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LGBT Parenting
2brides
member
Big Birthday suggestions needed
2brides
member
L is turning 50 in 2 months (yes, I know she is older than some of your mothers!) She has said she doesn't want a party and we don't have the money to travel anywhere (nor the overnight babysitting option to go away...just the two of us.) Plus, it is in March so none of the nearby driving destinations will be very warm and L can't ski because of her back.
So I am trying to figure out what to do to make it a special occasion (she really doesn't care about fancy dinners - she isn't a foodie.) She told the kids that she wants Harry Potter legos from them, so I will do that. And I will buy her an iPhone 4S (but I think I may be more excited about that than she is!) But I don't know what else.
I read on someones blog/Pinterest about a daughter who sent letters/e-mails to all of her father's friends asking them to write a letter about memories of him/experiences they have shared/etc. She presented the letters to him on his birthday. I thought about doing this, but I wondered if it is too much of a "this is your life" kinda thing (ie. may be better for a 75th birthday!)
Thoughts? Suggestions?
So I am trying to figure out what to do to make it a special occasion (she really doesn't care about fancy dinners - she isn't a foodie.) She told the kids that she wants Harry Potter legos from them, so I will do that. And I will buy her an iPhone 4S (but I think I may be more excited about that than she is!) But I don't know what else.
I read on someones blog/Pinterest about a daughter who sent letters/e-mails to all of her father's friends asking them to write a letter about memories of him/experiences they have shared/etc. She presented the letters to him on his birthday. I thought about doing this, but I wondered if it is too much of a "this is your life" kinda thing (ie. may be better for a 75th birthday!)
Thoughts? Suggestions?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Big Birthday suggestions needed
When my mom turned 50 (years ago!!!), we threw her a surprise party and included notecards for people to write their favorite memories of her to bring to the party, and we mailed them away to a lot of people who we knew wouldn't be able to come. She loved them, and I was happily surprised at how many replies we got. I never thought about it being a "this is your life" kind of thing, and I don't think she did either.
Is there someone she loves but doesn't see very often that you could fly in for her birthday? Cheaper than you traveling, and you won't have to worry about babysitting, but it's still special and unexpected.
If it's a weekday, maybe you can both take the day off and take the kids to school and then enjoy a lazy day together.
If she is into Harry Potter, you could have a themed dinner (close friends or even just the four of you): https://www.hostessblog.com/2011/10/spectacular-deathy-hallows-dinner-party/
I like the letters idea--we just held a 60th for a friend's mom and had a place where people could share memories/wishes for her. She loved it!
well, now i feel old.
I think a theme party - just for you and the kids - sounds fun and special.
What about doing a photo album of her life? it'd probably be easier to get ahold of fav photos from lots of people than letters. you'd need to scan some photos, etc, but it would be an amazing keepsake.
would she be into a spa day?
the themed dinner sounds like fun!
alternatively, lets meet up in philly again, we'll take the boys for a playdate/sleepover (sprout would be beside himself!) and you two can have a lovely night out
Blogs: Our Growing Family - CT Working Moms
I like the idea about a photo album. I know someone who gave her partner a Family photo album for Christmas and I thought it was a neat idea. It was an album about all the special things they did/shared together.
CT - The boys would be THRILLED. No....ECSTATIC.
I make photobooks every 6m of the boys/the family. And honestly, I don't have many pictures of us pre-kids.
I like the HP dinner idea. I am searching Etsy now for fun decorations.
I sent her an e-mail yesterday morning about working half a day in March (about 2 weeks after her actual birthday) to go see Spamalot (which I think she would love!) I haven't heard yet since she is home with the flu.
I wish she wore jewelry..I have found all kinds of things that I think are cute.
The consenus on the private board I am on, is that the letter thing would be better for an older birthday. So now I am torn on it.
We are doing a spa day together as part of our Christmas gift to each other. We are waiting until she gets her first 3 chapters back since she will have to turn them around quickly.
I have thought about seeing if I could fly her BF in. But she is in Cali and I am not sure I can afford to fly her out here - plus a hotel. Not sure she wants to sleep on an aerobed in the kids' room (she is 12 years older than L.)
I am wondering if I am giving this too much thought. I know we are going to have a party when she finishes the PhD. Next year at the latest.