When my children were young, I had such fun planning their birthday parties! I think the golden window when they want themed parties with games was from age 4 to about 10 or 11 years. I was so concerned that we not overindulge our kids that I only allowed a big party every other year. The non-party year was celebrated quietly with just our family and edible treats to take to school to pass out. But the party hardy year, oh we had such a grand time! I would plot with the birthday child for that year's theme. Often it would reflect something that the child really enjoyed that year or was important to them at that time. I had several guidelines that I followed to make things run smoothly. First the parties were always at our house; remember, I was the ultimate micromanager and I wanted to be in my own domain, so that I could attend to every detail.  ("Hello. My name is Cindy and I am a recovering micromanager. I have relinquished control of my children's lives. Namaste.") Second, the parties would generally last for 2 hours. That just seemed like enough time to do a simple craft, play fun games, get sugared up, open presents, and then tell everyone "good bye", without wearing out welcomes. I usually scheduled them in the afternoon. Thirdly, the child could invite one kid more than they were years old. So on Derek's 6th birthday, we aimed to have around seven children there, not including older siblings. And finally, I recruited adult help. Often I would ask one or two of the mothers to stay and help, depending on the ages of the kids, so that Larry could man the camera. Did I say that I had fun plotting these events?! It was like grown up playing for me. I loved it and was secretly sad when my kids grew too old for organized parties.

Since today is Lauren's 22nd birthday, I am featuring details and pictures of her 8 year old birthday party as an example of how we rolled. In future blogs, I will highlight some of the other parties, but today belongs to Lauren. Near the end of her seventh year, my daughter was obsessed with all things lemon: frozen lemonade, the color yellow, and tart lemon flavored candy. Naturally, we had a lemon birthday party for her and her friends. 

Miraculously, the morning of the party, the holly bush on the front porch morphed into a lemon tree, with ripe fruit hanging from the branches. Of course this little cutie holding a basket of lemons wore an outfit sewed by her domestic goddess mother. And coincidentally, the sweet ruffled top and capris were made from fabric printed with bright lemons and blueberries. Wearing a birthday crown made at school, she was all ready to greet her arriving guests. She was so adorable, her dad could hardly take his eyes off of her!

Since the kids didn't all arrive at the same time, I had a simple craft set up at the kitchen table that they could work on until everyone got there. They strung tiny beads to make a bracelet or necklace. They also got a little image face painted on their cheek if they wanted. And then it was time for the games.

First we divided into teams and did a relay race. The object was to roll a whole lemon out the driveway and back, using only a pencil and no bare hands to maneuver the oblong fruit. This was more difficult than you would imagine, given the oval shape. The lemon would roll sideways off the driveway and then the girl would have to start over. Wild, raucous cheering was obviously encouraged! :) And I am okay with winning and losing. Not every child needs a prize just for participating.

For the next activity, our budding foodie chose the blindfold feeding of a little cup of lemon sorbet. Both the feeder and the eater were blindfolded which produced much laughter and a sticky mess. We rotated girls in so everyone who wanted had a turn. The girls on the sidelines would try to coach the girls who were blindfolded.

Next we did a cruel, timed game of, "Who can eat the most lemon slices?" Given her fondness for the tart fruit and her younger brother's cheering, I feel confident that Lauren won that competition. And finally it was time to eat. Lauren chose a lunch of bagel bites, assorted fruit and salties and lemonade to drink.

I usually baked and decorated the birthday cake (did you really think anything less?!), but Lauren had her heart set on a Dairy Queen ice cream cake, so that is what we had, complete with lemons decorated on top.

After the presents were opened, it was time for the girls to go home, goody bags in hand. I think Lauren's little heart was full; I know mine was. Someday it will make me so happy if I can help make homemade birthday parties for my grandkids.