Monday, February 21, 2011

celebrating.

 





 



I know you're probably thinking what everyone else is thinking:

Is this girl's birthday over yet? 

Clearly you do not know me.

In all seriousness, I catch a lot of flack for celebrating my birthday all month long. Even my 92-year-old grandmother looked at me in confusion when I told her I was having a party this weekend. "Another one?" she asked, rather incredulously. "Didn't we just do that?"

Yes. Yes, we did.

But on Saturday night, I celebrated again, this time with the help of some of the most wonderful friends a girl could ask for.

And when all was said and done, it was all worth it: the planning. The money. The trips to Party City. The last-minute food decisions (we catered. because honestly? me cooking for 20 people would have been fun for no one).

I had begun to have some doubts over the last few days that a party would even be worth it. Because I started to realize: Grown-ups don't really throw themselves birthday parties.

But whose idea was that anyway?

Because I don't think celebrating has to be a kids-only thing.

And I had one of those moments on Saturday night.  When I looked at my friends laughing and talking so loudly that I couldn't even hear the music anymore. And I thought: This is what life is meant to look like. And I wish we had more moments like that. Wish that sometimes it didn't take so much effort and work to encourage conversation and slowness and fellowship and time-out-from-life-ness.

But sometimes, the good things take work.

And Saturday night was a good thing.

Growing up, my parents made a big deal out of my birthday. We're just a family that celebrates. And on Saturday morning before the party, when my mom and dad stopped by to check out my handiwork (that I'd completed with the help of a very patient husband and some very loving family members), dad told my mom something that I thought made it all worth it.

He said he was glad to see his daughter living out a legacy of celebration.

I know I can be a little bit ridiculous about party-planning and birthdays and holidays... But why not?

Why not be a little ridiculous?

Why not celebrate the milestones?

What's life without a little bit of celebration?

So, look, let's forget about being grown-ups sometimes. Because being grown-up is hard: bills and late nights and early mornings and jobs that make us stir-crazy and taxes and grocery shopping and being so tired you put your pajamas on at 6:00.

Let's take some time out of the schedule -- even if it takes some work -- to celebrate. Birthdays, new jobs, friendships, love, our favorite television shows or board games: Let's just celebrate.

Because in the midst of it all, I think we're supposed to have a little bit of fun.

Post-edit: My dress was a Valentine's Day gift from the hubs. It's from ModCloth and can be purchased here. The cake was the creation of my very talented friend, Julianne.

15 comments:

Staley Mc said...

Why not celebrate all month long? It looks like an awesome party!!

monster cakes said...

I love throwing child-like b-day parties! This is so cute! Mine is coming up in less than 2 weeks, but I'm debating how to throw one on a budget! Yikes.

Kelly Sauer said...

I have been following you for a while, and girl, I like your style. I would love to be like you when I grow up!

Sabrina said...

Your party looks like it was fantastic. I can just tell from the pictures:) Enjoy every bit of your 25th year friend!

Marli said...

Happy Birthday!
Memory*

Four Flights said...

Oh Annie I couldn't have said it any better. Being a grown up IS hard work (and just wait till you have kids wink, wink)! I'm so happy you have a zest for life that you will go to all lengths to throw yourself a party like this, why the heck not?!? On Saturday, after a day packed with 2 toddler birthday parties, we were exhausted, yet we had plans for a date night that night. We told some friends we were supposed to be going out and they looked at us in mock horror. I said, "I have a sitter, I'm going out with my husband damn it!" And I did, and we had fun, and got home by 10:45 and went right to bed :)

Anonymous said...

My question.....is it okay to throw yourself a birthday party? 'Cause.....I'm thinkin that's what Katie and I are going to do for our 26th.....thoughts?

Anonymous said...

Oh, yay! I'm so glad your friends got to celebrate your fabulousness (and you, you completely deserve to be celebrated--every year!)! The party looks like it was all kinds of fun!

Anonymous said...

That looks like so much fun! Happy birthday!

Rachael said...

That's a good way to look at celebrating!
And life too.

Anonymous said...

PS - Check out the "Bloscars" http://eisymorgan.blogspot.com/2011/02/introducing-bloscars.html

shah wharton said...

Celebrate them to death - when you reach a certain age you feel less needing to and less likely to. Do it now and enjoy. Looks great. Wish I'd done so - You know I've never had a birthday party - not even as a baby apparently, though I wouldn't have remembered anyway. My 18th and 12st came and went unacknowledged too. I am thinking that I'll do something for my 40th next year though. Take a leaf out of your fabulous book! Shah X Oh and happy birthday month!

Laura said...

I LOVE to celebrate and I force my husband and kids to participate even though they aren't really much into it. And that cake is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I love your dress! Do you mind saying where it's from. I'm fairly new to your blog but, I really enjoy it!
~Amy

danielle @ take heart said...

i love this! SO fun!!