IT'S A 3-RING BIRTHDAY FOR PRESTON!

Moriah likes to "do themes" for her children's birthdays -- and the theme for Preston's first birthday is "CIRCUS." I am sure, knowing her as I do, that the birthday decor will be PHENOMENAL!! (No, she didn't get her "over the top" party enthusiasm from her mother -- but I surely enjoy observing the PURE THRILL that her children feel at Party Time!)

I made a LARGE card for our lil guy -- and will likely have to use wrapping paper to construct an envelope to fit it. Preston's party is Monday night, so I'll make the envie tomorrow.

Grandpa and I will write our messages "in the grass," so I left some "sparse" area for that purpose. I used my PrintMaster software for the balloon sentiments and the banner on the front, then used a Sizzix die to cut the balloon shapes. After we sign, I may add some 3-D "circus animal" stickers to the inside. We'll see.

Kaleigh's card, inside & out!

As I sooo often do, I added a wee bit to the card front. It's just a tiny thing -- some sparkly, green, dotted sticker border -- but, the card needed a lil somethin' somethin'. I considered adding some fabric lace to the bottom, but it seemed to me that it would be OVER-KILL, so I left it alone. (grin)

I completed the inside. Instead of using my (Sizzix) balloon die-cut for the inside signature panel, I decided to bling it up and just sign on the card itself.

I'm satisfied. Yep, it'll do. And, I think that sweet Kaleigh will like the balloon, even if she notices NOTHING else!

Little Kaleigh's 3rd Birthday!!

My granddaughter, Kaleigh, turned three years-old, today, and our family feels VERY BLESSED, indeed!

You see, Kaleigh became critically ill soon after her first birthday and at thirteen months of age, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. At the time that she was diagnosed, Kaleigh was the youngest child treated for Type 1 Diabetes in the history of Oklahoma City's Children's Hospital. (She may still be the youngest -- I have no way of knowing, now that she is home.) We came TERRIBLY close to losing her!!

As if that disease were not difficult enough to treat and control, about a year ago, Kaleigh was ALSO diagnosed with Celiac disease, so must have a gluten-free diet. I will spare you the description of how violently ill she becomes if she ingests even the tiniest bit of gluten...sigh.

Let's just say that life is NOT EASY for my son and daughter-in-law for they must be vigilant in planning special meals, testing their child's blood sugar at least ten times per day, and administering meds that keep Kaleigh stabilized. Day after day after day.

So we REJOICE that Kaleigh has reached the milestone of her third birthday and we pray she lives many, many more happy and reasonably healthy years!!

Here is the front of her birthday card. (As usual, I will photo and post pics of the inside when I complete the card.) The card has many patterns, but because the design is simple and the colors repeat, it works. Well, in my opinion, it works, anyway. (grin)

Hope you like it!