McClure Family Blog

Best Friends …

The night before her birthday, I took these shots. I love how all her little “friends” have to join her in her little bed. I always try to remove everything when I tuck her in so they don’t crowd her out during the night. :) Although, her best friend often joins her and he takes up quite a bit more space than her princess dolls. It is amazing how a two year old and an almost five year old can squeeze themselves into one toddler bed. She and her brother share a room when they are not sleeping with us. They each have their own toddler bed, but he prefers to sleep in hers. It is so cute how they are truly best friends. I am so thankful to God for their relationship.

PS … pages made with software, templates, and digital artwork found here. Click on the pages to make them bigger and to read the tiny writing. These pages will be printed in our 12x12 family album from this site. :)

DOLLHOUSE PARTY PART 2 : {the littles} …

My mom would do anything for her grandchildren. So when my girl asked if her Nana would teach her friends to “zo” (sew) at her birthday party, Nana took the task to heart! She brought multi-colored beads and charms for the girls to make matching necklaces for themselves and their dolls. She also brought tiny bags for the girls to embellish with ribbon by “lacing” it through pre-punched holes with a child-safe needle. These girls created beautiful projects!

I recruited three of my 10th grade Sunday School girls who helped at last year’s party to help again this year! They helped the girls create paper dolls and glue paper doll scenes on to scrapbook paper. They were so cute. They came dressed as life-sized dolls! LOL. These girls are so special to me. I have taught them on Sunday mornings since they were in the 7th grade. :)

Photo-op at the tea party table! Aren’t they all sooo cute! Love ALL these doll babies. :) When it was gift time, they all gathered on a blanket with Matt. My girl never ceases to amaze me. As “extra” little hands and fingers were grabbing and tearing the wrapping paper on her gifts, she actually began inviting the extra excited guests to help by handing them her gifts saying, “Here! Would you like to help me open this gift?” She is such a generous, kind little girl. Only by God’s grace.

It was so windy, she only got to blow out one candle! Isn’t my little niece so cute! She made sure she sat by her cousin by grabbing an extra chair and pulling it up to the table beside my girl! :)

Awwww, yes. Treat time!!! The moment my boy has been waiting for … for weeks! I truly believe his love language is food! LOL! He savored every bite and who knows how many times he helped himself to more. :) My kids do not eat sugar any other time during the year, so birthdays are when we go all out. (Don’t misunderstand … they get lots of yummy treats throughout the year! We just use honey or maple syrup or coconut sugar to sweeten our treats).  I do feel good knowing every ingredient in every party treat is organic and gluten free because I made them, except for the Two Prince Bakery Theater gluten free/casein free chocolate chip cookies. And I trust the baker as an honest, healthy choice. She is awesome. :)

Look at my sweet Sunday School girls! Aren’t they beautiful?! And the gorgeous blonde on the left in the middle picture is my co-teacher with them. I LOVE her and am eternally grateful to God for her presence in my life and the influence she has in theirs!!

Finally, I want to share my prayer for this party was that it would honor Christ Jesus, bless our friends, and celebrate my girl. The minute I allowed stress or a to-do list threaten or challenge those goals was when I asked God to give me a heart check. He is the reason I even have the desire and passion to give parties of this nature. I can’t really explain it, but I know the love for it began when my daughter turned one. I saw this gorgeous party and became almost obsessed with recreating it for my girl’s first birthday! It was then I was introduced to the wonderful world of Amy Atlas.  Since then, God has blessed me with joy of giving these types of parties for my kids and recently helping friends with their personal events. It is an opportunity for God to discipline me in learning organizational skills, patience, and many other things. The bottom line is I was blessed with today and my desire is to celebrate every moment and every gift with everything I have. There will be years when health or schedules may only allow pizza, store bought cupcakes, (gluten free of course) and balloons. And that is OK. It is the person, not the decorations or the food, that matters. Finally, I recently just laughed at God’s handiwork in this bizarre passion I feel I have just discovered these last five years. “But of course!” I hear God laughing a whisper in my ear. “I knit you together when you were in your mother’s womb. Don’t you remember how your paternal great-uncle was a professional baker? Don’t you remember how your paternal grandmother was a professional seamstress and an amazing cook/baker in the kitchen? She also was an artist who painted and drew beautifully? Remember, my child? And finally, didn’t I shape your father also, who was a set designer for a theater company in Boston before you were even born?” :) ‘So where in the world did this passion for fun parties come from?,’ I asked myself. :) From God, my Creator, of course. :)

PS … pages were made using Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories found here.  There is also a great sale going on for photo gifts through the end of April! Click here for the details! What easy, meaningful gifts to give for Mother’s Day and Graduation!!!

