Sarah's Baby Shower

I have decided that I will be taking my camera less and less to showers, kids birthday parties, etc. I went to some of Justin's friends' birthday parties these last two months and made a conscious effort not to take photos. The result? I actually got to enjoy myself, talked with lots of mommies, and didn't have to come home and upload, edit, and distribute the photos. I didn't have to "work" at these events. I don't feel too bad since now everyone seems to have gotten an SLR camera - I don't think any of these parties will be hurting for good quality photos. Just a New year's resolution, if you will, on how to balance my love for photos and the time and it takes from my family.

So a few girls from my Sunday School class through a laidback shower for laidback momma, Sarah. I was in charge of decor, and literally just threw some stuff in a bag and showed up to La Madeline to give the table a little face lift.


The La Madeline at Town and Country has a back room that I never knew existed for parties, showers, etc. We were unable to snag the room, but there was a space in front of the closed off room that we could pull the large curtain around and have our own private room as well. And we didn't have to pay a penny for it - I will definitely be doing something at this location again.

Gotta love flowers from Kroger, a vase from Ikea, and a bag of limes. $10 flower arrangements are hard to beat these days.


I had these artichokes I had just bought to make a small arrangement with in my house. I last minute included them in the stuff I brought, and I think we all loved these dried vegetables the best.


Ashley brought little tins with candy and napkins,


and Kelly stamped and colored these cards for us to write a note on for Sarah to read in the wee hours once baby is born.


All we ordered for food was a tiramisu and a fruit tart. In hindsight we could have just ordered the mini individual desserts, as we had lots leftover. But no complaining here - they cut it up for us and all we had to do was eat it.


We put some balloons and a boa on Sarah's chair.


Ashley and Sarah


Emily & Kelly


Elizabeth & Amy


Sarah, baby Grace, & Mariana


Jenny & Jenny


Me & Andrea. Funny story about this girl - I have known about her and her family my entire life, as her dad has been best friends with my Uncle Steve since kindergarten. Imagine my surprise when her mom comes up to me at my first biblestudy with the class and asks if my mom's name is Kathy. Small world.


Sarah said we did a good job not making her feel like she was in the spotlight. I do have to brag on Mariana - she cross stitched this adorable chandelier onesie herself! I keep telling her to get on Etsy and start selling those things!


And when we were done, I packed up my one bag and left. My kind of event!