One of the hymns from church goes: (and I bet it is not just an LDS hymn as I copied the lyrics from some random site)
Almost as frustrating as people not RSVPing to an event, is the line "no gifts please" attached at the end of a birthday invitation. Especially a child's birthday invitation. Maybe it is the "Southern Bell" coming out in me...but who can go to a party of any sort empty handed? That is just unheard of where I come from! Even if you are going down the street to your best friend's house for supper, you come with something in hand, whether it be a jug of kool aid or a bouquet of fresh roses you "borrowed" from the neighbor's bushes.
Besides, half the fun of a party I am not hosting is planning and creating a fun gift for the birthday child that I hope they will enjoy.
This line was attached at the end of a party we attended just before we left for Louisiana. The line in the evite said, "No gifts please-and I mean it!" (Sorry to use your example K, but I still love you!)
I took it as a personal challenge to BRING the birthday child a gift :) I do that sometimes, get all worked up over something small. And, I had a lot of fun making a pink and white tutu for little ms. 4 year old. I guess sort of like I am getting all worked up over this post lol.
Now, here's the thing...I could care less if you bring my child a gift or not when you attend his party. Because it is not about the gift. Seriously. I know these "hard economic times" make it almost impossible to balance the bills, let alone any extras...don't let that keep you from coming and having fun, because really, that is what is most important. If I could not afford to buy a present, I would not, and based on the situation, would decide if I'd allow my child to attend the party or not. (If I don't really know someone and couldn't do it, it'd be different then a really good friend inviting my child)
However, when an invitation says, "No gifts", a few thoughts run through my head.
If it is for a girl and I have a craft I want to try out, I get a bit angry. :-) I don't have girls! Birthday parties are basically the only time I get to get crafty and pink and curly and cute. Saying "no gifts" is like slapping this mom of three boys who is crafty in the face!
Another thought..."yeah, your kid has a hellofalot of toys, I get that...but couldn't you let me decide if I want to add to your madness or not?" Though, as pointed out in comments, that is kind of rude of me to not honor a parent's wishes.
And...how am I supposed to teach my child the value of a dollar (if he spends his own money on a present) or the importance of giving instead of getting (yes, I know that contradicts the me getting mad at no presents things) ??? Edited: Maybe teaching them that parties aren't about getting is good, too :)
Once there was a girl who wanted pictures for her ten year wedding anniversary.
And that turned out to be a disaster with a capital D.
Thanks ERIKA for rectifying that situation and coming out! We love you and your pictures, too.
So, if you are in the Baton Rouge, LA area and in need of some photo love, give Erika a call! You will NOT be sorry. See more pictures here and here.
Who doesn't like to get a beautifully wrapped package? Especially when that package contains something that makes both Mommy and Son happy?
Blonde Girl provided me with some fantastic cup cake flags for Brennan's birthday...yes, I know his party was over a month ago, but I have not shared all my wonderful goodies from it nor have I given it the attention I wanted to (and I apologize to BG for the huge delay!).
Then there are her invitations...she sent me a variety of samples to see her work. The paper is a nice quality, the envelopes coordinate (there is just something about a colored envelope that I love) and the design work is nice, too.
Have you ever thought about how much good lighting effects your home?
I have...and not just because CSN asked me to share a few of their great lighting products, either. Since I am now a CSN preferred blogger, I will get to share lots of their fabulous products, too!
My living room has a nice big window. A nice big window that doesn't let in any light during the night. Odd how the sun goes out and the moon just isn't powerful enough to give my family light to see, read, eat without spilling all over the floor, etc. My living room also has...NO OVERHEAD LIGHTING! It's basically a cave as the sun sets and night falls, bringing with it a cool breeze and a lack of lighting from the moon. Come on moon, get your act together.
But never fear, check out some of the fab lights and accessories I have found that could solve the frustrations of living in a home with NO overhead lighting in the bedrooms, living room, or craft room. I will focus on my living room, to keep it simple.
In other news, Bart is doing great walking around...he hasn't even used a walker today, though he is no where near 100% stable or "normal" (but really, was he ever really "normal"?). He had physical therapy tomorrow morning so they can assess him and see where he is. Today he went swimming at Ms. Ruthie's house and did great, though he said it felt like he was a dead man in the water. That didn't stop him from (only once) climbing precariously onto the diving board and doing a scary jump. Seriously...he can hardly feel his legs/feet, I don't think doing tricks to impress the boys is really most important right now :). This is probably my favorite picture from the 3rd of July...Bart, ever the fireworks junkie, lighting sparklers for the boys :) My dad helped light most of them, but he was out there with his walker, being a big part of the fun.
Thank you for the many prayers, comments, emails, and bits of encouragement. I know our prayers have helped Bart get to this point at this speed. Hopefully with the therapy, steroids he received in the hospital, and a regimen of Betaseron, he will continue to be an able bodied husband and father.
