Homemade Memories

Well we celebrated another year of the twins life on March 28th!  I really can't believe they are 8 - I mean really when did that happen!!!  Usually I am the lets start planning in January for their party, I spend hours thinking of the perfect theme, colors, food, cake design, invites and what Paige will wear!  This year was a little different... I don't know if it's bc I am getting older of it it's them getting older.  Neither could decide what they wanted to do - one big party, two small parties, sleepover, movies, bowling, Seaworld - even Disney - yeah they reach for the stars :).  I have taught them it never hurts to ask! Paige wanted one friend and have a girls day, Trayce wanted a big party and invite everyone we knew! I told them they had to decide what they wanted and they must come to an agreement.  So for about a week, they went back and forth on what to do - finally they compromised!  I still haven't decided if they pulled a fast one on me... 

We had an evening with one friend each for a sleepover then the next day had a game of bowling and a movie.  Which ended up be fantastic - we did hotdogs, made smores, and Eric and I even played hide and seek in the dark with them - it was a great night!  Then 2 weeks later we had a family party - this was alot fun and special for them to have all their family celebrating with them - it's not all the time we get all of our family together.  However for this party - I didn't stress, I sent email invites out and even used a picture of them from Christmas, I bought what was on sale at Card and Party Factory for the napkins and plates, I didn't spend $100 on cakes - I made a Buttermilk pie for Trayce (per his request) and bought a $9.99 kroger strawberry cake for Paige. These kids had the best time!  They smiled from ear to ear the entire time.  I even enjoyed the party - I wasn't stressed out - I actually visited with everyone!  Not that I don't love throwing the best themed parties - but it was nice to just have a simple homemade party!  Sometimes the best parties are the ones that you don't spend alot of money on but you spend alot of time with the people there.  I have learned alot in the past 8 years - it's not what money can buy that makes us happy its the time and memories we make while just being together!  I can't recall the last party I hosted where I just enjoyed and took in each moment.  I am vowing to do that more often - it's good for all of us.

So keep on smiling and keep on praying - and go have a homemade kind of party!


And aren't these the most precious 8 year olds ever!!! I know I am a little biased!