Three & Five Tomorrow

Tomorrow my little ones celebrate their birthdays. As you can imagine, there is some excitement in our house. Birthdays are days to celebrate and let the kids become involved. Following are some photos of our preparation. Let's call it a "handmade birthday". And we'll call it "keeping it real." Just some proof that there are still some moms left who don't have 'pinterest-perfect' parties.

My birthday banner.  I should have ironed it before I hung it up.  It looks wrinkly.  No matter - the kids don't care.

Carolin's '5' shirt.  I gave up on the dress that was causing me significant problems and did a simple shirt instead.  She's quite happy with it.  See the "Birthday Girl' ribbon?  We've used that over and over.  Just from the Dollar Store but so appreciated.

Zachary's shirt, which you had a peak of already.

And now for keeping it real. The photo of the decorations my kids made for the big day. 

1. Paper chains made with recycled paper ream covers.  (My dad has a printing company...We get stuff like that.  Recycling at it's best!)  Kids made them and even hung them up.
2.  Dishes.  They're air drying. :-)
3.  Messy coffee/tea shelf.
4.  Lots of special papers on the fridge.
5.  Lunch bags needing lunches in them for tomorrow.
6.  My list and another photo.  And Deanna, who can't resist brightening up a photo.

So yeah, not Pinterest Perfect.  Not even close.  But it's real and love lives here.  I'm just posting this to encourage you all.  You need not plan your kids' parties for months to get it perfect.  Just have some good food, good decorations :-), some cupcakes a few presents and some friends and it will be a great time!

I hope to post again on Friday with some details....