Miscellany Flix
2010 Mish Mash
{ Rock Star 6th Birthday Party for Miss Adeline Brett – We Cranked It Up to 11! }
Posted on January 12, 2012
Miss Adeline Brett’s rock star 6th birthday party was a super blast to plan and even more fun getting to play there! Our kiddo parties are usually more along the lines of some pizza and friends in the backyard garden … but this year she asked for a punk rock star theme and we had so much fun planning and ended up getting a little carried away with the fun of it all.
Keep in mind that all this wasn’t *just* for Adeline (we’re not into the spoiled kid parties or getting so wrapped up in making things “pretty” that we forget to enjoy the important things and have fun) … it was for us, for her sister, for all Addie’s friends and all our friends and family to come and be silly and have fun! Apologies for the photo overload … this post is very image heavy (and all processed with Paint the Moon actions that are coming soon)! 
The party was as surprise … the first surprise party Addie’s had, so there was extra excitement in the preparations. The awesome part was that I did all the planning and preparing while the kids were sleeping, and when it was party time I had most of the photos out of the way so I could put the camera down and not miss out on any of the fun!
It was bone chilling cold outside … the poor girls were troopers and we just took ten minutes to take a few shots of all of us decked out. I very rarely wear make up and felt SO weird with so much piled on. Both Scott and I agreed it just emphasized how dang old we are (he was the proud recipient of heavy black eyeliner errr… GUYliner, ha!). We looked like washed up oldsters who’ve seen too much rock and roll, drugs and alcohol and were refusing to admit we were washed up. LOL!
Getting ready Miss Eliza loved the boots and leg warmers but wanted nothing to do with any stinkin’ clothes.
The invite, aka, Rock Concert Ticket. She had her own little site set up for the invite and RSVP as well … adelinebrett.com. The graphic designer in me took over with the design of everything … late at night as the girls slept is when I worked on all this. And, yep, the QR code worked to bring the guest to the invite/RSVP site. We also had QR codes set up on the back of the backstage passes … the kids were met at the velvet rope out front to be given their exclusive, personalized Backstage All Access Pass and their pass code was scanned – on the screen they would see this pop up: backstage pass code, so we “knew” they were cleared for access. 
After photos outside, as far as Addie knew, I was going to go run errands downtown after they dropped me and Eliza off. I was actually setting up the party while they picked up some cupcakes … and then they came back downtown to “pick mommy up.” She walked in and still didn’t understand it was HER party. She was going to beg her daddy to just bounce one time on the bounce castle before she had to leave to go home to the tiny family get together she thought we had planned. Imagine her surprise when we told her THAT was her party … and the bouncy castle was her birthday gift! Okay, you don’t have to imagine it because I snapped a picture!
The very moment of surprise when she walked in, saw everything and realized it was all for her!! Also note that all these indoor shots were taken in a dark ballroom at night with no flash … so we are talking an average of 2500 for ISO.
The band invited ALL the kids up on stage with their little inflatable guitars from their swag bags to “play” guitar. It was quite a sight seeing 25 kids lined up rocking out together … the guitarist stood in the back playing so they all felt like they were the ones making the amazing music.
This is Adeline and her best friend, crazy Miss M.
The band played Happy Birthday to her as we all sang along … it just happened to be the coolest and the LONGEST rendition I’ve ever heard. She was *dying* to eat that cupcake and blow out those candles and kept a smile glued to her face the whole time, but it lost it’s luster about two minutes in. You could see the “Come on, already, there is cake to be eaten!!!” written all over her face!
We were so excited to have the amazing artist Miranda Vettrus play for us all night. We have friends of ours to thank for hooking us up with them (and for helping manage all the music and sound that night – Jason is an awesome friend and massively talented in numerous areas). Adeline had heard her music before and actually asked if she could come to her birthday party … I explained famous musicians were very busy, so I didn’t think so, but I would sure check. Imagine her surprise! And she played all of Addie’s favorites for her … a little Johnny Cash and the Bright Eyes song that was playing when she was born. This mama was a bit teary eyed throughout the night. Our good friends are up there playing too (Jason on drums and Silver on bass guitar) … take a look at their sweet little girl, Echo, rocking out with them!
I took a super simple light set up down with me so I could get mug shot style photos of any guests who wanted to jump in before leaving the party.
And here are some of the party details. I went a little overboard and designed a whole “brand” for Adeline’s party, right down to the little punk girl graphic that looked just like Addie and her own site (adelinebrett.com) was transformed for the party! I got so involved in the festivities and just enjoying watching my little girl have fun and be a total crazy girl that I never got to snap photos of the set up all complete, which was a bit of a bummer, but I don’t regret missing some silly photos in exchange for playing with my girls and being totally present in the moment. As many photos as you see here (and, yes indeed, there are a lot), they were taken very quickly so I could just enjoy the party and special moments without the camera in front of my face.
