Party Planning

Meredith at the Great Wall this past winter

Meredith is turning sixteen in a couple weeks. YES.....Sixteen!

We are in party planning mode around here. Meredith wanted more than anything to go somewhere really special for dinner with her girlfriends. That somewhere special had to have a fantastic atmosphere, beautiful food, and a chef driven menu (yes, our teenager is a bit of a foodie).

We decided on Christopher's in the Biltmore area of Phoenix. Reservations were made for Friday, April 15th at 7 pm.

It is lovely. And yummy. Ian took me there for my 40th birthday!

It met all of Meredith's criteria. It is upscale dining with contemporary furnishings, orange and black accents, exposed ceilings and tall glass panels. The food is skillfully prepared, french inspired bistro fare.

Perfect!

Next, we discussed her invitation. Of course, she immediately asked if Aunt Annie could design something special. We inquired. Annie was delighted to come up with a fun design for Meredith's invitation.

Meredith's required elements: contemporary, orange, grey and white.

Today, we received the package from Unique Artistry with her invites. They are perfect! Layers of paper stitched with orange threads. Thanks, Aunt Annie! Meredith will deliver them to school tomorrow!

This past week, Ian and I have been searching for the perfect gift. It had to be something pretty. Something lasting. Something meaningful. We have always said that it would be fun to get her her first diamond on her sweet sixteen since it is her birthstone. I know....LUCKY!

I searched online at her (and my) favorite jewelry catalogue - Sundance Jewelry. I saw the perfect piece for her birthday.....it's simple. It's artisan. It's sophisticated but young. It's pretty. It's fun. I ordered it.

It also arrived today...and how fun to be reminded that their packaging is......orange! Don't you just love when details come together so nicely!? I'm just giddy about it.

You'll have to wait until party evening to see what is inside.

The last detail of her celebration has been a sincere blessing. Recognizing that this particular birthday is a real marker in her life as she becomes a woman, I wanted other women important to her to speak into her life at this time. I invited grandmothers, aunts, friends who watched her grow up, teachers etc. to write a letter to her. As they have arrived (unknown to her), I have been so blessed. I know she will be touched and challenged and encouraged. I can't wait to share these words of wisdom with her. I know she will treasure each one like a precious gift!

Birthdays are always great times to stop and recall God's faithfulness, but BIG birthdays, special birthdays are even more so. We are so thankful that God has guided and directed Meredith as He has and how he has drawn her to himself. And how he has placed so many intentional women in her life to help me train her up in the way she should go!

Looking forward to Friday evening the 15th!