OK, first off, I am clearly aware that all of my posts are chronologically out of order. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, getting a moment to sit down and blog is about as difficult as fitting into my jeans these days, so when I get a chance to blog, I just blog whatever I feel like it! :) And when it comes to blogging about the birthday party, let's just say the sprinkles are finally vaccumed out of the carpet and I'm finally feeling mentally stable enough to talk about it...So, here goes. On December 8, we had Tyler's party. It was to be a train party and the invitations stated "All Board the Birthday Express." I had endlessly searched for all train related party items, ordered a train cookie cake, and invited FOURTEEN friends over. {gulp} (ok, seriously, it seems that everyone invites THAT many kids to the parties Tyler goes to) I baked train shaped cookies the night before for the kids to decorate in all sorts of colors of frosting with sprinkles and candle and the works and prepared another game (I think it was called "Train Stations" or something like that, but it was quickly a flop). The doorbell started ringing right at 10 and the guests were arriving. And my apartment got smaller by the minute. I generally consider myself to be a pretty organized and prepared person, but this day--not so much. I quickly realized that I am NOT a birthday party mom!!! I have been to parties and witnessed birthday party moms in action and have ooohed and ahhed at their parties & ideas and admired them greatly--and I am clearly not one of them. I spent much more time worried about decorations and cakes than good activities for the kids and didn't think to take into account the size of my apartment and the amount of kids invited. It was a baptism of fire for me as this was the first birthday party I have thrown. These were the THREE pictures of the whole event because there was honestly not one spare minute to grab the camera. Oh well! Here is a random sampling of thoughts that were flying through my head from the hours of 10 am to 11:30 am on Saturday December 8:
"I have completely lost my mind."
"I am pretty sure this resembles a birthday train wreck more than a birthday express."
"Oh crap, it's only 10:15."
"Quick, head count. Make sure no one has escaped."
"I need a stiff drink. I have never had one in my life, but today seems the perfect day to start."
"I think I'd rather endure labor again than throw a birthday party."
"Anyone got any valium?"
"I'm sure glad Garrett's parents are here. I.DON'T.KNOW.WHAT.I.WOULD.DO.WITHOUT.THEM."
"I wonder how much it would cost to hire out next year."
"Wouldn't it be nice if I had one of those things called a HOUSE with a backyard to do this." (it was 82 that day and we definitely could have been in the backyard!)
"Oh crap, it's only 10:15."
"Quick, head count. Make sure no one has escaped."
"I need a stiff drink. I have never had one in my life, but today seems the perfect day to start."
"I think I'd rather endure labor again than throw a birthday party."
"Anyone got any valium?"
"I'm sure glad Garrett's parents are here. I.DON'T.KNOW.WHAT.I.WOULD.DO.WITHOUT.THEM."
"I wonder how much it would cost to hire out next year."
"Wouldn't it be nice if I had one of those things called a HOUSE with a backyard to do this." (it was 82 that day and we definitely could have been in the backyard!)
"I can't believe the Christmas tree is still standing."
"It's official: I'm crazy."
And those are just to name a few. I can now see why we only got a party when we were growing up when we turned 8. Good thinking, Mom! During the party, Garrett even turned to me and said "I sure hope Tyler is enjoying his birthday party because he'll never be getting another one." But all kidding aside, this was my very first attempt at a birthday party, and we all learn from our mistakes. And when it comes down to it, birthday train wreck or birthday express, we are just incredibly grateful that Tyler has friends who would want to spend the day with him and attend his birthday party. He got some very nice presents and Tyler had a lot of fun and still talks about his party and how cool it was that his friends came over and I think the kids had a good time. I think it was just me (and Garrett and his parents...) who was feeling complete chaos that day. And now it just gives us adults something to chuckle about, that's for sure. And kudos to Sister Thompson, Tyler's amazing nursery teacher, who basically does this every Sunday. She is most definitely one of the best birthday party moms I know and I admire her to the fullest. I have an even greater appreciation for her now! I do believe it would be in my best interest to pay her for a consultation should I decide to throw a party for 3 year olds again. :)
"It's official: I'm crazy."
