Belle is slightly obsessed with Beanie Boos. On our trip to the amusement park, she fell head over heals for "Hoots" the Owl. Being the scheming Mommy that I am, I told her we weren't buying anything (despite her plea to use her own money) and promptly opened my amazon app & clicked "add to cart". Right then & there, Hoots & I were in cahoots for a fantastic Beanie Boo Back to School Bash.
For the fare, I served owl shaped Nutella sandwiches with marshmallow eyes & walnut beaks. Along with fresh fruit cups adorned with owl punches I designed on picmonkey. To accompany our noshes, I served Belle's favorite root beer embellished with floral straws. I picked up the straws on clearance at Target last spring for 57 cents, but I've seen similar straws at the dollar store too.
When Belle came off the bus and into the backyard to see the table, it was just like Christmas morning. She was beyond delighted to find not only Hoots, but a table full of treats. The five of us sat down together and listened as Belle recounted the days activities & events, pausing every so often to sip from her root beer bottle.
I'm not sure if Belle or the boys will remember the themed sandwiches and tablescapes; but I do hope their childhood recalls a warm feeling and the sense that because they were loved so greatly, someone went the extra mile for them. I pray that feeling builds in their hearts & comforts them on the days when the world is not so nice & an owl sandwich or a snuggly plush isn't going to make it all better. I know that it won't belong until the kiddos themselves have outgrown these little rituals. So for now, I'm going to keep at it and relish each and every one. And with that I'm off to dream up Peanut's back to school breakfast & bash. Thankfully, he's still home until after labor day.
Check out Belle's back to school breakfast
Such a sweet post! It's easy to get wrapped up in the details and forget the big picture. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteYou said it so beautifully. You may be surprised to find out that they will never out grow the ritual. It will probably change with time, but these traditions have a way of continuing. Congratulations on making your family your first priority. Other things can wait--but kids, they need time and attention. I hope one day your kids realize how fortunate they are to have you for a Mom.
ReplyDeletePaige M.
I love this post, I can really understand where you are coming from. Why not go the extra mile? These new chapters are amazing and exciting for them and certainly cause for celebration! You can see the happiness in Bella's face! Hold on as long as you can, I know I will!!!
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