El Queso Loco (Phoebe's Birthday Party)

I just might be hooked.  It's 7a.m. CST and I didn't pull my loca hair back, (ok, hold your breath) I didn't brush my teeth (sorry Mami) I just went straight for the computer and started typing.  I dreamt of more favorite singers and more words I'd like to put on pa-, I mean, the screen.  I still enjoy a smooth pen or solid #2 hitting nice paper - but this is fun, too.

Ok, Phoebe's party.  We had a blast.  We celebrated her actual day (August 9th) while my mom and nephew were here.  You'll never guess where we went....you may never guess because I've always said I would never do it.  Why enter a hellish realm when you can have a fairly peaceful time....anywhere else!  

Maybe you're getting an inkling ;-) and I won't keep you guessing: CHUCKY CHEESE. Yep.  But get this - we went in the early a.m., and there was hardly anyone there.  Plus, it was just my two girls, my nephew, my mom and I (Durk was working).  We actually had a great time.  I tried very hard not to take all of the tokens these generous kids tried to give me (especially after they saw my face when I began to play Skeet ball).  They loved it.  And my mom and I loved it, too (right Mami?).  Morning is key for all those considering El Queso Loco for your kid's birthday party.

Mommy Loca?  

The next Saturday, yes, yes, I had another party for Phoebe with her friends.  We were trying really hard NOT to have it somewhere and pay all the extra fees.  We're working on our kitchen (that's another blog - should be Durk's since he's doing all the work) and I thought, I don't really want to do it at the house.  It's too hot to have it at the park (which is always a hit for Maddy's parties in October) and I'm not up for taking them to the lake (which after

Lake Michigan, the bays of Traverse City, MI and practically any lake in Florida, is hard to appreciate).   I watched the weather/news and finally decided we would have it at home, outside with an indoor back up plan.  I prayed it wouldn't rain.  

This party also turned out to be a blast.  We had a 'Survivor'

 theme (Phoebe didn't want to do an Olympic theme) where we split up in teams for different games - mostly relays.  I saw a lot of good sportsmanship AND I saw some not so great sportmanship - one instance from our very own birthday girl.  But for the most part, all went well. 

When it came to party favors, I had heard discussions and suggestions, from my mom, mother-in-law, and recently friends that they either never had such a thing or they were tired of doing such a thing.  Blame it on the high gas prices, the economy or just being plain sick of all the loca-ness that goes with party planning.  I realized this morning, as I rolled out of bed and into this blog - I must actually enjoy what I've always said I don't: planning parties, hospitality.  There must be a tiny little place that secretly thrills at the opportunity to make a fun day for someone else.  My boss had suggested I give each child

a dollar as a party favor and forgo trinket hell as my darling husband calls it.  Forgo adding more stuff to my friends' household.  Allow the child to decide what they're going to enjoy. One friend took her child to get a slushy (his choice).  They really enjoyed that.  As much as others think it may be loco to do party favors (Mami and Mom), I find myself having fun making someone else's (particulary my youngest daughter) day fun.  

Have I found my new vocation?  

I'm not THAT loca!