Surprise party

On Saturday night I threw my husband his sixth surprise birthday party.
Not six in one night.
Not six in six years.
But six within the ten years that we've known each other. Each one was different, with different people, different stories leading him there but each one was successful. This one was a little less dramatic but fun none-the-less. There were three people there to surprise him but we still had a great time hanging out and laughing. The night started out with Greg, his best friend Jordan, and I going out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It was nice to go out, just the three of us (it's been a LONG time since that has happened). Then we went home and had the party, and some really yummy chocolate cake. It was a fun night and I hope Greg was at least a little surprised! Happy 30th Birthday babe! I love you!I made a gift bag for Greg's present from a fat quarter of fabric and some ribbon! I think I'll do this more often, really saves from wasting more paper!N helped her daddy blow out his candles!

Birthday Banner

I've always wanted to make a some-what permanent birthday banner...and since my sweet husband is turning 30 this year, I thought this would be a great time to do it. I had the idea that I could really make it happen on Friday...and I was having a surprise party for him on Saturday. I wasn't sure if I could actually get it done on time...but I did. Well, mostly done. I haven't decided if I'm going to stitch each letter to the ribbon or not. I like the flexibility that I have right now with being able to make it shorter or longer...so we'll see.

I made it all up on my own and maybe next time (if there is a next time), I'll make the letters bigger. I made the letters in Microsoft Word (arial black) and then cut them out, traced them (backwards) onto the maroon fabric and then cut them out. I cut the background piece to be 5x14 and stitched the letters to the bottom half of the fabric. I have never really been taught how to stitch and move things at the same time so the stitching on the letters looks a little funny on some of them (just makes it look more homemade). Then I folded the pieces right sides together and stitched around the three sides leaving a little space at the top of the sides to turn them the right way and also to hang them. I didn't have to stitch the top since it was just folded over. They turned out pretty good. I made a blank one so that I can put numbers on there...maybe with velcro or something, I haven't thought that one all the way through yet. Any suggestions?

Greg helped me hang the banner (not knowing it was for his surprise party) by putting two hooks in the wall so I could attach the ribbon. I'm excited about these hooks because I plan on putting ribbon and some clothes pins there to hang art work or photos when it's not someone's birthday!

It's hard to get a good picture of the banner because it's not hanging in front of a blank wall. But I think you get the idea.

A little more detailed.