A birthday, holiday, long weekend... done
November 30, 2009
I'm exhausted tonight, vegging out in front of the computer going through my photos from the past few days. So thankful that the living of the those days is now through.
If you are a mama you know how much making birthdays meaningful is a huge (and for me daunting) part of our job description. Ok, maybe not huge part of our job description but for the days leading up to and the actual party day(s) it is an energy and time consuming task. A special birthday is something I give to my children, even more so than their actual gifts, out of my own love for them; but that doesn't seem to make doing so any easier.
Brienne's birthday especially is a challenge coming so close to Thanksgiving, sometimes on the actual day. When she was little it was easy; singing happy birthday at the end of the Thanksgiving dinner and calling it good. Now, not so much.
This past Wednesday was Brienne's actual birthday and we celebrated with our traditional gluten free waffles, whipped cream and strawberry breakfast. She choose the menu for the day (with a few boundaries, ie: she got to choose her favorite salad dressing for our salad lunch), escaped all chores and basically had the day to play with her new gifts, which this year were many.
For months Celine has stashed away a few of her prized toys that Brienne likes and that Celine is no longer interested in keeping. Then in the last couple weeks she has hidden away in her room to wrap them for her sister's birthday presents.
From us, Brienne wanted a rather expensive birthday gift; a set of twin dolls. So grandparents, parents and even herself pooled resources for that special purchase. While waiting for breakfast to be finished Laurent wrapped up some small stuffed toys he had made. Brienne was blessed with many gifts and thankfully only one of them had any packaging.
Her day was spent playing and after a take out pizza supper we watched the movie Up. A very good day indeed.
(handmade by Celine)
Whenever possible I like to have parties on the actual day and get the whole she-bang over with at once. The kids don't always choose a party either, which is kind of nice. But a birthday so close to Thanksgiving gets complicated.
This year we planned a (gift-free) Fancy Nancy Goes Bowling Party on Sunday afternoon, with cake and fruit at our house afterwards. Of course I have no photos of the cake and most of the party since there is only so much a mama can do. Cut, serve, pour, photograph, smile, sing.
Birthday, Thanksgiving, making family Christmas gifts day, party prep day and Birthday party day. The story of the last 5 days. The kitchen and I have spent a lot of time together. It was fun while it lastly but I'm thankful it's over. Almost.
My own birthday is coming up this week on Wednesday. On the menu for that day... a well deserved rest. And a date night with Damien next weekend. Perfect.
