Old Fashioned Backyard Birthday Party

For years, kids birthday parties have been spiraling out of control and beyond the reach of many of our wallets. I, personally, cannot keep up with the Joneses on this one. With spoiled housewives on tv hosting lavish parties for kids, it's hard to sell a simple backyard party to your own child! Or is it?
We recently hosted a simple birthday party for our daughter, where we made our own pinata, played outdoor games and just let the kids be kids! We served pizza and lemonade, then let the kids make their own ice cream sundae with an assortment of toppings! The kids had a great time! We got so many compliments from parents who didn't realize that the simplicity of it all would go over so well! Next time you need to plan a birthday party for your child, maybe you will skip the huge hubbub of a party and think about the simpler and sweeter things!

Summer Zumba - for me!

I just signed up to take a Zumba class that I've been hearing so much about. I know Zumba has been out awhile but I'm just now getting into the loop. My first class was Tuesday and boy was it tiring! I worked my butt off! We had a great time working out and learning crazy dance moves all at the same time! This is how I take my own "time out" and rejuvenate myself. I've taken a belly dancing class with mommy friends before and we had a blast! This time I also have many mommy friends taking it with me plus my sister-in-law is teaching so it's great so far! I really enjoy being out with other moms doing something for myself, having a great time, then coming home to my family ready to face any challenge!

All good...

Kids are with Grandma....and I'm enjoying some free time! It's always important to take a time out as parents to make time for ourselves and relax! The happier we are, the happier we can make our children! So make sure that when you're running around making plans for the kids - you also make some plans for yourself!

Summer activities

At first I thought "Oh no, what am I going to do with the kids all summer long!" As we are in to the third week of summer vacation - I am finding that we CAN'T fit everything in! They've had play dates and sleepovers, days at the pool and rainy days at the movies, birthday parties, days out with grandma, a huge 4th of July party, sports and games, etc.! I'm so tired I can't imagine the rest of the summer going on like this! I think we, as parents, feel we need to occupy every minute of every day for our children. But, what I find works best is to let them explore and make the most of their summer on their own! The bonus is that I get a little vacation too!