Gifts...

If I had my child to raise over again
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later

I'd finger paint more and point the finger less
I would do less correcting and more connecting
I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
I would care to know less and know to care more
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites
I'd stop playing serious and seriously play
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I'd do more hugging and less tugging
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often
I would be firm less often and affirm much more
I'd model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.

-Diane Loomans

Radley Little Monster Party Recap! (Long, long, long...)

It was a total hit!

To be honest I was a bit apprehensive about throwing a party at a "playspace"....but it turned out great and was fun for all!

Here are all the party details:

Awesome Little Monster Cake and coodinating cupcakes...just because...so YUM! from SusieCakes


Our Watermelon Monster! (slammed together 15 min before the party!)


Amazing Monster cookies by Casey's Confections:



Lunch: (Monsteroni & Cheese, Monsterella & Tomato Caprese and more!)


Monster Centerpieces:


Monster Googly Eye Chocolate Dipped Oreos:


Monster Party Favor Tote Bags (made by my lovely neice who did an awesome perfect job! Loved them!!) They were the best addition for decoration that we had!! And a huge hit with the munchkins!:


Monster Balloons!!!:


And Monster T-Shirts for all!


And of course the party boy and all the fun we had that day!







AND even more fun!!!






I hope you loved it my little love. I think you did. You were wiped out when it was over. It was a joy to throw you an amazing party. Watching you grow, watching you scurry and speak and swing and smile, every day - for the rest of my life - is the best future I can imagine. I'll admit, sometimes it's difficult not to mourn your babyhood, not to acknowledge a twinge of sorrow as each development pushes that time further into the past. But then I watch you, and I am amazed at the way my love for you grows faster than you do...Happy Birthday, my lovely. Love, Mommy