The baby sister graduates from college next week. But when I look at her, I think, impossible.

I suppose it’s the age gap between us that makes my memories of her more vivid, and because I have such concrete visions of her childhood, it’s confusing almost that somewhere in the last 20 years, she grew up.

She also gets married in four months. Four. Months. So. Next week has been dubbed “Maurer Mania.” And between a gazillion trips to the airport for pick ups and drop offs, college commencements and convocations, one mother’s birthday, one Easter Sunday, one family concert (email me if you’d like to come), ogling Laela, Kaycie’s first session at the temple, and wedding dress shopping, we also have a bridal shower scheduled.

Can anyone say “party planning”? Ooo! Pick me! Yes m’am. That’s right. I’m pre.tty excited.

To start? All you need is a little paper and a little lace and you’ve got yourself the beginnings of what some might call: a shindig.

(how to: 1. print invite info on cardstock of any color and trim, leaving about an inch on left side. 2. layer different sizes of coordinating/contrasting papers that match the wedding colors–align left. 3. cut a piece of lace 3-5 inches longer than the length of the invite and place at top. 4. sew down middle of lace with an elongated stitch, pushing the lace into the needle to create the lacy ruffle. 5. mail in a coordinating envelope.)