Belated Hoopla

Let's be honest, my talents overflow. I've got some serious skills. Now, don't be fooled into thinking that I actually have skills that have value...you know, like being a good mom. Oh, heavens no. Case in point, today in church: Sam and Addie leave the chapel to go to the bathroom (my first mistake). After an unusual amount of time, I glance toward the back door. The counter man (you know who he is, the one who tallies up the sacrament population) is standing directly to the side of the back door. He looks me square in the eye and points for me to step out into the hall. Once I enter the hallway, I find Sam dragging a screaming Addie down the hallway. I looked at them and thought, "gee, look at the fruit of my loins." Do you see my point? Motherhood is not one of my skills.

On the other hand, if you need an awesome 12 yr. old birthday party, I'm on it. Samantha's original party was set for the day the hurricane hit. She begged to still hold the party that day. I just didn't find sound judgement in holding a party during 90 mph winds and tree branches flying past the windows. Thus, we postponed until yesterday. Just a bit belated, but still an insane amount of work and fun.

Because Sam turned 12, we did 12 activities. Could the idea be any more fantabulous? I think not. Here is a snipit--

Could the food be any cuter!? I cut out sandwiches and watermelon in flower shapes. Hello! I think I just might be a-mazing. Oh, and napkins tied with licorice...ingenious.


One of our games: put a piece of bubble gum and a cracker in your mouth at the same time and chew. The first person to be able to blow a bubble wins. Makell was trying so hard she almost fell over in hysteria.


We painted flower shaped peg hooks. Oh my heavens, the flower shape matches the sandwiches and watermelon. See, I'm telling you, serious skills.


Sam does not like cake. Never has. Weirdest thing ever. It's downright not normal. Every year until now, I have bought her a birthday cake anyway. It's for me, not for her. We light the candles, sing happy birthday, and then I eat it. Woo hoo for me. I gave birth, therefore I get cake. But alas, this year Sam requested hello dollies (magic bars) for her cake. Being the selfish, uh-I mean selfless person I am, I gave her the cake of her desire.

The party lasted for 3 1/2 hours. I've now put in my time. No more parties until she moves out. I usually try to avoid the birthday parties, I think they are the equivalent of teaching kindergarten. But this year, as the oldest fruit of my loins turned 12, I decided to put forth some of my best skills. My mom told me I was a good mom. Well, at least I was for 3 1/2 hours I was.