And in response to some of the nasty comments I received yesterday that I had to hide …
Note: There was no elaborate spending being done here, just the combination of lots of hard work and creativity as well as being lucky to pull some strings including being blessed with friends in the music industry, finding a space where the rental fee was going to a good cause to help teens in need, taking advantage of this mommy’s graphic design skills and making it all come together. This was a super fun gathering of family and friends in the middle of the holiday season and I really don’t see why I’ve heard so many negative comments about throwing a fun party for our loved ones to enjoy. Everyone had a blast, and we don’t regret it for a second. For her party next year she has asked for her friends to come over to our place in the country and pet her animals – that’s it. She’s definitely not suffering from spoiled kid syndrome. And I suppose I have to be a little snotty and say, even if I did decide to spend a lot of money on my kid’s party and could afford to do so, ummmmm … who cares!? 
And while I realize the punk rock theme may not be for everyone, the party was for a little girl who absolutely adores music (and, yes, she loves some authentic but kid appropriate punk music in there as well). We have many friends in the music industry and who are musicians themselves (half the band are close friends of ours). She loves dance, music and art. Her mommy and daddy and all her friends also love music and everything creative … so it was a natural pick for her to have a party celebrating those loves. To each their own! I know that all her friends and our friends and family all LOVED it, so we’re good with it! I’d also like to say that our usual party is somewhere along the lines of pizza and friends in the backyard … but this was a unique and fun experience too.
If you enjoy my little, rambling blog, and have a second (literally), I would so appreciate it if you could pretty please click the banner below to vote for me (and thank you so much if you do!) … each click you make is your vote – heck, you can even vote every day, LOL!
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{ longing for fairies … or at least their little gardens }
Posted on January 9, 2012
I can’t wait until summer when we can replant our little fairy garden and elaborate on it a bit. I was so sad to walk by it today and see it in a less than flourishing state (Eliza had fun with it this summer and kind of ate half of the pathway rocks and demolished the little twig furniture we built).
If you enjoy my little, rambling blog, and have a second (literally), I would so appreciate it if you could pretty please click the banner below to vote for me (and thank you so much if you do!) … each click you make is your vote – heck, you can even vote every day, LOL!
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McKell says:
January 12, 2012 at 12:10 pm -So sweet and imaginative
That would be fun to do with my daughter! You never cease to amaze me!
{ fluffy bear cubs family session | new photo project for the whole family }
Posted on January 9, 2012
Some quick photos of the family from over the holidays. We attempted to get out and do this three times … each time failed, this was the only time we actually got anything recorded (the other times ended with tears for various reasons or sleeping babies before I even got the camera out). This third time it was freezing, blustery and as you can see in some of the images, snowing/raining! Processed with my Paint the Moon actions.
One of my favorite shots of my baby girl over Christmas. When she wears this outfit I just can’t resist yelling, “She’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die!!!!!” I know it’s ridiculously furry. I’m not sure what it is about having baby girls that gives me the irresistible urge to dress them like baby animals.
You can see the snow and rain coming down around us … it was blustery, freezing and wet! We had planned on doing a whole family session, but settled for a few *very* quick shots before getting drenched (and ruining my camera gear). And, yes, I look like my head is not attached (or I have no neck??) and am missing a hand that’s pulled up inside my sweater.
And we are off and running back to the dry, warm car!!
If you love to take photos … whether you are a professional photographer or a mommy who loves taking photos of your family – or if you have kids who would love to start taking their own photos and want to learn about photography – you should take a look at the new Let’s Do 52 Project up on my business blog. It’s basically taking a photo a week according to the theme … and this year I’ve started one (with Adeline’s suggestions and help) just for the kids!! It’s called Let’s Do 52 – Kids Click Too! The ages involved so far have ranged from three years old to about twelve, and it’s so fun seeing the world through their young, artistic mind’s eye. Hop on over and take a look if you’re interested in joining us!
For the kids …
And for us big folks …
If you enjoy my little, rambling blog, and have a second (literally), I would so appreciate it if you could pretty please click the banner below to vote for me (and thank you so much if you do!) … each click you make is your vote – heck, you can even vote every day, LOL!
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January 10, 2012 at 4:38 am -
You’re little girls are so cute! I especially love how the baby doll got in the picture
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Kristin says:
January 10, 2012 at 4:41 am -Absolutely breathtaking. I am taken away by your talent. I would give anything to have my children and myself photographed the way that you see your magic. Such a natural gift you have for art.
