A Supercalifragilstic Shindig or two

"Go Big or Go Home." 

This time, we went big at home. 

This year, as Moira turned six, she begged. She pleaded. She prayed for us to invite her whole class to her party. In addition, she could not celebrate the big 0-6 without inviting her other friends and family. 

I am never one to shy away from a challenge, especially related to birthday celebrations. This year, crazy came home as we hosted not one, but two Mary Poppins themed birthday parties back to back. 

Mo has been Mary Poppins' biggest fan since she first saw the movie at 3 years old, and still watches it over and over today. 

We hosted the first party from 11:30-1:30 for fifteen of her Kindergarten classmates. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate, so we were forced to do most of the activities in the house. I hired my two favorite fifth graders to serve as party helpers. 

This seriously is the best $30 I spent!

Our timeline was set, and we stayed pretty much on task. Kite bookmark craft,  pin the bow tie on the penguin, lunch, freeze dance, tuppence toss, Happy Birthday, dessert, and then a Spoonful of Sugar relay. By 1:35 every child was picked up, and by 1:40 the two fifth graders were heading home with pizza, cupcakes and money in their pockets. 

Whereas, we had a much more laid back and less structured party later. Coloring, making kites, pin the bow tie on the penguin, dinner, freeze dance, tuppence toss, Happy Birthday, dessert, and then a Penguin pinata. This second party began at 3:30, and consisted of our family and friends we consider family. 

Overall, this theme lends itself to lots of great decorations, food choices, crafts and games. I do believe we had quite the supercalifragilistic shindigs. 

 Decorations: 

There are not a lot of Mary Poppins specific decorations to purchase, therefore I created a bunch myself. Using a black, white, and red color scheme we added pictures, and banners throughout the house.

Personalized Mary Poppins T-Shirt
"Practically Perfect in Every Way"
Courtesy of Caramel Designs

Mary Poppins Toy

Guests joined the party at 17 Cherry Tree Lane
Image courtesy of The Artful Wayfarings of Kelsey Carlson 

Finding this image from the Musical, we used this as on the online invitation and on the favor bags. 

Banner courtesy of Shanty 2 Chic

Using precut letters affixed to the window frame, we spelled out supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

For more printable images, check out my Pinterest Board here. 

Activities

Kite Bookmarks 

The children colored then assembled foam bookmarks from Oriental Trading Company

DIY Kites

Pin the Bow Tie on the Penguin

I made the penguin out of tag board. The kids took turns attempting to pin the bow tie on the penguin's neck. 

Freeze Dance

Using various scenes from Mary Poppins, the children took turns dancing to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Step In Time, and Spoonful of Sugar.

Tuppence Toss

Inspired from this site,  Moira, Maeve, and I took a piece of white tag board and colored various circles. At the party, the children each received handfuls of pennies. Taking turns, they attempted to toss their penny and make in land in the circle. Each penny that made it in the circle, the kids were able to keep. Those that fell off the board or landed on the white, we returned back to the "bank". 

Spoonful of Sugar Relay

Unfortunately I do not have any pictures from this relay. However, with the large group it was really successful. I split the party into two teams. Using big spoons, which I found at the dollar store, they would scoop from a container of sugar (really it was play sand), run across to the their team's container, dump their spoonful in, and then run back to their team, passing the spoon to the next person in line.

Penguin Pinata 

Dessert

Chocolate, Vanilla, & Chocolate Chip cupcakes with buttercream icing 

Chimney Sweep Marshmallow Pops

Spoonful of Sugar Cookies

These parties were both exhausting and exciting. 

We had a fabulous time as it was quite a supercalifragilistic celebration.

Find my pinterest board here: A Supercalifragilistic Shindig

Six!

I have been MIA.

Yes, I know this.

However, there are posts floating around my brain that need to get out. I will write them.

These stories and observations and party planning successes will again make their way here.

But for today, I need to share about my supercalifragilistic six year old.

Dear Moira,

My lovie girl, my sporty girl, my first baby girl, I wonder if you know how fabulous you truly have become? 

Everyday I look at you and am mesmerized. 

You continue to amaze me as you have become a real reader. I love watching you devour a new book and when you write, I am in awe. You are smart and push yourself to learn new skills. I love that you love to learn and that you love school. 

Still the most athletic kid I know, you have the speed, agility, and strength to go far. More importantly, you have this innate drive to play. Watching you play soccer and softball, brings out not only pride but excitement. I know you are doing what you truly love. 

Your kind heart makes me realize I have done something right. You are an amazing and caring friend and wonderful big sister. (most of the time). Watching you, Maeve, and Margo play makes me so grateful you have each other. 

Finally, Mo I love that you are you. You never seem to worry about what's popular, and instead go with what interests you. I'd love it if you would let me do your hair in something other than a ponytail and I'd like you to wear a dress more, but since those are my only real complaints, I realize I'm quite blessed. 

You are filled with confidence, energy and the right amount of quirk. You are my most favorite six year old in the whole world, and I feel so lucky to be your mom. 

