There are Lessons in Birthday Parties.

Our sweet girl turned five yesterday.  She was confused because her party was Sunday, and Mommy didn't have to work yesterday. "It is?! Today is my birthday?!" "Yes baby, February 17th, remember?"  She was thrilled.

We have had birthday parties every single year for our kids.  I love doing it.  I love being surrounded by friends and family who set aside time to celebrate and love our kids on their special day.  I love the chaos, the food, the noise, and even the mess (kind of).

I used to throw over-the top-parties for her.  The ones on Pinterest? Not as good, but they were pretty damn good.  Homemade banners every year for her, cupcakes made on my own, each and every decor item matched her theme.  It was fun, but also exhausting.  You know what I did with all that stuff?

I took photos and then THREW IT AWAY.

She doesn't care if the banner is made by me or bought at Target. Or if we eat on foam paper plates or color coordinating ones.  If the food is extravagant, or easy.. she does not give two sh*ts.  She has had fun at each one of those parties.  Not ONCE has she mentioned to me which was more fun, or more pretty, or whatever other standard we set.  She will rememeber them through photos just the same.  I have learned that it is her happiness that matters - and she could care less how much money is spent on PAPER decorations, THAT WE THROW AWAY.

Before we scramble and stretch ourselves thin of how we are going to out-do last years party, or how this one will compare to the kids in her class' party... think about who this is really for.  You?  NO. The kid.

Buy a cool looking cake, your utensils from Dollar Tree (and even your party favors; this place is my fave), the easier the food is to make the better, play some music and blow up some balloons.  Wanna color coordinate? FINE! I do because I am SO OCD.  But try your best to remember the goal of this special day.  All they want is love and fun.  You really can't buy that!

...(I am really hoping I can stick to this mindset for Mason's birthday this year.  Newborn baby + a bday party = STRESS CENTRAL.  Keepin' it simple. AMEN?)