate Party

This past weekend, we had a super fun time celebrating our little pirate, Tag.  He turns 2 this week (August 23). 

We chose the pirate theme because we knew Tag loved his pirate book (almost as much as his dino's), and because we found a bunch of pirate party stuff on sale.  He makes a "might fine pirate," don't you think?? 

"Hey, Bo Don!"  (Hey! Ho! Blow the men down!)

"I read Pirateship!"

My mother in Law, Janet, made all the cupcakes!  This pretty much made the party possible!

Tag is really into his Gator and Dino.  He roughs them up and rides them and even feeds them goldfish and chips.

When Tag woke up, all he could say was "i wan pancake" which is what he calls cupcakes.  So we gave him one before everyone got there.  This turned out to be a terrific idea because he was so patient while we sang to him and he blew his candle out like a champ!

Coen got Tatted up in the spirit of the party!

I even got one. 

Sophia and Story played so well.  I am so looking forward to all of their sleepovers and prissy parties in the coming years!  How fun to have another girl cousin 6 months older than you??

Amaya, Angela, and Josias--love these people so much!

Hudson finds this truck everytime he's at our house!  CUTIE!

Tag riding Dino

Prissy Pirate!

Natalie, Sophia, Erin, and Story K

As far as I could tell, a fun time was had by all.  Afterwards, we really felt so blessed by the gift of our children and the fact that some of our family and friends we able to come by and celebrate with us.  It seems like just yesterday we were walking 5 miles each night trying to get Tag to be born.  Praise the Lord for this sweet boy and for every single moment we've had with him.  What a gift!    

a bachelorette fiesta!!

for my dear friend tiffany's bachelorette party, the group of us girls planned a fun "fiesta" to celebrate. i borrowed a recipe from my friend dawn and it was such a hit. i wanted to share it plus some photos from the weekend.

cristin, brooke, christy, me, jennifer, and tiffany (the bride) in purple

the table setting

tiffany and christy, the matron of honor


fiesta rice and beans
(again, recipe compliments of my friend Dawn)

8 servings:
2 cans of black, red, or pinto beans (or a combination), drained
2 cans of corn, drained, or the equivalent amount of frozen corn
16-28 ounces of salsa (you don't want it runny, but you don't want it dry, either)
1 pound or so of ground beef or chicken
1-2 tsp chili powder
1-2 tsp cumin

mix everything together til heated through (obviously, cook the meat first!). serve over rice and with tortilla chips. use 3 cups of rice/6 cups of water for that 8 servings.

Mocktails Anyone?

Last Saturday evening, my mom and I helped host an engagement party at her house with girlfriends Jennifer, Christy, Lori and Ms. Christine. The theme was a "Mocktail Party" and we each prepared different dishes to complete our menu of heavy hor d'oeuvres. Jennifer also created a beautiful mocktail menu complete with two signature drinks in honor of the bride and groom.

The "Tifftini" named for the bride, Tiffany Phillips, was a sweet blend of cranberry juice, apple juice, and honey. The glass was rimmed with sugar and topped off with a lemon. The "Rowe your Boat," was a compliment to the groom, Jason Rowe. It was a blended drink made with pineapple and coconut juices and was garnished with a cherry.

The flavorful menu included: meat balls, mini crab cakes, cocktail shrimp, chicken salad cups, spinach and artichoke dip, a veggie tray, salad, twice baked potatoes, bruchetta, cheeses, fresh fruits, strawberry and chocolate trifles, cheese cake squares, and chocolate covered strawberries!

We had several cocktail tables set up so that people could mix and mingle easily, and we topped them with pink and black decor-- including coasters which said "eat, drink, and be married." This was such a fun party to plan and host because it so perfectly fit our guest of honor and best friend Tiffany. She is such a glamorous party girl at heart, even though her career might not imply it. Tiff is a passionate Physical Education teacher at a local middle school where she also coaches girl's basketball and softball. We all grew up together playing those sports and were not surprised at all to see her become a teacher and coach. Tiffany and Jason have been dating since her sophomore year in college at Appalachian State.

The Bride and Groom!

Tiffany with her signature drink, the "Tifftini."
Behind her is the dessert table with the chocolate trifle and cheese cake squares topped with strawberries

The main food table (and Jennifer keeping things tidy)

The cocktail table setting (complete with camellias from my moms yard)

The crowd enjoying the party

the girls

Me and Jennifer making drinks (my sweet dad in the background)

Tiffany, Jennifer and Christy-- hanging out by the
chocolate covered strawberries

Ginger (with a "Rowe Your Boat" drink) and Tiffany

**special thanks to Christy E. for these photos!**