At 1 - I gave him a 'Barnyard Bash'. Complete with friends, farm decorations, pinata and a real horse to sit on. At 2 - I threw him a 'puppy party'. Complete with puppy ears, dog bowls to eat from, decorations, and a pinata. At 3 - I threw him a 'pirate party'. Complete with treasure map, treasure, eye patches, decorations and a pinata.
Luke just turned four.
The only pinata he's ever received, is from Santa last year. Because he asked for it.
The only pinata he's ever received, is from Santa last year. Because he asked for it.
When I looked at these pictures and at his little happy birthday face, I realized it doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter that he has not had a party with his friends with all the bells and whistles. The thing that matters is that he felt special on that day. I use to think I had to go above and beyond to make my kids feel special. But I don't. There are so many easy, little ways to make them feel just how special they are. Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE kids parties. I love the themes and I love throwing them. I've done many in my day with four kids and it would be a dream job of mine, if I could plan parties for a living.
It doesn't matter that he has not had a party with his friends with all the bells and whistles. The thing that matters is that he felt special on that day. I use to think I had to go above and beyond to make my kids feel special. But I don't. There are so many easy, little ways to make them feel just how special they are. Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE kids parties. I love the themes and I love throwing them. I've done many in my day with four kids and it would be a dream job of mine, if I could plan parties for a living.
Luke will have that party. It just wasn't this year. And I now realize that it doesn't matter.
I just asked Alec what he remembers about his first and second and third and fourth birthday parties. He said "nothing". Until I reminded him of his pirate party, then he remembered getting a little treasure chest. He told me the first one he remembers is his fifth birthday party at Wheeler Farm.
There is a difference between my old mom self and my today mom self, as far as birthday parties go. I still believe there is only one day of the year that is your day and it should be such a special day for you, no matter how old you are. But it's not what you did on that day that's important. It's how you felt.
I know that there are endless ways we can make our children feel special. All the decorations and pinatas work. They do. But so does a quiet night at home in pajamas. One is NOT better than the other, they both are just as good.
My guilt is gone and after this night, I can't wait to figure out more of the little, quiet things that make my kids big day, one to remember.
Plus...they are so much easier!
Pajamas, Pizza, Basketball. popcorn, and a movie.
Simple.
Special.
Happy Birthday handsome head!
7 comments:
Dear Robyn,
This post was spot on.
Love,
Your friend who hasn't had her youngest child's pictures taken for over two years.
Robyn,
Great post. Skylar has certainly had a disproportionate amount of fabulous themed parties with all the bells and whistles. And I too have felt guilty that I can't do it every year for both kids. Buy you are SO right, it is about how they feel. And like Luke, my boys have still had awesome birthdays, pinata or not. I think we may try pjs next time!
Dear Corbie,
My today mom self would say that snapshots are so much more real and beautiful than Kiddie Kandids every three months. I've seen snapshots of your youngest and I'd say - that's all you need.
Love,
Your friend who will be in the waiting room with you when our youngest's are in counseling.
Tristan - I'm glad I'm not the only one. Last minute pj idea was definitely a hit for ALL of us. Even Alec said how much fun he had! They'll love it.
Happy Birthday Lukie!!
and you are right: IT's all about the F E E L I N G S and L O V E!
That the JOHNSON household definitely has...
love you girl!
This was so cute and I agree with you on the party situation.. I find myself every year thinking how I can pull of a wonderful party- I then look back and the simple ways seem to be the most memorable one's your kids are seriously seriously darling. Robyn, you and Jer have a beautiful Family.. I bet your little one had a wonderful birthday. I am all for pj's, popcorn and pizza.
Perfectly said and so true!!!! I'm learning that myself.
I love your post, and all the pictures. Your family is so awesome!!! Thanks for sharing all your wisdom:) I'm gonna read this again next month, and again next May when all of our birthdays come around again!!
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