3.17.2008

To party or not to party?

Justin is turning 4 next Sunday and I still can't decide weather to throw together a little party for him. I'm only on my second kid and I've already overdone it. He's been mentioning , " I want to have a princess party like Afton." So it wouldn't be a princess party, just something manly I suppose. March is crazy. My dad, father in law, Justin, sister in law, and husband ALL have b-days at the end of March! Some of my smarter friends waited till their kids were old enough to really get it. Well, Justin now gets it and I'm wondering if I should set up a system/certain years I do friend parties. Is having a party with friends every birthday for every child going to be way toooo much? For sure! I do like having a reason to get together with friends and try to keep it low key....What to do?Any suggestions?

8 comments:

Kristin said...

I'm glad you found my blog and left a comment! It was fun to read yours. You like blogging for a lot of the same reasons I do. We do friend b-day parties every other year. Good luck deciding what to do for Justin! You might want to keep in mind that to a kid, all it takes for it to be a party is balloons, streamers, cake, a couple fun games, friends, and presents! Even if you keep it simple, he'll think it is a blast. Congratulations on baby #3! Good luck w/the pregnancy.

kristi r said...

Andrew considers it a party if there are balloons, cake and ice cream. Find out what he considers a party, it might be something simple. Also, last year, I sent cupcakes and balloons to school with Andrew and counted that as his friend party, and then had family over for the cake and ice cream (and more balloons!)

Chelsea said...

Ok, Im from a HUGE family of 9 total-- and my mom did the every other year system. And made it all happen so that when we turned 8 it was family.... (i.e. baptism) And sometimes made exceptions for friend parties, but they were always smaller. Ok, but for Justin, I think you should do a cool theme party, like cowboy, do bandana's at the door for every kid, play pin the tail on the donkey, make umm... something really cool. Crafty like little kids like. :) I love birthdays and I totally went too far for colettes (ok I have every year.). We have had a carnival, and BIG royal bash. (princess and prince. I actually decorated my house, all over, hung huge canopys from the ceiling) Have fun with it! He will only turn 4 once. But dont kill yourself over it! :)

Liz's Blog said...

Hi! It was fun to see your blog! Its so fun to find people you know. OK so I feel totally out of the loop...I had no idea you are pregnant! CONGRATS GIRL! Thats awesome. I hope your prenancy is going well. I laughed when I read about the grapefruit because I did that same exact thing! I hear a lot of pregnant women crave citrus. Let me know if there is anything you need. Oh and about the party....I always say PARTY! You are only a kid once...make the most of it!

Larae Taylor Merritt said...

Julie-

I do friend parties on the BIG birthdays for sure (8,10,12,13,16). If I have time and money on the other ones I might consider it, usually we do a family party. Ryan is getting to the age that he doesn't really find the home parties cool. I have told him for 12 he can invite a few friends and they can got to the movies or to Nicklecade (a cheap Chucky Cheese, all the games are a nickle), or bowling or something. Parties are hard. Good Luck!

Unknown said...

Sorry, imho, I think too many parents give, give, give to their children. It is OKAY to have parties every other year or the "milestone" years. Each child and their social boundaries are differnt also and that could be a factor in those b-day parties. Just remember to try and establish a pattern and stick to it as your children will REMIND you!

Anonymous said...

I love reasons to party. I was watching Alice in Wonderland the other day and it would be awesome to have an UNBIRTHDAY!You could invite friends over to watch the movie and the following week have a "surprise" birthday. Everyone should wear costumes. Anyways, I am thinking about having one in June(for me), wanna come? :P Dude, why do you ask questions about whether or not to have a birthday party for him. I know you. You probably have a decision and want to be swayed and now you feel pressured. Personally I love birthdays, especially with themes. Think about it as creating memories. Kids remember things like this. Plus, it's their one time a year to be with all their friends and eat cake and have their own special day......I'd miss the presents. I will help you.... I like the princess idea. We could get plastic jewelry and a crown for Justin and a thrown and streams and a thrown.....you can even use the punch and chocolate fountains. Anyways, You should have a party, so I can come!!! BUT that doesn't matter...You're going to do whatever you wanted to do from the beginning, so what's it gonna be?! Oh, and invite me.

i said...

So I decided on Friday to do simple park party and not make a big deal...Anyone is welcome to join us at the park on Friday 1:00 for Cake and Ice Cream....Consider yourself invited. Just e-mail me.