Throwing a party is a risky thing, and I am all too aware of some of those risks. When I was in sixth grade, I had my first boy/girl party and I had invited Jess Warren, on whom I had a major crush. My excitement for him to come was only matched by the fear I felt that at my party he would meet and fall in love with my friend, Kim, who did not attend our school. Kim and I had been best friends through elementary school and she had always been the cuter and funner of the two of us. She had been the one the boys had always liked. So anyway, party time came and sure enough, Jess couldn’t get enough of Kim. I was heartbroken. This had been (and for several more years continued to be) the story of my life, you see, and I could almost not bear it. I remember leaving the party and going into my mom’s room to cry, and I remember my mom telling me that I needed to pull it together. It was horrible. Funny thing–I also remember that the next morning, I was cleaning with my mom and that song, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” came on, so I took the opportunity to turn to my mom and say, “See, Mom. It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.” (Just a side note–despite how this story might depict my mom, she has definitely always been my biggest supporter.)
And then there was the party that my brother threw after we had moved across town. He had been so excited to get his old group of friends together for a reunion, of sorts, but it ended up being the worst night of our lives up until that point. It was the weirdest thing. Nobody ate; nobody talked; nobody did anything except stare at the walls. I remember all of us kids and my mom hiding up in her room to escape the awkwardness that was rapidly permeating the entire downstairs. My mom kept saying that somebody had to go downstairs, and each of us would beg for it not to be us–including my brother. We swore we would never throw another party for as long as we lived, and it took a good many years for us to build the courage to try it again. Don’t worry too much, though, because there have been a few good parties throughout the years, too. Remember those New Year’s Eve breakfast parties, guys? Those were super fun. (Thanks, Mom) And Camp’s four friends were happy enough with the toilet paper game at his birthday party this year. So it all evened out. And the party was fun enough, but Becky was in town for the weekend, too! She is such a fun guest! I love to have her because she enjoys everything just like a kid does and she gets excited for everything that gets me excited. Can’t wait for you to come again, Becky.
Ok, I know this is a shock that I am actually leaving a comment, but I just had to say how much I look forward to reading your blogs Ann! I wish I had been there. You go girl! Love, mom
I loved the New Years breakfast, it was so very much fun! Oh to be that young again, and stay up all night!
And why don’t you come here and do one of those parties? It sounds very fun, and I am sad I wasn’t there.
So wish I could have been there too! That sounds like it was so much fun! I have always admired your dance moves! It makes me want to throw my own favorite things party!
Wow…who’s the hotty in the orange shirt? You look great! And….thanks for being my entertainment today. I can only imagine you and all your friends dancing all crazily. hahahaha…..maybe next time you need to record it so you can post the video on here so that we can all laugh till we cry as well!
Oh heeeeeere’s an idea. Put all of us to shame with your insanely fun life. That’s alright. When I marry a millionaire, I will be having “My Favorite Things” parties every year…OPRAH style. Haha I’m kidding. Ann your party sounds like it was a blast. I can’t wait to be able to do something like that. But until then…we get to look forward to our GIRLS REUNION! Yayuh! Please tell me you are going to be able to come. Ok love you Ann. Peace.
I am so glad that I was able to come. I had so much fun, you have a lot of nice and fun friends. Maybe we should try out for SYTYCD? What do you think?
Ugh, I’m so bummed I missed your party! I love girl time, and I’m glad it all turned out. You all look fabulous, especially you!
Such a great idea…what lucky friends! Wish I could have been there for this party and also at the super lame party at your house where you all hid upstairs. Love that.
What a fabulous idea..the Favorite Things Party. We do a Christmas Party with friends here in town every year and it is the only successful party I have had. I’m convinced though that it is only because it is being thrown by two other people on top of me. How depressing to not have parties turn out.
And that party (or not so party) after you moved must’ve been something because I recall hearing about it myself.
You really made that bedding??? I’m impressed!
Oh yah…. and the Bleeding Love dance… So right there with you! Can you believe Billy actually asked me the other day “When is SYTYCD coming back on? I miss that show. It’s like the only thing I care to watch on tv anymore.” I about fainted.
Keller sings that song in the car. Funniest thing. That on top of Will singing ‘Rockstar’ and asking me to blast it in the car.
Ann, I’m so glad you posted your blog link on your facebook page! I loved reading your posts. Your kids are darling. I should update my blog more – but it is http://stephsterr.wordpress.com Nice to see you again!
Wow Ann! Your party sounds AMAZING!!! I am SO going to have to steal this idea! I love it!
happy belated birthday, cousin!
(And this is the first time that I've read your blog & you are still just as funny and witty as I remember you being! I am SO reading your blog more often!)
Your bedspread is beautiful and I love your ideas for your party. You are very talente and creative!
what is this “bleeding love dance” you speak of? i will have to check it out. that party sounded so fun. i am already thinking of my favorite things and making a list so that when i have the cash flow to throw a party i will be prepared. thanks for the comments you leave on my blog! i love when i get comments! and yes, you will look hot,huh! (say that like uncle jesse)
It sounds like you had a blast at your party. It sounds so fun. I went to a party you had in the 9th grade. It was fun. I think you are probably better at throwing fun parties then you realize. 🙂