Nindy's Blog: Paris and Poodles

Giavauna's first birthday

July 30th, 2010 was a big day. My 4th granddaughter was born. It's hard to believe a year has passed and we celebrated her first birthday this past weekend. They grow up so fast, as did our 2 sons. Life happened, and before you know it, our sons were married and having babies of their own.

God has blessed us with 4 granddaughters. All so beautiful, all with different personalities. I wouldn't change one thing about any of them. We are also very blessed to live close to them, so we can experience many "firsts" along with them.

Giavauna's birthday theme was "Paris and Poodles" with the colors being pink and black. I had so much fun helping to plan the party along with my daughter in law. She did a great job and has become quite the "hostess." With my love for crafting, it's a pleasure anytime I'm included with the planning.

The guests were met with a "Pink boa wreath with a "G" for Giavauna.

Happy Birthday banners were hung in the entry way with more pink boas and balloons.

I made a special banner, with Giavauna's name. Each banner had it's own letter and decorated along with the color scheme.

Our son had made a special poster of Giavauna from birth to now and had it hung in the entry way. His title was One Gia-mazing Year.

We made cupcake toppers with images from "CutiePatutie's" Etsy store. We added tulle and backed each one with cardstock. They were added to chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavored cupcakes. Strawberries and pink marshmellows were dipped in chocolate.

We tried to keep to the "Paris" theme and had "French-like" food. I made chicken salad served on croissants. We had different cheese, crackers, fruit and vegetable trays.

My daughter in law made darling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut with poodle and dog bone cookie cutters and topped with pink sprinkles.

We filled in with hat boxes, Eiffel tower, gloves, pink poodles and French signs.

Of course, we had to bling up the highchair with material, boas and trims.

A party wouldn't be complete without having a picture album to capture all the fun. I made her a "Paris and Poodles" mini album so we could keep all the keepsakes and special pictures from the party. Each page has a pocket and tag for journaling.

I attached a little charm to the book with "shrinky dink" poodles, and french themed charms.

Each guest received a " sugar cookie favor" from a local bakery in shapes of poodles, tower, the number 1 or "G". We packaged them in cellophane bags with little stickers we had used through out the party.

So, Happy Birthday my sweet Giavauna. I am honored and blessed to be a part of your life. I pray your Nindy will be able to celebrate many more birthdays to come with you and all my other granddaughters, and maybe some day I will be able to decorate for your children's parties! I love you very much!