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How to Throw a Simple Birthday Party

How to Throw a Simple Birthday Party at happyhomefairy.comI am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy here.

My firstborn’s 2nd and 3rd birthday parties were wild extravaganzas (you can see them HERE and HERE).

I devoted hours to Pinterest researching themes and decorations and food inspirations.

My mom and I joined forces and rented bounce houses and put together favor bags that would make Oriental Trading jealous.

We had a buffet of sugar and fun activities planned and invitations that might as well have been delivered from the White House.

It was crazy town.

Then sometime before he turned 4, I asked Happy Buddy what his favorite thing about his birthday was and he said, “Being with my friends.”

I was shocked.

It wasn’t my elaborate birthday party.  It wasn’t the napkins I had special ordered.  It wasn’t even the expensive bounce house.

His answer gave me the freedom to CALM DOWN about parties and ever since I have been committed to something I call –

SIMPLE BIRTHDAY.

Your kids don’t need a big fuss.  They just want to be celebrated and be surrounded by the people they love.  And that can happen without breaking the bank or your back in a bounce house.

Here is how to have a Simple Birthday Party for your little buddy.

Invitations

Send a text to a small group of friends and family with the details about the party.  DONE. 🙂

Paw Patrol Party 4Pick a Location

We have hosted birthday parties at my mom’s house and at ours, but this has usually left us with a massive clean up.  Do you know what has been my favorite birthday party venue?  A park.  Seriously the easiest thing ever.  I pick a park that is fun, but doesn’t have a lot of traffic.  The kids can run around while the adults talk and everyone is relaxed.  When it’s over, gather everything up and throw it away.  Drive home to your clean house.

Pick a Theme

This is one of my favorite parts!  I love having my boys brainstorm a party theme that reflects something they are passionate about.  What is their favorite show?  Game?  Sport?  Toy?  We have done monkeys, trains, turtles, Minions, Peppa Pig, and, most recently, Paw Patrol.  Go to Target or Party City or hop on Amazon and buy a plastic tablecloth, some paper plates and napkins in said theme.

Paw Patrol Party 2Food

We have found pizza to be the easiest answer here.  My boys both love it.  Pretty much everyone loves it.  It’s not that expensive.  It feeds a crowd.  It doesn’t require utensils.

Paw Patrol Party 3Cake/Cupcakes

This part is probably the only part that I invest a little bit more time into.  No fancy fondant – just boxed mixes, but I really like making the birthday child’s cake special.  I usually use the theme as a good place to start for inspiration.  If that doesn’t work, I will consider doing a cake in the shape of the number they are turning (like Happy Buddy’s number 5 cake HERE).  Or simply covering the entire thing in colorful M&Ms (like HERE).  Cupcakes are even better than cake because they don’t need utensils (love THESE cute pig ones we did last year for Happy Baby).

Or you could just order a cake from your local grocer.  Or stack some brownies on a plate and put a candle in the shape of their birthday number on the top.  Cute and easy!

Activities

Put out a box of chalk.  Set out some bubbles.  Get a bubble machine.  Have a Frisbee or giant ball on hand.  If it’s summertime, pull out the sprinkler and let the kids run free.  Kids are usually pretty awesome at entertaining themselves.  You don’t need to hire a magician or clown to encourage a good time.

Paw Patrol Party 1Favors

Dollar Spot coloring books, stickers, or glowsticks.  Just a little something to say thank you for coming.  People don’t really want a bag filled with items that will probably just end up in the trash later, so if you’re going to do favors at all, try to pick something that is useful.

That’s it!  Just spend time enjoying your child and his special day!  Don’t worry too much about it being perfect.

Because you know the best part of the whole day is the simple joy of hearing everyone sing Happy Birthday and seeing your miracle birthday buddy blow out those candles.

Joyfully,

Julie 🙂

Sharing is caring!

