Birthday Blues

If you know me at all, or you click  here, here, here, or here, you know that I am "that mom" who throws those huge, elaborate parties complete with birthday adventures for all to experience like a trip to Bikini Bottom or adopting a puppy!  I have always loved planning and creating these celebrations that always reflect my kids interests at that time in their life.  I love it!

This year, it was..... a little different. Cordel had a really rough start in school. It was a really big adjustment for him. The rules at the Academy are very strict and he was having a really hard time with it. We had tried everything. No video games, no TV, no friends, extra chores, in addition to whatever consequence the school was implementing, usually missing recess! Nothing was getting through to this kid! So, after much thought and consideration, we told Cordel that if he "struck out" at school again, he would not be having a party with friends. And sadly, he struck out a few days later. I was beside myself!  I just couldn't believe it!

And to make matters worse, we later found out that the strikes he was getting at school were for very minor infractions. VERY MINOR. Now, we as Love and Logic parents know that Our Word is Gold. We mean what we say and say what we mean, and do what we say we will do. So, even though I was having enormous bouts of guilt rack my body, we stuck to our word and had a simply party with family only.

THANK HEAVENS HE HAS A LOT OF COUSINS!!

We did our best to make the party as fun as possible without breaking our word. We went to a park, invited lots of family, opened presents, and had cake and cupcakes for the birthday boy. 

In the end and in spite of the guilt, we felt good about choosing to be parents first and allow our son to learn a hard lesson.

 The Birthday  Boy at his Birthday Breakfast!

Opening presents...

 Make a Wish!!!

 This is one of my nephews friends Lucas. I, in all my walling in guilt and chaos of  planning the "not-party" forgot to buy forks for the cake. Lucas showed us how to overcome that obstacle!

 Happy Birthday, Cordel! We love you so much!