Three days away

When Mick and I redesigned our house back in 2006, we put a lot of thought into the changes that would accommodate large group gatherings. Spaces were widened, traffic patterns considered, etc. We joked that the contractor probably thought we hosted massive soirees every other weekend. The fact is, we have had very few large-scale get-togethers since we added on. With busy schedules and a larger-than-normal family, it would be easy to say we just can’t find the time, but I have to admit to having some anxiety and self-doubt about my hosting skills. (I’d like to blame genetics, but then there’s Exhibit A: Mom and Exhibit B: Kelly proving that there is some exceptional hostess blood that runs in my family.) I fret about the weather, about having enough food, making sure no one feels left out, having enough seating, hoping no one notices whatever doesn’t get dusted, whether the kids are entertained, etc.

In spite of that, when we started planning Rachel’s Graduation Open House, there was never any doubt that we would host the party here. Parks are nice with their playgrounds and wide open spaces; churches and other rental places offer the convenience of preparations without having the stress of needing to get (and keep!) your house cleaned. But this is exactly the type of thing we had in mind when we added on – a big celebration in the comfort of our home.

So now here we are, three days away, and we’ve been working like crazy to get things cleaned up and ready. And then there are the extras that always seem to be thrown in at the last minute of a big event. Rachel and Trent had doctor appointments scheduled this week (on two different days), Claire has been going to Princess Camp every morning from 10-12. Courtney, Erica and Sarah have been helpers and Miss Hume asked me to take pictures and, well, how can you say no to Princess Camp? The girls are just darling and it’s been challenging but fun to get some decent pictures. One of the little princesses referred to me as “The Picture Girl” today.

We also celebrated Claire’s 9th birthday this week, with our usual special birthday meal with Grandma and Grandpa. Thankfully, the birthday girl ordered fish sticks. Can do!  In all the other craziness of this week, did our girl feel rushed or slighted during her birthday celebrations? I’ll let this picture answer that:

Mick took 3 days off to help get things ready. He put the last stone in on the stone path this afternoon. He’s been working on it almost non-stop for days, taking several forced breaks for rain, sleep and to run up to Menards to get more bags of concrete. Of course, he got down to the last stone and, you guessed it, one bag short! So, one more trip to Menards.

Hopefully it’ll all pull together somehow and we’ll give our 2015 graduate a special day to cap off her years of study in our little homeschool.

Yes, Rachel volunteered at Princess Camp, too.

 

P.S. For those of you who follow me on Pinterest, pay no attention to my “Graduation Open House” board that I’ve been pinning fabulously creative ideas to for the past few months. It’s just not gonna happen.  :-D