This is my finest creation. We call him Bug. He turned 12 last Friday.
Three years ago, if you would have asked him what he wanted for his birthday - he may have responded with a list of toys he didn't need or things he wanted because one of the neighborhood boys had one.
Minimalism suits my boy. From the beginning I have been upfront with him about my goals to de-clutter our lives and listened openly to his suggestions and input along the way. It took him a bit longer to get on board applying minimalism to his own "stuff"...but I saw a change in his "wants" fairly quick.
He stopped asking for things on a regular basis and he adhered to the new house rule (one-in-one-out). He has also taken to searching ebay and shopgoodwill.com for secondhand items he desires. He has passed up the chance to upgrade his phone this year..."my current one does everything I need, Momma". HE HAS BEEN LISTENING!!
This year when I asked my son what he desired for his birthday. I received a list of 5 things. Most he has been saving his money for. There was only one toy on the list and the rest he could use for many years if not the rest of his life. I was told though that he would prefer a birthday party over anything. One like we had when he was very little. With the whole family! This is to be his last birthday in Ohio. We are moving south this coming spring.
So, That is just what we did! A surprise party at the park! All the grandparents (there are 5), family friends, cousins, aunt & uncle, his best friend (see pic below) and his parents (Papa, Momma & his Dad).
After a Friday night of storms and wind, the skies cleared 20 minutes before the guests arrived! It was the day I imagined all week long. He thanked us multiple times that evening. And he promptly went home and purged 10 items to make room for his new micro stereo, toy Barrett and the vintage Hubley cap gun he had been watching on ebay for months!
HAPPY #12 MY BOY! YOU MAKE MOMMA PROUD!
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