I know it’s only January and my boys’ birthdays are still awhile away, but I came across a site today and just had to share what I found with you in case your child’s birthday is coming up or you’re like me and wondering what you’re going to do for their party this year.

Normally we don’t do anything extra special for the boys’ birthdays. Just cake, ice cream and presents with family and maybe a few friends at the house. One year we did take Zach and his cousin to the Build a Bear workshop and they loved it, but other than that nothing too fancy.

One of the reasons I have never gone all out is the cost associated with these things. It seems like the more fun the party, the higher the costs associated with it. Well this year, I think we’ll have a rockin’ party for Zach and his buddies because I found a site that specializes in do-it-yourself kid’s birthday parties - Party by Mom.

I just picked up the pirate party ebook and was going to wait and read it until later, but I couldn’t help myself…I started to skim through it and found myself reading the whole thing front to back.

There are great ideas in here for every step of this party and I can’t wait to start officially planning it from all the other ideas it sparked in my head. The coolest part is it isn’t going to cost me tons of money or stress planning it. They have ideas for stuff like:

* Making your own invitations
* Meal & snack recipes
* Decorating (indoors and out)
* Games & Crafts
* Take home gifts for all the guests

So, if you’re looking for a cool idea for your little man’s birthday party this year, check out Plan the Perfect Pirate Party from PartybyMom.

They’ve also got great books for little girl’s parties too. Here are the ones I am thinking about for Sierra in a few years!

Princess Party
Tea Party

Welcome back everyone! Although my original intention was not to take so much time off, I am well rested and ready to roll with the new year and I hope you are too!

First let me welcome a new contributor to the blog! You may have seen her first post yesterday, but in case you haven’t had the chance yet, head on over and meet Alyssa Avant a.k.a The Spiritual Wahmmy by clicking here. I know you’ll love Alyssa and welcome her with open arms!

Now, onto today’s Work at Home Tip Monday! Our good friend Nicole Dean of Show Mom the Money, is back with a great tip this week!

Buy a timer!
If your children are old enough to understand the concept of time, invest in a timer. It’s a life saver. The next time you need uninterrupted working time, tell the kids that you’re setting the timer for 20 minutes. If they give you 20 minutes of uninterrupted work time, then reward them with quality time with you. Play a board game together or go to the park.***************

This is one tip that I will soon be starting to reinforce in my home, for silent work time, but also to help with the potty training efforts of Hunter. I think at 2, he can learn to grasp the concept of “If the timer goes off it’s time to potty.” Don’t you?

Then if we get that down pat, we’ll work on the uninterrupted work time.

Have you used timers with your kids for work or personal areas of your life? If so, any words of wisdom to make it go smoother for him and I both? I’d love to hear your thoughts.