This awesome lady turns 52 (give or take a few) today!
We celebrated with a party at our house last night.
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| She would probably like me to mention that she is wearing her pjs here. And that it wasn't her idea. More on that later. |
I vividly remember buying my mom a little bank in the shape of a doll for Christmas when I was 6 years old. I looked through the whole store and chose for her what I would most want. Nevermind that she had no need for a piggy bank - let alone one that looked like a doll - relinquishing it to her was truly an act of generosity. As we got ready for Mom's party on Friday, I knew that giving my kids the same experience of planning, choosing, creating, and giving would be the very best way to honor the special lady whose birthday we were celebrating...
We began by making placemats for everyone. This took about 2 hours because it included stamps, glitter, hole punches, paints, glue, and even medical tape. (STILL not sure where that came from.)
Then we went to the Dollar Tree to choose her gifts. Eva asked me no less than 12 times if she could pick something for herself there too, which led to reminders that this day was about Mami, not us. But by the time we got there, I was touched by how carefully they made their selections.
River chose the pink icecream truck within about 5 minutes. He originally chose a fire engine, but then decided Mami would like this one better. Eva chose this incredible (probably highly toxic and terrible for the environment but super fun) modeling confetti stuff. She settled on it "because I know Mami likes to do crafts". Actually, Mami doesn't like to do crafts. But she knows Eva does, so she does them with her! And Sage chose these (also likely highly toxic but super fun) plastic balloons that come in a tube.
Next came wrapping. The highlight for Eva was using tape. The highlight for River was "being a big boy so I can use the scissors, right Mama?!". The highlight for me was getting to mix the pizza dough with two contented and busy kids nearby.
At the Dollar Tree, both kiddos also chose a balloon for Mami. We splurged on birthday headbands. (Note...I reaaaaaaaaally like that store. I realize most of the gadgets in it are grounds for a discussion on the ethics of production, child labor, environmental waste, etc. But for now, let's just refrain.)
In choosing our attire for the party, we contemplated many options and finally landed on pjs - because what in the world could ever be better?!!
Mom and Dad were great sports. We enjoyed a fabulous evening together. The kids experienced planning a celebration for someone else, simple giving, and the love of family. And most importantly, we spent time honoring the lovely lady who means so much to us!