DOLLHOUSE PARTY PART 1: {my girl turns five} …

My sweet girl turns five today and she is REALLY into her dolls. We decided a Dollhouse theme would fit her personality perfectly for this fun stage of her life. I was completely in awe and inspired by this amazing party, and you will see in the photos many of my feeble attempts to “recreate” it. :) 

We held the party in our backyard and invited the guests to bring their favorite dolls to join the fun. Activities included making paper dolls and gluing paper dolls to “scenic” scrapbook paper.  The favorite activity was when my mom taught the girls how to “zo” (my girl’s word for sew) little bags for their dolls and matching necklaces. She has been saying for weeks that she wanted her Nana to teach all her friends to “zo” at her party! LOL!  My mom delivered the request beautifully as you will see from the photos I will post tomorrow. :)  The weather was perfect. None of my cakes melted like last year … ha! The wind was a bit feisty, but we were thankful for sunshine and no lingering tornados like we experienced earlier in the week!  I made all the party treats except one; the gluten free/casein free chocolate chip cookies. They were sent to me by the amazing Dorangela Bobet, owner and baker from Two Prince Bakery Theater as a blog contest giveaway. Isn’t that so kind and generous?! They were a huge hit! Please visit her beautiful site and shop here.  All her baked goods look scrumptious! Plus, I love how she is an enthusiastic activitist for Autism awareness!

Other treats included homemade marshmallow pops, meringue flower pops, Parisian macarons, paper doll dress sugar cookies, strawberry cupcakes, and my favorite, an ombre ruffle cake and an ombre mini princess doll cake that matched my girl’s party (Easter) dress. All the treats were gluten free, organic, and all natural, free of artificial dyes. I used an all-natural food dye found here that is made from beet juice to create the pretty pink tones.  Party favors included fabric paper doll sets, magnetic paper doll traveling kits, and personalized paper houses that served as place settings, when they weren’t being blown away by the wind! :)

I made all the party prints and invitation using Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories found by clicking here. I printed them locally here. Ask for Steve. He gives great customer service! 

The party prints design and colors were all inspired by the amazing Loralee Lewis, whose talent is incomparable to anything I have ever seen. 

This invitation was inspired by her original design. I found these paper doll graphics and dresses online as a free download, but the colors and layout, down to the tri-fold card, were her design.  After I made the invitations and sent them out, I felt a heavy burden deep in the pit of my stomach and in my heart that I just could not put my finger on.  I prayed asking God where the source of heaviness was coming from, and my thoughts continually kept going back to that invitation. I felt I had done something wrong, even though my head was telling me I had not. I was not going to take credit for her original idea or sell the product as my own design.  With pinterest and google searches, people pin ideas and recreate them all the time. I have never thought twice about it before . . . but something was different this time. I just couldn’t shake this icky feeling. My Bible study just happened to be in Genesis 39-41, about Joseph and the honesty and integrity he lived out because of his relationship with and faith in God. After much prayer and conviction„ I contacted Loralee through her website and confessed that I had used her dollhouse party invitation as a “template” when I created the invitation for my girl’s party.  I apologized and offered not to post it here if it was bothersome or offensive to her in any way. Then I anxiously awaited a response. I mean, this was a HUGE, crazy step. This beautiful lady is like THE Martha Stewart of event paper. She is like Oprah. In fact, I think Oprah may have been her client in the past! I know the Obama’s have! Please go visit her website here. Your jaw will drop when you behold her gorgeous talent and you will see what I mean.  My faith was again tested as thoughts of Joseph and his story of being imprisoned after doing the right thing began to flood my mind . . LOL!  My anxiety was in vain however, as she responded with such grace and kindness!   I have absolutely loved “meeting” her online and have fallen in love with her precious family and their story of adoption.  Have you ever met someone who has made you want to be a better person? She truly is that kind of person. Thank you Loralee, for your gracious kindness, patience, and inspiration! You are beautiful inside and out!

