"An Anchor for My Soul" - Tipton LNO 2016

The Tipton Church of Christ ladies hosted their 3rd Annual Ladies' Night Out Tuesday night.  The theme was, "An Anchor For My Soul".  We had a large group from the Tipton church, but also many visitors from Tipton and surrounding communities.  It was a great evening!

Officially, 102 registered for the event, but at least 10 didn't register.  Food-wise we prepared for 120, but for everything else, only 100, so next year we should increase.  After having only 80 last year, we had cut back a little bit, so you just never know.  Better to have too much than too little (or at least that's my opinion).

Our t-shirts were so cute! They are really navy, thought my picture appears black.

Outside the building decorations....

Stage decorations.....

Water station....

Nautical decor....

Table decor....

More tables....

Favors.....Cute little messages in a bottle with a little anchor charm.

Our speaker....She did great!

Cute napkin rings done by two of my nieces and a sister-in-law.

It was a wonderful night!  We sang about Jesus being the anchor and learned more about how He truly is our anchor!  

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul."  Hebrews 6:19

Happy 1st Birthday!

We have five little ones in our congregation who have celebrated or will celebrate their birthdays in the past few months.  Joe and I decided it would be fun to have them a 1st birthday party all together with the church family.  The planning was spur of the moment, although we had talked about it for several months.  A circus theme fit both the four girls and the one boy, plus I had a good start on the decor from events in the past.

An aunt to one of the birthday girls decorates cakes. She did a fabulous job on this adorable circus cake!!  I didn't want to see it cut into because it was so cute!! (Ha ha!)

The hard plastic balloons are ones that helped inspire this theme.  Those balloons have been and will be used for many occasions!  What a great investment!

The circus theme is a Fisher Price brand. I ordered items from a few different places, based on available products and the best price.  The little party hats were given to each birthday girl/boy.

The older siblings enjoyed playing in this little tent as much as the birthday kids!  It was a fun addition to the party!  We also had our PTO Bounce House set up in the garage for bigger kids.

We recently closed in the back porch and it will soon be part of the kitchen area.  It sure was nice to be able to set up several tables and chairs out there!  I teased that maybe we should just leave it as an "event center"! (Tempting, but no....)

I loved the bright colors of this party!

Here's another reason I chose the circus theme - this hanging tent.  I've had this thing for many years, but it sure makes a great addition to a party!

Most of these circus supplies were from past events, as well.  I love the real looking popcorn! I first bought that as a Bible class game.  You toss the popcorn into the little cups that are stacked together on the top shelf.  It makes a great decoration, too!

Our prayer for these little one year olds is that they continue to grow up and be healthy and strong and that their families continue to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 ) We know that they will and we are thankful that they will.

Teacher of the Year Reception 2014 - Chalkboard Theme

It was so exciting to have women chosen in our school system to be the "Teacher of the Year", plus the "Support Staff of the Year" to also be a woman.  This mean that I could decorate using the color PINK! :)  

One of my sisters-in-law had recently done a chalkboard theme, so I copied her idea. Chalkboards are popular, but also fun! This chalkboard paper roll came from Target.

The pink just made everything bright and happy. And since it was teacher check-out day, I'm sure EVERYONE was really happy!

 The Tipton church of Christ provided the meal for the luncheon, which was held at the fellowship building.  The menu was smoked pork loin, smoked chicken, twice baked potatoes, green beans, homemade bread, and salad.

 I couldn't get pink roses, so had to settle for pink carnations for centerpieces, but they were still beautiful!

 My husband added some artwork to one of the chalkboards. See his nice bird? He's been perfecting it since he was a young boy! :)

 For an extra POP of color, I added in one bouquet of brighter colored flowers.

 These tulips and roses are actually fake, but they look very, very real. Some thought they were!

 It was fun designing these chalkboards for each recipient.

 I think I could practice and practice and never get as profession looking as some you see.

 And that's okay.

 The chalkboard cake was so cute!  The bakery did a fabulous job, despite the fact they spelled one first name wrong. It was an easy mistake.

 A close up of the "fake", but real looking flowers.

 The gifts for each of the winners were amazing!

 We have such generous people in our community and surrounding communities!

 What a blessing!

 If you're looking for chalkboard things, Target is a must-go-to place. The banners all came from there.

Some of the young ladies from Tipton Children's Home served the teachers and staff.  Service with a smile, for sure! Of course, after they served, they were able to eat themselves. Perhaps that's why she's smiling?! Maybe so. I don't blame her one bit! :)