~16~

My dearest Mallory turns 16.

16!!!

I remember that a few days after she was born, it terrified me to take her home.



"How could they possibly send this precious baby home with me?!" I blubbered to my hubby.

I loved her so much -



 I didn't feel worthy to be her mother.

I still don't.

I wanted to honor her today by creating an atmosphere worthy of celebrating her and her status of driving soon.



gulp. ;)


Paper Crafts Connections is hosting a


Party Ensembles Grand Finale!


Here is the party I set up using my WORD program and paper crafting toys.

*Spellbinders Label eleven,Martha Stewart Caning Pattern Punch All over the Page,Scor-Tape,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill basics cupcake,black cardstock,Scor-Pal*

The utensil tent was created from a folded Spellbinders label eleven attached to a single label. I faux stitched a road around the sign.

*banner and signs: Martha Stewart fringe scissors, Scor-Tape*

Check out the cool damask folder I found at an office store.

I stapled her Driver's Manual inside, so she can study it with

STYLE.

I also found some damask wrapping paper...it really sets the mood and embellishes the table!

The sign centerpieces were made with gorgeous candleholders as a base.


I took the tallest lollipop sticks I could find and wrapped them in black electrical tape. A foam ball in the center secured the stick perfectly.

The banner was hung with fishing line.

CLEAN AND NEW fishing line with crepe streamers I fringed.

*Check out the spray color I dazzled a few cupcakes with!*

16 true statements about Mallory.

1. She's incredibly mature. When her daddy was away on military assignments, she stepped up to help with her little sisters.She was an extra set of hands and eyes that I desperately needed.We literally had to tell her to "be a kid" when my husband retired.

2.She is BEAUTIFUL-inside and out. You'll never meet a more sincere heart.

3.Girlie is BRAVE. Because she's sincere, she won't play girly cliquey games. I admire her for that! Sometimes it's hard to stand alone. Example:she refused to spit into her hand after a soccer game like other teammates were doing, before shaking the opposing teams' hands. (yuck, right?) She thought that was just mean. Now, that might have been a "thing" for soccer players; but for her, it wasn't the proper way to shake a hand.

4.She is an amazing photographer. I love the world through her lens.

5.Her soul runs deep. I have to constantly warn her to "guard her heart". Proverbs 4:23

6.Fashionable! She has her own style.Seriously, she gets compliments about her attire,nails and hair often.

7.Her mind is full of wisdom. It's scary, in fact. I am humbled by her deep intake of situations. Example: years ago, I was rushing about, cleaning up for company. She was 6 or so at the time and commented, "Isn't it like LYING? Like we live like this ALL the time?"LOL. I got it! She was pointing out my insincere motives and way of life. God worked through her to shed my facade.  I still clean MORE for guests, though. It's just polite. ;)

8.Awesome hip hop dancer. Girlie has gotten better and better. She's got cool moves.

9.She knows what she wants and sticks by her decision. That will come in handy for big decisions to come!

10. I trust her! She will be getting her driver's permit soon and I trust her maturity and strong convictions.

11.She means what she says.Honesty is SUCH a rare quality to find!

12.Responsible.She has a pet ferret. Do you KNOW what it takes to keep a ferret entertained and out of trouble? Our vet told us about a ferret they had to rescue. He was STUCK in a VCR!
Yes, THAT kind of trouble.

13.Pristine. Her room is immaculate. It's the best room in the house!

14.Funny. Girlfriend comes up with hilarious,deadpan comments.
 She cracks me up!

15.A loyal friend-I trust her with my heart.

16.That girl IS my heart.

She was the first girlie of my three. I can't imagine her growing up and moving away-it stings to even blink in that direction.



But, I trust God will prepare me when the time comes.
For now, I appreciate the time we have together, and will enjoy every moment we have.

Happy Sweet 16 MALLORY!



Paper Crafts Party Ensembles Week





I created a card to match the colors of her party.

*The Alley Way Stamps adoraBOWL,Skipping Stones Design You Know You're Getting Old Birthday,JustRite Times Times New Roman,Bazzill Basics Cupcake and Pink Fairy,Versamark ink,Memento marker rosebud,Teresa Collins DP,American Crafts ribbon,Uni-ball white pen,Stampendous blushing pink embossing powder,Ranger super fine detail black embossing powder,Memento ink london fog*



I was inspired by the three pink doors in this picture to stamp three mod glasses from


The Alley Way Stamps.


Be Inspired Challenge #2




I used the sketch from

Skipping Stones Sketch Challenge 118.





The car is where the circle should be.


I stamped and embossed the sentiment on satin ribbon.



Thank you SO MUCH for celebrating Mallory's BIG day! ;)


God Bless.