We did the birthday party thing exactly ONCE! And I will never do it again, haha :). I think it is so much more special to celebrate the children's birthdays as a family. After all, every time the Master Carpenter has added two feet to our home has been a very special day for all of us. My main tip would be keep it simple and keep it sweet!
We love seeing the looks on our children's faces when they walk out into the living room and see all of the decorations, so our children know they are to stay in their rooms until mommy and daddy come to get them. Lee and all of the "unbirthday" children then escort the birthday child out to the living room while I immortalize their reactions through the video camera. Tip: if you run the video camera you can't be caught on the video camera ;). After that we may video a special gift and we will video blowing out the candles by just setting up the camera and leaving it. I used to video everything and after a couple of years I realized I was missing seeing it in action by trying so hard to keep a record of it! Now I focus more in the moment as much as possible with my children while still keeping a few special moments as a record for the children.
One thing we did for the first time this year and will definitely do again was watching home videos of Bethani's first year while we ate breakfast (and for a while afterwards). That was such a special time! We relived her newborn sweetness, her first steps, and her first birthday. She loved it too! Afterwards we packed up and went to the park to walk the nature trails...
pick
and we stopped at the park on the way back to the car...
We were all pretty tired by the time we made our way back to the car...
After that Lee dropped us off at home and he went on to get and bring home Bethi's favorite meal...french fries and chicken nuggets from McDonalds. She was so worn out she didn't get half-way through them before she was asleep at the table. Once our children hit about 3 or 4 they get to start going out for a special birthday meal with Lee in the even years and with me in the odd years.
While Bethi slept, the rest of us wrapped her gifts and decorated the cake. When she woke up she was refreshed and ready to go! We had such fun getting her gifts together this year. I made her a little apron and head cover to go with the little broom Lee and I gave her...
I'm working on matching aprons for the other girls and myself. Bri made her a child size doll sling which turned out really cute and Tori made her baby some cloth diapers. She cut the diapers out of fleece that matched the baby sling and I helped her sew velcro tabs onto the sides...
She is good to go!
She also got a bible storybook. After a couple of hours to play with her new things it was time for cake! I often spend a couple of hours the day before decorating an extravagant cake but I just threw one together yesterday, it took me about 10 minutes after the cake itself was baked and cooled, and it was just as cute as many I've done in the past, though you could tell it was a quick job ;).
It was a very special day and now I have a two year old again! They are all such blessings!Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.~Psalm 127:3
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I love the thought of odd years w/dad, even years w/mom (or vise versa). What a neat idea! And I totally understand the no party thing. I had one for my birthday last year "just because" and I can honestly tell you, I decided the next day that I wouldn't be doing anything like that for a long time (if ever)! I liked hosting a big party, but when it centers around me it's not as enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI assume you made the apron and cap for Bethani, which, by the way, are absolutely adorable. I just thought it was kinda' funny that I used that same fabric to make a tote bag, in which I now carry all of my knitting supplies. ;-)
Well, I'd better go now. Until later!
-Melanie
Enjoyed reading here again... Sounds like you all had a very enjoyable day too. The apron and cover are simply adorable. What precious memories you and yor children will have in the years to come.
ReplyDeletethat is a totally awesome birthday! i'm going to post what we did on my birthday either tonight or tomorrow!
ReplyDeletemarie
Your post is just filled with excellent suggestions. Thank you for sharing your daughter's special day.
ReplyDeleteI especially like this: "every time the Master Carpenter has added two feet to our home has been a very special day for all of us." What a delightful description of God's handiwork.
Sincerely,
Toni from thissimplelife.net
Melanie~ Yep, I made the apron and covering...it's the first thing I've ever made that I'm not ashamed to claim ;). You've used the material too? Nice to know you have such good taste ;), heehee. That would make a really pretty bag! I hadn't thought of that.
ReplyDeleteTanya~ We did have a very nice day and thanks for the compliment on the apron set. I'm anxious to get the ones done for the rest of us :). I think that will be so much fun to complete :).
Marie~ I hope you had a great birthday!!!
Toni~ Thank you so much for your kind words :). It was nice to "meet" you :)!