Birthday Time!

As most of you know, Briley's second birthday is coming up! We stated on her party invitations that gifts are not necessary, but we knew there would be a few of you who still wanted to get her something. And that's fine! A couple of you have even asked if we would be offended if you brought a gift....let me explain where we're coming from on this. We do not mind in the least if you want to get her something, but we didn't want everyone to be expected to bring a gift, like most birthday parties. The gifts are the least of our concerns and being that we are an one income family, we know how it is to feel obligated to bring a gift when we could use the money elsewhere.

Here's our thinking: gas and food prices are ridiculous so not buying a gift is one less thing to worry about for you all, I've never thought birthday parties should be all about the presents, she's too young to care either way, we only have two hours at the museum and I'd rather have all the kids playing rather than sitting there watching her open presents, our house cannot hold much more, and there have been too many toy recalls for me to have that many suggestions on what to get her. We have stayed away from most plastic toys and anything made in China, so when you eliminate both of those, there's really just not that much to choose from. I haven't bought her a toy since last Christmas and have actually had to get rid of a few because they were some of the ones made with the chemicals in the plastic and/or lead paint. Let's just say she'll be getting lots of wooden stuff for Christmas this year. It's too bad you can't just go to the store anymore and pick something out without worrying what's in it that may hurt your child.

But I digress.....it's a-okay with us if you want to get her something and whatever it is, we will appreciate it. We just wanted everyone to know why we requested no gifts and that if you want to honor our request, we will appreciate that just as much as a gift, for sure!