Flashback Friday

Nearly 30 years separate these two pictures, and though lots of things have changed, at least one thing remains the same---kids love cake!

{My first birthday, August 1980}



{Gillian Grace's first birthday, July 2010}



Okay, so you got me! Though technically not a party post, I just can't seem to move away from the birthday theme, at least not quite yet anyway. Gillian Grace's birthday month may be coming to a close in just a few days, but that only means that mine is about to kick off! I will celebrate my birthday on August 22nd. And, while I don't have any plans for an extravagant party, I'm excited to begin the month with several fabulous giveaways. No worries, even with plans to bring you great giveaways each month, I promise there'll continue to be as much Webbisodes' drama as there ever was. After all, this is my mommalog! {And in case you haven't had your morning caffeine jolt, that's mommy+blog.} Just consider the giveaways a little bonus gift, along with a giant thank you for reading and commenting!




I had so many comments about the dress I wore for GG's party, I wanted to post the fashion 411---The dress is a Lilly Pulitzer. I was fortunate to find it during a 40% off sale. Talk about kismet! With only one dress left, in my size nonetheless, this dress was meant for me! I found my Lilly at a department store here in town, but Splash of Pink is a great site for all things Lilly P. They are even having a gigantic clearance sale as we speak, so spend away and feel good about it! Happy shopping, friends!

And that's that, another week over and done! Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see y'all next week!

The Invitation---And, the final birthday post

So as with all good things, my birthday posts have come to an end. For today's final birthday post, I wanted to share with you our birthday party invitations.

The second I saw these adorable summery invites, I knew I'd found the invitation for Gillian Grace's first birthday. Not only was the invitation pink and green {GG's signature colors}, but the wording---sunshine, smiles, & fun---was simply perfect!



I purchased Gillybean's invitations from Shutterfly. I love this online company and cannot say enough positive things about their products and site. In the past 12 months, I've ordered stationery, uploaded photos to share, and made a photo book. Shutterfly makes it so simple to be creative and thoughtful with your digital images.

Shutterfly is currently running several promotions, including free shipping on orders over $30 (code SHIP30) and 20% off all cards.

{Warning---Sudden Subject Change Ahead}

Unfortunately plans to begin the birthday-related giveaways have been slightly delayed, no thanks to my horrible luck with electronics. I'll spare you the details, but it involves a few sparks, a bit of smoke, and a singed, now worthless, computer power cord.

And speaking of giveaways, it's time to announce the lucky winner of the Jumping Jax Designs giveaway.

The winner of, what Becca of JJD refers to as the Caramel Macchiato, a total blog design worth $45 is...

Amy from Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle


But wait there's more...

Due to the tremendous response, I have chosen 2 more winners that will each receive a custom header, button, and text grab box for button, courtesy of Webbisodes and created by Becca at Jumping Jax Designs.

Winner #2 is...

Krystal from Tie a Little Ribbon



And last but certainly not least, Winner #3 is...

Lindsay from Our Ordinary Stories


Congratulations, y'all! Please contact me {shannonywebb [at ]gmail [dot] com within 48 hours to claim your prize.

Now even Gillian Grace thinks it's time to get on with your day. So you heard the Lil' Misses, scoot! We'll see y'all tomorrow!

Winners were chosen at random using Random.org and will have 48 hours from time of posting to respond. After 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen and the same rules will apply.

Simply Sweet---The Cake Post

Everyone likes a little cake and birthday serenade, right?



Wrong!


Blame it on the flickering flame of the candle...


My singing {American Idol material, I am not}...


The change in routine and lack of afternoon nap...


Or, the 35 pairs of adoring eyes glued on her!


But, this birthday girl just wasn't happy!


Until...


She got a smidge of icing on her teeny finger.



Which lead to her first small bite...


Followed by her next slightly bigger bite.



Then the bites turned to handfuls, which led to mouthfuls, and finally, to one very full and content baby girl!



Clearly it is possible to have your cake and eat it too! Funny how a little cake suddenly makes everything better!

Has it been a week already?

It seems like only yesterday, we were celebrating Gillian Grace's first birthday, and now here we are one entire week later!

I've looked beneath the couch cushions, in the laundry hamper, and under the fridge, but I just can't seem to find the missing time anywhere. POOF! Like a cupcake in a preschooler's lunch box, time has once again disappeared and is simply gone.

{For some of you, it may seem like years since I've had a regular non-birthday related post, but I promise there is an end, just not today...or tomorrow, but soon!}

With only a couple birthday posts left, I would be remiss if I didn't share a few photos of GG on her actual birthday! For Almost Wordless Wednesday tomorrow, I've saved one of the best {or at least most delicious} posts for last---the smash cake! Then to conclude Gil-lie {remember the month of all things Gillian Grace}, I have several fabulous birthday-related giveaways to announce. With so many sweet comments about all the birthday details, I just know y'all are going to flip over these giveaways! Thanks for sticking with us and enduring all the birthday hoopla. I promise these giveaways won't disappoint!


{July 20th- Gillybean's Birthday}

Gammie and Grandad join us for GG's birthday dinner.

{Opening Presents}













{Saying Goodbye to Gammie and Grandad}

Gammie couldn't resist making GG giggle just a few more times before climbing in the car and waving goodbye.



Nobody likes goodbyes, especially when GG has to wave buh-bye to her two favorite people!


GG watched Grandad's truck until it was out of sight!


{Best Dressed Baby}
Wondering where you can find adorable birthday outfits like GG's for your little munchkin?

{1} Bailey Boys Cupcake Fanny Ruffle Bubble---Click here to shop!

{2} Funtasia Too Aqua Cupcake Bubble---Click here to shop!

See y'all tomorrow! Have a terrific Tuesday!

Birthday Fun with Friends and Family

For such a tiny munchkin, Gillian Grace is surrounded by a whole lot of love. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to share GG's special day with so many of our friends and family.

After a gloomy morning, we were so thankful when Mother Nature cooperated creating the perfect party backdrop of beautifully clear blue skies and slight breeze just in time for the first guests' arrival. With such pleasant weather, it wasn't long before the party moved outside!

{The Birthday Girl}








{Outdoor Fun}


To keep all the little guests entertained, I purchased a bunch of outdoor toys and kept them organized in a giant pink plastic tub. The tub also made toting everything around a piece of cake! Now that the party is over, GG has tons of new toys to keep the birthday fun going all year long!




{GG's Friends}














{GG's Family}

My parents (Gillian Grace's Grandad and Gammie) and Me

Bret, Gammie, and Grandad





Gillian Grace and her cousins from South Florida, Abigail and Madison

Bret and his mom (Nana)

It's her party, and she can cry if she wants to!
GG wasn't a happy camper when it was time to head inside.


{Just for the Guests}

To go with our party theme {You are my Sunshine}, I purchased beach balls for all of our little guests. All the children also were also encouraged to fill a bag full of their favorite candies from the dessert table to enjoy at home. Our bigger guests took home a drink cover or two.


During the party, I asked guests to sign a matte surrounding a birthday picture of Gillian Grace. Since she is too young to remember much from her first birthday party, I wanted GG to have something special to commemorate the day {besides a million pictures}. Though all the birthday wishes were thoughtful and sweet, the "love you" from six year old Maggie has to be among my favorites! Guess it's the teacher in me, but first grader handwriting is the best!




Gillian Grace's personalized birthday portrait sits on a shelf in her nursery.

With all the party planning, summer has flown by. It's hard to believe this week brings an end to July. But with a few days left, rest assured I'll end the month in grand GGpalooza style! And I've even got a few great birthday related giveaways to announce sometime later in the week, so stay tuned!