Luke is Turning Three

I sold my first item on Etsy a little over two years ago, just before my son's first birthday. For several months my shop struggled, then I introduced this little number, and things just took off from there:

Two years later, I find that my shop is primarily dedicated to oufitting little ones on their first birthdays.  Since introducing this little outfit I've come across just about every type of mom.  There are those that say here are my colors come up with something, and those that want me to execute the design they've had in their heads since they started planning the big "ONE".  There are those that order six months in advance, and want me to help them figure out what size to order, and those who send me a late night message five days before the event, wanting something custom.  With a handful of exceptions, I have to honestly say, that aside from curing cancer, this has got to be one of the most gratifying ways to earn a little extra money.

I digress.  This post is supposed to be about Luke's third birthday celebration, not how much I love my little business.  About two months ago, Luke grasped the concept of birthdays when he attended the birthday party of one of his good friends (okay, I'm a work-at-home mom -- he only has two friends his age, and they're the children of my husband's and my friends).  Since then, it's all he can talk about, and he keeps asking when his birthday is.  Because of this hyper-awareness, and the fact that it is all so new, I'm setting out to make this a really special day for him.

For two reasons, I decided that the theme of the party should be Mickey Mouse.  First, Luke's first gift ever (which was a gift given to me for Valentine's Day while he was in utero) was a Baby Mickey Mouse, which he loves more than any other toy.  Second, each morning, when he wakes, Luke comes running to me, asking me, "can I watch Mickey on daddy's puter (computer)?"  Yes, I am mother-of-the-year... I let my son watch videos while I work... 

So, I've taken the first few steps, and I've determined the following:

• Theme
• Guests
• Budget

We will have somewhere between 15 and 20 guests, and my plan is to throw this party, complete with lunch for all in attenance, a dessert buffet, bounce house, and a few fabulous decorations for the bargain basement price of $200 - $250.  Truth is, I want to do it for $200 or less, BUT I have to give myself a little wiggle room.

Want to check out what I'm planning?  Follow my board entitled, Luke's 3rd Birthday on Pinterest.  This is not for the feint of heart!  There is a lot of DIY involved, but I can't think of any greater laor of love.