Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Because I'm crazy like that...

So the thank you cards for the boy's Baptism were mailed and received by all. I made them myself, using some scrap book paper and a picture of him with his little sailor suit. I've learned that my scrapbooking skills can use some work. I would show you, but I neglected to save one for myself.

I would breathe a sigh of relief now that the entire event is behind me. But alas, I've gotten myself into another fine mess. Seamonkey is going to be one year old in 4 short weeks. And he must have a fantabulous party.

So what should be a sigh of relief is now a deep breath to steel myself in preparation of all the craziness that is about to ensue. I've got to keep this inexpensive, so alot of this has to be done ourselves. We have an awesome theme that we are very excited about...

A Backyard Crab Boil!

We're going to borrow two big turkey fryer pots and layer them up with crabs, clams, corn, potatoes all seasoned up...and once done we'll dump them out on tables covered in butcher paper. We'll have burgers and franks too, and a bunch of homemade cold salads.


I plan on making a big birthday cake, and originally I was going to attempt to do a crab (the whole party will be crab themed) but BT thought I should do a SpongeBob cake. Seamonkey has this weird thing for SpongeBob, and whenever the opening theme song comes on he will stop what he's doing and dance. There's a few on the web that I may try, like this one, which comes with video instructions. Yes I am insane. Needless to say I took the entire day of work off the day before the party. I also plan to make these freaking adorable cupcakes that you can see on the cover of this book. If spongebob doesn't work out, I'm going to make extra cupcakes and arrange them in the shape of a 1. Always good to have a plan B.

I am making the invitations too, and so far I have the inside done, but I am still wrestling about with the outside. I'll show you when I've got the prototype finished. I've got to get them out very soon, since the party is on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend...I'm sure people are already making plans. I've spread the word verbally already so everyone pretty much knows.


Decorations will be mostly balloons and streamers, nothing too fancy. Of course, we need to put in a concrete patio and elevated deck on the house. Nothing like a party to light the fire under your husband's ass. We already had workers come and excavate for the patio, ripping up the side of the house and part of the front lawn in the process, but I told myself I am not going to hyperventilate about it. It's just family, and there really isn't any need to stress.

There will some kids there, and I'm not sure what to do for them. Most of them are in the 2-5 range or in the 8-12 range. What can I buy to keep them occupied? I have some bubbles, temporary tattoos and sidewalk chalk - any other ideas?

Yes, I know he is one and won't remember a thing. But this is as much a party for us as for him. We made it to a whole year and he's still all in one piece and even growing and becoming a real little boy. That's cause for celebration, no? Plus, I need something to look forward to if my summer has to end.

8 comments:

Melissa said...

good luck with that cake. I am not that skilled in baking/designing.

Rachael said...

Starfish -- you are my kind of crazy! It sounds great.

It might be kind of fun for the older kids (and would go with your theme) if you bought some sand and pails/shovels, etc. (all inexpensive stuff). Might be more trouble than it's worth...but then again, since you're building a deck and all...

Good luck, I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

chanceofbooks said...

That sounds like a great party! Can't wait to see pictures! Seamonkey is such a lucky boy!

For the older kids, you might consider a Crab shaped pinata? Or if it's hot enough, a sprinkler?

Wendy said...

Maybe a wading pool for the little ones and water balloons for the bigger kids? Or if water balloons are too messy, squirt guns from the dollar store? Something to keep them occupied and cool. Just don't let them get their hands on the hose....

Good luck and it sounds wonderful!!

Samantha said...

A crab boil sounds great for a Seamonkey!

I was at a party not too long ago and two wading pools managed to keep the younger kids occupied for hours.

Bezzie said...

I am nearly 100% positive they sell Spongebob cake molds. But thank your little Seamonkey for being into a square cartoon character! You could totally take a rectangle cake, cut it to Sponge Bob proportions, use a couple of those cupcake tops for his bulgy eyes, and just pipe "holes" on him or actually cut holes out of him. I can't wait to see what you come up with! I can't believe he's almost 1! I can't believe it's almost September!

mama k said...

Yeah, I'm crazy like that too. LOL

I am going with a Monkey theme and am going to make banana cupcakes. I'm contemplating decorating them like monkey faces, but that could get very labor intensive. We are going with a carribean-style menu.

Anyway, LUV the crab theme! Take lots of pictures!

Shannon said...

Hi Starfish,
I am Rachael's sister from NY. In response to any suggestions... Maybe a fun sprinkler. My daughter had a whale one but they might make one to look like a crab. That way the kids can get messy with drippy ice cream cones and cupcakes and noone will care because they will be all wet and full of grass anyway... Not even the anal-retentive SAHMs (that is if any are invited). ha

Good luck!