Thank-you for sharing. -
Rebecca Ponder Thompson says:
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Aimee says:
January 12, 2012 at 7:03 am -I love the warmth in the processing here. You know, it’s hard for me to choose a favorite family portrait of yours, but I think the one of above … would have to be it. For now anyway.
{ christmas highlights }
Posted on December 31, 2011
We did our traditional trip to Sunriver for Christmas this year. Here are some of the highlights from the week …
Christmas morning in our jammies … check out Miss Eliza’s bed head!
The day before Christmas Eve our Elf on the Shelf, Matilda, got into my make-up bag … she left a note that explained her and Adeline’s baby were having a beauty day and encouraged me and Addie to do the same.
Then, on the morning of Christmas Eve we woke to find Matilda played a little trick on us all as we slept. Again she got into my make-up, but this time managed to draw kitty cat faces on all of us as we were sleeping soundly in bed (or was that Rudolph faces with the little red nose??). I’m just amazed that she was able to do it to both girls without waking them … I have a feeling it was very tricky and that she had to reapply the baby’s make-up at least 20 times due to rolling over and rubbing faces with chubby hands (just guessing, you know – and my apologies on behalf of Matilda to the housekeepers at the lodge who had to wash the make-up covered sheets!). Keeping a straight face as Addie opened her eyes to see us all sleeping next to her with kitty cat faces was quite difficult.
For those who wanted to know how our goodbyes to Matilda went … disastrously, leaving me feeling like a horrible mommy … you can read about it here.
This one was super out of focus due to my crawling on the ground at a low shutter speed with entirely too little sleep – but it was so cute I had to post anyway.
Now, on Christmas Eve my little Adeline explained that Christmas and all the happiness and love of the day doesn’t last long enough and we should do a two day holiday instead. She told us on Christmas Eve that not only did she want to keep celebrating for two days, but she wanted to save half of her gifts for the second day. What?! Who stole my sweet, but impatient child who usually cannot contain herself when their is a surprise waiting?? We all agreed it was a lovely idea – and officially started our new annual Second Christmas in the Manning family this year (and, yes, I know all of you who celebrate Boxing Day are lucky enough to already enjoy this tradition).
Now the remarkable part of this story is that on Christmas night as we snuggled to sleep she whispered to me that “Second Christmas Day” is a gift from her to me … she overheard me saying to my husband on Christmas Eve how I was kind of sad it was almost over. In an effort to make it last longer for me she decided it would be her “Christmas Eve” gift to me since mommy seems to get the fewest presents in the family and I didn’t pick a gift to open on Christmas Eve (I actually like it this way and don’t really dig getting lots of “things” … I’d rather just enjoy my little clan and our time together than worry about material gifts). It’s amazing that these little precious people in our lives teach us so much about love and what is really important in life.
Now this next one is not a technically perfect photo, but a perfect capture of the girls’ personalities at that moment. LOL!! Let me narrate …
Adeline, “Sit still. Grrrrrrr!!! I don’t want to do this!!”
Eliza, “Let.Me.Go!! Heeelllpp!! I don’t want to do this!!”
3 seconds flat before my little models were set free.
And I have lots more Christmas and holiday photos and stories to share … as well as some amazingly fun rock star birthday photos, but it’s going to have to wait until next week because I’m tuckered out and am ready to join Miss Addie and Eliza here next to me in sweet slumber.
If you enjoy my little, rambling blog, and have a second (literally), I would so appreciate it if you could pretty please click the banner below to vote for me (and thank you so much if you do!) … each click you make is your vote – heck, you can even vote every day, LOL!
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Sarah says:
December 31, 2011 at 5:24 am -I love the photos Annie, especially the first one with the Manning clan. Such a keepsake!
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samantha says:
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January 4, 2012 at 11:00 am -
btw, your daughter reminds me so much of mine. my daughter is 23 months old…and her hair is always crazy like that.
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Melissa says:
January 5, 2012 at 5:35 pm -Looks like you had a nice Christmas morning
. Since you said in your last post that you guys don’t do Santa, do you celebrate it more as a religious/family day? I think it’s a nice change to see someone celebrate Christmas a little differently! -
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Vivi says:
January 7, 2012 at 1:00 pm -These girls have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen! (I think I already told you this but those eyes!!!)
I looove your photos I wish I could take beautiful pictures like these but with a 10 years old point&shoot it’s impossible
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paintthe says:
January 9, 2012 at 1:41 pm -Yes, it’s more of a family day … less about gifts and getting/buying things, more about celebrating love and togetherness.
