Our church is preparing to confirm a new group of young people into our faith.  Confirmation is the process of affirming your beliefs and taking responsibility for your growth in the church.  As infants, my children joined our local church as preparatory members.  This means that my husband and I took responsibility for their growth and foundation of faith to prepare them to become members on their own.  By about 6th grade, children go through a process to learn more about the church and their own beliefs, then they make a public statement of faith, becoming full members of the church. Read the rest of this entry »

My prom seems like it was a lifetime ago, and perhaps it was.  I have since gone to and finished college, gotten my master’s degree, married, had kids, and moved more times than I’d like to recall.  Prom was a landmark of sorts in my life - the apex of my high school years, a culminating hurrah of four years of persistence and hard work.  It was a time to celebrate with my friends, and it was a time I didn’t want to end. Read the rest of this entry »

The highlight to many high school students’ year is a little event called the PROM.  This formal party is usually held in the Spring, and it is typically for seniors (and oftentimes juniors) to attend.  Students spend hours primping and planning, picking the perfect outfit and finding that special date.  For many, the Prom is the last major event of high school, a sign of the end of life as it is known and the beginning of a new chapter.  With all the time, money and energy that goes into this one night, it seems only fitting to create an atmosphere that allows the party to continue outside the specified times.  Consider hosting a pre- or post-prom party! Read the rest of this entry »

I host quite a few get-togethers at our home.  Between family parties, my social groups, bunco nights, and play date gatherings, I am forever trying to keep cups straight between guests.  Etch It Cups are the perfect answer to this dilemma.  Names, pictures, and designs can be etched in the special wax on the side of the cup, making each one unique and eliminating the need for markers or guesswork.  These are perfect for small gatherings to corporate functions!

The date has been set, the invitations are done, and the plan for a fabulous graduation party is in full swing.  The next step in preparing for a successful event is determining the decor and adding a few special touches that will ensure that the party is memorable for everyone! Read the rest of this entry »

Once the date and theme have been set and a budget has been created, it is time to put plans into action.  Create a time line of activities that will need to be completed prior to the Big Day.  Use as much detail as possible so as not to leave out important details, and allow some “fudge room” for days when plans simply don’t go as they should. Read the rest of this entry »

Once the basic “plan” for the party is set, it is time to start looking at themes.  By determining the theme up front, many of the decisions regarding decor and supplies will be predetermined. Read the rest of this entry »

Before long, an entire generation of young people will be wearing robes, crossing stages and smiling for a camera.  Graduation, whether it be kindergarten, high school or college, will be here before too long.  Graduation is a momentous occasion, a milestone in the road to independent adulthood.  It should be celebrated, as the past is bid goodbye and the future is welcomed with open arms.  Read the rest of this entry »

Are you looking for something different from the normal routine at a baby shower?  Why not try a few of these ideas out to shake things up.  These are also perfect for baby showers for moms that have other children or have had several showers already! Read the rest of this entry »

Once all the planning has been done for a baby shower, it is time to sit back and have a great time!  There are a few things that can be done to ensure everyone, especially the guest of honor, has a relaxing and memorable time at the party. Read the rest of this entry »