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My oldest child just turned sixteen. Can you believe it? Sweet sixteen! Truly the days are slow, but the years fly. I cannot imagine life without her caring, bossy, sweet, lovable self in our home. All too soon, she will be making her way in the world on her own. She will take with her memories of home, both good and bad. So this year, I am focusing on giving her wonderful memories of her sweet sixteen year.
Sweet Sixteen: A Year of Sweet Memories
Archery theme cake made by our friend Kelly.
Instead of a gift, I asked some close family and friends to choose a month and plan to spend time creating lifelong memories. I want her to have something to look forward to every month this year and make a special memory with those who love her.
It may be as simple and inexpensive as a sleepover with a friend or cousin or an outing to a restaurant or movie. Those who want to spend more time or money are free to be more creative in crafting a special time just for her.
Although a few were reluctant to commit so far in advance, most of those I asked loved the idea! Each person or family chose a month and as the time gets closer, we will get together on the details of a date and activity that work well for all.
Her list of special people making memories for the year includes friends, Aunts, cousins, grandparents, and her Sunday School teacher! I am so excited and thankful they are making time in their busy schedules to spend time with my daughter.
I gave a list of suggestions of possible activities for those who needed some ideas to get started, but they are not limited to these ideas.
Ideas for Sweet Sixteen Memories to Share with Friends & Family
- A sleepover
- A meal at your home or a restaurant
- A movie night at your home or trip to the theater
- A Christian concert or event
- A manicure or pedicure together
- A craft night at your home or local shop (ceramics, jewelry making, painting, etc)
- A trip to a zoo, aquarium, museum, etc.
- A family or community event such as a fish fry, crawfish boil, festival, etc.
Zoe’s dad and I both have a month as well. I chose the last month-her birth month next year. I hope to take a weekend getaway using Passport to Identity (or one of the related resources), a Christian book and cd designed to listen and fill in as a parent and teen travel for a special time together.
I made the booklet by hand, but you could get creative with the computer as well.
At Zoe’s Sweet Sixteen Party, after she opened all of her other gifts, I gave her a booklet for her Sweet Sixteen Year of Sweet Memories. I stapled together 14 sheets of colored paper, one for a cover and one for each month from her birth month this year to her birth month next year. On the cover, I described our birthday project, then I wrote a person and month on each sheet inside.
She loved it!
Something To Look Forward To With Excitement
I look forward to watching her each month as she excitedly anticipates her time with a special person or family. No matter what else comes along, this will be a fun year full of sweet memories!
When my children leave home, I want them to remember they carry the love, thoughts, and prayers of many people with them. May the special memories they share bring warm feelings on the hard, lonely days.
