Grant's 1st Birthday Party

I can’t believe how time flies by so quickly! Our little boy will be turning one next month! Everyone has been asking me if I was planning his dohl (1^st birthday party- it’s a pretty big deal to all Korean moms!). I’ve been hesitant to give an answer because I wasn’t sure if I was going to throw one at all.

While looking for a location and bouncing ideas back and forth with my husband, we decided to rent a baby photo studio for 40 of my closest family and friends. We will be given access to use the space freely and take pictures with all the kids. This studio has some really cute backdrops with props, clothes, hats, etc. I’ll reveal the pictures soon!

It has been an incredible journey for our family this year. We want to use this occasion to honor God, our family and friends for their gracious support and wisdom. Grant has been so blessed and has received so much love from those around him that as a family we have decided to donate all gifts to Giving Children Hope. This is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty (domestically and abroad) through disaster relief, health and community development, vocational training and advocacy.” They are currently sending medical supplies to Haiti after the earthquake that struck on January 12, 2010.

Although I feel pressured to throw a kick ass party, (mainly on myself) I have decided to intentionally keep things simple with the hopes of creating an atmosphere to enjoy the company of our friends and family, but a few little awesome details wouldn't hurt, right? :) I want to make this event meaningful and memorable hoping that this will lay the foundation to teaching and educating our son to care for others when he gets older. Yes, it would be nice if Grant got extra toys and clothes from the party but he really doesn’t NEED all of that. As long as our little boy eats well, sleeps well, plays well (hopefully by himself without me having to entertain him all the time), we couldn’t be happier.

As my husband and I have traveled during summer mission trips to Thailand, Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and other third world countries, we have realized that we are fortunate to be living in the most wealthiest nation in the world. At times we can whine and complain about what we don’t have but if we take a step back, we realize how lucky we are to have our basic needs met and loved ones around us. My hubby and I really do believe in living a modest life and a life that gives back to others.

As I’ve been sharing the idea for Grant’s party, it has been inspiring my friends to also give gifts they receive from their kid’s parties to charity as well. Even those who aren’t able to come to the party have agreed to send in a donation. Thank you so much for joining our family.

Here's an invite that my hubby quickly put together. He graduated UCLA with a degree in chemical engineering and has no formal training in graphic arts whatsoever. But he definitely tried and gotta love him for doing this! :)

Check back next month to see all the fun photos of us monkeying around!