I love you.

Love, Mom 

A Great Day to Be BRAVE!

When Maeve suggested a Brave theme for her fourth birthday party, I eagerly began searching for things related to Merida and her fabulous family. Unfortunately, while Merida is still a very popular princess in my home, her popularity seems to have decreased, as the amount of Brave related accessories and gifts have dwindled.

Thankfully, between some searching on Pinterest and Amazon, I was able to gather enough materials to make this a great day to be Brave. 

Find my Pinterest party planning board here.

Guests followed the blue wisps down our front path, to our door where the festivities were underway.

Decorations

As I mentioned, the amount of Brave related party products are limited, thus I found myself making a lot of my own.

I made the Brave sign using the Little Golden Book as inspiration. 

I found these quotes, printed them out and mounted them on scrapbook paper. They helped to add some decoration to the dining room where the majority of our celebration was held. 

Using a template I created a personalized birthday banner using shades of purple and teal.

I also found a photo of the tapestry and had that on display as well. 

Moira added her own decorations of the Queen, the triplets, the King, & Merida which we displayed for everything. 

Activities 

Coloring

We began by coloring photos of Merida as we waited for our guests to get together. 

Necklaces from the Crafty Corner

We each had our turn at the Crafty Carver and each made a colorful necklace. 

Pin the Arrow on the Target

Because it was winter and we were stuck inside the house, I refrained from using actual bow and arrows. Instead, I created a target and made arrows in different colored papers. A different take on pin the tail on the donkey. 

Teach Queen Merida to Fish

The next game was created by my girls. 

They really enjoy the scene in Brave where Merida teaches Queen Elinor the bear, how to fish in the river. From this inspiration, I made a toss it board, using a photo from the Brave  golden book to make Queen Elinor the bear. There were three holes punched out and then we used rainbow goldfish crackers. Each child took turns tossing the fish into holes. The children loved throwing food, and a few fish did make their way into some mouths. 

Follow the Wisps Scavenger Hunt

Since we were stuck in the house, I decided to plan a final event that was fun and gave our guests a chance to run around. I made clues instructing the kids to run from room to room, and each was tied with blue tulle. The final clue had the children run to the playroom where their favor bags were hidden. 

Birthday Cake 

I used a tutorial from here  for inspiration. I made my own butter cream, and kept one without icing for the birthday girl. It worked perfectly to hold the number 4 candle. It was huge hit amongst the parents and kids alike. However, I now have set the bar for the next birthday confectionery treat. 

All in all, this celebration was a labor of love. 

We had a fabulous time and my Maevie had the celebration of her dreams. 

Happy Birthday to my Brave little girl! 

A Whole Lotta Vagina in the House

"There's a whole lotta vagina in this house".  Moira aged 5

This is the truth when living in a home with three daughters under the age of six.

Mo made this comment not soon after I had Margo one night at the dinner table. My husband is outnumbered in a house full of XX chromosomes, and if pressed, he admits he would not want it any other way. 

To some the idea of three daughters sounds like a nightmare, while others believe it heaven on earth. For us, it's us. Our complete family, the family I had always dreamed.

Generally those close to me have refrained from comments on our female heavy family. It is however the rest of the public who have yet to catch on.  

While pregnant with Margo, I found myself answering numerous questions from complete strangers regarding our desire to add to our family. Pair this with the various unsolicited comments that made their way to me, and one might might believe a notion that for our family to be complete, we needed a boy.

Imagine the disbelief when I had the audacity to outright admit I hoped for another girl?

I still answer questions now, as the mother of three daughters that make my brain question some members of humanity.

These are a few nuggets that came my way:

"Oh. Are they all girls and are they all yours?"

Yes and yes.

"I'm sorry."

Wait, are you talking to me? Why would you apologize?

"You must have your hands full, you know, with three little girls?"

No actually right now they're empty, as the two younger ones are secured in the new car carts and the older one is actually of an age where I can trust her to walk around the grocery store. Oh you mean, hypothetically, my hands are full because I have a house of girls.
Yes. My hands are full. Not because they're girls, but more so because there are three children under the age of six who demand my complete and utter attention 99.9% of the time day in and day out.

That usually is enough to stop the comments. But there are others that stick out as quite memorable.

"Don't you want to give your husband a son?"

Nope.
And frankly this statement demonstrates that the speaker obviously missed the biology lecture in which we learn that it is the male of our species that determine sex. He had his chance, via HIS sperm for a boy. Talk to those failed swimmers that were Team Bry.

"Don't you feel like you're missing out?"

Really? I am at a complete loss with this one. I think the only thing we're missing is another penis in our house. 

"No. I mean, don't you feel like since you don't have a son you miss out on stuff."

Again. no.
Thanks to Title IX and the Equal Rights Amendment, my daughters have the option of pursuing their athletic dreams, and academic pursuits. 

"Girls can't(insert activity here)".

