by Claire
My son will be 13 years old tomorrow. I’m so excited! I’m heading to bed early tonight because he has requested a birthday breakfast and that’s going to require waking up pretty early. I want to share that even my approach to birthday celebrations is different these days. In the past it would have been breakfast and supper out and maybe even lunch too! Then it would have been a separate birthday party for his friends. There would have been balloons and cardS and several “small” gifts plus a “big” one. All of that now sounds absurd to me and, fortunately, to the kids too. We’ll be dining in for all meals tomorrow as I planned his favorite meals with the regular grocery store trip this week. He’s having 7 friends over on Saturday night to have a video game tournament. I’m sure you’ve heard of those “video game truck/trailers” that charge an obscene amount of money for 2 or 3 hours of video game play. With the help of friends, we are putting together our own video game tournament that sounds like it is going to be much more fun. By simply asking to borrow things, we will have four televisions and four x-boxes to use and they can play all night. We are setting up the four televisions at the center of our large 6×6 square table in a manner allowing 2 boys to stand in front of each tv. If you play video games this likely means more to you than it did to me when my friend initially helped us think this up! I’ve talked to parents and gotten their agreement and I will be a wee bit OCD and label everything that comes in the door so that it all makes it back out the door. I’m ordering cheap pizza and making some chicken wings and calling it a party! I don’t think I will have ever spent so little and my son and his friends are thrilled.
This may not sound like much to you financially savvy types but I can see my progress. I can see the progress of my kids. The vast majority of people in my “circle” pay the $500 for the video trailer thing even when they may not really have that kind of money. I know I have a long, long way to go but these types of decisions WILL get me there. Thank you so much for the many kind comments this week. They often came exactly when I needed them to! As one reader said this is a process. I didn’t get here fast and there is not a quick exit ramp–especially given my marital situation.
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
That sounds like a fantastic party, one he will remember for years to come and that is what’s important, not how much $ were spent!
Sounds like an awesome party!
You right– you won’t get out of your situation quickly, but making a series of better choices will make you feel a lot better about the series of ‘iffy’ (i refuse to say bad because if you learn from them, they’re not all bad) choices that led you to this place.
Don’t let the crankies get you down! You’re doing great 🙂
Claire,
That is too cool. My son will be turning 13 in the spring and I think I might steal your idea… Your son is going to have a fantastic party.
Your party idea sounds like a blast. My 5 y/o loves videos games so I might borrow your idea too 🙂
I too did all the crazy expesnive party stuff for all of my kids. Tomorrow is my and my youngest’s birthday and for once it’s not gonna cost a cent. We are making mini cupcakes to bring to daycare so she can have a party with her friends. That’s it! As for me, since we are attending a wake I am in no mood to celebrate.
Happy 13th Birthday to your son!!! (I also have a 13 y/o so maybe you can tell me where the time flew)
I read part of this post to my husband and he wishes he could come! 🙂
I wish I could have a party like that. Haha. I hope your son is having a good birthday today and going to have fun Saturday night during his video game tourney!
Things *are* bigger in Texas! I lived there briefly and was surprised at how many people seemed to live so large. I think more people live beyond their means in a show-offy kind of a way in Texas than where I live now, in North Carolina. It’s a different culture. I am proud of you for being creative and it sounds like your son is going to have a wonderful birthday party and a great birthday. Happy birthday to him!
i noticed this too when i moved to texas. The cars! they are all new! and everyone has a big Texas Edition pickup truck, or a fancy foreign luxury car. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Our 22-year-old son still gets comments from his friends about how awesome his birthday parties were—we did the same thing you are doing. Oh, and no bedtime!
Brilliant. Proof that spending money isn’t the same thing as having a good time.
I think this sounds like a very financial savvy idea. I had a video game sleepover for my son’s 8th birthday this year. He loved video games but doesn’t have a system so I borrowed my nephew’s xbox. Now I plan to get my son one (a cheap one) for christmas. Life doesn’t stop because you are getting debt free. Kids should have a fun birthday and a few presents on christmas. It’s just important to budget them and plan early.
these are the types of parties i was used to, not because my family was trying to be frugal but more because we didnt have the money for those crazy parties. the time with friends and the fun at home won’t be forgotten.