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Kate McRae’s Sweet 7th Birthday Party!

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We had the honor of planning a very special birthday party for a very special little girl. If you don’t about Kate McRae’s story, please visit her site at Pray for Kate. The joy and happiness of this very special birthday celebration for Kate McRae was quickly followed by the devastating results of her latest scans. With Kate’s mom’s blessing, I have decided to go ahead and post the party to share with you the joy of this amazing child and ask you to please join us in supporting and sending your love to this wonderful family.

Kate chose to go with our Ice Cream Shoppe theme. Knowing that she loves PINK {just like me} I suggested that we do a Neapolitan version for the party. I posted about the upcoming party and requested that anyone who want to help email me. The response was overwhelming to say the least. I am amazed at the community that follows my blog and how ready they are to jump on opportunities like this, to help someone who deserves it so much. We created a dessert table as well as a full ice cream bar with the help of some of favorite vendors {full list at end of post}.


Melissa from Decadent Delights created the gorgeous cake, which we topped with a paper pinwheel made by Jennifer from Social Butterly Ink. Melissa also baked up the adorable ice cream sundae layered cupcakes inspired by Bakerella. We placed the cupcakes on individual paper cupcake stands designed by Sweetly Sweet {will be available for free download}. I found the brownie bites at Walmart and they were a perfect match for the party.

I was excited to use my new cake stands from Layla Grayce for the party. I have a feeling I’ll be using them at every chance. Carrie from The Sweet Spot Candy Bar spotted these adorable neapolitan marshmallows on Etsy and offered to send them for the party.

Allyson Jane baked up ice cream cone cookies and shipped them in! They were adorable and delicious. My mom is still talking about them.


The Cake Pop Co. sent 3 dozen of their delicious cake pops to match the rest of the desserts. These were one of the first things to disappear from the table.

The TomKat girls all attended the party to setup and scoop ice cream. The kids had a great time piling on their toppings.


Sweet Kate enjoyed not only her ice cream sundae, but cake as well! She loves sweets so we were happy to provide an overload for her special day.


The adorable metal “K” made by Sweet Designs Boutique greeted guests at the door. The gorgeous favor boxes filled with candy and silly bands were courtesy of Social Butterfly Ink.
Sweet Lindsay of Banner Boutique {who lives in the McRae’s neighborhood} provided adorable sets of hair clips for each girl. A fabric bunting made by Bellabini dressed up the front of the dessert table.

A craft station was set up for the kids to decorate tote bags to take home. I love Kate’s sister, Olivia’s ladybug bag!

We also setup a coloring station, where the kids could color a special page designed for the party by Sarah of Style Me Gorgeous. My own little Kate had a great time coloring her page!


Kate’s little brother, Will and older sister, Olivia. What beautiful children. They all look so much alike.


A few of Kate’s many friends that came to celebrate her big day.

There was pink everywhere including the pretty flowers that spelled out KATE from JC’S Loft, balloons from Polka Dot Market & a towel cake from The Funky Chandelier.


Kate received the most precious gifts for her party. She had a great time opening them all.

This is the wonderful McRae family. They need our prayers right now. We are asking that you please spread the word about Kate’s story and send your love to this family. Most of us could never possibly imagine what the emotions and heartbreak that are going through at this very moment. You can follow Kate’s progress HERE.

 

Thank you Sweet Kate for letting me be a little tiny part of your world. It was such a joy to see you running around and happy as can be at your special celebration.  May you have many, many more birthday celebrations to come!

A very special THANK YOU to my dear friend, Vicki for capturing every detail of this beautiful day.

View Photo Slideshow Here

We were overwhelmed with the amount of wonderful women who contacted us to help make this party possible for Kate. I have compiled a long list, but if I missed anyone, please let me know!

