Looking for a Beary Good Time?

What could be more appropriate than a toddler and a Teddy Bear Picnic? 

Inside or outside, this is a party that could be easy to execute. 

Have a stack of quilts or blankets, one or two simple games, 

a light lunch, cake or cookies and a cute favor to take home. 

Here are some great ideas to get you started!

This little girl is ready to party! Check out her shirt and her bears all lined up and ready to go!

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Michelle on Pinterest

You can buy this birthday hat from Etsy, or make your own!

More invitation ideas

Source: ehome.wordpress.com via Christine on Pinterest

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Choose a decor that suits you best! The best rule of thumb is that 

the younger the child, the less you do!

Source: partiesbykaci.com via Kids Club on Pinterest

Source: loraleelewis.com via Caroline on Pinterest

Gear your party food to be age appropriate. Add interest by cutting 

little sandwiches in the shapes of teddy bears!

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: crayonwishesandpopsicledreams.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: sarahhearts.com via Allison on Pinterest

Cake? Cake? Gotta have cake!

Source: tonyastaab.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: blog.hwtm.com via Annouck on Pinterest

Source: cakecentral.com via Cecelia on Pinterest

No party is complete without fun snacks or favors

Source: imgfave.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: cuteeverything.com via Lisa on Pinterest

This Teddy Bear soap is adorable! Just make sure that it is 

carefully labeled so no one will think it is food!

Source: etsy.com via Florencia on Pinterest

Source: bucketofcherries.blogspot.com via Bethany on Pinterest

Use this graphic as a coloring activity or make it larger for a Pin the Face on the Bear!

Source: twistynoodle.com via Jen on Pinterest

For entertainment try Going on a Bear Hunt! A tiny bear is hidden (inside or outside, depending on the weather) with each child's name on a specific color tag attached to a ribbon. Children are given a copy of the exact color tag that they must match to find their bear.

Have fun with your party planning, but don't bite off more than you can chew!
Remember that it is supposed to be fun for everyone...and that includes YOU!

Praying Scripture Over Your Children

   Before each of my children were born, I asked the Lord to lay a scripture on my heart for each one...a verse that I could pray during the pregnancy that would also have significance for all of their lives. It turned out to be something that was and continues to be a source of great blessing...not only to me, but also for each of my children, as well. As soon as they were old enough, I taught each child his or her verse and always referred to it as "their" special verse. I also told them how that particular verse came to be chosen and shared with them how I would pray the verse over them before I ever even saw their face. Even now as adults, my sons and daughters will still talk about their verses and reference them in regard to something particular. One son recently launched a new business, and his dad and I reminded him of the importance of his verse at this specific juncture in his life.
    Thankfully, my children are carrying on this powerful tradition with their children as well...something that warms my heart as a parent and gives me incredible joy. Little One can almost recite her verse word for word at two and a half; Little Two is a bit too young at 18 months, but each of them have verses that I am confident will have great meaning and significance in their lives. It will be exciting to see how the Lord "performs" His word as these little ones grow and mature in him. God is faithful indeed. The verse below is part of the reason that I felt compelled by the Lord to seek a "life verse" for each of my babies when they were still in the womb. I longed then and long now to see His steadfast love and His righteousness displayed to my children and their children...from everlasting to everlasting!

Here are the verses that were chosen for my children when they were but babes in the womb.

 The graphic of the 1 Samuel verse lacks the next verse which was of critical importance to me so I will add it here...."For this child I prayed and the Lord hath granted me the petition which I asked of him. Therefore, I have given him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be given to the Lord."

Source: cherryhilldesigns.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: withgodwithoutfear.tumblr.com via Dawn on Pinterest

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For a short time I served as a foster mother for a baby girl many years ago. This is the scripture that I prayed and still pray for her.

Source: realmagick.com via Allison on Pinterest

     I also refer to these scriptures as the "key" to my children's hearts. As I have spoken these scriptures aloud over the years, the Lord has revealed specific ways to pray for and encourage each child. I have stood back in awe as I have seen His hand at work. Soli Deo Gloria. To God Alone Be The Glory.
     Ask the Lord to put a scripture on your heart to pray specifically for someone you love. It is a prayer that He longs to answer, for after all, He has revealed Himself in His word. He is the Word, the precious Logos ..."for the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have beheld His Glory..."

