I remember a Sunday, some years ago, when Greg and I drove around our little island in Florida, wondering why the stores were all closed. It was Easter. We missed it. Now even the slightest of holidays cannot pass without major observation. After the trifecta of Valentine’s Parties I hosted (Balentine’s by Sara-speak), my sister asked me how I’d be celebrating President’s Day. Well, first, we’ll make Mount Rushmore out of jello. Then, we’ll do interpretative dancing with our Yankee Doodles (Sara’s name for tiny flags) to “Hail to the Chief”. Nothing outrageous…

The Trifecta:

First, Avery and Sara decorated their boxes. With a bevy of heart stickers and foam hearts from which to choose, they decided unanimously to use black markers and glue their hearts on the inside of the boxes. Always set your expectations very low when combining toddlers and art projects.

I then organized a party in Kelly’s daycare room. I made a mixed CD of classic love songs…delicious! We arranged roses for the teachers. Lots of good food. The more folks that arrived, the happier Kelly got. It was a sunny, lovely party. Of which I have no pictures because it’s poor PC to post pics of kids without their parents’ permission. I can’t be hurtin’ my rep at school!

Because Sara and I are cloaked in bad juju this month, her party was doomed. When I walked in the room, the kids were gathered around the table, excitedly working with paper and a box of what appeared to be glittery Bonnie Bell chapstick. You’d think the paper and scissors would have put that situation in context for me. Not so much. Sara immediately asked if she could put it on?! To which I replied, “Of course you can put on the chapstick!”. The teachers gave each other an odd glance, and as Sara smeared it across her entire face they said, “Um…that’s glue.” While making a great first impression as the Room Mom, I delved in, handing out juice boxes, calling each child by name, walking around the cookies…I can recover folks. And then as I gathered the kids in a circle to exchange Valentines, Sara just melted. She threw her box, screamed “NO”, and would neither hand out nor receive any “Balentines”. We spent the rest of the party in the Alone Space where Sara yelled, “I don’t want to go home.” Lovely. Oh well, at least I’m not the Alpha Mom who decorated her kid’s box. Unless that kid decorated the Martha Stewart art piece, and those parents have a 2 year old Monet on their hands.

Finally, we hosted a slumber party for Pa Pa Bill, Kathy, Uncle Jason, Aunt Jenny and “Abrey”. Now THAT party was a total success. I went nutso on the table, and we had a very fancy meal of spaghetti and meatballs. The kids used tub crayons and paints during their bath. I would have taken a picture but there were too many bubbles and paint flying about to get a shot. The adults were up until 1 am eating coconut cream pie and having a ball. The girls played themselves absolutely silly. I’m hoping everyone sleeps hard tonight (for a change!). I think we’ve decided to make pasta/play/game time/slumber party a semi-annual event. I took some lovely family pictures, but apparently no one in my family understands that it is better to keep your eyes OPEN when I say “cheese”.

The Candy/Glittery/Red & Pink/Gaudy is my Game Table

Avery and Sara’s Best Spaghetti Faces

Kelly in her favorite seat

Sara, Kelly and Avery being silly with Balentine Bear