Party Styling & Printables :: The TomKat Studio
Photography :: Vicki Lynn Photography

{Sweets & Treats}

Cake & Cupcakes :: Decadent Delights {cupcakes inspired by bakerella}
Ice Cream Cone Cookies :: Allyson Jane
Cake Pops :: The Cake Pop Co.
Neapolitan Marshmallows :: Fusion Sweets {courtesy of The Sweet Spot Candy Bar}

{Party Decor}Paper Pinwheels :: Social Butterfly Ink
Individual Paper Cupcake Stands :: Sweetly Sweet
Polka Dot Table Runner :: A to Zebra Celebrations
Hanging Flower Letters :: JC’s Loft
Polka Dot Balloons, Paper Lanterns :: Polka Dot Market
Metal “K” Door Sign :: Sweet Designs
Chipboard Ice Cream Cones :: Mary Had a Little Party
Fabric Bunting :: Bellabini

{Party Attire}Pink & Brown Pettiskirt :: Layla Grayce
Ice Cream Tank Top :: Chic Baby Rose
Kate’s Pink & Brown Headband :: Whippy Cake

{Party Favors}
Favor Boxes & Candy :: Social Butterfly Ink
Hair Bows for Girls :: Banner Boutique
Rice Krispy Treats :: My Sweet Life

{Gifts & Donations}
Custom Tees :: Oh Fiddlesticks
Rainboots, Jacket & Custom Tees :: Jennifer O’Connor
Personalized Notecards :: Olive Branch Papery
Ice Cream Notecards & Art :: Hampton Paper Designs
Hair Accessories :: Dolce Vita Mia, Banner Boutique, Anna Banana, Viv & Co.
Customized Felt Toys & Bag :: Ooh La Lollipop
Towel Cake :: The Funky Chandelier
Ice Cream Pillow, Pennants & Giraffe :: Love What You Do
Hat/Scarf :: Judith
Ice Cream Cone Necklace & Kate Necklace :: Mya Bruce Designs
Monogrammed Dress :: Laughing Giraffe
Lunchbox & Goodies :: Frecklebox {courtesy of Anna & Blue Paperie}

Funds for Ice Cream Bar & Balloon Artist :: Lauren, Shiori, Brady, Amy

{Free Printables ~ Available Soon}
Life is Sweet Coloring Page :: Custom Designed by Sarah at Style Me Gorgeous
Cupcake Stands :: Custom Designed by Lorell at Sweetly Sweet

February 7, 2011

Post Date:

  1. Laurie says:

    What a GREAT party! The video brought tears to my eyes…..praying for sweet Kate and her family!!!!

  2. Deborah says:

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful party for a beautiful little girl. My friends and family are joining in praying and fasting today for God’s healing upon Kate. Nothing is impossible for our Almighty God and we know He hears the prayers across our country and the globe.

  3. What an incredible party for an incredible little girl. I’m so pleased that I could play a teeny tiny role in helping to make this extra special for someone so deserving.

  4. Beautiful party for a beautiful little girl! The donations by so many talented people is awesome! It’s great to see so many people come together for Kate! I’ve been following Kate’s story since almost from the start and pray for her and her family. Kim, thanks for putting this party together for this special girl!

  5. Lauren says:

    What a beautiful party for a beautiful little girl. Praying for Kate

  6. Molly says:

    Loved being able to be a part of such an amazing day! Vicki did such a great job capturing the magic of the party! Praying every day for sweet Kate…

  7. Megan says:

    This is so touching! Such a remarkable young girl!!!!! Continuous prayers for Kate and her family!

  8. Steph says:

    What a beautiful party for Kate! Kudos to all those that contributed to make her 7th birthday so special!
    Prayers are with her and her family.

  9. Audra says:

    What a beautiful party for such a deserving little girl! What wonderful people to throw Kate a special party. Praying heavily for Kate and her family.

  10. Dary says:

    I remember reading the previous post about Kate & her family going in for the cat scan and how Kate said, “mom, I know it’s going to be good” (something along those lines)… my heart just sank when I read this post. I will definitely keep Kate & her family in prayers and may God continue to hold them during these times.

