Birthday Parties stress me out

So, Miss Rose is turning 4 on Saturday. When I was growing up, I maybe had 4 actual parties with people other than my parents and siblings there. Birthdays usually weren't celebrated with extended families. I never remember going to my cousins' birthdays either.

But, I guess in the last 10 or 15 years things have changed. Birthday parties have moved up a whole notch or 12. So many people I know throw parties for their kids every year with many invited. Sure, it's fun. But it's also a lot of work. And as a parent--and this is just my own thing--I feel pressure to have this perfect party. Not that my 4 year old knows, and probably not that others are judging my party.

I had a draining day at work on Tuesday and found myself at Party City and Target at 8pm that night. I found out that...

1. Toy Story is not a popular birthday theme right now. But Miss Rose loves Buzz Lightyear. I ended up with bright green party gear to match Buzz. It's the best I could do.

2. All party favors are CRAP. We have so many little toys around and I know I don't need more, so I figure others probably feel the same. Not to mention the fact that party guests range from 1 year to 14 years old! I wandered the favors isle for 20min trying to find stuff that wasn't crap and wasn't expensive.

3. Target isn't stocking the art easel I want for Miss Rose. Neither is Toys R Us. What is that all about? Seriously now. Thankfully I found it at a local toy stoy. I guess after Christmas the stores don't have it.

4. Birthday parties give me ANXIETY! I drove home a MESS!

In the end I know that we are going to have fun. I'm thankful that my daughters have a healthy, functional extended family that want to be around and share these special occasions with us. I need to take a lesson from my dear husband and just relax.

Now...what am I going to do for Miss Gracies 1st birthday in 3 months? AHHHH. Breathe Corrina, just breathe. :)