Leading up to Nolan starting preschool, I thought for sure I would sign up to be the “room mom.” I thought I would be very active in the Early Childhood PTA and volunteer to lead other activities Nolan was involved in. But then I realized how much time those things would take. I knew my Type A, super perfectionistic personality would make make me stress about these sort of things way more than I should. I set boundaries. I knew my limitations. It not only was for my own sanity, but for my family as well.
I stuck to my guns. I have always been a great “assistant” for each and every school/classroom event of Nolan’s. But this year, guilt started to set in. So at the beginning of this school year, I agreed to co-host one party this year with the mom of Nolan’s best school buddy. After much consideration we agreed to host the Valentine’s Day party. We were in agreement this would be the easiest (She had never hosted a party before and she already has one child that had graduated from the preschool! See I could be worse)! Overall I did not give the party much thought in the Fall. I remembered it every now and then, but would tell myself it is not until after the holidays. And just like I thought, the Christmas holidays were over before I knew it.
We began planning at the end of January. Numerous emails occurred between the co-host and I, the Room Mom, and his teachers. Tasks were assigned and we each got to work. Some of my “assignments” were easier than others. Who would have thought creating the sign-up sheet for supplies for the party would take so much thought and time? Trust me. It did.
Needless to say, all of the planning was worth it. The party was a success. The kids had a great time and, in the big scheme of things, it was not that bad. Do not mistake me. I was glad when it was over and I will not be jumping to sign up to be Room Mom for Nolan or Griffin next year (yeah! Double the amount of opportunities to avoid next year). I had done my duty. Here’s to this Mommy for being a co-host!
After this party was over, I thought I was home free. No party planning until Griffin’s in August. Mind you, Nolan had also just had his 5th birthday party with 22 of his friends. Those parties are a big deal and a couple of months of planning always occurs for those shindigs. I was party planned out.
Little did I know what was about to happen.
The week after the Valentine’s Day party, I was dropping Nolan off at school. I said my good-byes and Griffin and I headed out the door. Nolan’s teacher followed me out.
Ms. Monica: ” Hey Melanie. Can I ask you something?”
Melanie: “Sure.”
Ms. Monica: “I was wondering if you could coordinate the February Birthday Party for the class (for all the kids who turn 5 in February.”
Melanie: IN MY HEAD…. WHAT?????
Melanie: “Sure. I would be happy to do that. What do I need to do?”
Ms. Monica: “Oh it is very simple.”
Melanie IN MY HEAD: Sure it is. For most people, but not this Type A stressed out mom when it comes to party planning.
Ms. Monica: “Basically you will just need to coordinate cupcakes, plates, napkins, and juice boxes.”
Melanie IN MY HEAD: Oh that is not too bad. I think I can handle that.
Ms. Monica: “Oh and each child usually gets a goody bag.”
Melanie IN MY HEAD: Ugh! I just put 22 gift bags together for Nolan’s party. YUCK!
Melanie: “OK.”
Ms. Monica: “Oh and you are welcome to decorate the room. Whatever you would like. (Pause) I think that is it.”
Melanie: “Alright I can do that.” IN MY HEAD: This “simple” party is becoming more complicated by the second!
Ms. Monica: “Oh and you will need to email the other February Birthday month moms to coordinate everything. Do you need their email addresses?”
Melanie (l must be looking more overwhelmed with every “to do”): “Yes please.”
Ms. Monica: “Is this OK with you?”
Melanie IN MY HEAD: Do I really have a choice?
Melanie with a big smile: “Oh yes it is just fine. I LOVE to do these types of things!”
Melanie IN MY HEAD: What just came out of my mouth? I cannot believe I just blatantly lied to her like that.
And with that, Griffin and I left. I was sad the whole way home.
So over the past couple of weeks I have been planning the “February Birthday Month” class party! Yeah ME!
The big celebration is this Thursday. I am in the home stretch. Nolan and I stuffed 16 goody bags today. Again Yeah ME! I just emailed Ms. Monica with the final update an hour ago. I also just re-confirmed with the other February Birthday month moms who is responsible for what. Tomorrow I go get balloons. Yes, I am in the home stretch. I have almost survived three child party events in ONE month. Even for party planning enthusiasts that is ALOT!
I am almost home free.
But unfortunately, I know I am only home free for a short amount of time. There is always another “something” around the corner. I have two little ones. This is only just the beginning. I can only dodge a bullet for so long.
And apparently I am a good liar too.
Nolan is getting ready to fill the goody bags today. (At least one of us enjoys this kind of thing!)
