Mario's High School Graduation!

I received an email back in September 2010 from a friend at church to help her plan her son's high school graduation party.  I loved that we had almost a whole year together to plan and revise, add and change the vision of what she (and her son) would like to see for his celebration.  The event was held at CrossPoint Church's Fellowship Hall with about 130 close family and friends.  The highlight of the afternoon was seeing the smiles on the Perez's faces and the tears in Liz's eyes as they walked into the Hall.

Mario graduated back in June from Ontario Christian High School.  His mom wanted a formal looking, yet relaxed feel to the celebration.  OCHS colors are green and gold.  I took the liberty in adding in black for a more masculine touch.  I made the banner for the welcome table which had a graduation card box, photo books, Mario's graduation certificate, and most importantly his college acceptance letter to Cal Baptist University!

Now when I spoke to Mario about what he wanted for his graduation party there were only 2 things: a ping pong table and a dessert table with lots of candy!  All the teenagers (and adults) thought this was a lot of fun!

I made all the food labels myself, including the cupcake circles and buffet signs.

Appetizers were fruit and vegetable trays.  I made graduation cap candies out of peanut butter cups and chocolate squares. 

Lunch was catered by Wood Ranch Restaurant.  It was delicious and so reasonably priced.  They did an excellent job delivering and setting up the food for the banquet. 

 I wanted a centerpiece that would represent Mario's graduation and and his love for the Lord.  Ceramic Services made the metal crosses for and the 2011 pins on the white shawls I made were from Oriental Trading.

I thank the Perez family for inviting me to be a part of such a monumental stepping stone in Mario's life.  It was such a pleasure working alongside all of them and most importantly, becoming life long friends with them all. 

Happy 60th Birthday Grandpa!

While planning my dad's surprise 60th birthday, my boys wanted to know if they got to go to Grandpa's party too.  Ummm...NO!  Five grandsons (ages 8, 4, 4, 2, and 1) running around casino tables and expensive antique and modern cars....yeah right!  They were totally bummed and wanted to know if they got to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.  Well what the heck, might as well add another party to the weekend and we celebrated with a barbeque at Grandpa Cliff's house the day after the surprise party (pictures to come soon!). 

My sister and I sat down with the boys and they had to come up with the menu and desserts.  They also hand-made a special critter to make our BBQ a little more authentic.

Hot dogs were the kids choice and we added hamburgers for Grandpa and the dads.

 All 5 kids agreed that Grandpa would really want watermelon...I don't even think he got one bite!

My oldest, Ray, asked, "What's that white dip that Grandpa really likes with chips?"  Good choice!  French Onion Dip IS my dad's favorite.

Knowing I would have candy left over from the Dessert Table the night before, I steered the kids in that direction.  Then of course my youngest, Clarke, who doesn't like candy says, "I think Grandpa really wants pretzels."  (See Clarke's Cars Celebration!)

Home made brownies and chocolate chip cookies were a must!  Our family has had this chocolate chip cookie recipe since the 1930's and it's THE best!  I made the brownies into bite-sized pops and covered half of them with chocolate.  Yummy!

Super cute printables by Pink Pickle Studios (completely overlooked by the boys...but not my mom!) Thanks for noticing mom!

I added pictures of the boys with my dad to the backdrop.  My dad loved this!

AHHH!  Ants!  Too cute to be real!

Grandpa Cliff and his boys!

All the boys, including Grandpa Cliff, had a great day full of laughs, food and swimming.  The kids were so proud of "their" party and super excited to celebrate Grandpa's 60th Birthday.

Printables by Pink Pickle Studios

Red and White Checked paper by Sarah O Chic

Cupcake/Dessert Tower by Ceramic Services

Ants made of Model Magic