Birthday Quandry: Birthday Party For Three

A birthday cake
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So here is the question for today…

My nephew, my neice and Analiese all have May birthdays all within two weeks of one another.  Each year we do a family and friends party for each kid.  This year we thought that perhaps we should combine all three of them and do one family party.  This means that family will only have to come to one party.  This means that it will be one day in the full month of May to have to donate to these birthdays.

So here is the problem.  Rob thinks that it is wrong.  He thinks that then friends and family will be strapped having to buy three presents all at once.  He thinks that it is just wrong and has told me to back out of the idea.  The trouble is that it was my idea and I still think that it is a nice one.  The other problem is that we have already mentioned it to people and how do we cancel now.  I am not worried about gifts.  Analiese is turning 2 and already has all of the clothing, toys and stuff that any two year old could need.

I want to know what you think?  Is this party a bad idea?

Becca

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Webkinz Day Extravaganza: Webkinz 4th Anniversary Celebration

KEY BISCAYNE, FL - DECEMBER 21:  A Webkinz stu...
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Webkinz is celebrating its fourth anniversary with a bang.  Each year Webkinz has an extravaganza and this year will be no different.  From May 1st through the 3rd all stores who sell Webkinz have been asked to participate.  Here are a few highlights on what you can expect:

  1. Stores selling Webkinz have been asked to sell a Webkinz pet for $1 with a $15 purchase from their store.
  2. There will be in store events, giveaways and prizes.

I know that last year we went to the Chester Greenery and bought some flowers and left with two free webkinz.  The kids had a chance to spin the wheel of WOW where no one is a looser.  It was a great time.  I know that all stores do it differently but I am sure no matter what your local store does it is bound to be fun.

Last year the kids each got a Webkinz and I bought two others which were on sale to save for birthday presents for parties in which we are invited to.  I would strongly suggest fining out what your local store is doing.  I know that last year we had a  blast.  I have not stopped in to the Greenery yet to see what she has planned but I am sure that it will all be a lot of fun no matter what it is!

Becca

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Pirate Cake

Simple pirate cake!

Simple pirate cake!

No pirate party is complete without a pirate hat cake.  This cake was so simple and so fun.  It is a must for any pirate party!

Here’s how I did it:

  1. Bake 2 round cakes
  2. Let the cakes cool
  3. Ice the top of one cake
  4. Place the second cake on top of the first
  5. Cut about 1/4 of the circle off
  6. Cut the smaller piece in half
  7. Place cake up vertically
  8. Ice and decorate

Please visit family fun for more detailed directions to this cake.  This cake is sure to please.  Let me know how yours comes out!  To check out a tea pot cake for your little princess please click here.

Becca

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New Year’s Eve

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 07:  The newly-designed Ti...
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Not Quite what it should have been:

As the ball dropped in Time Square this year I was feeling a little down.  New Year’s Eve. was partially ruined when Analiese threw up everywhere just before we were about to leave.  This made Abigail beyond anoyed, it made Emma cry and it left me yet again in a place where I was about to feel disapointed in myself.  I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry and be anoyed right along with the kids.  I hate change even when it is so small and minimal.

I had to stop as we got in the car and regroup.  I could not start out the new year bad.  I told Abigail and Emma we were on a mission.  We needed to gather everything we could think of from Grandma’s and Pop-pop’s and make a party at our house. I knew that they still had tons of left overs that they were looking to get rid of and I was short on cash.

As we began to rummage through the treats in their house the girls began to have a good time.  They started to look forward to our small intimate party.  We left with cheese and crakers, some dips and chips, a plate of cookies, fruits and veggies to snack on and even drinks.   In the car on the way home from our treasure hunt I assigned each child a job with an adult to help.  Abigail and Dad were in charge of the food and drinks and Emma and I were in charge of streightening up the livingroom and setting up a small table for our new found snacks.

The amazing thing was that we all had fun.  We watched the ball drop and a few of the musical acts.  This year we did it by the light of our Christmas Tree and the comfort of our couch.  There were people who were disapoointed that we did not come.  We even recieved some funny calls from friends who wated us to come and sit in the car as the ball dropped at their house so that we were a part of the party.  Just between you and I it was a nice change of pace.  I enjoyed this New Year’s Eve more then any other.

I think that the thing that I walked away from in 2008 is that when I adjust to the changes in a positive way the kids will follow.  I think that we will all remember this New Year’s Eve for a long time to come.

Becca

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Party Checklist: Children’s Birthday Party

As a parent I know that there is so much to get done before the big birthday party. When should the invites go out, when can I start preparing. I have found that it is always easier to use a party checklist to get the job done right. Here is the checklist that I use. It should be helpful.

A MONTH BEFORE:

  • Decide on a date
  • Choose a location
  • Develop a tentative menu
  • Pick a party theme
  • Research different party games
  • Decide on favors and order if you are buying online. This will save you from having to pay for express shipping.
  • Write out your guest list. Usually about 1/3 of the children invited are unable to attend.

2-4 Weeks Before the Party

  • Send out your invitations.
  • Purchase any paper goods needed. Always buy more forks. They go the quickest.
  • Place balloon order if you are planning on balloons

1 Week Before the Party:

  • Make the cake. If you are making the cake make it and freeze it. If you are buying it it should be ordered
  • Shop for food and drinks that will not spoil

2-3 Days Before the Party:

  • Prepare all food that can be made ahead of time.
  • Call all of the people who did not RSVP
  • Assemble goodie bags with Toys, novelties, and candy.
  • Buy fresh meat and produce

Day of the Party:

  • Set tables and arrange seating if you would like that done ahead of time.
  • Prepare food.
  • Icing homemade cake
  • Set up all birthday party games and stations
  • Pick up balloons
  • Relax, smile and enjoy the party.
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