for our children.
Wow. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change a second.
via Pinterest
Yesterday, I was busy making my version of these dipped marshmallows, strawberry whip cookies, cupcakes, chicken salad bites, white chocolate popcorn, and treat bags. (and I even got to hang with my pals, Kevin and Layla)
Today it’s mopping the floors, making tea sandwiches, finishing the favor bags, balloon time, making PB & J sushi (SO cute), and photographing it all!
It’s been a bit of a busy week, so if you’ve not heard back from me via email/comments, give me a little time and I’ll get back to you, promise!
It’s funny…I always check my motives in the midst of planning parties for the kids…is it for me or for them? Let me not lie…I love a party. Matt and I love entertaining, and this is one of two times a year we actually put effort into a party theme and menu.
So do I go all out sometimes? Um, yes.
BUT…the party itself is my gift to my children. I love to see their faces light up at all the balloons, for them to help with last minute decorations…for them to be celebrated.
I’m re-reading a book called Captivating (if you’re a woman or you’re raising a daughter–get it now.), and part of it talks about the effect parents have on their little girls.
Every girl desires to be beautiful, cherished, captivating.
And our early messages to them are their first affirmation or disappointment…my little ones need to know that I love them, but almost just as importantly, they need to know I enjoy them.
So, for me, fun parties and a special day are one way I take time to enjoy them. While I wanted to have my ENTIRE house spotless for this party, it’s not. I had to take time to play with the birthday girl this week.
Less time for scrubbing, you see.
It’s a funny thing, parenting. I find the longer I’m a parent, the easier and (much) harder it becomes.
And this is only the beginning.
I hope today we can all take time to rest in our little ones, that we enjoy them…while we work on projects, paint a wall, go to visit family, dip marshmallows.
The fun plus on the party? I’ll take a whole buncha pictures and give you a peek on Monday.
🙂
*quick note…I was having some upload issues yesterday, so sorry about the missed guest post…that will be coming Tuesday instead!
**Second note: Word has it my buddy, Layla, is posting quite a sneak peek of our dining room today…so keep an eye out for me while I party and let me know if you see it.
Love this. I’m party planning for my soon to be 5 year old, and I’ve had to check my motivations at times… especially when I ask him what he’d prefer and he picks the wrong answer! haha!
This book is actually next on my list. I’m currently reading Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, which is an amazing book! I can’t wait to read this one next!
I just love the word “cherished” and all it conveys! What a great way to describe how we should treat our children. I hope your party is a grand success!
So true. We rush, rush, rush and really our wee ones just want us to stop and read the Bagel book again and again.
Have loads of fun. I only invite people over who aren’t looking at the cleanliness of my corners.
I know what you mean. I go all out for my kids’ parties, too. Not so much on the house cleaning (there’s a whole other story behind that, and maybe I’ll go into it some other time!), but in the cooking and the presents, oh yeah. I’m a former professional pastry chef (funny how you’re NOT a “professional chef” unless you’re actually working somewhere that pays you to do it – otherwise you’re just a really good cook!) so I spend days working on cakes and hors d’oeuvres and making things fun and pretty. And presents – holy cow my husband has to rein me in. the most fun I have is watching people’s faces when they tear off the wrapping!
Hope you all are enjoying it!
I’m also reading Captivating with my bible study girls and we love it.
I loved the book Captivating, it was definitely life changing. I read it a while back but I think you have inspired me to read it again. I have a almost 2 year old daughter and I strive everyday to make sure she feels cherished (even in the midst of a toddler tantrum). It helps that her daddy is totally in love with her and treats her like the crowing jewel she is. 🙂 I love your blog, keep up the awesome work.
Just thought you’d appreciate that my little girl turns 2 August first, and we are out of town for my sister’s wedding, so I’ve planned a party for the 13th. Except I really haven’t planned, I just know I want to go pink, and sweet and sparkly. Basically I’m planning to wait for your pics and steal steal steal 🙂
Ridiculous story there. What happened after?
Good luck!