{ goodbyes to our elf on the shelf? betrayal by mommy?? }
Posted on December 30, 2011
So, how did it go when our beloved Matilda said goodbye? This may be a bit jumbled and rambling because it’s 4am and I’m exhausted – my apologies. Well, on Christmas morning she was still with us … in the tree with a simple note to Have Fun! Things went downhill from there much, much worse than I ever imagined. A little history about our family and the way we do things with the girls – we don’t do Santa, Easter Bunny, yada, yada. I just don’t believe in telling my kids stories that are not the truth and my biggest thing about Santa is that I want my girls to know that mommy and daddy choose to give them gifts because we love them. I don’t want to have them thinking some make believe character is leaving presents for them … and I never want to use the “be nice or you won’t get any gifts” line with them. I believe my girls are “nice” ALL the time and we don’t use the word “naughty” (or any other labels for that matter) around here. So, this whole elf thing is totally new territory for us … and we went into it like we have with everything else – with the truth. I explained at the beginning that it’s all pretend and a game, just like Santa. Which Addie totally understood and grasped. But then we all got so caught up with the fun that was Matilda that it became something much more to Adeline than I had imagined it would.
However, in the middle of December she started telling me that she wanted to pretend like Matilda was truly real and I told her that’s fine and fun if that was her choice to believe, but again reinforced that she’s a story for. Well, by the time Christmas had arrived she was terrified of Matilda leaving us. I bought one of the plush Elf on the Shelf dolls, the ones that are “supposed” to be able to stick around all year (and I put quotes on that because I’m in charge of how I choose to do our traditions and how I parent my kiddos, I could really care less how some story goes and what they say is “supposed” to be done). I had it wrapped very special with no tag … and inside was a letter from Matilda to both the girls saying she would miss them until next year, and this little doll would keep them company until she returned. Addie insisted the doll was for Eliza because Matilda wouldn’t leave her – when I explained she would be back next year and this doll was for both of them she actually threw the doll, started *sobbing* her little heart out and ran up the stairs saying that doll wasn’t special like Matilda and she didn’t want Matilda to leave. Wow. Was not expecting that. But all my mommy alarms are going off now and screaming at me, “SEE! This is exactly why we don’t do Santa and why we don’t lie to our kids, no matter how fun the game is … these precious little beings depend on us for the truth, for comfort and security. And now you’ve gone and created this huge story, that Adeline ended up believing along the way and you’ve confused the hell out of her precious little heart!! Now what are you going to do, you idiot??”
And, well, that is where I am still … Matilda is still with us, but not doing much except sitting in one spot and leaving a note here and there or hugging a little toy figurine on most mornings. I told Addie that Matilda, mommy and daddy all love her very much and will do whatever makes her heart happy and that she doesn’t need to worry. I don’t think she believes me. This is heart wrenching because this little one has never doubted a word I’ve said and has certainly never been this distraught over something that is totally unnecessary – and something *I* created in her world. But I’m certainly not going to break her heart to pieces for the sake of a Christmas story. And my heart is torn over whether I tell her again that it’s just pretend when she is so adamant that Matilda really is magic … will that be just as painful? We told her when we first got Matilda that it was a game and pretend … but then with each day and new “game” she believed it more and by doing all of these things with the elf every day we enforced that belief. She did just turn six after all – with all this “proof” why wouldn’t she believe it’s real? Especially since we’ve never ever lied to her before in her life and she knows from us that Santa isn’t real, etc, etc. and why we don’t do Santa except as a fun story to tell. I know how important magic and make believe is in a child’s world … and when I saw her absolutely light up with each day we had with Matilda I just got caught up in that joy she was showing. When she asked about what we thought Matilda was capable of we simply asked her what she believed instead of answer one way or another – careful to never lie to her, but at a certain point we stopped outright explaining again that it was all a pretend game for fun. Did I betray her by doing so?? It just seemed so important to her to believe, and we had nothing but fun, love and laughter with this little new ritual … but I’m left questioning whether it was the best thing to introduce to my innocent little hearted Addie. Even Eliza knows who Matilda is now and will point at her and giggle when she hears someone mention her name. So, I’m in a state of, “Yikes! What the hell did I do here??” Is there a way to keep the magic and fantasy without the lie? Our kids need us to give them truth, security and a solid foundation of trust … did I endanger that and for something so silly?
You can see our fun loving Matilda with her “Have Fun!” note pre-Christmas morning … and after Addie got the plush “replacement” doll and had a heartbreaking meltdown over the thought of Matilda leaving (and she’s known since day one that the elves are around for Christmas time only, but it didn’t lessen the blow) you’ll see the note that was hastily written saying, “Don’t Worry. I love you.” Because my promises that nobody was going to take Matilda away until she was ready, and that mommy and daddy would make sure her heart wasn’t broken, were met with uncertainty … which was probably my fault for starting the whole thing to begin with. Anyone else out there dealt with anything similar??
