More Winter Projects and Party Ideas

   This past weekend, it was our honor to celebrate my parents' 30th anniversary with one heck of a party!  Mom and dad rented a space and our incredible family and extended family PACKED that place with food, cocktails, dancing, and because we live in Packer country, a big screen TV to watch the game.  We may be out of the running this season but that didn't stop us from having a blast!

   When my mom asked if I would help out with the decorations several weeks ago, of course I jumped for joy.  You all know by now how I thrive on this stuff.   What I wasn't expecting was all the fun I'd have with my mom and sister.  It took some sweat but there were lots of laughs, good conversations, and I even found a new drink; have you ever heard of hard orange soda?  Oh. My. Yum.

   The moral of the story?  TIME.  Spend time with the people you love.  Build a life, make some memories. Don't sit around the living room, each on your own phones.  Talk.  Play cards. Make something together.  We are never promised another day, after all.  I was reminded over the course of this party and all the planning along the way, that I was blessed with some fantastic memories with my parents and you better believe I want that for my children.

   As I type this, I'm exited for my husband to come home from work tonight.  I'll be happy to put my phone away and listen to all he has to say about his day.  I'm looking forward to sharing a meal together with our children.  I'm looking forward to lots of evenings like that, in fact.  I'm curious to see what memories we will have on our 30th anniversary.  Heaven knows we have a wonderful example of a successful Christian marriage...  Thank you mom and dad. xoxo

   We made SO many things together but two particular projects stand out.  The first were jars, made from dough.  Each was decorated and had a name printed on them.  They served as both a place card and a party favor.  I think they added a little charm, personally.  I also made this family tree and hung our immediate family's jars there.  In the background, you'll also see a cross hanging at the highest point.  The idea was to symbolize that a marriage should be a marriage of three, with Christ at the center.  I wish I would have printed that on the cross though our immediate family all knew what it meant.  For the cinnamon salt dough recipe, please see my blog post, "Christmas Ornaments".

   I also enjoyed making these signs out of old scrap plywood, rope, and paint.  I used stencils for the lettering and once I got over trying to make them absolutely perfect, they were fun!  Actually, the little imperfections made them fit into our "rustic winter" theme.  Embrace the imperfections, people!

   I hope you enjoy these ideas and will consider using them for your next big celebration!

Cheers and Happy 30th Mom and Dad!
Alyssa

Mark 10:8-9 "The two will become one flesh." So they are no longer two; but one.  Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.