Every time I throw a party, there is at least one point in the preparation stage, typically two or three days before the party, when I think to myself that I must by absolutely crazy to be doing whatever it is I am doing at that very moment. Last week, that moment came when I was painting glitter scales on a cardboard mermaid photo backdrop. For a birthday party. For five-year-olds.

That would be my mom making a special guest appearance on the blog, painting a lovely blue mermaid background. Thanks, Mom. Oh, and I used this tutorial to draw the mermaid.

Here’s the thing, though. There is always someone at our parties who is so overly and genuinely enthusiastic about how great the party is that I forget how crazy I was to throw the party in the first place. I forget how stupid I felt painting glitter stripes on a cardboard mermaid or building fourteen gingerbread houses over three days or hanging donuts from a tree. The truth is that I actually like painting glitter stripes and making gingerbread and hanging donuts. I think those things are fun. This is primarily why I keep throwing parties. It’s not for the kudos from friends (although that is a very welcome touch). It is because I like to throw a good party. And I really like to see the expression on my kids' faces when I pull off something that they think is magical.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s move on to the latest festive monster.

Last week was beautiful here in the mountains. Sunny and in the 60’s and 70’s. We took everything outside and made a party plan. Saturday rolled around and the forecast was for snow. SNOW.

We moved inside for most of the party.

We did a lot of prep for this party. I say we because it was definitely a collective effort. The twins made a starfish garland and stuffed the piñata. My step-son Logan made the popcorn, cut the sandwiches, and helped with a fair amount of taste-testing. (Note to self: you read that right. A 16 year-old made the popcorn. You should take from this that Pop Rocks Popcorn is so simple, anyone can make it. It was also one of the hits of the party.) My mom did pretty much everything else. It was a group effort for sure.

I’m going to go ahead and let the photos speak for the party. Before I do, thank you to all the bloggers and creators out there making cool things and sharing them on the internet. All of you (and of course those of you who pin like mad women) are the reason we threw a great party last weekend. Thanks.

Shark pinata and plastic fish via Zurchers.

Crab cupcake instructions via Clean and Scentsible. I cheated and used box cake mix and pre-made frosting. Note that seven full graham crackers is about equal to one cup of crumbs and half a batch of sand will probably be enough for y… — Crab cupcake instructions via Clean and Scentsible. I cheated and used box cake mix and pre-made frosting. Note that seven full graham crackers is about equal to one cup of crumbs and half a batch of sand will probably be enough for your cupcakes.

Bubble five idea via Shop Sweet Lulu. — Bubble five idea via Shop Sweet Lulu.

Mermaid tails for sack races sewn from pillow cases (via Target but not available online) and extra fabric. Prizes for the race were candy shark teeth necklaces.

Blue raspberry Kool-Aid and lemonade (1/2 and 1/2) served in awesome bottles via Swanky Party Box.

Hummus with octopus (originally via Better Homes and Gardens but found here), peanut butter cups for "fishing", and star shaped ham and cheese sandwiches.

Starfish cookies spotted at The Decorated Cookie. I used this recipe for cookie dough. Typically, I use the cream cheese frosting but used buttercream instead. I'm going back to cream cheese next time but my frosting choice did not prevent these coo… — Starfish cookies spotted at The Decorated Cookie. I used this recipe for cookie doug h. Typically, I use the cream cheese frosting but used buttercream instead. I'm going back to cream cheese next time but my frosting choice did not prevent these cookies from entirely disappearing during the party.

I forgot to take a photo of the finished party favors, but they pretty much looked just like this. Also, if you are ordering candy online, double check the quantities. I have enough gummy sharks for 10 more parties. Just saying.