Birthdays
Birthday Cake, Birthday Party, Birthday Traditions, Birthdays, Cupcakes, Paw Patrol Birthday Party
13 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

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Reader Interactions

13 Comments

  1. Barb Ingram

    April 7, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Yes, yes, YES!!! It saddens me that people go so crazy over elaborate parties and events — even to the extremes of mani-pedis for children, limos for kid parties, over-the-top venues, decorations, entertainers, rentals. Simple truly is best for everyone — parents, guests, the birthday child. This goes for parties parents provide at schools, too. Every teacher I know will say AMEN to that! :o) Thank you, Julie!

    to Barb Ingram" aria-label="reply to this comment to Barb Ingram">reply to this comment
  2. Barb Ingram

    April 7, 2016 at 11:25 am

    PS — a fun way to do a “cake” is to stack iced donuts in a pyramid and add candles. Less crumbly and messy than cake, as well as less waste (I’m looking at you, cupcakes with the icing licked off).

    to Barb Ingram" aria-label="reply to this comment to Barb Ingram">reply to this comment
  3. maria jenkins

    April 7, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    what about a winter birthday my granddaughter’s birthday is in January they live in northern virginia so no park locations for us..any suggestions

    to maria jenkins" aria-label="reply to this comment to maria jenkins">reply to this comment
    • Rachel Deer

      April 8, 2016 at 10:18 am

      Oh yes! My little girl’s birthday is at the end of November. It’s usually cold and coldy here in Mississippi that time of the year. Any ideas for cold weather parties? We’ve done the party at the house 3 times (she is 4). I can’t do it anymore! Our house is really tiny. Would love ideas from other too!

      to Rachel Deer" aria-label="reply to this comment to Rachel Deer">reply to this comment
    • Rachel Deer

      April 8, 2016 at 10:21 am

      M,y child’s favorite birthday so far (and she’s been to the bouncy house, the museum, the entertainment centers, etc was one we went to a few weeks ago. It was in someone’s backyard. They had a swing set and a few games for the kids. Simple. Just like when I was growing up. I don’t know what started it, maybe it is Pinterest to blame, but when did we all feel compelled to go crazy extravagant? Specifically for small children who won’t notice or remember it anyway??

      to Rachel Deer" aria-label="reply to this comment to Rachel Deer">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      April 8, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      LOL! You are so right – WINTER – I forgot about that! How about a free location like an ice cream shop or a Chick-fil-a. Sometimes fast food restaurants have an indoor play structure! You could also check with your community and see if there is a small community center that rents out a space. Or find someone with a big basement and pack everyone in! Those are my initial ideas… I will keep brainstorming!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  4. Ashley

    April 8, 2016 at 9:20 am

    Love everything about this!!!

    to Ashley" aria-label="reply to this comment to Ashley">reply to this comment
  5. Sue Sparks

    April 8, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Great advice and great ideas! Also, Congrats on your book!!!

    to Sue Sparks" aria-label="reply to this comment to Sue Sparks">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      April 11, 2016 at 9:47 pm

      Hey Sue! Thank you so much! This made my day!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  6. Danielle

    April 8, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    This is awesome! You make it sound simple, yet still fun and creative. Thanks happy home fairy 🙂

    to Danielle" aria-label="reply to this comment to Danielle">reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      April 11, 2016 at 9:49 pm

      Thank YOU, sweet Danielle! Love hearing from you here. 🙂

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label="reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy">reply to this comment
  7. Autumn

    April 10, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    Love how simple, cute, and relaxed this party was! GREAT ideas! The sidewalk pawprints are a great idea!

    to Autumn" aria-label="reply to this comment to Autumn">reply to this comment
  8. Chelle

    August 6, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    I love all of these ideas! I was wondering which two sizes of m&ms you used on the cupcakes. I can’t quite tell

    to Chelle" aria-label="reply to this comment to Chelle">reply to this comment

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Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

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I like to make people happy.✨ Author of #thekindnessantennae 🎉 💛Psalm 28:7💛
  • I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. 

I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. 

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is.  He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting.

Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. 

**Only He can satisfy.**

Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
  • ✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️

Easter 2025 Thoughts >>

Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻

This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church.

Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!

I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). 

Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it.

God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
  • Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
  • 🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
  • When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
  • Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick.

I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking.

Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house.

I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.”

But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed.

Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces.

The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces?

Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken.

The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️

We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas.

So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus.

I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley …

(Continued in comments…)
  • Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
  • Who can you message right now and thank for being an example of God’s goodness in your life?

“Return to your rest my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7

🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁

#thekindnessantennae #kindness #bekind #godisgood #thegoodnessofgod
  • Today is Obi’s 3rd birthday and we couldn’t be more thankful! The transition to having a dog almost sent me to heaven and I think it’s taken me this long to finally accept that the floors and basically everything will never be clean again, but this dog has changed our family for the better. 

