Its that time of year!

Well everyone knows I have tons of children . I love them all dearly, I just wish I woulda spaced them out a little...I have 4 birthdays in 1 month time 

Jordan turned 5 April 23
Jiana will be 8 May 2nd
Nicholas will be 1 May 13th
Brooklyn will be 2 June 4th

Its very hard on the wallet for me this time of year to say the least, I figured that I would just do 1 party for all of them in May, easier that way. I was thinking about taking them all to the pool and having a picnic, then back to my house for cake and ice cream..We dont have many friends out here, so it will just be us, and maybe a few kids from school.

I feel kinda bad because I cant afford to do separate things for each of them, so I guess my question is what would you do? Would you just have one big party? Would you do separate things for each? Does anyone have any low cost ideas?? I appreciate your feedback.

Wow - you certainly do have your hands full Mommymachine.

I think I would do the same - one big party for all. It's fairer that way too. 

You could just have a "birthday tea" on each of their special days and the one big party in May for all of them.

I know how tough on the wallet birthdays are and you can only do what you can afford to do.  When they are grown up, they will remember the great times they all had at their joint birthday parties and these memories they will share forever. 

You shouldn't feel bad at all - but I know thats what Mums do.  Kids don't comprehend "lack of cash" but I'm certain that whatever you do, your kids will have a great time.

I know my words won't make you feel any better but if someone just "agrees" with you, it sometimes helps.

blue

Ohh but Blue your words do make me feel better, all of your posts make me smile, you are so honest and helpful.

You are absolutely right, they dont comprehend the lack of cash, however my oldest is starting to. She said to me "Mommy, on my birthday you dont have to buy me anything, just take me swimming." My heart broke, because if I could I would throw a big bash for all of them.

The birthday tea is a wonderful idea, thank you.

I like the idea of one big party.  Not a thing wrong with that. 

When I was young I shared a birthday party with my Sister, and my Mother, as we were all born in May.  Those are some of the best memories I have to this day, are those parties.

We do what we can in this life, and sometimes money runs tight.  The important things are love and affection, and I bet your kids get lots and lots of that.

Perhaps on each of their special day, you take a minute to tell them what a special day it was for you when they were each born.  Why they are so special, and how much they are loved.  Im sure you do that anyways, but just as an extra bonus, top it off with a huge hug from Mom. 


Bless you and your family MommyMachine....

                                                      PMM

Yep I agree with the other posts, I think one big party is a great idea.  It will be a lot of fun too.  I haven't made too many 'mommy' friends here, so when the kids' birthdays come, I tell the daycare if they are going so they get to celebrate there, and then we will take the kids to Chucke Cheese just us.  It's hard to throw a party if you don't know any other kids.  Especially being so young, they will be happy.  When my daughter turned 3 on Valentines day, I got her a couple small gifts and 1 balloon.  The thing she cared about most was the balloon and the cake     She couldn't have cared less about the 2 daycare friends that came.

Aaawww Mommy.. i know how you are feeling you want to do so much for them, it is their special day, but just as this being said.. you are the most important and most special to them in their lives, children are so amazing.. their unconditonal love..

maybe celebrate their birthdays all together on one big day, and on each of their own birthdays, give them a choice to have one specal thing (within reason lol.. they might ask for a car..) whatever they want to do for their day..

i know one year for my daughter, all she wanted for her birthday was for me to make chicken enchiladas and bake some cookies, she invited a few friends over and they just watched movies.. i was very surpized at how simple she wanted her day.. and wondered why..

my mother used to make earthquake birthday cakes.. my mother for some reason couldn't make cakes, they would all fall apart, or have a big giant crack in the top.. she'd tried to cover it up..ending with a lopsided, slowing sliding middle, if we looked at the cake we'd all slowly begin to lean with it..lmao, but these cakes she made were the most delicious you can have there was nothing like them.. so every year.. we'd ask mom.. i'd like a earthquake cake for my birthday please.. infact the whole family always asked for one!

I guess im also saying since you have so many is to try to find something that can be traditional, but also one everyone looks forward to..it can really help out when money is a stress.. but still everyone can be happy

I know the feeling...
Except mine, all my family's B-days are on June...starting 8th, 14th,26th...especially this year would be a tough one since my daughter will turn 16 and she is expecting the best day of her life...SIGH~

It is  a very good idea to celebrate their bithdays together. Whatever your kids think of their sisters/brothers it will bring them on more together. Do this.

And if you have any problems with setting up an "artificial" date: Don´t. Think of the Queen´s birthday in England. 

One big party would be a blast...fantastic idea! I would make sure that on their "official birthdate" each child gets special treatment...it doesnt have to be a monetary treat....It could be king/queen for a day. Like they could stay up late, have the others do their chores, eat breakfast in bed, choose what everyone watches on TV that night, etc,