The Tea Party: Mistakes were made but we all got out alive.

Do I keep harping on and on about the heat? Has it become tiresome? Sorry about that. It's just that today, as I prepared for Ava's birthday party and 15 little girls to descend upon the house, the heat played a major role in my life. Today, as temperatures outside soared to about 40 degrees outside (that'd be 104 F), and the heat climbed inside, heat was my constant companion. Picture a big, sweaty guy--like as big as a linebacker following you around all day. Whatever you're doing, he's looking over your shoulder and providing constant commentary. "Hey, what are you doing? Whatcha doing that for? Oh, are you going over there now? Can I come? I think I'll come." The heat is like an annoying, sloppy, lumbering person that you just can't shake. At least, that's how it felt to me.

I told you that it makes me a little crazy. But anyway. The birthday party. All in all, I'd call it a success. But gather with me in the Tea Party Situation Room, where we debrief, discuss unforeseen obstacles, and evaluate to overall success of the mission. Because when a multitude of kids are involved, strategy is vital. If you don't have a plan, you are toast. They can smell fear and indecision. Remember that.

What worked

--Everything looked pretty cute. We had to move the party downstairs to Jason's office cause it was just too hot (there he is again) upstairs. Here's the tables:

Each girl had her own placecard written out for her. I was laughing at myself while trying to figure out where to put everyone--just like they were adults. "Well, Child A and Child B argue sometimes, so I'll separate them. Child C's English isn't so great, so I'll put her next to Child D who will be sweet to her." As Jason points out to me, I put way too much thought into stuff like this!

--The party favors. I showed these to you guys the other day, but I was happy with how it looked. And I have to admit, it was a pretty good idea.

I think the kids liked it, too.

--The cupcake decorating and craft time. I put out little bowls of sprinkles and different things they could put on their cupcakes, and the girls had a lot of fun doing this. I also had them make and decorate little bookmarks with ribbon, glitter, and little plastic jewels. This was a last minute addition, as I'd planned to just let them play in the house. It was too warm for that, though, so I was just trying to keep everyone busy!

What Didn't Work

--I kind of forgot that kids don't care so much about presentation. So I should've spent more time planning games and activities and less time on how it all looked. Cause I hadn't really thought it all through, it was a bit disorganized and they got a little restless and bored at times.

--Things went more quickly than I thought. Like the craft and games I'd planned. I should've planned more stuff to keep them busy. Jason saved the day, though--he broke out the Twister game and they really had fun with that!

--Um, I forgot to bring out Ava's birthday cake. Stellar move on my part. Look, don't judge till you been there. Until you're the one in the room. Stuff is happening, dress-up clothes flying, little girls squealing, candy sprinkles under your fingernails. I think I might've even blacked out for a minute or two. Priorities got skewed, objectives were compromised and I'm not proud of that. But it is what it is. Welcome to the NFL. (I don't really know what that means, but I think it sounds cool to say.)

Overall

--Pretty successful. The girls had fun, and there were only a few tears at various times. And Ava said it was "the best birthday ever", so hey, what more can you ask for?

I think though, that I might adopt a "party every second year" policy. On alternating years, we'll do a special outing where they can bring a friend or two, but not a full-on party. Anybody got any thoughts on that? These are things you never think you'll think about till you have kids. But, as Ava starts talking about her birthday 8-9 months before it actually comes, it's an issue in our family!

I am off to take a cool shower and go to bed. Want a cupcake? And, um, we have a lot of birthday cake left over. A lot. Come have some. Please?