🐶He is always happy to see us. 
🐾He is a tremendous comfort to Ryan. 
🦴He knows when one of us is sad and he looks for ways to make it better. 
🐶He loves to be chased around the coffee table. 
🐾He can destroy literally any dog toy we give him. 
🦴He jumps on us when we get home from school and it’s the best thing ever.
🐶I thought getting a dog meant he would eat anything and everything, but he is exactly like my children. Will eat any meat, will not touch veggies. Also I have never been more stressed than when we have grapes in the house.
🐾But you should know his most favorite thing to eat is tissues. Any tissue he can find. Especially the used ones straight outta the garbage.
🦴He gets so proud when he catches iguanas in the back yard. We feel pretty good about it, too. 😜😣
🐶He is the perfect dog for us!

We love you, Obadiah Jude! 🥳

#goldendoodle #goldendoodlef1b #dogsofinstagram #doglover #happybirthdaydog
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I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. 

I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. 

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is.  He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting.

Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. 

**Only He can satisfy.**

Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
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I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is. He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting. Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. **Only He can satisfy.** Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
1 week ago
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1/9
✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️

Easter 2025 Thoughts >>

Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻

This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church.

Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!

I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). 

Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it.

God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
@happyhomefairy
@happyhomefairy
•
Follow
✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️ Easter 2025 Thoughts >> Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻 This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church. Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!! I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it. God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
1 month ago
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2/9
Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
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Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩 My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”. To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went. And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate. So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit. I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
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🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻 Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him! God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙 “I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
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When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations… <<< Swipe left <<< So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂 Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
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Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick. I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking. Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house. I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.” But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed. Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces. The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces? Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken. The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️ We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas. So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus. I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley … (Continued in comments…)
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅

I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! 

Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫

But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through.

Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻

So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. 

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all!

🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
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Today I did something that has been on my Bucket List for years! 😅 I cooked a turkey! 🦃 And it was a 20 lb-er to boot! Isn’t it funny how the things that scare us the most typically end up being not that bad? I confess that the amount of overthinking I did about cooking a turkey almost kept me from ever doing the thing! I mean, there are a lot of ways to cook a turkey. And don’t get me started on the gravy! 😵‍💫 But then God sent me a few friends and a sweet mama - all who were there for me even in the early morning hours of searching for giblets (no, I never did find them) and trying to figure out if I did the cheesecloth right. They let me borrow their roasters and fat separators and consistently cheered “You got this!” in my ears. I also surrendered that bird to Jesus and He was faithful to see me through. Often you have to narrow down the voices and fix your eyes on Jesus to find your victory. Then our great fears can become great adventures. 🙌🏻 So today I am thankful for God’s presence to strengthen and comfort in hard things! And I am thankful for His people who are willing to love me through the hard things! This is God’s best - His perfect design for us includes trusting Him and enjoying His many benefits through the faithful love of others. Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Happy Home Fairy friends! Thank you for being a great benefit to my family and to me! I adore you all! 🧡🦃🧡🦃🧡 Psalm 107:8-9 "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Who can you message right now and thank for being an example of God’s goodness in your life?

“Return to your rest my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7

🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁

#thekindnessantennae #kindness #bekind #godisgood #thegoodnessofgod
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Who can you message right now and thank for being an example of God’s goodness in your life? “Return to your rest my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7 🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁 #thekindnessantennae #kindness #bekind #godisgood #thegoodnessofgod
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
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Today is Obi’s 3rd birthday and we couldn’t be more thankful! The transition to having a dog almost sent me to heaven and I think it’s taken me this long to finally accept that the floors and basically everything will never be clean again, but this dog has changed our family for the better. 🐶He is always happy to see us. 🐾He is a tremendous comfort to Ryan. 🦴He knows when one of us is sad and he looks for ways to make it better. 🐶He loves to be chased around the coffee table. 🐾He can destroy literally any dog toy we give him. 🦴He jumps on us when we get home from school and it’s the best thing ever. 🐶I thought getting a dog meant he would eat anything and everything, but he is exactly like my children. Will eat any meat, will not touch veggies. Also I have never been more stressed than when we have grapes in the house. 🐾But you should know his most favorite thing to eat is tissues. Any tissue he can find. Especially the used ones straight outta the garbage. 🦴He gets so proud when he catches iguanas in the back yard. We feel pretty good about it, too. 😜😣 🐶He is the perfect dog for us! We love you, Obadiah Jude! 🥳 #goldendoodle #goldendoodlef1b #dogsofinstagram #doglover #happybirthdaydog
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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