Today is my girls’ 7th birthday … and guess what? I am not overwhelmed and neither are they! In the past we’ve tried to do too much and all ended up tired, crabby and many of us in tears.
So this year we simplified. Even though we believe birthdays should last for days — Birthday-palooza — we tried to keep it reasonable.
Saturday the girls had a day with Daddy, while I was speaking in Marquette, Michigan. They saw the Bee Movie (six thumbs up) and ate out.
Yesterday, rather than inviting all of the girls in both classes and the Brownie troop, the girls chose five friends each (this was a tough task, but made for a much more pleasant day for everyone.)
Rather than planning the party myself, I put myself in the hands of a professional and let her create a very fun party for the girls. I showed up, took pictures and paid.
We had a lovely family dinner last night and this morning…well let’s just say there was singing, silly string and breakfast in bed.
We’ll continue tonight, after they return from celebrating at school.
We’ve all had a great birthday-palooza — mostly because we set our sights and expectations reasonably.
Woo Hoo!
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Eliz Greene is the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Health. Drawing on her experience surviving a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggling to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.
As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com
2 Responses to “Silly String and Expectations — A Great Birthday”
I love it! Though not a mom myself, I see my sister and in-laws sometimes go overboard and get crabby when something goes wrong – like a kid popping the balloons they bought or the little one getting into the cake.
Setting lower expectations means less work, less trouble and more fun. Great story.
It always amazes me how Eliz can make even the most daunting tasks seem easy and effortless. Beautiful family, fantastic career, and humor and compassion for everyone she meets. What an inspiration, a real life wonder woman…