Monday, March 9, 2009

Think Spring

We had a flower birthday party for Lucy last weekend. I kept putting off journaling about it because my computer was upstairs and as we well know, my camera couldn't make the trek that far to upload the photos, and the photos were a must. We gave everyone a flower to put in their hair at the door, painted flowers on t-shirts, ate flower-shaped sandwiches, and decorated flowery cupcakes because we just cannot wait for Spring! When Lulu first mentioned that she wanted to have a party we were sitting on the floor of her bedroom surrounded by the superabundant, overflowing amounts of recreational matter that fills said chamber. It is completely and utterly ridiculous how much stuff they have! It is difficult for us to get rid of it because the girls really do play with all of it. They need to have 25 dolls because they regularly hold church services and want to have a sizable congregation. They need to have one cupboard full of Polly Pockets because they set up an entire amusement park on a regular basis. They even need 5,678 stuffed animals so they can have a fully attended school. I groaned as I imagined even more toys marching into my house hidden inside brightly colored gift bags. "Could we please have a party without any presents?" I asked tentatively. "Maybe we could even ask them to bring something for someone else that doesn't have anything?" I thought this would be a hard sell, but to my surprise, she immediately said, "Sure!" And never looked back. We had fun getting everything ready for that part before the party and then between all of the flower activities we spent some time putting together hygiene kits to give to a local shelter. They all really got into it! It was strange going straight to the candle blowing without any present opening and I must admit that I was really second-guessing myself that whole afternoon. How could I take away the best part of a birthday party from a nine year old? After it was all over, I asked her, "Was it okay that you didn't get any presents?" She quickly replied, "Oh, I liked it better that way. I really love to give things to other people. It was like Christmas!" Christmas?  I thought that was about getting gifts, too.  Apparently it is about giving.  How marvelous!  I often think that I don't deserve my kids.




5 comments:

Shaharac said...

This is the most brilliant birthday party of all time. Can I copy you? Please, pretty please, I have two spring birthdays coming up in April, and I think I can sell this. Also, I feel the same way, all bedrooms are adorned with far too many toys. And, sadly, mine do not play with all theirs. I feel this way about Christmas, doing a d.i. run or good will with toys before hand, and then the same for b-days. You are truly a mommy for all to look up to, glad for the re-connection.

Melba said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melba said...

What a very sweet girl you have to be willing to do that. I'm impressed (and a little envious as I'm not sure that my kids would go for that - well at least not all of them). I want to copy too. Very fun. You are so creative:

Ellen said...

Wonderful, what a wonderful idea. If everyone was like that, what a wonderful world this would be. Lucy has already learned some wonderful lessons.

Stacey said...

It is because Lulu has amazing parents!! She feels secure enough to want to give to others-most people don't ever get there at all. Adorable picture of Phin-he is gorgeous!!! I am looking forward to Bex wearing tank tops this summer.

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