FoxTMomma: May 2014

Ahhh so it's that time of year again. My little guy has named his birthday party theme and guess what? It's Call of Duty. I really don't even like watching him play the video game. Ugh. Too much of the blood, guts and glory for me. However, I guess I get it? He's a boy? Boys like that kind of stuff? Anyways, so as normal, T's birthday party is a huge production. Go big or go home, right? Call of Duty ultimate birthday party ever, here we come!

First thing I had to do was come up with the Call of Duty amazing invitation. Not to be confused with Black Ops II or Ghosts - gotta get it right here. As always, the goal is to have a big return. If my kid invites 50 people then at least 45 show up. It's a horrible competition I have with myself every year! It's ALL in the invitation and the tone. It sets the stage! It turned out pretty freaking cool!

So check it out! Gold linen card stock, printed full color, a silver metallic Call of Duty Survival Guide booklet attached inside - I also hand scrapped the edges so it would look worn! I had parents asking if they could come play and, why, of course, you sure can! Score! Now, a friend of mine wanted one for their kid but didn't want to spend the money on the paper so I made her some on regular card stock without the booklet! That's the one I'm going to list on Etsy, however I can make some more of these if someone wants them.

The big mac-daddy high roller version of the invitation!

Here is the simpler version that was a lot less expensive to reproduce. Only I would make a survival guide booklet right? But hey, it was a party with a lot of cool details and you gotta let the mom's know where and what their babies are going to be doing so they feel good about letting them stay for the sleep over!

The "still super hot but simpler" Call of Duty birthday invitation!

Just look at this little booklet. It is so cute!

So my idea for the party was to have a local mobile laser tag company come out and keep these kids entertained. It was a freaking hit! The laser tag company had games similar to Call of Duty, the guns kept score of best accuracy, most hits, best in game, etc. Each group of boys divided into teams and went at it! We set up props all over our yard and throughout the woods. A huge table full of prizes sat in waiting! These boys were pumped and ready to play and don't get in their way. They were SERIOUS! The competition was fierce! The Call of Duty Survival Guide told them to wear their camo and arrive early for face painting! Too much fun! We also made cool ammo props and set up props to look like the Call of Duty board, Freight - just used a stencil I cut out, some spray paint and cardboard boxes! Love!

If you live in the Charlotte area, call this guy, Dustin (as pictured below). He was a SAINT! Here's his website.

All in all I’d say we had about 30-35 kids playing laser tag. We made "covers" with pieces of plywood and stacked boxes in front of them that said USA or AMMO on them and then covered them with some brush we cut down in the woods. These “covers” were all over the yard and throughout the woods. The kids LOVED it! I really loved the laser tag deal – the kids were completely entertained for over two hours. During that time we started grilling, and of course the General’s Barracks (aka adult only bar/lounge) was in full swing. If you’re having a party, don’t forget the music. We made a fun play list of the kids favorite songs, top hits and some 80s and 90s – everyone was dancing at some point or another. Outside speakers – best investment ever. The right atmosphere can make or break a party.

More decor and mess!

He was upset he was missing his laser tag war! Oh my gosh.

I skip all over the place but let’s go back to the beginning for a minute. I made cool signs when you pulled in the driveway with same creative as the invitation that said “NOW ENTERING A WAR ZONE” that directed parents were to go… we live in the boonies! I also had a security check point. What is that you might ask? Let’s just say I’m grateful to those family members that train how to use firearms and just happen to have some big guns and some military camo! These two studs stood about 500 yards down the driveway from the house and gave parents and kids a fit. It was so funny to hear about one parent who was waving their invitation out the window of her minivan half a mile before she actually came up to the guys. Ha! My check point security officers asked questions like “Can I see some I.D.?, Who gave you authorization to be here? Do you have clearance to go any further? We are going to need to see some proof.” Ha! They were straight faced, so serious! It was comical to say the least. All the parents thought it was a trip! Of course, the security officers gave up their gig and made buds with each car and let them pass but it was so much fun playing the part!

My neighbor is a retired army vet and let me borrow her gear for all my kids and their friends since they were “birthday staff” – of course, my kids though this was the best thing since YouTube. Bless it.

Check point security officers and Call of Duty Birthday Party Staff! The birthday staff girls helped greet and helped people "enlist" and get their overnight stuff to the media room. They were angels!

The birthday boy!

The few, the proud, the Moms. Yep. This is me. Complete with a whistle. I was on the money!

So back it way up to the party at school. I took the cupcakes with the wrappers I made and those custom cute darn little cupcake toppers! Plus I had a Call of Duty goodie bag for each kid. I designed a bag topper that folded over and just stapled over the bag! It looked great! I laid out a candy bar wrapper and even designed a grenade label for blow pops. Kids can’t have enough of the mechanical pencils at school so I threw one of those in there with a stationary pad. Bling-blinging! The best was when I walked in the cafeteria before my little guy got there. The grade above him was finishing up their lunch and all I could hear was little whispers throughout “Wow. That’s Call of Duty. Man that is cool. Oh wow.” So at this point I’m thinking SCORE! When T walked in, he was so excited and all his little friends were pumped about the cupcakes and treats. This momma’s heart was soaring. Before I left he said, “mommy, you are the best ever and I love you and thank you” but “don’t kiss me in front of everyone” and squeezed my hand – looked at me with those big brown eyes and I thought, dang it, I’m probably going to buy him a car and I swore I was going to make him earn it himself. He’s nine.

Sorry. I have A.D.D. I think - SO back to the party. Prizes. Now I am a sale shopping queen. I went to Target after Easter and at 70-90% off I cleared out their candy and all their basket stuffers. If it didn't say Easter on it or had a fuzzy bunny it was game for a prize. I used all the candy for pennies to make the candy bar for the party. Glassware from the dollar store – ummm yes please. Prizes were anything from: spider man claws, hulk slim, $10 iTunes cards, soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, basketball NBA hats, make up sets, Axe deodorant kits and wash (75% of after Christmas at Walmart), etc., baseball bats full of bubble gum and more. Thank you clearance section! I collect all year for the kids parties for pennies on the dollar.

All little girls must be taught the proper army crawl before they are sent off in the woods to kill zombies. Oh gosh. Our girls are crazy. If you have teen girls at home, keep an eye on them… like stuck to them. : )

The grill master dad and his many woman aka our great friends that always help us with these crazy parties! J

Did I mention T walked a little girl to her car? Oh my.

This folks, this is called success… and thankful to my husband that listened to me scream his name for 24 hours (and not for that reason) to make this party happen. Hoping he doesn't leave me for someone boring and un-creative! Our little Z will be turning 16 soon. He might skip town! Ha! Watch out!