And those are just to name a few. I can now see why we only got a party when we were growing up when we turned 8. Good thinking, Mom! During the party, Garrett even turned to me and said "I sure hope Tyler is enjoying his birthday party because he'll never be getting another one." But all kidding aside, this was my very first attempt at a birthday party, and we all learn from our mistakes. And when it comes down to it, birthday train wreck or birthday express, we are just incredibly grateful that Tyler has friends who would want to spend the day with him and attend his birthday party. He got some very nice presents and Tyler had a lot of fun and still talks about his party and how cool it was that his friends came over and I think the kids had a good time. I think it was just me (and Garrett and his parents...) who was feeling complete chaos that day. And now it just gives us adults something to chuckle about, that's for sure. And kudos to Sister Thompson, Tyler's amazing nursery teacher, who basically does this every Sunday. She is most definitely one of the best birthday party moms I know and I admire her to the fullest. I have an even greater appreciation for her now! I do believe it would be in my best interest to pay her for a consultation should I decide to throw a party for 3 year olds again. :)
Well, I'm off to create the "I Survived the Birthday Party: 2007" t-shirt... I'll be sending two your way, Grandma & Grandpa! Thanks for your help!
12 comments:
Thanks for posting this so that the rest of us know what to be prepared for when our little ones are old enough for birthday parties. It sounds like Tyler and friends had fun, and just think, someday you'll look back on this experience and laugh....someday.
Fourteen three year olds!!! What were you thinking!?!? My poor kids get to invite two or three friends for a "play date" birthday so that I don't have to plan anything special. If we have cake or cookies, that's bonus. At five they had friend parties, and I tell you, they are total chaos! Although, I will say, the girls were far easier than the boys! Anyway, glad you survived. I loved the post!
I have barely any pictures from Annie's party last year too. NOw that her birthday is a month away, I am trying to think of something creative to do, but I think I might just try to find somewhere to have it and let them do all the work. I don't think Annie would be too happy if we decided not to have one, spending time with her friends is the best present to her. I am sure no one noticed if you felt frazzled, and Tyler probably loved all the train stuff! Congrats for getting through it.
I love it. I was chuckling while reading this post, knowing exactly what you're thinking, just on a smaller scale. I'm still laughing thinking about the party. So funny to hear your side of it. I think Jackson's party cost way more than the amount of presents he got. Alan and I joked that next time we'll just go buy him $50 extra in gifts next year and not throw a party. BUT, it's so fun to have him STILL talking about it. Lots of laughs.
I kind of felt that way at Meysa's party and there was only four other little girls at the party!!!
So I was cracking up while reading this blog remembering all that was going on during the party. It still makes us laugh when we talk about it. We are just glad we were there to be part of the fun and games!!!! We really are glad!! Usually you have sooo many pictures of everything and I remember thinking for a second during times that Becky should be taking pictures of all that but I knew it was IMPOSSIBLE!!! Love ya-Grandma T
I laughed through this whole post! You are crazy Becky! What great memories you will have looking back.
I am laughing out loud as I read you post!! I'm sure it was total chaos; but I'm sure little Tyler had fun. And I'm sure you'll be throwing more parties in your future. :-)
14 three year olds = 1 really brave mom! :-)
Becky, you make me laugh!
I love it!! I can totally relate. Well, to the part that I am NOT a party mom. And I can't believe you invited so many! I'm sure they loved it, and You'll be great next time! Happy birthday Tyler!
You are so funny! Thank you for the compliment. I am so glad that I come off so calm and prepared because inside I feel out of control. Last year I had Brook come to Ellie's birthday just to take pictures (something I would really suggest!) Ellie and Anna loved the party!
Happy {late} Birthday, T! I love your crazy thoughts. Man, I would have lost it all together. Poor Evan. He has a crazy mother. I hope I'll be able to put a bday party together for him half as good as yours!
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