    To Kim, your team and all the wonderful vendors – you ladies are such a gift & bright star for this family. Thank you for giving them this memory!

  11. Missy Scordino says:

    All the beautiful things surrounding Kate go hand in hand with her smile. What a blessing Kate and her family are to all of us. Thank you for sharing the day . Love and Peace, Missy Scordino

  12. Sara says:

    What a beautiful party for an even more beautiful little girl & family. You all did such a wonderful job. Praying everyday.

  13. Rachie says:

    Will be praying for the lovely family and Kate.

    Beautiful party – i love the flower letters and the gorgeous cake xo

  14. Mama Henley says:

    We will pray for sweet Kate and her family. What a beautiful celebration!

  15. emily piper says:

    Amazing family. Simply beautiful party! Katie looks so lovely and happy!!! Praying for them every day!

  16. Kori Clark says:

    I read Kate’s story just yesterday and my prayers and thoughts are with this family as they go through such a terribly difficult trial! It is heartwarming to see so many people come together to give this sweet girl an amazing birthday that she will always remember! What a wonderful community of crafters, party people, bakers, and more….just amazing!

  17. Carrie says:

    Wow, I just read kate’s blog as my little girl played at my feet. My heart breaks for this family and my prayers go out to them.

  18. Laura Beynon says:

    I have followed Kate’s story for awhile via your blog. It is always so awesome to see the smiles and looks on a child’s face when they realize that you have done a party just for them. But watching this video and seeing Kate smile after all she has been through makes all the hard work so worth it doesn’t it? Kim, you and all the other vendors did an amazing thing!

  19. What a very, very special thing you did for sweet Kate! We will keep her in our prayers! Really darling party!

  20. Megan says:

    That Kate is one lucky and loved little girl. I follow her Caring Bridge site and my heart is breaking for them right now. However- I remain ever hopeful its radiation damage or the like and wont give up till we know more for sure. My nephew (whos 6) has brain cancer and is about 6 months post treatment now. They were diagnosed around the same time, I believe. So this hits especially close to home for me.

    Thank you, Kim, for giving this more than deserving little girl a dream party.

  21. Michele Bohnenkamp says:

    What a beautiful birthday party for a precious little girl. I’ve been following her story since reading about her on your blog. My heart breaks for this family and iIhave all my friends and family praying for her.

    God Bless! Michele

  22. Brenda {Ooh La Lollipop} says:

    What a beautiful party for sweet Kate! I’m so glad she had such a great time – and it’s awesome to see how many people love and support her! I will continue to pray for her and her family.

  23. Juliet says:

    Oh, I love the pink and brown! What a beautiful party for a beautiful girl 🙂

  24. A Beautiful party for a gorgeous girl! My thoughts and prayers to her and her family! Great job everyone!

  25. Heather says:

    This story is so touching, you can’t help but want to ask everyone to pray for a recovery for this sweet little angel. It made me even more thankful for my children, as my son pointed to a picture of Kate and said, “momma, she’s pretty.” she sure is! Prayers coming your way!

  26. Fara says:

    As great as it could be! Everything was perfect! The photos are amazing.
    I love Kate’s beautiful face, full of joy, hope and life! It break my heart hearing about the scan results. But I am positive that everything will turn to be fine and that God will healed her brain completely. I am still praying for this beautiful family, to overcome this heartbreaking situation ,which I can’t start to imagine how it could feel like.
    Kim, as always, you made an amazing job and created the perfect birthday that Kate deserve!
    Fara

  27. Wendy says:

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful party. Kate is adorable. I can’t stop thinking about her now though. What a strong little girl and family!

  28. Kristina says:

    Absolutely stunning<3 Kate is so beautiful and she is one miraculous little girl<3 Kim, you planned a fantastic party<3 She will deffiniteley be in my prayers

  29. Adriana says:

    What a beautiful family! Sending many prayers for a miracle for them. May God Bless Kate and her beautiful family and free her from this horrible disease.

