Moving somewhere new is aways stressful. Leaving behind our wonderful neighbors and wondering how we will ever be fortunate enough to be surrounded by such good and kind people was heavy on our mind. 
What's this got to do with a kid's party? Everything. 

First day in town and we already had a little issue. There was a  small "delay" between our purchase and selling time; which meant there was no where to park a truck filled with all our valuables. Our new local police where there to help. We parked in their lot for a few hours and it made our day so much easier! So, I knew our local police where wonderful, but I was about to find out just how wonderful they really are. 

My youngest kept insisting that he needed the entire police force at his up coming party. Cake and napkin themed officers where not going to cut it for this kid. At first, I thought it would pass, but it didn't. He kept asking. One day I gave in and we made an invitation for him to bring and invite our police squad, all of them. I was reluctant because my little guy has never spoken to an officer before (outside of his grandpa Chippy) and knew I that I would be the one (awkwardly) inviting grown adults to a kids party, Grown adults, mind you, that are fully trained and uniformed men and women who can combat local crime, save lives, and are fully prepared for emergency and dangerous situations. 

So in we go, to the station, with another out-of-the-box need and still Very new in town. The officers came out and I explained the card, the party, the need for every last one of them or at least one of them. Please?! (gulp). 'Of Course', they said! There to help without hesitation. 

Time to decorate! 
We got hay bales and fabric for $1.99 a yard to cover them (they can get a little 'pokey' if you know what I mean). We took a couple tables outside and popped up a tent. Black and gold was the theme colors - which was a little "mature" for a youngster, I admit; but he rejected every pre-made police theme paper party good we could find and told me the colors he wanted. This boy knows what he wants, clearly. 

For 'entertainment' we literally depended on outdoor play, imagination, and the 'game' cops-and-robbers. We were hosting a huge age range, so we had struggled with finding things that every child could enjoy. After much discussion, we just settled on good "old fashion" fun and unstructured play - guess what? No fighting, no complaining, and loads of laughs and silliness. No bells and whistles, in a way - it was a Very Vintage sort of party. Like it was 1950 again and the whole community was one and technology stepped back for a moment. 

About an hour before the party my phone began blowing up. 6 families all bumped into problems that they just couldn't make it. It happens. At least almost everyone called/ text to let me know. But I was concerned, was anyone coming? A half hour after the party was suppose to start, 2 families out of the remaining 9 were there. We had a lot of food pre-ordered and the stress began. 

Then, right on cue, lights flashing and sirens whaling, in a hazy excitement; we received  the anticipated arrival of 3 police cruisers. Everything changed in that moment. Who cares who comes!? The heroes arrived! They brought so much joy to my family, friends, the children and (especially) my little one. We couldn't find words to thank them enough.

 (The pizza guy was dropping off the pizza when they arrived and I think he was a little freaked out, but then enjoyed all the action and stayed for a little bit too! 

WARNING! Getting Sappy...

This is why my son wants to be an officer, because they care they truly, truly care;
They brought shirts, badges, stickers, and most importantly Love and Kindness. 
They took time from their busy schedule and made a little boys dream come true. 
They didn't need him to be sick, to be hurt, or to be anything other than a child with a want that they could meet. 
They didn't just come quick and go in a flash, no - they stayed. 
They laughed, hugged, shared, supported, taught, and spent time with us. 
They gave us more than we could ever thank them for. We were so sad to see them go. 
We pray for them at night and their whole force. 


We know we truly have moved to a very special town. In my town, my neighbors walk up and down the street and they always say hello. They help you find your dog if she runs away. They give you some tomatoes from their garden. They share the rich history. My town has good, solid people. And, yes, in my town the police are just as good. They will come to celebrate a little boy just because he turned 5.

There is this moment, just before all the pumpkin carvings and festivities, when summer steps back a bit, and all our minds turn toward the coming Autumn. There are still flowers, green leaves and singing birds. The days are still hot, but the nights are cool.  New Englander's know this time of year well. Welcome to the cusp of Fall! 

The other morning, I sat mediating and praising among the warm blanket of heavy summer air and smells around me that disappeared into sudden strong Fall winds. As the trees began rustling, I made up my mind; it was time to for me to celebrate the new season. I was 'Pre-Season Fall-ing' and my decorating-itch began. 

No pumpkins where yet for sale, but I could still eat and drink (and being a busy mom, maybe even Wear a little) Pumpkin flavored treat. No worries messy moms; we have a slew of  lovely vintage knits that are super easy to care for (Nylon!), 

Any way,,, my brain storming began; how do I pre-decorate with out my neighbors saying; "Already? Let's not rush it!"? In case your a tan and lovely L.A. darling, who may not understand great Northern cold-weather communities, as pleasant as Fall is,no one ever rushes it. Why? Easy, that pretty snow you so desire to see and touch? It really a white  doom of shoveling, freezing, and icy toes. 

A few days later I head out shopping. Fortunate for me, my local nursery is staffed with brilliant talents and affordable goodies. For under $100 I was able to boost my curb appeal and pre-celbrate fall. The look is elegant, eas, and nods at both present and future. Unfortunately, my little loves wont last past the 1st frost, but then that will be another adventure and another post. 

Check out your local florist or nursery and see what they are making; or what they would be willing to make. Faux florals are another option. They can easily achieved a similar look and are then able to be used year after year. They also allow for a bit longer. 

Whatever you choose, the best part is when those pumpkins do come for sale - they will make a cute addition and complete the look you already started! Here is my front and some places you can get a similar look. Share your pics or comment, we love hearing from you!