Thank you also to my mom and dad, a friend from church, and three of my 10th grade Sunday School girls I have taught for the last four years for all their help in crowd control and with crafts! And most of all, thank you to my wonderful husband, who worked tirelessly setting up, tearing down, cleaning, crafting, and even running to the fabric store for me (his worst nightmare) and dressing like a “Daddy Dolly” with his spikey hair slicked to the side all in the name of love for me and his princess. I love making memories with him! :)

This is the dollhouse I made my girl for her gift last Christmas. It greeted our guests as they arrived at the party!

I made this Welcome Sign using Storybook Creator 4.0 by Creative Memories.

This precious, little vintage school desk was my Grandmother’s who was an elementary school teacher. The vintage baby carriage and vintage dollhouse were borrowed from two of my dear friends. :)

This vintage baby carriage held the take home bags for the guests to carry all their favors and crafts home!

I made these travel paper doll magnet set party favors from this tutorial! The trays are from Dollar Tree and the paper dolls are cards from etsy shop, Crafts by Jilly found here. They matched the invitations perfectly!! The third dolly on the left was a free image found here.

The boys had magnet paper car sets too! The cars are stickers from Dollar Tree that I adhered to magnet sheets and I made the race track background with Storybook Creator 4.0 by Creative Memories.

The Dessert Table …

Parisian Macaron recipe found here … naturally gluten free!

Homemade Marshmallow Pops recipe found here. I substituted corn syrup for maple syrup and honey.

Persnickety Prince Chocolate Chip cookies by Two Prince Bakery Theater found here.

Gluten free sugar cookies recipe found here adapted from this cookbook.

Meringue Flower Pop recipe and tutorial found here.

I made the lollipop flags with washi tape from Crafts by Jilly etsy shop found here. :)

Sprinkles Strawberry Cupcake recipe found here. I substituted all-purpose flour for equal parts coconut flour, white rice flour, and tapioca flour and added 1/2 teaspoon of xanthum gum to the recipe. :)

My first ombre ruffle cake! Every year I say I am going to take cake decorating classes and never get around to it.  Then I get so frustrated with myself! I followed this tutorial instead. Don’t look too close! For awhile, I thought her cake would look more like the Mad Hatter’s hat than a pretty ruffle cake!

The night before the party, with the leftover cupcake batter and frosting, I decided at the last minute to attempt my first doll cake. I followed this tutorial and used a miniature Madame Alexander fairy tale doll from a set I bought my girl for her birthday. This princess was the perfect size!

I made these stuffed fabric paper doll party favors from a swatch of fabric my mom found on etsy. I will feature the “how-to” on a future blog post. The little bags were embellished with fabric flowers and pretty crocheted lace tape from Crafts by Jilly etsy shop found here.

Thank goodness for Velcro! That is what adhered these dollhouse windows and door to our table cover, but shhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone. :)

I made these personalized paper dollhouse place settings with Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories found here. My girl actually designed this one, picking out the colors and paper herself!

I saw this idea on pinterest. :)

My husband made this tiny dolly-sized banquet table. :) Tree stump chairs are repurposed from last year’s Woodland Fairy Party found here,  here, and here.

I love that my little guy is in the background eyeing the party treats! He couldn’t wait to savor all the sweetness! :)

Personalized banner made using Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories.

Water bottle wraps made using Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories.

Can wraps made using Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories.

Straw pennants made using Storybook Creator 4.0 software by Creative Memories … another Loralee Lewis inspiration!

My pennants were a little wonky and my square punch “chewed” the paper a bit.

‘Tea with Dolly’ photo op! The hanging dollhouse lanterns were a 1/2 off the clearance price special at my local Pottery Barn! The banner was made using Creative Memories Storybook Creator 4.0 software and the drapes were borrowed from my dad. :)

I love this girl so much it hurts. We waited eight years for this bundle of Sugar and Spice and all shades of pink. She is my dream girl come true.

