eight.

you might have noticed in Jared's birthday post a certain sparkly silver "star"
hanging over the table...
or not.
when I said something about cleaning up the decorations,
Jack said "You can clean it all up....but please...please leave this"
pointing to the star.

the next day when I was cleaning up...
I decided to move the star into the boys game room...
Jack was elated.
our Christmas star from Germany.
making our daily life just a little more festive.

here is the best advice I can give...
when it comes to birthdays,
and holidays...

save the confetti...
get the straws with the streamers...
the little umbrellas that go in drinks...
keep all the odds and ends that you can re-use
from every themed party you've ever had.
and when it comes to special days ...
pull it all out...
it doesn't need to be neat and themed and matchy...
(although that's nice too)
just do it up...
crazy...
mismatched...
fun.
take out the wine glasses...
use the soccer centerpiece,
with the sponge bob napkins,
and the fourth of july confetti.
hang things...
get out the twinkle lights...
the new years eve hats that glitter.
get a ton of different candles that re-light...
sparkle...
change color...
make sure they know that you love making their day spectacular.
it's just an easy thing to do...
but they notice...
and it matters.

Jack "when is your birthday again mom?"
Me "the 26th...are you going to decorate for me?"
Jack "OH. I can try, but it won't be as good as when you decorate for us"...

mismatched.
crazy love.
xox