Happy Monday!
Today is cold and rainy, the perfect day to rest and recuperate after a weekend packed full of celebrating, house projects and holiday shopping madness.
Norah’s fifth birthday party was a success. She had a wonderful time eating, playing and dancing with her little girlfriends. I decided a while back on a Milk + Bookies theme, since I’ve met with the organization’s director and believe that their mission is really fun and inspiring. Plus, books and reading seemed like a perfect theme for our family (much more creative than the Disney Princess theme Norah requested). Instead of gifts, I asked each guest to bring a new, unwrapped children’s book to the party to donate to our local children’s hospital. I thought I had explained the “no-gift” policy to Norah adequately but we still ended up with a few teary moments as she realized that the box full of books at the party was not remaining with us.
The girls created their own books and bookmarks, snacked on cupcakes decorated with tiny book covers, played a game of “book cover freeze dance” (my own creation and a huge hit with the kids!) and left with little gift bags full of glitter pencils, cookies and bookplates to use in their own libraries.
I have to confess something, though. I was trying to really make Norah understand why it was so important to give these books to children in need, and frustrated that she seemed so focused on what she was getting. And yet I hadn’t been setting the best example for her this past week. I didn’t ask for her involvement in the party planning. I didn’t approach the event calmly and happily. I ran around like a maniac to Michael’s and Home Depot and Kinko’s trying to recreate every adorable book-themed decorating project I found on Pinterest. I yelled and stressed and got caught up in the silly need to impress with “my perfect party theme,” completely losing sight of the fact that this day was about Norah. And all she really wanted was a few hours to play dress up with her friends and the chance to eat gobs of sugar. (The fact that I decided to install new flooring in most of our house two days before the party certainly didn’t help my level of anxiety!)
So I guess it was a “teachable moment” for us both. For me, it was a reminder that things don’t need to be perfect, and that this drive to impress everyone with how I can do it all is silly and unrealistic. And for Norah, it was a chance to learn about children in her own community who are less fortunate, and whose days might be brightened with new stories to read. We took a few moments together at the end of the night to reflect on the day, and to talk about why we wanted to share books that we love with sick children. Norah asked me if she could write a letter to include in the donation box. I helped her with spelling but the words are all her own. I couldn’t be more proud of my little girl, who clearly has some wisdom to share with her mama.
Hope your weekends were full of holiday fun, as well as some quiet time to reflect on this season. It’s easy to get caught up in the shopping and hustle and bustle, and much harder to find time just to enjoy the changing weather, the lights and the time to connect with friends and family.
Also, if any of you are interested in adding a Milk + Bookies component to your children’s parties or school fundraisers, please visit their site. They were so great to work with and the box they send for parties is full of goodness: bookplates for the donated books, balloons, stickers, bookmarks and even a tip sheet on how to discuss the charity component with your children. (I didn’t read that until after the party was over and it definitely would have made for a smoother discussion!)
I think you recounted exactly my mood after Flora’s first Birthday party at the park. Actually you were here for it
You remember how crazy I was about where the food truck was supposed to park (and would it arrive at all)? That was just a manifestation of all the other stress I put myself under. The secret is to remember the feeling a year later so you don’t do it to yourself again!
The party looks great by the way and I want to hear more about the book cover game. Sounds like Norah loved it as well.
I know, we all put this crazy pressure on ourselves! And I don’t think blogs and pinterest are helping. It just increases the competition and the thought that every single thing should be photo-worthy and handmade.
So, the game… I laminated full page sheets of book covers and the kids taped them to the floor. Then we did a freeze dance party and when the music stopped they had to get on a book cover. I drew the tiny versions of the covers from a bag and whoever I drew was out (after getting to pick a little cute stamp from a bag). The last girl in got a “big prize” which was a Dr. Seuss book. It kept them busy and burned off some of that crazy energy they have!
Awesome idea!!!
Such a darling party and I *LOVE* this idea of Milk & Bookies. Neato! And such an amazing way to introduce compassion and giving to children. Norah looks darling and the cupcakes look scrumptious!
Thank you
It was nice to have a charity aspect. The cupcakes were delicious although I didn’t have time to pipe the icing on (I know, totally unnecessary!)
Thanks for sharing this Erin. I really like this idea and want to do this for Sophie’s birthday next year (or if not a birthday, maybe a mid-year party). I love the idea of giving back something that really means so much to our family (books!). I think you did a great thing and Norah will appreciate it too.
Thank you!
It was a GREAT party! I was happy to witness some of it and watch our kiddos dance around and be crazy. It’s true, it doesn’t take much for them to be happy when they are at a “party” and with friends. Eli looked forward to her party all week! Believe me, I could go on and on about things RIGHT now that I think is a big deal (getting ready for the holidays, Christmas presents etc.) In the end, I KNOW she’ll be happiest with all the dumb little trinkets she’ll pull form her stocking….
Anyways, another party down and lots more to come:) xo Darci
Don’t beat yourself up too much! Everything you were going through last week was stressful… for anyone! I’ve had one birthday party at my house and I will probably never do it again. I like the idea of having a party somewhere else and then bringing in my own personal touches ever since then. It is hard to do it all yourself. Hope your recovery is going well