In the past I had put unrealistic expectations on myself on everything from the food, decorations to the Birthday girl's outfit. Ridiculous I tell ya! My kiddos don't care one bit about all the things that I think should go into a day of celebrating their lives. I decided to free myself of the pressure that has become the "pinterest Birthday party." I'm in no way judging those that can throw an awesome Birthday bash and keep their home peaceful in the process, that just ain't me. When I set out to do a stress free gathering my mind kept going back to our outdoor movie nights that we hold in the fall and how much I enjoy that gathering of friends and family. Everybody brings "a chair and a snack to share" umm hello?!? You mean invite people over and have them help bring the food? Oh yes I did and it was so helpful and awesome! I asked them to bring a food item to share in lieu of gifts. This eases the pressure for both sides and it creates a huge food spread for everyone to enjoy. Who doesn't like a ginormous table of food choices?Anyways, it was simple, sweet and special. Our kids felt celebrating and loved. They had a mama that was "normal" the day before, the day of and the day after. We all enjoyed ourselves so much and felt so blessed by all the people we live life with. I think I might make this the joint Birthday gathering tradition and then do something special for them within our little family. Do any of you have a unique stress-free way you celebrate Birthday's in your family? I love hearing other ideas.
Great idea! We do our special family time at breakfast. Growing up we had one of those "you are special plates" and would get to use it on our birthday. We would have parties every couple of years but most of the time we just did the big breakfast thing. Loved it growing up and love it now with my kid (soon to be kids).
Reply DeleteGenius!! I wish we could've been there tho :(. I'm going forward with the stress free approach too (I morph to the crabby stresses out monster for parties too). This looks so fun!!
Reply Delete-Erin s
Sweet! We do the same thing as Mary up there. I made each of my children a special plate at one of those paint your own pottery places. On their bday morning they have a special place set out with flowers, their plate, their felt bday crown, and homemade bunting that I made when Levi was 2 and we just use for everyone's bday! Their presents are on the table (because who wants to go the whole day waiting for presents?!) and they get to choose their favorite breakfast. After breakfast we get out the scrapbook. I tell them their story of the day they were born and we look at pictures. It's my favorite. Every time...
Reply DeleteThe party looks magical and so fun! I wish we had a place for outdoor movies-your setup looks great! Smart Momma with throwing a stress-free party! Happy kids is the important thing and what you'll remember most.
Reply Deleteso great!
Reply DeleteLOVE your post and photos!! I too become crazy about organization, perfection and lose myself in a total grouchy mood b/c I am so stressed over all the details! Glad you decided to really live in the moment. Your photos are fabulous! LOVE the close ups of little fingers and cake and the dog in the photo of the view from back of chairs (I too always try and take a overall shot from a diff angle) - looks like a super party and your kiddos are beautiful.... thanks for sharing!!
Reply Deleteyou summed up a fantastic day/night in a few photos... i only wish i could do that! i want to label, date, put in order, print all 150 photos i take and then i get so overwhelmed with all of it that i don't do anything! share your secrets to just simplifying!!!! now you have it documented - simple, done, finished! :)
Reply DeleteI love that it seemed like such a relaxed and comfortable gathering!!! I love that you projected a movie outside!!!!!
Reply DeleteThank you all so much for your encouragement and ideas!
Reply DeleteI really like the idea of the special plate for breakfast.