Guys, I need to play catch up here on the blog.
I have been so super busy that I have not been able to sit down and write in more than a month.
But you know what that means?
That means that there has been so many wonderful things happening in our lives, that I have been present for each one of those things.
That means that instead of trying to document every single second (as I often try to do) I relished in the beauty of each of the activities, milestones, and moments that God gifted me with.
So here’s the thing: I have been SO busy that Gelli’s birthday was going to pass us by with just a lunch with the family, and a birthday cake that Gelli blew out the candles for during our Best Buddies Teen and Adult Dance Night.
But Ate said to me, “Mom. My seventh birthday was the one I really remember. Can we please do something small for Gelli at school?”
I have to admit. I almost had a breakdown when Gia was insisting on this….
I was facing a schedule of 4 back to back events for Best Buddies Philippines and one event for Mod Moms that I was preparing for…
Here are some of the details from Gelli’s Birthday that we enjoyed as a family.
Birthday girl started her morning with pancakes and bacon (because that’s her favorite meal) and then we went to lunch with her Ninang.
Of course, to keep everyone happy, we chose Chili’s. It’s our “go-to” easy peasy place that has some healthy choices for me and enough french fries and chips for everyone to be happy.
For her birthday in school, we kept it simple with a theme that she loves.
After watching The Incredibles last month, she has often said to me, “Mom, your Elastigirl and I’m Violet.”
And the other day when she was playing with make-up with her Ate, she even wanted to dress up like Edna Mode. (I think that might be her Halloween costume this year.)
Because I am not big into giving away lots of candy or loot that the kids won’t find useful, I have switched over to gifting Gelli’s classmates and guests to her parties sugar cookies in the theme that she is fond of at that time.
Maggie from The Little Whisk is always up for a challenge, her cookies come in three flavors, Vanilla, Chocolate and Red Velvet, and are sometimes TOO pretty to eat. Of course, the kids had no problem digging into these…
Just before Gelli’s birthday I hosted a small gathering of Modern Moms and shared a bunch of ways to make our lives easier. From things like calling in experts to help you mount celebrations for your kids, to using essential oils in keeping your family healthy, and finding the right app to make investments large and small for your children’s education, I was able to pick up some tips and tricks from my friends and the experts who joined us.
This is why it was perfect timing for me and Gia to plan Gelli’s simple gathering at One World.
With personalized Recess Bentos from Mesclun Kids for each kiddo, the cake Ate made for her favorite little person, and cookies for everyone to take home by The Little Whisk, I knew my Gellibelli felt special and was happy with her simple celebration.
Healthyish Recess Bentos by Chef Kat made my life so much easier in celebrating this little one’s birthday. Chicken nuggets that were fresh and not processed, Fruit, and a themed dessert all packed with (not so) sweet spaghetti, was enjoyable for all of us! Of course, Dad and I had a quick bite with the birthday girl too!
You know what my birthday wish is for this girl?
That when all is said and done, and she will look back on her childhood, and understand that Nino and I did best that we could with what we had at that moment. And while I did not have so much time to prepare for her 7th birthday, because her big sister Gia made sure we did more than just dance with Best Buddies Philippines, and have lunch with the family, she was able to have a small simple celebration with her classmates.
WIN. WIN. WIN.
Recess Bento Boxes By:
Mesclun Kids
Sugar Cookies By:
The Little Whisk
Cake By: #giabaked
Cake Toppers By:
Rustan’s
I love this post . I read it with tears in my eyes because I am so proud of you and Nino.
Happy birthday Gelli 🎂🎈💙