Beating the birthday blues
By Staff
Melissa Cason
If you look in our classified section today, you'll see my two little angels in a birthday ad from Jimmy and me staring back at you. Yesterday, Jordan turned eight, and this coming Thursday, Cameron will turn five.
While I am happy that my boys are growing up, I still can't figure out how my little babies turned into big kids. I am not sure if I will ever figure that out.
Every year we have one big party for our boys in celebration of the days. Before Cameron was born, I can remember vividly hand-painting tablecloths for Jordan's Blues Clues party because I didn't like the ones available at the stores. I remember renting Pooh Bear costumes for both our boys' first birthday parties and making an authentic Pooh cake, which took me hours to complete.
Once Cameron's first birthday came and went, all that extra planning and work went out the window, and we settled in to have easier parties for them. We also decided to go with one party for the both of them because their birthdays are so close together.
We start thinking about their parties in June or July, but nothing is done until late July usually just in time to get their invitations out.
This year, we had their party at the park per their request.
Jimmy bought all the kids little water guns as party favors, which would also serve as a party activity. We had hot dogs, cake, chips, and dip along with the ever-popular ice cream. You know the usual kid party stuff. And, as usual, the kids played the whole time barely stopping to sing the birthday song, and open presents.
We all had a great time, but each year their parties seem to get closer and closer together, which means the years are flying by.
I know that one day when I least expect it, I'll look up and see that my babies are men and that scares me.
As they are now, I know we have two extraordinary children. Jordan is funny and polite while Cameron is loving, but a little wild, too.
My main prayer each day is that they will grow up to be caring, compassionate, and wonderful individuals. I hope they can love and be loved. I hope they can be strong for themselves and for others. I hope they learn to be responsible adults, and that everything worth having in life takes work and compromise.
I just want the best for them as we all do for our kids, and as my oldest gets closer to his teen years, I pray he remembers all I have taught him when I am not watching.
I know I am getting ahead of myself, and hopefully, I'll be more ready to have a teenager in five years. Until then, I plan to enjoy my family, and I'll try not to get so sappy during the time of their birthdays.
