JSmo requested a preview of Caelyn’s 2nd Birthday Party plans. I’m not sure if I should oblige. I mean, what if seeing it before makes it less exciting when you see it in real life? What if what I really do ends up way uglier than the samples I’ve already made? What if you hate my ideas and decide not to come?

But, really, are those good enough reasons to deny my only sister anything?

Plus, it’s fun. So, here ya go, JSmo!

(If you don’t care about making stuff, you should probably skip the text and just look at the pictures.)

Note: I don’t have a “theme.” But I’m using purse imagery to honor Caelyn’s unquenchable love for all things accessory, most especially purses. Last year, I kept things soft, pretty, & pink — like Baby Caelyn. I’m kickin’ the color up a notch this year to match kicked-up Toddler Caelyn and the feel of the location. Also, Caelyn digs bright colors.

Invites Resemble:

This is a prototype and an iPhone pic, so it’s not exactly what they’ll look like. The back will have a 2-layer info card attached.

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Something happens to me when I start working on a new project that I actually care about.

I get focused.

I work on it in my spare time. I read about it in my down time. I think about it when I’m supposed to be doing something else, like blogging or sleeping or coloring.

Yesterday, I had a pen in my purse, so I took notes during church. Here’s a sample:

The Gospel shouldn’t be reduced to the afterlife.

Polka dots . . . or buckles with Cs?

Why were they, who thought they would be accepted, rejected?

• “I never knew you.” “Did not do my father’s will.”
• Didn’t have the relationship required to act in his name.
• Didn’t have the authority to act in his name.
• Used his name in vain by using it selfishly.

Pizza? Chickfila? Subway?

“Do not be like these.”

• Pagans, Scribes, Pharisees
• Contrast between religious and authentic

Lipgloss? Candy? Mini cupcakes? Crayons?

SotM revolutionized the law — heart became the central issue.

In case you can’t tell, those are notes about the closing of the Sermon on the Mount and Caelyn’s birthday party, which will be happening in just a few weeks. (The birthday party, not the Sermon on the Mount.)

No, I’m not crazy enough to think you really care about what I’m thinking about during church. I’m just sharing this bit of info to let you know where I’ve been.

Or at least where my mind’s been.

My body’s been right here on the couch during nap time, just like always. I’ve even had the laptop open. But I’ve been looking at party stuff. I keep thinking that I’ll just look for a little bit and have plenty of time leftover for blogging and commenting. But you don’t need me to tell you that it never works out that way.

I’m kinda at a standstill, though. I’ve figured out how to make the invitations, but I can’t make ‘em until Chris reserves the locale and we confirm the guest list. I’ve figured out how to decorate the tables, but I can’t buy the supplies until the plates get here and I can match the colors and until we find out what kinds of tables we’ll have and how many. I’ve figured out the favors, but I can’t make them until I have the guest list. . . .

Sensing a trend yet?

Anyway, I figure it’s high time I fill you in on the last few weeks. But actually doing it would take more time than either of us cares to give. So whatdaya say to a list of highlights, in no particular order? (I promise comments/responses will be appearing the next time I hit the computer.)

I’m only doing 10 and I’m just gonna type ‘em as I think of ‘em, because if I tried to cover all the things I’ve made mental notes to blog about, we’d be here all afternoon. And I won’t mention Claire’s first birthday, since I already have.

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Okay, I know I promised to do some real blogging asap, but I just got Season 7 of Gilmore Girls back from my sister, and with the last leg of my marathon in sight . . . .

C’mon, like I even need to finish that thought. You know what I’ve been doing. But I will follow through on my promise eventually. Plus, by that time, I’ll have a few new GG thoughts for you. And! I’ll give you those anniversary pics RIGHT NOW! (Tell me that’s not a deal.)

Here they are . . . My Parents, Rude E. & The Duke, Grammi Roo & Graddaddy, Ge-Ge & Ga-Ge, still goin’ strong just three years shy of the ruby:

Still Smiling After All These Years

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I’ll try to get a run down of my last five days in the Big Country and some real blogging to you asap. But, for now, I’ll let the pictures do the talking. (Yeah, I know. 20 pics?!? Sure, less is more and all that jazz. But, well, don’t you know me by now?) My parents’ anniversary pics are right around the corner too.

Lookin’ Cute Even Before the Party

“Get ready. Here’s your one photo smile for the weekend.”

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As you all know, MK Olsen has agreed to be my stunt double. (All we lack is her signature. And knowledge of my existence.) Upon reading the news, JSmo claimed that she has “always” thought that I look like Michelle Tanner. She even challenged me to post some toddler pictures.

She’s right. I do look like Lil’ Munchkin in some of my toddler pictures. Unfortunately, since the scanner doesn’t work with Leopard, the only ones available for posting are those that have already been featured on the old blog. (Aww, nuts!) I don’t mind putting them up over here, and I will, but I’m not sure how accurate a comparison you can make, since only one is a head-on shot and I’m making a weird face in it.

But I don’t want JSmo starting her own blog just so she can post pics of me on the pot — how rude! — and we do our best to give the fans what they want at For the Record, so . . . You got it, dude!

Pre-toddler, snoozin’ on the Pops

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