Party Planning… not my thing
When it comes to planning the sprogs birthday parties, I like to keep things very simple. Awesome jumping castle, pretty looking (preferably also yummy tasting) cake, snacks and party food for kids and adults and a take home gift/party pack for the kids. Add in some balloons to the mix for decor, a themed table cloth (or not) and viola! You have a party 
I don’t plan every tiny detail, there are no fancy decorations, the take home gift/party pack is normally fairly simple and I outsource my cake making. My mom takes care of the adult food (because she’s awesome that way) I do the kids food and some adult food and drinks.
I have tried to make the sprogs cakes. I really have? But decorating and design are 2 of my, ummmm… Let’s call them 2 of my-not-very-strong points. The picture in my head never matches the flop of the cake. I get so stressed out and don’t enjoy the process that I make life miserable for everyone around me. Outsourcing the cake and enjoying the build-up and day is far more important to me. I’d rather have a good time with my sprogs, then try and do something that makes me tense.
I can bake. I love to bake! I think I bake fairly well (B can answer any doubters). I made a rainbow cake for Jack’s 1st birthday, and it was a great success. Very much unlike the disaster that was Jessie’s alien cupcakes. The icing was made with white margerine so that we could get the shade of green I was after. It was a lovely shade of green. But it tasted vile! And they looked like something a 3year old would bring home from their weekly baking day. I remember being dreadfully embarrassed on the day of her party as I’d flopped her “cake” so spectacularly. But its ok, the pony that we hired for the day took the attention off of the cupcakes
I do envy all you moms who decorate so beautifully. I admire that you can stay up until all hours designing and decorating your master creations. I’m in awe of your skill. I’m in awe of all your hand-made gifts/party packs and party decor. I love all the time and effort that you put in to create fantasy wonderlands, superhero events and many other themes. You are all amazing moms and party planners!
Its just not my “thing”. Our sprogs have heaps of fun at their parties! They love every second of their parties. That’s all that counts to me. Every time I’m told “This is going to be the best party EVER! And it is
The fact that mommy (me) isn’t a stressed out psychopath due to decorating failure makes a big difference to us!
And, you can’t put a price on a calm, happy day.
WHAT? You mean to say you AREN’T Stepford-like or making Martha proud by being so uber at cake decorating and raising 4 sprogs? (You’re uber just for getting 4 right!)
You most certainly can’t put a price on a calm, happy day! And a calm, happy mother.
Sometimes the best parties are the ones made simply. No one said it had to be perfect and outrageous.
I love entertaining and I will not sit still until the last guest has left the house, but I do so without being stressed – I just do so because I enjoy it. But I still suck at creativity and decorating cakes.
But I have to say, I may enjoy the entertaining, but I don’t envy the mothers up all night long – I value my sleep too much!:)
Sadly not
I wish I was an uber decorater. But even Achilles had his heel. It’s something I’ve had to make a reluctant peace with. 
I love entertaining and cooking. Its a lot of fun. But I too, value the sleep!
Who does your boys cakes?
I outsource the cakes! That’s because I get outrageous ideas for cakes! But M will have a simple but good looking cake for his 1st birthday. I’m contemplating doing it myself! In 3 weeks time!
I’ve nominated you for an award on my blog!
Awesome!
I made Jack a rainbow cake for his 1st birthday. It looked amazing, but wasn’t anything well decorated 
Give it a go
Thanks! Will check it out now
I just made a rainbow cake for Little OL’s party. I love the party planning stage. I get totally carried away – however I only have 1 kid. I know for a fact that if I had more than one there is no way I would go to so much trouble.