Best Toddler Buys for Summer Splash

Love these swim shoes and the swim socks by One Step Ahead. They are a steal at $9.95 and come in a wide range of sizes for infants, toddlers, boys and girls!

After dealing with many a stubbed toe at the swimming pool, you can bet I would have hopped on the bandwagon for these swim socks as well.  Also from One Step Ahead, they will only set you back $7.95!

How about this Baby Banz Sun Hat with an SPF of 50. This little hat blocks 97.5% of both UVA and UVB sunrays. It also has an adjustable velcro band in the back that allows you to adjust it as your child grows and is reversible to a solid color!

Now is the time to pick up some deals and steals on swimwear. Most clothing stores are taking big markdowns. This Funtasia Too toddler suit is one of my favorites!

These baby boy and toddler swim trunks from IPlay come with SPF protection of 50+ along with a built in swim diaper

   And while you are having fun in the sun with your little one, don't forget to apply sunscreen before you leave the house, again when you get to the pool, and every 30 minutes thereafter!

All items with the exception of the Funtasia Too swimsuit are available at Amazon.com

Fun for the Fourth

Here are some fast and fun ideas for celebrating the Fourth of July!

An ice cream sandwich dipped in sprinkles. Yes, please!

How about this cupcake with a red foil liner and an a tiny American flag?!

Use white chocolate bars and melt them in the microwave.
Dip strawberries carefully in the warm chocolate and then dip them again
into a bowl of blue Pop Rocks! Allow your strawberries
at least 1 hour to set up!

This one is a bit more time intensive, but is cute enough to be worth the effort

Make an easy graham cracker crust and then follow the cheesecake directions
on the side of your Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Use a little red food gel and some
blueberries...voila!

Pick up some blue and white striped straws to add a festive touch!

Pop 'em in some pink lemonade!

How about serving your food in a darling little fruit basket from Shop Sweet Lulu?

Shopsweetlulu.com

Then line that basket with a cute-as-pie cloth napkin from Etsy!

From C J's Craft Corner

Oh, and don't forget the fork!

Also from Shop Sweet Lulu

Here is a great tip if you really want to simplify things! Punch a hole in the side of the plate and tie your napkins and utensils to the side. That way no one forgets anything!

Source: inmyownstyle.com via Amy on Pinterest

Have a great time with family and friends celebrating the land of the free and the home of the brave! It's a great place to live!

The Look, the Feel of Cotton

   In the South, we have our own version of snow, otherwise known as the cotton boll. If you've ever driven by a field of cotton ripe for the picking, you know what I mean. Our Southern snow in its natural state has a beauty all of its own. With brides embracing the use of natural materials for wedding decor, it seems obvious that cotton would figure prominently as a viable, economical and organic choice.

From Tall Cotton n Peas on Etsy

 The nice thing is that many of these items can then become keepsakes or be repurposed for later use. It seems like a smart choice to me. 
The bouquet below boasts cotton bolls interspersed with muslim flowers, vintage chenille and white tallow berries. You can have this treasure for only $95 from Sparkle and Posy on Etsy.

How about this lovely all fabric bouquet...

from Autumn Art on Etsy

From Floral Cotton

Source: stylemepretty.com via Style Me Pretty on Pinterest

Love, love, love these boutonnieres!

Source: stylemepretty.com via Style Me Pretty on Pinterest

From Petal's Edge Floral Design

How about this wreath made solely from the cotton bur

Source: etsy.com via Lorilei on Pinterest

Or this one that combines the cotton boll with wheat and dried seed pods

From Tall Cotton n Peas on Etsy on Etsy

From Floral Cotton 

 Don't be afraid to go au naturel where cotton is concerned!

Source: keylimeweddings.files.wordpress.com via Cathy on Pinterest

Table decor, also from Tall Cotton n Peas