Dealing with Birthday Disappointment

I think I've been referring to my oldest daughter as my "almost 6 yr. old" for several months now.  I've also had it in my head that she'd be getting a big over the top Barbie party with all her friends from school and playgroup.

Unfortunately I've come to the realization that what I had planned isn't necessarily what's going to happen.  Her birthday is in a couple weeks... which is also in the midst of when we're supposed to start our kitchen renovation.

Since my husband will be helping out with the kitchen remodel, I'd be on my own throwing a party with my 3 girls plus trying to entertain a dozen or so more kids.  I'm thinking it's going to be a much smaller affair now.  Just a few friends, probably at a local park (weather permitting) since we can't have it at our house.

I'm just bummed that it's not what I had in mind.  I already explained to my daughter that it wouldn't be all the kids from her class but just a few friends instead.  I thought she'd be more disappointed, but she really didn't seem to care.  Playing at the park with friends sounds like fun to her!

I guess I'm more upset about it than she is.  When you get it in your head of how something's going to turn out, and then it doesn't, it can be a huge letdown.  And feeling like I'm not giving my daughter the huge birthday party she deserves is tough to deal with as a parent.

I know it'll still be a fun day... it's all about her having a good time.  And she is getting a family birthday celebration out at the Grandparent's house in addition to the small get-together with her friends, so I don't think she'll be lacking in the 'birthday fun' department.  I just need to realize that as much as you can try to plan things, you have to leave room for the unexpected and be flexible for any changes that may come up.

It's Party Time... Pear Tree Party Invitations {#Giveaway}!!

Now that Spring is in full swing and Summer is right around the corner, it's time to get outside and enjoy the weather... and that means parties!!  Whether it's for a graduation, birthday, pool party, or just a backyard BBQ- Pear Tree has the perfect party invitations for your occasion.

They just launched their fun new collection so you'll be sure to find the invite that goes with your party theme.  You can also add matching gift tags for that special touch... great for gifts or party favors!

Next month is going to be busy around here for us- birthdays and BBQ's.... it's going to be fun!  So who's ready to party?  Are you planning a party this summer?

BUY IT:  Order party invitations online ranging from $5.99- $10.99 per pack, depending on the style you choose.

>>And if you need graduation announcements and graduation thank you cards, you can use the Code PEARGRAD15 for 15% off your order of $49 or more (offer expires 5/31/11).

WIN IT:  1 lucky reader is going to win 24 free party invitations from Pear Tree Greetings!

Ways to enter (leave a separate comment on this post for each entry you do):

•  Tell me a party you are planning for this summer
•  Follow Pear Tree Greetings on Twitter
•  Like Pear Tree Greetings on Facebook
•  Follow my blog publicly via GFC
•  Subscribe to my blog via Email
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Like me on Facebook
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Vote for my blog at The Picket Fence Blogs (can be done daily)
•  Post about this giveaway (Facebook, Cafemom, Blog, etc.) +5 entries, leave link
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link)

Planning a Party?  #WIN 24 Free Party Invitations from @PearTreeGrtngs via @SusieBHomemaker http://goo.gl/DTxHg #Giveaway ends 5/29

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 5/29/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  As a Pearista for Pear Tree Greetings I am occasionally sent product in exchange for my review.  No other form of compensation is received.  The opinions and thoughts I’ve shared with these products are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Planning a themed costume party for your child's birthday?

Costumes aren’t just for Halloween anymore.  If you’re planning a themed birthday party for your child, why not complete the look and get them their own costume to wear?  You can do a princess, superhero, or animal theme and get everything you need for your child at a costume store.

My oldest daughter is turning 6 in another month and really wants a Barbie themed birthday party.  And I know she would love to wear this Barbie costume to her party- it’s from her favorite Barbie movie.

You can shop for Halloween Costumes | Plus Size Costumes | Childrens Costumes all at one costume store.  Have you ever done a costume birthday party for your child, or has your child ever been to one before?

Mozaik- Entertain with More Style {Review & Giveaway}

I know we're all familiar with paper plates- we use them when we have people over, at birthday parties, reunions at the park.  Though paper plates have come a long way, have you ever wanted something sturdier?  A better, more stylish option?  Yet still be something that's affordable?  Mozaik by Sabert heavyweight plastic partyware delivers just that!

I was lucky enough to review a Mozaik 40 piece plasticware set, service for 8, for my holiday party.  This set is amazing!  You'd never know by looking at it that it's plastic... it looks like the real deal!  It gives you extra place settings but looks way more stylish and chic.  It's very sturdy too, definitely durable enough to wash and reuse, yet still affordable enough to be disposable for easy cleanup.  In addition to the fabulous 40 pc. set, I also received a 2 pack of serving trays and a plastic bowl with lid.  Again very nice quality and it all blends in well with other porcelain and glass dishes.

And think ahead to summer parties, instead of pulling out the fine china or using cheap, flimsy paper plates, you can impress your guests with Mozaik plastic partyware products.  You can buy Mozaik online, including Amazon.com, and in stores like CVS Pharmacy, as well as these other retailers.

WIN IT:  One lucky reader is going to win a Mozaik party pack of their own!!

Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each one you do, or already do):

•  Visit Mozaik and tell me which item you're most excited to try or when you might use this product
•  Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
•  Subscribe via Email
•  Like my Facebook page
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Vote for my daughter in the Fancy Nancy Contest +2 Entries (may be done daily)
•  Post about this giveaway (blog, Facebook, Cafemom, etc.) +5 Entries, leave link
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link) may copy and paste the following:

Entertain with more Style- Enter to #Win a Mozaik Partyware Prize Pack @SusieBHomemaker http://bit.ly/hmshG8 #Giveaway ends on 1/16

US & CAN RESIDENTS

This contest ends on 1/16/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents ONLY. The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn. Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  The product, information, and prize pack are all provided by Mozaik thru MyBlogSpark.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Wordless Wednesday- Birthday Balloons

Here's the first set of balloons we got for our baby's 1st birthday party- this is what happens when you open the van door, it's a windy day, and no one is paying attention to who has the balloons.

Thankfully the lady at the store was nice enough to give us another set for free.  :)  We went with a pink & green baby jungle animal theme (this was after I had already taken the streamers down tho'). 

For more Wordless Wednesday head over to 5 Minutes for Mom & Wordish Wednesday w/ Supermom

5th Birthday!!

It's official- our first daughter is 5 years old!  *sob*  I can't believe how much she's grown over the past 5 years- physically, mentally, emotionally- it's amazing the beautiful girl she's turning into.  She still loves everything girly, pink & purple are among her top fave colors, and she loves princesses (Ariel is her favorite).

My hubby and I put up balloons throughout the house the night before, after the kids fell asleep.  I hung a few in her room and put one of her presents on the floor for her to wake up to.  When she woke up that morning she was super excited to see all the balloons and came down the stairs clutching her present.  We let her open that one before school- a new outfit and Princess coloring book.  She also put the sprinkles on the cupcakes we were taking to her class that day.

After she got home, she opened all the rest of her presents, then proceeded to play with all her new stuff.  And of course, her little sister tried to make herself the new owner and take all the presents for herself!  Here are just a few of the pics from the celebration:

 

Cupcakes w/ sprinkles

Opening first present

Hello Kitty

Remember Punch Balls?

        
Hula Hoop

Beach Towel &New Outfits

Play Doh Food

iCarly Cake & Decorations