  30. Anne Woodard says:

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful celebration with us!!! It is especially special knowing now what was to follow shortly after…praying hard for sweet Kate. The whole party, the photos and the video were absolutley spectacular…tho I admit it brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for your generosity to this incredible family!

  31. LauriE. says:

    Thank you so much for posting the follow up to this amazing story. I too have a 7 year old and had her read her story and talk to her about Kate. She is such an inspiration (as are her parents and siblings) that I felt that it needed to be shared with her. To all of the very generous people who planned such an amazing party for her, kudos. It brought tears to our eyes that people can be so amazing in such a difficult time. We will continue to pray for them all! Thanks again for the follow up!

  32. What a heart-warming celebration!

  33. Aimee Pool says:

    Kim~
    You did such a fabulous job on Kate’s birthday party! Everything looks perfect and kate looks so beautiful!!

  34. Kim says:

    Thank you all for your lovely words! It was such an amazing day and I am thrilled to have helped bring a smile to sweet Kate’s face! Please keep them in your thoughts today!

  35. Nicole H says:

    What an amazing party for an amazing little girl. Kate has inspired me through her journey. She is such a beautiful child in more ways than one could think. I am praying for her health and the miracle she needs.

  36. Megan says:

    What an amazing party for a truly amazing little girl! I am thinking of her and her family during this trying time.

  37. Julie says:

    THANK YOU ALL for making Kate’s birthday a wonderful affair for her, her amazing family & loving & supportive friends!! Our family has been following Kate’s story for some time now, and keeping them all in our thoughts & prayers. We will continue to do so, and to send love & positive, happy thoughts their way as well. May God bless them all, and carry them together through this ordeal – In Jesus’ name, Amen. xox

  38. Wow – what a fabulous party – everything looked beautiful – my prayers are with Kate and her family.

  39. So beautiful!! Everything looks darling! I was happy to donate a little something for the party! Thank you for the opportunity! We keep praying for this gorgeous family. XOXO
    Nancy

  40. Kristen says:

    I LOVED the pictures! What a fabulous party for such a strong and lovely girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mcrae family during this unimaginable time! Here are good wishes and big hugs for Kate!
    Kristen & The Oxendine Family

  41. Lorell says:

    Such a beautiful and strong little girl! Kate, my prayers are always with you! God bless you!

  42. Karen says:

    The birthday girl is matching her party theme! Cake pops are a fun new way to use cake scraps 🙂 Another newthing I’m enjoying is magic milk. These are so much fun for children and adults!

    Kate you and your family are in my thoughts.

  43. Pam Patten says:

    What a beautiful little Angel. The party was beautiful!
    You don’t know me but I am praying every moment of the day for Kate. She is a darling!
    Hopeing and Praying for a micirle for Kate….
    I can just only imagine how hard this is for the family but God is there with you and don’t loose hope. I haven’t for you!
    God Bless You!
    Love and Tears for you and Kate……. Keep fighting Kate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Love and Prayers.

    Pam

  44. Love it!!! What a celebration! You did an amazing job and Kate looks AWESOME and so happy.

    We continue to pray for this family and know that God is in the business of miracles.

  45. Patti Johnson says:

    Prayers and blessings for you beautiful Kate!! you are on our hearts and in our prayers daily!!!! we love you and look forward to your complete health and healing little one!!

  46. Corey Bean says:

    Such beautiful pictures and video! Still believing for a miracle!
    You are so loved by so many! Always praying!

  47. The Merveldts says:

    Kate your are such a beautiful Blessing from God and an insperation to us all.
    Love and Blessings,
    Paul, Stacy & Daxon
    Merveldt

  48. Eliza says:

    Just darling!! Love it.

  49. Jinky says:

    She is soooo cute. 🙂

  50. Aw, what a cute party! I like the letters hanging from the staircase!

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