Raggedy Ann Party

Time flies by so fast

and with all the change our little home sees

I'm ever so grateful for the moments forever captured 

with those tiny squares of color called pixels.

I think some 15 kids have been welcomed in to our home thus far -

some leaving a bigger mark on our lives than others.

This little doll is one such little soul that I will NEVER EVER forget,

and I was so excited that just yesterday we got a very special little visitor!

Typically I can't share my kiddos faces here,

but this little gal's momma gave her blessing!

We are so so proud of this momma,

and feel very blessed that we have been able to piece together a friendship

were in the world of foster care 

things are sadly usually anything but friendly.

As with most cases,

children leave just as quickly as they come

so it's difficult to get the opportunity to both say goodbye

and most importantly to celebrate their next chapter.

So lately I've been collecting and working on little party ideas

 that are both uniquely special to each child in our home 

but also easy to throw together at a moments notice. 

I used some of the paper dolls for my Freebie 

Raggedy Ann and Andy Digi Kit

available for instant download at Kitschy Digitals

to create a quick and easy little banner.

I've been collecting Raggedy Ann items for a while now,

(although strangely I don't have a single doll)

so it was fun to see all my little treasures together like this.

I quickly pieced together the wig 

using diy instructions from A Beautiful Mess

it took a bit longer than I anticipated

 so I was glad to find a bonnet in the

dress-up box to cover the back of her head.

I believe I painted each child's face at least 3 times!

The more I dive into motherhood the more I see myself

as a "suzy Homemaker" 

and that is especially true in the kitchen.

I was so excited when I finished this cake!

(no box and double layered!)

Sadly it didn't save me a bit of money

which was the initial idea,

but it did seem to make it extra special.

Don't you just love those Raggedy Ann and Andy flower picks!?

I really didn't buy anything for this party

except for the food and a few balloons. 

If you're anything like me you just have stuff!!!

So I just borrowed from room to room

until I had my fold out table perfectly festive.

That's one of the keys to throwing a quick party I think

Just go all out in one area,

decorating the entire house is too much work,

I mean come on it's hard enough to have the house itself clean.

Isn't this vintage 80's record just too fun!?

So far none of my kids are really into my record collection

they are too "cool" I guess.

Although it may just be a volume issue -

we really need to get some type of an amplifier 

so that the kids can really feel the music.

This little doll filled our lives with so much joy and laughter

and while we would have selfishly kept her forever

we are so happy that she is home

where she truly belongs!

"We must all have all the fun we can together!"

- Raggedy Andy