If you enjoy my little, rambling blog, and have a second (literally), I would so appreciate it if you could pretty please click the banner below to vote for me (and thank you so much if you do!) … each click you make is your vote – heck, you can even vote every day, LOL!
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Mell Mallin says:
December 31, 2011 at 1:30 pm -Hi Annie,
I’m not sure how you are going with Matilda at the moment, but we had our first elf on the shelf this year. We, like you, dont have Santa, easter bunny, etc, for the exact same reasons.When our elf was heading off, I had to think hard about where he was going, as “back to the north pole to live with Santa” wasn’t really a realistic option. In the end, boxing day morning, a quantas plane turned up suspended above our kitchen table, and a note saying the Jasper had gone on a round the world trip. My middle, Travis, was beside himself, until I said “oh Traz, all good elves need a rest, he’s probably gone to YOUR favorite place in the world to holiday FIRST!” his answer was Disneyland, and I felt confident, that she we run into trouble with “where is Jasper?” I can always make up a little postcard from him. Not sure that helps, but it’s what we did
good luck! -
Sarah says:
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That is seriously the coolest party ever! what a lucky girl!!! Im your newest follower, look forward to reading your blog
Annie I just have to tell you how much I love your blog!!!! I stumbled upon it recently-not even sure how really. your actions are AMAZING and I can’t wait to purchase more (recently purchased the fresh wonderful bundle) Keep up the great blogging-you are a SUPERMOM!!!!!!!:)
Love it! This is the most original idea that I’ve seen for a little one’s birthday party and I so enjoyed the pictures. I’ve been following your work for a little over a year. Not sure how I originally came across you on Flickr, but so glad I did. I love your PS actions. You do amazing work and are such an inspiration. Thanks!
omg- i can’t believe you would receive nasty comments! ugh, people! there is definitely a fair share of nasty trolls on the internet. i was sitting in amazement reading through this post and looking at all the photos. the only question i had was “wow, how did she do that??” i kept asking that over and over again. SO SO cool! and i would do the same for my child if i had the talent and all of the connections. me proud, mama! let the haters be haters and don’t give them another second of your time. they are jealous!
I think you’re fantastic, I admire your work, I never tire of seeing these photos. AMAZING!! Congrats to you and Addie!!
Maria Tamez from Monterrey Mexico.
love the party pictures! But, I really just wanted to say that you owe no one an explanation as to your celebration of your child’s birth! You didn’t ask anyone to pay for it, and I’m sure attendance was voluntary, so celebrate your baby any way you want!!!
This is one of the most awesome ideas for a birthday party ever… the pix are all great.
What a fun theme for her party! I’m loving it, especially the microphone cakes in the ice cream cones, how smart
This is gorgeous Annie! Don’t let the haters take the joy out of it, who gives a flip what they think?!
New follower here.. will you follow me?
I LOVED this blog. I love that you gave her what she wanted.. and used all the means you could find to make it happen. You all look amazing. The pictures are awesome! I look forward to reading more about your family!
What an awesome birthday party; you are so talented and creative! We think you ROCK!
Love it!
Love, love, love your blog….both of them! Thank you for sharing your personal life with us as well as all the great helpful photography info. I can’t believe that people actually had negative things to say about the party…wth! I think that was a fabulous idea and how fun!!!! Keep up the good work and I hope you keep sharing with us! : )
Good heavens, that has to be the best birthday party ever. LOL at the Turning Six Rocks Tour!
Wow! I love this birthday concept. It’s rockin’ COOOOOL.
What an awesome party! I want to come hang at your place- looks like fun!
Hi Annie, I don’t usually stop to leave comments but just had to respond to this… you threw an amazing party for your sweet little girl, and you certainly shouldn’t have to explain that to anyone. I can’t believe people would stop to leave negative, nasty comments about a birthday party that was clearly put together with so much love and attention to detail, and is something that your little one will never forget. Don’t allow these people to bring you down, it’s no one’s business how much money you spend on your child, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. You are an extraordinary inspiration to me and so many others, so keep doing what you do, your children are blessed to have such a caring, loving mother and you are clearly blessed with a beautiful family and incredible skills and talent. Keep your head up, much love!
Ranjini
What an awesome time you guys must have had! Your little girl will have memories to last a lifetime!
Um…. I want you to be my mom c: & you make me want to be a better mother.. Thank you for that.