I have two things as of today they cannot do because they are girls. One is become a Catholic Priest, and the other is pee standing up.  Thanks to some childhood friends who invented the Go Pilot, the peeing standing up has a chance of becoming a reality, and in my honest opinion, based on the current state of the Catholic Church, perhaps there may the open door policy for women by the time my girls are of age.

"But who will toss a ball around with Bry?"

Have you met my daughter Moira, or as I have recently discovered was nicknamed the "Mo-chine" by a parent of a soccer teammate? He has nothing to worry about there.

"Who will carry on the last name?"

One of them. All of them. None of them. It's up to them. There is no guarantee that just because we have a son he will reproduce, or just because we have daughters they will take the surname of their spouse.

"Oh, you'll have to pay for three weddings".

Again, not necessarily. Let's get them through high school and college, have them find a good job, and a suitable life partner before we worry about who will cover the expenses for these fictional weddings.

"Girls are tough. They're emotional all the time, and they never shut up."

Have you met my brother?
(Sorry Joey.)

Ultimately, our family is perfect for us just the way it is, four females and one male.

As my husband likes to point, as the only male in a house full of women does have some benefits. We agreed early on after Moira was born, that I would give our daughters the sex ed talk, while Bryan would take on any sons.

Point for Bry here.

Also, we agreed that in general, out and about, I would be the one to take our daughters into the restroom, as the men's rooms are usually less clean.

Again, score another point for Bry.

In the end, I think all parents, or at least most of us hold fast to the notion "we get what we get and we don't get upset". In our case, this is getting to parent three fabulously fantastic little girls. I don't sit around dwelling on the fact we don't have a son, because in the scope of things that matter, it's the furthest thing on my list. And also, if I do have the time to actually sit, it's spent eating, or catching up on the DVR or composing some piece like this.

I don't claim to understand all daughters and frankly I doubt we may fail to understand most girls.  But we do 'get' our girls. Diversity at it's best thrives in our home I do say. As even though they share the same DNA, they are as different as can be.

Our home is filled with love, lots of energy, and as Mo said, a whole lotta vagina.

Four?!?!?

How did she already turn four?

I feel like that cold and super snowy January of 2010 was only a month ago, not four years.

The past few days have been dedicated to our Shiny baby. My ballerina girl and the Sunshine of our lives.

She's celebrated with her Grammies at Sweet & Sassy, then it was brownies and juice boxes at her preschool. Throw in a Brave theme birthday party on Saturday - update to come. She has been lauded to the point of confusion. Asking, is my birthday tomorrow too?

Any way we look at it, she's FOUR!

I love this crazy kid!

Week-end End

This week we were asked to concentrate on 10 Things to do on the weekend.

Instead I will twist this topic on its side a bit, and share 10 things I am known to do on a Saturday or Sunday.

1. Jump in the car for an impromptu trip down the shore for a day of body surfing, sand castle building, and of course some frozen treats from the fudgy wudgy man.
For all you non-Philadelphia area readers, this means we pack up the car and drive the hour and a half to the beach. 

2. Thrown an over the top party to celebrate the birthday of one of my daughters.

3. Hit up the Farmers market. We'll sample some fresh apple cider, buy all kinds of tomatoes, corn, fruit and the occasional loaf of crusty bread. We'll end the morning with freshly squeezed orange juice, waffles for the girls, and devour the most delicious bacon, tomato, corn, & cheese quesadillas.

4. Church - Me plus the older two.

5. Break out the soccer gear, wrangle all three children, and head to our seats at the Philadelphia Union.

6. I try to make my hair appointments for early Saturday morning. This way I'm good for the rest of the day. That is when I remember to make the appointments.

7. From September to November, early Saturday mornings are spent watching my two soccer girls, while attempting to contain my future soccer girl.

8. Saturday night before kids would have been date night. Now, if I'm lucky it can be again! However, instead of heading out at 10, we're in around then.

9. Head to Sesame Place.
Though I usual abstain from Sesame Place in the summer, in the spring & fall, Sesame Place often has special guests headlining. We have seen the Fresh Beat Band and Jack Hanna - animal expert here.

10. Swim Lessons and dinner at Chipotle. This is now our usual Sunday mid-afternoon, and seriously I could eat Chipotle daily.


What about you? What's your typical weekend? Are you lucky enough to sleep? I have memories of that, but alas, three kids in under five years, sleep is just a dream.

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10

This week an open list. We were asked for a list of ten, anything we so desire.

And so I post,  my list of ten topics in which I should never write. Never will I write about the following:

1. Ten simple strategies to add color to your make up routine.

2. Ten ways to get your body in shape just like me! (love handles and stretch marks free of charge).

3. Ten vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian/paleo recipes

4. Ten tips to bring out your child's inner Honey Boo Boo.

5. Ten places you must visit in snowshoes.

6. The ten ways to score a free drink at a club.

7. Ten secret tips to scale down your grocery bill.

8. Ten ways to organize your closets.

9. Ten alternatives to throwing your child a big birthday party.

10. Ten ways to earn money blogging.


What would you never write about?