The best part … she was born on our eight year wedding anniversary! Happy 5th Birthday to my Princess and Happy 13 years of marital adventure to my Man! My life is rich and full of side-stitching laughter, joy and loveliness because of you! A man of integrity, honesty, hard working, trustworthy, kind-hearted, tender and compassionate toward others, forgiving, faith-filled, “well built and handsome.” You are my Joseph.

PS … be sure and check back for more party posts, recipes, and DIY dollhouse party tutorials! ;)

A DIFFICULT TOPIC {sexual abuse prevention} …

Did you know 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5-6 boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18 years old? Drastically, this too often happens in a child care facility, school, or church. Most of the time, the offender is someone the child or teen loves and trusts.  Last Saturday I am so proud and thankful to share that staff, employees, and volunteers at my church who work with newborns through teenagers attended a Sexual Abuse Prevention Training led by Praesidium, Inc., which is based out of Arlington, Texas. The training was superb. The content was gut wrenching. Yet, it re-ignited a fire that has been suppressed in me for the last 5 years  … well, since Matt and I started our family. Some people in my life have no idea what my training or work background entails. I have been very vague about it in the past simply to respect the fact that most people cannot handle the information.  After Saturday’s training, the passion in me has trumped my concern to cause discomfort in others. If there is one thing I learned as a therapist, it is that discomfort, or crisis, promotes change. And things have GOT to change in the way we provide for and care for children and teens, even in the church.  Overall, policies are too “loosey-goosey.” Inappropriate, but not clearly boundary-crossing behavior is too often overlooked and minimized. Innocent, well-meaning choices are made that lead to devastating outcomes of false allegations or worse, inappropriate legal boundaries that are eventually crossed.

MY HISTORY:

I was initiated into my social work career while in graduate school working as an investigator in a specialized sexual abuse unit for Child Protective Services in Dallas, Texas. It terrified and sickened me. I decided I would rather work on the other end, helping victims of trauma, instead of “cold turkey” knocking on doors of alleged perpetrators to interview them.   Think Olivia, from Law & Order SVU, just without the gun. Not my cup of tea. I found my niche working as a therapist for children and families who had experienced trauma in their past. Once I earned my clinical license, I was trained to work in a specialized program providing treatment to children and families who had experienced sexual abuse. Part of that treatment included education about abuse, private parts, and safety skills.

Once Matt and I started a family, I made the decision to put this job description on hold. I did not want to parent my children with the emotional burden and vicarious trauma that often occurs as a therapist. However, that fire to promote change and help others still burns deep within me. While most folks were grimacing in horror (rightfully so), I found my self restraining the cartwheels, toe-touches and spirit fingers in the back of the room as I listened to the presenter last Saturday, due to the fact that people were being trained to protect our children. I just felt victory because so many people were hearing the truth and being given the information and skills to prevent abuse. It was glorious. I felt we were giving the Enemy a punch in the gut and living out I Corinthians 4:1-2,

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have RENOUNCED secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”

The word “renounce” literally means to “speak out against” or “to say ‘OFF’ for oneself.” Nothing defeats the Enemy except TRUTH. His schemes, his way, his profile is always to use lies, distorting truth. Things like “this could never happen to us” and “I know this person and he/she would never do that” and “we’re safe … we do background checks on all our workers and volunteers.” Did you know only 3% of sexual predators have a criminal history? That means 97% of sexual abuse offenders will have A CLEAN BACKGROUND CHECK. We have got to empower ourselves with information and education to protect our children and teens. In some cases, ignorance is bliss. In the case of child abuse, ignorance is guilt.

WHAT TO DO:

If you are a parent, TEACH YOUR CHILDREN safety skills and about their private parts. Begin when they are babies, as you are changing their diapers, tell them in a sweet and kind voice with a smile that their private parts are special. That is why we keep them covered up and do not show them to anyone else. Repeat the safety rule that only mommy and daddy (and grandma or whoever else cares for your child) can take your diaper off to keep your private parts clean. And include the doctor as a safe person to look at or touch private parts to make sure their bodies are healthy and strong.  We repeat these rules numerous times, always in a friendly, kind way (not scary or threatening) and we have them repeat these rules back to us. We also teach our children the proper private part names. Now I know some parents get queasy at this, but there are tons of great books that are helpful and make it fun. :) This is a personal choice that I have made due to court cases where a child’s words (nicknames for private parts) can be twisted and allegations questioned based on vocabulary used.

