Party Success!

So, Alyssa's party was a week ago today and I'm just now getting around to blogging about it. I've been insanely busy.
I finished up student teaching the Thursday before the party. Friday I spent the whole day baking. Saturday was spent cooking and then the party. Sunday was church and then our couple's group Christmas party. That Tuesday I graduated. That whole day was busy, busy, busy. Wednesday my mom came from my home town to go shopping. It's only an hour away, but it started freezing over while she was here, so she was stranded. I didn't complain :). Thursday we used our time wisely and went shopping again. Yesterday was Alyssa's birthday. She and I went to see my class I student taught with for their holiday party. Then we had birthday lunch with Daddy. Then she took her nap and we ordered pizza and had birthday cake. My "little" (not so little anymore... almost 21) cousin came to celebrate with us. Then today, we took the birthday girl to the aquarium. Whew!

Okay, back to the party. I ended up making most of the stuff. I wasn't pleased with the cake at all. I was this close to just chucking it and going to Kroger, but I spent $25 on that stupid cake pan.












I was not impressed at all.

I also make the cupcakes, which I ran out of time on. I wasn't thrilled with them either, but they'll do.










I, however, LOVED her shirt and tutu. I made both of them too! They came out exactly as I had planned! I think cake decorating can be left to someone else haha.













I was told about a friend of a friend, who has now become a friend (follow that?) who had some awesome party ideas for me. She's the one that told me about the balloon wreath. She had a ton of great ideas, but I decided not to go overboard since we had it at an indoor place that was already decorated. She was nice enough to make 2 dozen beautiful sugar cookies and a banner, though. I am eternally greatful for that. Seriously. They were amazing. You can read about them here at her blog.

I did learn a few things from this experience.
1) I will never attempt a home made cake again for a special occassion. A few friends made it look totally simple. I'll leave that to them haha.
2) I have great friends :).
3) I'll be buying most things next year. I won't go overboard and be Super Mommy. My mother in law actually had to come rescue me the morning of the party before I went insane.

Anyways, I'm going to wrap this up because I'm super tired.

Happy (belated in blog land) Birthday to my sweet little Alyssa!