We have a very large family; therefore we have many birthdays to celebrate. My husband and I have been blessed with twelve children and grandchildren to celebrate! Over the years we have developed some Family Birthday Traditions. In February we have two adult birthdays and the beginning of March we have one child’s birthday to celebrate. So it is time for me to get planning!
In our family, if you are an adult and you share your birthday month with another adult, you share your birthday celebration. So this month we celebrate my husband’s and our oldest daughter’s birthdays. In the past we have all gone out to dinner together, had Sunday brunches and even birthday picnics. This year we have decided to stay home and have a big barbecue. Steak to make Dad happy and for our daughter’s choice, salmon! We will probably have two small cakes, the favorite of each, ice cream and small presents. We really try to focus on celebrating each other rather than presents.
The beginning of March our fifth child, a girl, turns nine years old. She had wanted to hire a local animal group to come and show their animals, but as my husband pointed out, we have tons of animals to share with her friends. So, we are having a barnyard themed party. The kids will get to hold my new Araucana chicks. I may even get a few ducklings this year. They will pet and chase the full grown hens, pet the potbelly pigs, hold the snake, only look at the plated lizard (he is too strong to hold) and then they will all get a ride on my beautiful horses!
To continue with the barnyard theme we are going to ask everyone to dress in “farmer” clothes, jeans or overalls with flannel shirts and boots. I am going to read one of my favorite children’s books, “Little Peep” to the kids. We will play some games centered around barnyard animals and then top off the day with a cake with a barn and animals on it! I really think she will love this themed party and I hope her friends do, too.
A newer tradition for me is at every birthday party for each of my four grandchildren, I have someone take a picture of me holding the birthday boy or girl. Often, I am busy helping with the party or just don’t show up in a picture of an event. So for my grandchildren, I want them to know that I was there. Some day I am planning to make each child a scrapbook with their Grandma Birthday pictures.
Our tradition of celebrating each birthday is centered around the fact that we are truly grateful for each and everyone of our children and grandchildren. Every one of them is so special and unique. They bring such joy and excitement into our lives. I truly believe that each is a special gift from God to enrich our lives. So I can’t wait for the next round of parties. It will be fun! It always is.
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