Then, make sure your kids are EMPOWERED to OWN THEIR BODIES. Teach them safety skills to say “NO!” to uncomfortable touches … to GO away from that person … and to TELL a grown-up immediately. I recommend you help your child memorize at least 5 support persons who are safe to tell if they are touched or made to feel uncomfortable by another person. Please include doctors, police, and therapists in that list as children need to see them as safe and protective.  Finally, ROLE PLAY! This can be fun, especially if you use your overdramatic theatrical skills. Verbally set up a scene at the park, school, a friends house, camp, or at the swimming pool where an uncomfortable touch may happen and practice with your child what to do. Get them to scream and yell, ”NO! IT’S MY BODY!” as loud as they can and then run to the nearest grown-up to tell what happened. I also like to verbally set up scenes where a child can be coerced such as saying, “what if your friend wants to play doctor and says, ‘now it’s time to take your clothes off.’ What would you do?” Give your child the words to say and then have him or her practice saying them. Repetition is so important. Giving your child permission to tell an adult “no” is also important, especially when it comes to owning their own body.  Here are the lyrics to a great song by Peter Alsop I often used in treatment to empower kids and reinforce the idea that they own their body. Click here to hear the catchy tune. It is a 9 minute video, but the song begins at about 5:05.  It is really cute and a little dated, but I hope you enjoy it. :) 

If you are on staff, employed by, or volunteer at a child care facility, school, camp, or church, consider Praesidium, Inc. for consultation and prevention training. The money spent for prevention will be far less than the cost of a court litigation.

Lastly, if you suspect abuse or someone you know and love has experienced abuse, I implore you to seek treatment. If your child broke his/her arm, you would not hesitate to seek treatment. In fact, you would be charged with child neglect for not seeking medical treatment. How much more does a child need emotional and mental health treatment after abuse!  Here is a great treatment program in my area.

Ok. Whew! That was heavy. But I had to get it out of my heart and head in hopes it may make a difference. Now, on to lighter, more fun issues … we are in FULL party prep mode this week for my daughter’s upcoming birthday! We have been crafting, gluing, sewing, cutting, painting … this week we will be baking, baking, baking! I can’t wait. :) Ahhhh, they are my happy place.  Two lives I could celebrate every day of the year. :)

EASTER FUN AT NANA’S

My mom started a tradition last year of hosting an Easter celebration for all her grandkids and her great-nieces and great-nephew. She goes full-out carnival style with games, prizes, and Easter baskets for everyone, including the adults. It is awesome. Here are a few shots of all the fun. More to come later. :)

Pages made with software and artwork found here. :)

HEALTHY ORGANIC CHOCOLATE BUNNIES : {healthy post monday}

The Easter Bunny stayed up really late to make these yummy 3 ingredient chocolate bunnies and eggs at my house this year. They were very much worth it. The recipe can be found by clicking here. He did substitute Maple Syrup for the Agave Nectar due to recent research that it may be just as bad a corn syrup.  He was going to make organic peeps, but he ran out of gelatin at the last minute. Boo on the Easter Bunny.   :( BUT, he did find some organic jelly beans and gummies that actually have a full 100% Vitamin C per serving. He found them in the whole bin section at Whole Foods, but you can also find them online here. This year was the first time my kids have actually had store bought candy, and for a healthier alternative, it was a huge hit.

The Easter Bunny also went through our garden and found a carrot to nibble on while he worked in our kitchen. All his bunny friends decided to join in on the party.

HAPPY EASTER & RESURRECTION DAY FROM THE MCCLURE FAMILY!

