I am kinda having one of those weeks.
Herrrrrohhh exhaustion!
Today is Thursday, which means Hudson’s party is in two days. Sweet. Except I am really not prepared. Scott laid into me last night as I was melting down over all the details & such. Most husbands, I assume, are much more sympathetic- but that’s not my hubs style. I’m cool with it usually because I don’t need anyone’s sympathy. EXCEPT RIGHT NOWWWWWW. lol. He says I am making a way bigger deal of this party than needs to be made and I am trying to make a flawless party and he is worried I’m gonna freak out when it isn’t perfect. Awww. How sweet- SYKE! (Yeah, I went there.)
This dilemma started when he told me next year, for the twins first birthday, I am not to invite as many people. Yeah, we are somewhere between 75-80 yeses for Saturday. Now, plenty of people have said yes that may end up flaking, but I need to prepare for 80 people. That’s a lot of food. I would also like to explain that my parents are both divorced and remarried. My step-parents have family, that have been in my life for years and years. My mom? one of 7 children. Who all have kids. And I am close with my cousins. Oh, and my grandparents! They are divorced as well. I also having great grandparents. And that’s just my mom’s side! My family tree has many many copious branches and while I wouldn’t have it ANY OTHER WAY- it makes having a small party nearly impossible. My family alone is close to 50. Then, we have friends! And wow. This list got outta control quickly.
Anyhow, we live in an area that has an HOA, which sucks ass most of the time but they do have a lovely party room which I have used a few times. It costs money, of course, because the million dollars a month I pay isn’t enough. Oh, and the decor of this party room? Yeah- there is framed pictures of raccoons. Needless to say, I have QUITE a bit of work to do to make this place presentable for the party that starts at 12 on Saturday. And even though no one has rented the room for Friday, the HOA will not allow me to go decorate a day ahead of time (even in my condition) without paying an additional $50.00. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING!? And Saturday? Can’t get in till 8.
Even better then ALLLLLL that is the fact that I have to prepare food for 80 people the morning OF the party, because my fridge won’t hold the food and I am not allowed to even put food in the giant empty party room fridge until 8 AM Saturday. Thannnnnkkks.
So, I am currently wondering how this is gonna work.
8AM we get the key to the place.
I have to go decorate which will probably take an hour, maybe more.
I have to drive 10 miles away to pick up my balloon order.
I have to prepare food for 80 people.
I have to look presentable by 11:30 and be back at the room in case people are early.
Any suggestions?
Oh, and in case you are reading Kirsten: STILL NO BANNER! 
So, that’s my complaint re: 1st birthday party.
Don’t worry, more posts are coming today and I promise they will not be so whiny. I will get to them as soon as I pick up the house. Hudson is with my step-mom for a few hours so I can rest. Too bad this morning he spent throwing toys and dog toys and cat toys ALL. OVER. THE. ENTIRE. HOUSE. So, by the time I am done picking up, I am almost sure he will be returning home. Just in time to create the mess all over.
How is it that I’m not in the hospital yet?
January 14th, 2010 - 9:49 AM
Maybe Krust or Sarah can house some of the foods in their fridges? If we were closer I would gladly come help early but, it will be a small miracle if we even make it on time! Ya never know what kind of traffic you will hit driving into the bay on a saturday.
That is SOOO stupid that the HOA won’t let you go in on Friday if no one is going to be there. Maybe friday afternoon you can go in the office and lay it on pretty thick and they will re-consider?
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January 14th, 2010 - 10:02 AM
Yeah, currenty I have things in Lisa’s fridge and Krust lives live 25 minutes away so she’s out- plus she is spending the night here. I may ask Sarah or Mario depending. I just have to play it by ear.
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January 14th, 2010 - 10:05 AM
Oh girl, I think we were separated at BIRTH! I plan like, a party a month of this scope and have the SAME issues (b/c even my “small gatherings” wind up with 35+ people at them…and I have a family tree the size of yours…did I mention my baby shower is close to 70 guests? And that’s the SMALL list), and a hubs that will allow me to run, cry and sweat while he plays video games and showers 3 mins. into the party time. Arg.
My suggestions are:
Remember it will all come together NO matter what. No matter how unlikely it seems, it ALWAYS works out.
Try to do your hair the night before (I have curly shitty hair, so I need to straighten it) and pick your outfit long in advance
Ask a family member to come help with the decor or the food. I have a great BFF and she will help me out, and just having her around for sanity sake helps!
Do ANY food prep you can do the night before, AND buy anything you can that will save you time…or things that aren’t perishable
Remember, if something goes wrong at the party, you’ve got 80 family members there to help. Ice run? Thanks dad!
Try to enjoy the party! Cause I had 30 people over on xmas dinner and I don’t remember any of it, and ended up SUPER sick afterwards. And I’m bummed, cause I like Christmas and it was just STRESSFUL!
Can’t wait to see picks!
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January 14th, 2010 - 10:25 AM
OK, Em I figured you would be freaking out about now, and being part of that large family I have tried to pull off the “perfect” party, you do have Brizio blood girl, I would not expect you to act any different. It will work out fine. I can come earlier if you need me to, Let me know, and you can pretty much bet your family will not be ontime let alone early…just does not happen. Dont stress
XXOO
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January 14th, 2010 - 10:28 AM
lol def separated at birth. My husband + video games equals LOVE. and my baby shower? Yeah the invite list was about 70. And that was just women. :/
I do have wonderful friends and family that are helping- but, it’s my thing and I feel like I have to do it all myself.
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January 14th, 2010 - 10:31 AM
Ha! Terri! So true. I know it will happen. I’d just feel better about it if I was quicker on my feet. These days it take 2 hours to do what used to take 15 minutes! Can’t wait to see you!
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January 14th, 2010 - 10:40 AM
Mammmmma!!! I really really don’t want you to stress out. I wish i could do more. Maybe I can. Just say what you need and I’m on it! I can pick up balloons, or I’m sure Sarah would be down (her car makes more sense) while you get ready or something. I dunno. seriously though, just tell me what to do! I WANT to help. If you want me to, of course. Love you.
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January 14th, 2010 - 2:20 PM
Hosting is so stressful! I had a great time at M&L’s 1st birthday party, but I was so relieved when it was over. Everything will work out and you’ll make some wonderful memories. And just think about how much LESS stressed you’ll be next week at this time!
And about the banner…WTF? Have you heard from her?
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January 14th, 2010 - 3:18 PM
Emily – mine MAKES video games for a living. Truly actually. Double fail for me, cause I get the “it’s for work” excuse ALL the time…intertwined with the “fuk fuk fuk” from his “man room”.
I know that “it’s my thing” feeling. More than you can imagine. Just make sure YOU enjoy his bday too, because you’ll be sad otherwise
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