Wednesday, February 23, 2011

PYHO: Planning a big birthday party

Birthdays are important to me. When I was growing up, I used to look forward to my birthday even more so than Christmas. My birthday was my day. The one day that I got all the attention and special favors from my family. It was, and still is, a day that I am reminded of just how much my family loves me.

Next month, Miss H will be turning four. She has been looking forward to this day since the day after her third birthday. Last year, the girls and I were staying with my parents while Mr. Rose was traveling. Not wanting to burden them any more than I already was, I suggested to Miss H that we have a party at Chick-Fil-A with a few of her preschool friends.

We invited five of her classmates and met everyone there. I bought a few kids meals, some cupcakes, and let them have at it. They played in the playspace, sang happy birthday, and opened presents. Easy, peasy.

Miss H and I at her Third Birthday Party
This year is different. This will be her last birthday in this town and I really want her to have a fun time with the friends she will be saying goodbye to in a few short months. We decided on a Candyland (her favorite new game) themed party and came up with a guest list of fifteen kids. Oh yes, you read that right. Fifteen.

At the time it sounded like a good idea. As I addressed the invitations last week, I panicked. What was I thinking? I'll have to clean my house and come up with something fun for these kids to do while they are here for two hours. Do I have the space in our house for this?

But when I really think about it, Miss H doesn't care. She just wants to have her friends over to play. I want her to make a memory of the friends that she had while we lived here. I want her to be happy and to have a birthday that she will remember. I want her to know that even though this party will be work for me, that I love her and that her happiness on this day and everyday is all that matters.

So, we'll get some balloons and a cake and decorate our house like Candyland. I'm sure everyone will have a great time and in the end the only thing that matters will be seeing the smile on my baby's face.



 

I'm linking up with Shell at Things I Can't Say for Pour Your Heart Out. Head on over there and check out some of the other links today!


17 comments:

Liz Mays said...

You can do this, and I know it will the memory of memories for her. I love that it's going to be the Candyland theme. You're such a great mom!

Alexandra said...

Perfect theme for this age.

And very worth the effort, I hope we get to see pix!

Oka said...

Love the theme. Always admires those that can be creative with the Birthday Party process.

Nicole @MTDLBlog said...

1st - LOVE the Candyland theme! SO cute! There are some great ideas on Tip Junkie and HWTM for kid parties - I feel a candy dessert table coming on! We had Jordan's birthday in Hawaii and had a similar guest list number - it will be chaotic - so make sure hubby is in to help! We attempted relay races...it didn't work out too well. They had more fun with free play. My recommendation - have a bunch of free play options like a bouncy house, ball pit, Bubble wands with a pool and soapy suds if they can be outside. Have fun with it!! Post pics too!

Kmama said...

I love the theme. We did a CandyLand theme at work during Christmas for a decorating contest and it was so fun.

And honestly, all Miss H will remember is the great party she had.

Annie said...

That is a wonderful theme idea! And 15 kids sure is a lot, but you can do it. And she will treasure this party in her memory for her entire life. I remember my 5th birthday party, there were tons of kids there (I think 10?) at my small house.

It is wonderful of you to go all out like this! She will love it!

~Annie www.anniesheart.com

Shell said...

She will have a blast with her friends! We've made birthdays into a big deal, too. I think it's important to really celebrate their days.

Unknown said...

For my sister's birthday a few years ago, my mom used construction paper to turn the entire house into a huge candyland game. Everyone got in on the fun, even the adults! :)

I'm sure your daughter will love her birthday party!

Kim said...

I know what you mean about holding the party at home - WORK...but then it ends up being fun and nice to be at home when the guests leave.

Unknown said...

Birthdays are a big deal to me too... in fact, I have like a birthday week, because it's usually over Memorial Day Weekend!

I'm sure that whatever you do Miss H will look back on with fond memories. How exciting! I'm sure it's going to be a little work, but at the end of the day like you said, she just wants to play with her friends!

The No Wonder Mom said...

Birthdays are a big deal in our house too. I wake up the birthday kid with a rousing version of "Happy Birthday," followed by their fave breakfast, then we have a birthday party over the weekend. I love your theme and am sure your precious Miss H will have a blast! I'm a new follower. Thanks! :)

KLZ said...

I feel the same way about my birthday! You're such a good mama Erin.

It will be awesome. Send pics!

Julie said...

Sounds like it will be an awesome time! I'm currently planning a surprise party for my fiance and surprisingly its still a secret :) Good luck and have fun!

(stopping by from PYHO)

Unknown said...

I LOVE the Candyland theme! What a fun idea! I think it will be amazing, good luck!

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a great time at the party! I did a Candyland Bday once too. We loved it.

The Candyland cake was the FUNNEST cake to make ever! If you want to see it here's the link - http://www.lifeinabluezoo.com/2009/11/wordless-wednesday.html

Unknown said...

Yes, she'll have a great time and so will her friends. That's another great thing about kids, they are pretty easily entertained, especially at this age! Have fun and Happy Birthday to her! :)

Liz said...

what an #ALLCAPSAWESOME birthday theme! PLEASE post photos!