PS … The easy to use software and artwork I use to make these pages and party prints I feature here on my blog are STILL ON SALE TODAY ONLY! Click here for all the details and let me know if you have any questions! :)

SPRING BREAK DAY 5: {TOTEM POLE PARK & RAW MILK DAIRY} …

This was actually Wednesday of last week. We were on Day 5 of 7 days without their Daddy. He was out of the country from Saturday to the next Saturday am. We were feeling good by Wednesday and I was feeling pretty confident with all the fun outings I had planned to distract us from missing him.  I learned so much about my kids (and myself) during this long week of bonding. I learned that I am generally always in a hurry. I have GOT to slow things down a bit and enjoy life slowly, just like my girl. :) My kids are always teaching me, growing me into the person and mom God has designed me to be. I am so thankful for that. It was after this blissful day I encountered a new mom experience … throw-up. I will spare you the details except to say for my 2-year-old’s first time to be sick, he did it up right. We went through four sets of queen sized sheets, blankets, towels, jammies, and changing pads. He learned how to fly through the air head first into a trashcan (assisted by me) while half asleep in the middle of the night to do his business. We survived, needless to say, and I learned you just can’t throw “everything” into the washing machine or it will greet you again in the lint catcher. Good times. :)

Now for the blissful day before the dreadful night …

The software and digital artwork I used to make these pages for our family book is ON SALE right now THROUGH APRIL 1! Click here for all the details. :)

GLUTEN FREE/CASEIN FREE BAKERY GIVEAWAY {healthy post monday} …

My friend, Dorangela, over at Two Prince Bakery Theater, is celebrating a full website makeover with a fun giveaway and SALE today through March 31! She is an excellent resource for information, recipes, and tutorials. She also has a shop that offers yummy gluten free/casein free and vegan baked goods such as gluten free cupcakes and cookies, as well as fun pre-made Baking Kits. She has graciously sent me some of her “Persnickety Prince” chocolate chip cookies and  … YUM. They were so good! She even offers “Bakery Swag” such as cute twine, bags, containers and supplies for cute gift-giving and party presentation. She is a SAHM of two darling boys with food allergies and she has mastered the task of offering yummy treats that are allergen free. She is also an amazing event stylist. Her blog is full of inspiration and ideas for birthday parties and holiday celebrations.  You must check out her awesome Vintage Spiderman party she gave to one of her sons. Hop on over to her site by clicking here and enter her giveaway for a HUGE bundle of fun twine and a $30 gift certificate to her shop! And be sure to LIKE her Facebook page by clicking here to receive updates on future giveaways and shop specials!

Feel free to read her GUEST BLOG POST she wrote for me last year by clicking here. She is truly an expert in providing fun, allergy safe treats and parties for children and adults. Plus, she is SUPER DUPER nice and a great friend and resource to have! :)

SPRING BREAK: DAY 4

On the fourth day of Spring Break, I took my kids to Stillwater, OK with two of my friends and their kids to the Oklahoma Wondertorium, a children’s museum. It was fabulous, except for the crazy crowd! There were so many fun exhibits, including a life-sized cow they could “milk!” My girl was beyond excited about the hospital stations. She immediately ran there first where she & her brother took turns playing doctor. They loved the baby nursery and operating room. And she finally got to walk with some crutches, & ride in a wheelchair, something she has been wanting to do since for a long time! I think her tender-heart and caring spirit will make a great doctor some day. ;)

We took a break for lunch and drove to Oklahoma State University and had a picnic on campus at Theta Pond! I was sad Matt wasn’t there to enjoy the fun as he would’ve loved to see our kids playing at his Alma Mater. My kids had a blast running around and feeding the ducks with their new friends. Then we went back to the museum for more fun!

The software, templates, and artwork I used to make these pages are all found here, AND THEY ARE ALL ON SALE 30% OFF THROUGH MARCH 28th!

SPIRING BREAK: DAY 3

On the third day of Spring Break, we went to the Tulsa Zoo! It was beautiful and not too crowded! There were brand new exhibits open and a very cute and friendly Grizzly Bear that gave “kisses” and “snuggle nudges” through the glass! My kids loved playing in the children’s park and we splurged and bought tickets to ride the train and carousel! My little guy was so cute & covered his ears anticipating the loud train whistle.  Afterwards we came home, ate quinoa spaghetti, gave spaghetti kisses, and played outside. It was a great day.

The software, templates, and artwork I used to make these pages are all found here, AND THEY ARE ALL ON SALE 30% OFF THROUGH MARCH 28th! Yay! Happy Springtime!