Olivia Cecile's 12th Birthday

Yesterday, February 25th, was the birthday of my oldest daugher, Olivia. It's hard to believe it's been a dozen years since then, bearing truth to the adage that time flies. I often tell her thanks for making me a mom for the first time and that always gets a little grin out of her.

Maybe it's just that the old gray mare just ain't what she used to be, but just looking at the packages (plural) of streamers and balloons begging to be put up made me flat out tired. Was I really gonna have to get up and transform my living room? I just took down Christmas decorations! Settle down...I did it. An hour, a step stool and four ibuprofen later, it looked like we were hosting the Spanish Fort prom.
I bought a disco light and everything. Now, we just needed the sun to set and it would be O. N.

I bet I love to plan a good party better than anyone. There is some decorating-DNA tangle in me that makes me crazy; I can easily get a little carried away. I did ease up on the control-freak tendencies and outsourced the cake and supper. Thanks, Donny at Dominos. Anyway, it freed up some time for me to pack a LOT of fun stuff into the schedule. Our plans were to skate for an hour and a half, go to the Mardi Gras parade, then home for supper, cake, presents, and Wii Just Dance.

I wheeled into the parking lot of the skating rink and was so pleased with myself for choosing a time that was obviously not crowded. We all schlepped out of the van and went inside. I eased up to the counter, my preteen entourage behind me, and told Skate Guy I needed to pay for three girls, please. He looked at me all confused and said, "Uhh, there's a private party going on. I can't let you in." Excuse me? Pop out your retainer and repeat that, Skate Guy, because it sounded like you just told me we would not be skating. I'm sure it's a mistake, seeing how I've got a schedule planned out in my head, and I've made the effort to refresh my makeup. "Sorry, ma'am. But, I tell ya what...we open at 7pm. You could just come back." I really thought I was gonna snap his skinny neck like a potato stick. I've got three uber-chatty pre-teens behind me and you're telling me I've got time to kill? How about I kill you for practice? **HUHHHHH** Thanks but no thanks, Shaggy.

So began Plan B: we went to Target.

I picked up a new pink DVD player to put in my younger daughters' room (well, I'd saved all that money by NOT skating, remember?) and a new DVD. This purchase will ultimately buy me some quiet time next week, so really it was justified. I felt a little better after buying something in lieu of the almost-murder. The girls had just as good a time walking around without The Mom. Didn't hurt my feelings. I was shopping in peace and quiet. Plus, all Liv's friends gushed about how cool I was. Nicely played, girls. Now begone!

We racked up at the parade: a dozen or so stuffed animals, Moon Pies, and enough beads to alter your posture. They smell like fresh spring water, too. I love the smell of the beads. Just like I like the smell of old library books.

I turned everybody loose once we got home with all the pizza they could choke down and of course CAKE! PARENTS: always, always buy enough birthday cake to go with your coffee the next morning. If you'd seen the wedge I cut for myself, you'd wonder why I didn't just go ahead and smear it directly onto my thighs. The girls stayed up until 3am. 3AM! I remember what that time looks like, but all I care about seeing at 3am now are the backs of my eyelids.

I'm worn out, but now that it's behind me I can tell you it was worth every penny and ounce of energy it took to make it happen. Olivia was delighted in her celebration and that's all I ever wanted anyway. I love that girl.

~DPG