Sonja Turns 10!

Woah, I started this blog when I was pregnant with Sonja.  A friend of a friend had a blog Sometimes Sweet and I thought hey I can do that.  And while I can and have (and do), my creative outlets have shifted.  I don't post here as frequently as I used to, but I do make it a point to share big deal personal events and accomplishments because as I look back at this blog (which I've downloaded as a pdf) I'm able to see all the stories I've shared over the past ten years.  This was my first introduction to story telling and documenting, it's shaped my creative sharing process, and for that I'm grateful.  While social media is fun for sharing quick bursts of life, this place has become a resource for friends asking about parenting, early motherhood and traveling.  What started as a fun place to share my DIY projects as a new mom has become a journal of our family.  

So happy birthday Sonja!  Thanks to our quarenteam for celebrating with us!

thanks grandma for party supplies and snacks. 

cake from whole foods, macaroons from whole foods, cake topper from party city. decorated by sonja.

pinata from party city.

     

Sonja's Sixth Birthday {Mermaid Theme}

This past weekend, my tiny human turned six! While I don't have those feelings of time - like "how can she be six already?!" because I feel like she's been in my life forever, but more I just can't believe I was pregnant and gave birth six years ago!  That's what feels like just yesterday!  

Anyway, I've been too busy (and practicing saying no! but) I sort of put of prepping for this party, like in my head I knew I needed to plan the menu and make some stuff, but also life just kept happening.  I asked that people contribute food instead of gifts and my Father-in-law was generous enough to open his home so we could have a proper mermaid party with an actual pool, plus this meant I didn't have to have people in my under constant construction backyard.  Anyway,  here's a look at Sonja's sixth birthday....

At the last minute, Sonja requested balloons a giant six and mermaid colors // {thank you party city for call ahead orders!}.  Luckily, my sister was able to pick them up because I was a little busy with last minute details and food. // oh and look there in the background we took a piece of wood and added ribbons left over from my party and now it's hanging in their room

I really wanted to have coconuts and I spent the week hoping I could afford them because I knew I wanted a bunch but also they're like $5 a piece and that was not in my budget.  You can imagine my joy when I found coconuts on sale at sprouts {hooray for manifesting exactly what we want and need in our lives!}  Obviously, I bought almost a dozen, and my sister spent most of the party inside hacking them up so we could enjoy fresh coconuts!

you can see my happy dance here.// the girls helped me sew these bubbles and husband helped me cut them out - this party really was a team effort! 

My brother-in-law made mermaid juice for the kids {which was actually supposed to be blue natural dye but a chemical reaction with the lime must have changed it - would actually be a fun science project now that I think about it!}

Found instructions for how to make a shark watermelon on pinterest - I don't even like watermelon but this was too cute to pass up.

Also banana dolphins! // Grandma Margaret helped with these little guys.

and an octopus attempt with bell peppers and hummus // thanks for helping Macey 

Aunt Emmy made tea sandwiches with mermaid and sea shell cookie cutters and some epic faux crab cake sliders {they were vegan and I failed you all by not sharing a photo, I apologize}.

Birthday girl in her mermaid tail and ready to party!

I always try to get at least one photo of just the two of us! // thanks Sam.

This cake was epic!

My friend Stephanie made it and I love it SOOOO much, she put in so much effort and detail.

Purple mermaid on the side as per Sonja's request.

Her friend got her this amazing Shine a light book which uses a flashlight to show the outline of the human body from the back side.  She loves science so this human body one was a perfect gift.  Even though I always ask no gift, people are too generous and she was so excited about her new leotard outfits and toys.  I know I hate more stuff in my house, but it does bring her joy so I'm working on finding balance and also practicing gratitude.  So huge than you to everyone who picked something special out for this little girl.

And just like that, the party was over, whoa, what a whirlwind.  Thanks for stopping by! Hope you found some fun mermaid projects for your future party planning!  

Do you plan themes for your kids parties? What are your favorite resources for party prep?!

Sonja's Fifth Birthday {a Tea Party}

This year Sonja requested a tea party!  If you know how much I love scones and fancy dresses you might know how happy this made me.  I put off planning most of the party for a while because I've been so busy with my apparel company and teaching and travel, I hardly had any time to plan ahead.  Thankfully, this was a simple menu, sandwiches and scones, which lots of family and friends contributed to.  I didn't spend any money on decor which was a first for me and I busted this party out with a little under 24 hours of prep.  Here's a peek at the party...

My mom brought veggies.

and made these adorable egg salad sandwiches. 

Organic strawberries and peach champagne are staples at Schutsky parties.

My amazingly talented friend Stephanie made the scones and whipped cream.

I want to eat this everyday.

My sister in law is equally talented and made these amazing tea cakes.

I busted out some thrifted tea sets and you guys might be shocked to hear that not one toddler broke or even dropped their tea cup!

Such good manners from all the little humans.

Once they were done with tea they played outside, have I ever mentioned to you all how dangerous this teeter totter is?! EVERY party a kid gets hurt, it was gift so I felt bad returning it, but my friend beth just told me there was a recall on it because it's so dangerous!  

After the kids fell off a few times we moved it back out of the play area and told them to stick to the toy cars. 

This amazing woman took most of the photos on this post! notice how well lit and pretty they are? It's wonderful to have a photographer as a close friend!

we all took advantage and got some family photos taken.

including frankie and her new family.

Vera was napping and Sonja was sassing so Husband and I took one together. 

Sonja was always asking me to wear this dress! Now, I finally had a reason to.

Arthur!

The only photo of Vera for the whole night because she slept though most of the party.

birthday girl and her nonno.

Happy Birthday to you!

and back inside to the chaos to open gifts.

I think everyone had a wonderful time and I'm so grateful for everyone who helped me through this party together!!