children – Page 3

So many graduations! We have had and have the privilege of raising our 3 children along with our 5 nieces & nephews. (See previous blog for that story!) We have watched 7 of our children walk down the graduation aisle. But with graduation comes the Graduation Party, right? I have put together quite a few parties in the last 6 years. So I thought I would share with you some highlights and ideas for your next party.

I like to have the graduate pick a theme. Two of my boys knew exactly what they wanted to do for their parties, but it was a little more of challenge with the other children.

What to think about when you are organizing your party:

Theme
Location
Food
Dessert
Entertainment/Music/Visual
Decorations
Guest list

My first child’s graduation party was a “Pool Party”, this pool party was in Oregon, and if you live in Oregon you know how unpredictable the weather is. You can count on rain, but sun is another story. So we delayed his party until August hoping for a warm party. We rented out a local community pool, and we decided on a potluck style dinner. All our friends pitched in and brought a dish. My husband set up a screen and projector to show our sons “through the years” video I created. For every graduate I create a video highlighting them from birth to the present time. We had some speakers for the video and to listen to music. I bought a bunch of waterproof disposable cameras for the guests to have fun taking photos. It was a little bit on the cold side that day but the pool was heated and the kids had a blast.

Our second son graduated in Arizona and chose skating as his theme. We rented out a local skating rink. The rink provided pizza & drinks. Dessert was Sprinkles Cupcakes at the request of our son. It was a very easy party to host and a lot of fun for everyone.

The last three parties we have hosted, have been at our home. Our niece wanted a “Pool Party”. We dressed up the yard with tiki torches and some twinkle lights on the fence. The boys put up a volleyball net on the grass. We used the screen and projector for her video of course and we used it to watch a movie later in the evening. We BBQ’ed hamburgers & hotdogs and she requested “Nothing Bundt Cakes” for dessert. I have found that with all the other food I have to make and the party prep that getting dessert from somewhere else is not such a bad idea. 🙂

We had a year break then my daughter and nephew graduated together. After much discussion they decided on a “Carnival” theme party. A couple friends really helped me pull this one off. We made carnival games, rented a dunk tank, popcorn and cotton candy machines. We found a great idea on pinterest for a Italian soda bar. This party had everything! Our second son dressed as a clown until he was dunked in the dunk tank! We created a photo booth, had a yummy candy table and of course we had dessert and this time it was Sprinkles again. Do you see a theme here? We decorated with the Carnival theme everywhere as you will see in the pictures below. This party was definitely the most work but it was well worth it!

Whew! That was a lot of work and now we are to the year 2015. “Hawaiian” was the theme for our newest graduate. We went all out for this one too. Hawaiian decorations, photo booth, candy table, pulled pork on Hawaiian rolls along with a lot of other food. Dessert was “Nothing Bundt Cake”! You can see all the decor in the pictures below. It was again a fun party filled with family and friends.

Whew, that was a lot of work and fun! We have one more child to go, but I get a 4 year break before we plan her graduation. I hope this gives you some fun ideas for your next party.

“Darling, it wouldn’t be a party without you.”
~ Unknown

Wow, I am sorry it has been a long time since my last post!

We have a lot going on in the months of April and May. A graduation to prepare for and … you have to keep reading to find out what other milestone is happening with the Birden’s. 🙂

“Why is he leaving me”?

I have found myself saying this a lot. I am taking it very personally as many mothers probably do. I can’t be the only one right! It took me some real reflection to accept that he is not actually leaving me. He is growing up and finding his own way in this world. But he is one of my babies all grown up and the first one to leave home. He is not just moving down the street or to the next town. He is moving to another state, 1350 miles away! I know I am certainly not the first mother to feel the pain of your child leaving home for the first time and I won’t be the last.

When I think about him leaving, the feeling of loss is overwhelming. I can only imagine what it will be like when he actually is gone. It’s hard, I want to be supportive of his choice to move away. I want him to feel good and confident on this move and me not supporting only could result in bad feelings. He is such a smart, funny, well-rounded young man and I know he is going to do well. But ugh I am a little, just a wee bit emotional about it all. 🙂

I remember when our children were little and I would think about this inevitable day. Ha! I thought then that hey, it will be great, I will have done my job and I will be ready to release them into the world. Whoa boy was I naive, it’s not easy. I remember crying when my oldest graduated from High School, thinking “no I am not ready for him to grow up”! But I have been able to have them home through their college years, maybe longer than some mothers have had, but finally it’s that time! So how am I going to deal? How will that void be filled? Well really it won’t be filled but I have found some advice on how I can cope successfully. Hopefully right!

It’s normal to feel very emotional. Whew! Cry when you need to cry but also give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!
Understand motherhood is an evolution. You won’t stop being a mother to your child, you will just do it at a distance and in a different way.
Remember your child isn’t moving away from you, he/she is moving toward their own life.
To help ease the transition of not physically seeing your child. Technology is amazing today, so Skype, FaceTime is a great way to see your child as you communicate.

Our home will always be open to any of our children if they need to come back. I had to move back home during college so I know it happens. I am determined to be supportive and be his cheerleader as he moves into this next phase of his life. He knows we are sad to see him go, but he also knows we love him and support him in this move. He has his own normal emotions he is dealing with, excitement for his new adventure but sadness about leaving his family and friends. He is not moving to somewhere he has never been, he was raised for a large part of his life in Oregon. He will have family and friends there too.

So although I am sad at seeing this funny, loving little boy who has grown to a very funny, loving, intelligent young man leave home. I am also excited for his new adventure!