Fun Fact About the Founder and Family
When I think about who is going to decorate for every holiday, I want it to be me. I overdo my kiddos’ themed birthday parties in the most delightful way. I put so much heart and soul into it I do these parties (with TONS of guests) until they turn 10 years old and beyond that we do more reasonable, chill, fun outings with just a few best friends. One of my local besties and I have had an events business (that is currently on pause as she has received a rare diagnosis that, among other things, is zapping her once vibrant energy and because I have needed to be home for my mom much more since October). And I grew up decorating the house for each holiday (some more than others) and have carried that tradition on.
I shop clearances quite a bit and do so year round (I also shop year round for holiday gifts), but I admittedly am more of a maximalist and find joy in setting everything out for others to enjoy. I will say that I absolutely have price limits for things and will pass 99.9 percent of the time on anything that is priced higher than I want it to be for that item and often hope that I will be back when it’s marked down (or if it’s an online item I occasionally peek back to see if it is marked down, or depending on the app, sometimes they alert me when there’s a price cut) and before it’s done. I definitely miss out on plenty, but always make it all work.
For my kiddos from birthdays ages 1-4 I have a larger family party that includes great aunts and other important individuals who do not necessarily still have children at home to bring along, plus friends and family with kids, and eventually preschool buddies. We are now past this stage with all four kids. From ages 5-10 we do a big theme party with many of the kiddos we know with a fun theme, plus we do what we call the Grandparent party/Grandparent Dinner where we have a separate favorite theme and get pizza or burgers or subs and have the grandparents over separately along with a great aunt who has been part of things for my lifetime (also long ago we had some great grandparents on my husband’s side in the mix for some of these). I don’t repeat themes, simply because I love to do up something new, but I have compromised a bit when a different child really wants something that’s been done. We just put a different spin on it. Starting at age 11, it’s just the Grandparent Dinner with a theme as involved or as simple as the birthday kid chooses. My oldest wants nothing to do with all of this celebrating (very much like his dad) and for his 14th and 15th birthdays we compromised on the “theme” simply being a color. First blue, then the next year, green. My second son, a big sports fan, has had an NFL dinner, an MLB dinner, and this year our favorite college teams merch will create the 13th birthday vibe. This son will also spend a morning at a trampoline place with a handful of friends on another day and we have plans for some favorite foods and a Marvel movie. Planning an outdoor movie Bash coming up for our son turning 9 soon with Soccer on deck for the Grandparent Party. And our daughter is turning 7 very soon after that and will have a bring a favorite doll, stuffy, or action figure tea party with an Alice in Wonderland vibe. Already gathering (and making) all the fun things for less, making my lists, and checking them twice.
And today I am family picnic ready (for just my kiddos and all 4 of the grandparents) with my decor. But we will be grabbing made to order subs this time and starting at 2 PM so we can enjoy all the way until we drive to our new firework-watching spot. I have a few go-to things that I cook, but I don’t love to cook. I do some of the holiday food prep, but when I can sub it out or order in, I love to. My husband is very particular about food and has kind of taken on a lot of the weekend meal prep and providing some kitchen support throughout the week. We also spend tons of time using convenience foods which is a story for another day. Enjoying my slower morning and hoping to find some family connection and some more downtime as the day progresses. Mom says she feels up to joining us for some of it and we are grateful for that as we are for every day she is able to remain at home.
Sandwiched Support 