Entitlement, folks - it runs rampant around here.
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| Anna got 2 of these |
So Larry and I ended up driving 6 girls (Susie rounded out the guest list) to pizza and bowling. The guy at the bowling alley looked at us sort of funny when our small crew walked in, as we were required to pay for 12 guests in order to book the party. The party room did feel a little large for us - add to that the fact that most of the girls who attended fit the classic introvert personality type, and we had what was probably the quietest birthday party ever. Seriously, I've been to funerals that were less sedate.
And now I get to change Rachel's age over in the sidebar profile there, while marveling at the fact that she was a wee lass of 4 when I began this blog. I don't know where the past 7 years have gone; and I'm not sure I can bear watching everyone get older and older in these pages anymore. It's painful to have such a tangible record of time passing, passing, more swiftly than I ever could have imagined when I started writing here, back in the days of babies and nap times and toddler tantrums. It makes me want to go back and make up for all the times I ignored her pretty little self while I typed at the computer or read my email. Anyone else want to hug each of their 2-year-olds just one more time?
Still, I cling to the hope that my grown children will treasure these family stories someday. I even fondly imagine that they will read these pages and recognize their mother as a fellow human being and not just as the flawed parent who begged them to just stop talking and who sneaked their teddy bears into the trash. Maybe the incidents I relate here will even make them feel better about their own grown-up lives, imperfect as they are bound to be.
Birthdays make me maudlin, can you tell?
And, yeah, I AM listening to "The Circle Game" over and over. What of it?
That sounds like a pretty sweet birthday party to me, actually. And what does it say that I also think the jewelry kit it totally awesome?
ReplyDeleteI guess next time you need someone to help fill out the party room, call me. I'll fit right in.
Darn you! Now I have to listen a few dozen times. *Sigh* Joni hit the nail right on the head.
ReplyDeleteWe had a party where out of 10-12 invited only 2 attended. They still had fun. Even more fun since there were plenty of game controllers to go around!
ReplyDeleteI am tempted to make a photo book out of my favorite (now would those be the cutest or most embarrassing?) blog posts about my children. Just so I could leave it around for future spouses to flip through.
I'm not sure when my 23 grew up, as it does seem possible that much time has passed. We bought our house 20 yrs ago?
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to chat with a 2 year old last week. I forgot how fun and damn funny 2 year olds can be. Sigh. Then I spent the rest of the day awash in nostalgia for my kids toddler years.
ReplyDeleteIt almost, almost made me want to have another.
We have small birthday parties quite often, too. *shrug* It's largely why I've only booked a venue once ever. As long as they're happy, right?
ReplyDeleteYup. The combination of "Wow, I can't believe they made it to __years ol" and "Oh no, they're already __years old."
ReplyDeleteYou are singing my song here.
ReplyDeleteI just hope that my boys someday want to read about their mother's thoughts.
Oh, she is getting OLD. Happy birthday to her.
ReplyDeleteAnd quiet birthday parties are often just as terrific as the bawdy ones. My oldest prefers that kind, it's his nature.
LOL on the birthday being quieter than a funeral! Hilarious! Our worst birthday experience was when NO KIDS AT ALL showed up for my son's birthday. That was pretty horrible.
ReplyDeleteThe trees are in their autumn beauty,
ReplyDeleteThe woodland paths are dry,
Under the October twilight the water
Mirrors a still sky;
Upon the brimming water among the stones
Are nine-and-fifty swans.
The nineteenth autumn has come upon me
Since I first made my count;
I saw, before I had well finished,
All suddenly mount
And scatter wheeling in great broken rings
Upon their clamorous wings.
I have looked upon those brilliant creatures,
And now my heart is sore.
All's changed since I, hearing at twilight,
The first time on this shore,
The bell-beat of their wings above my head,
Trod with a lighter tread.
Unwearied still, lover by lover,
They paddle in the cold
Companionable streams or climb the air;
Their hearts have not grown old;
Passion or conquest, wander where they will,
Attend upon them still.
But now they drift on the still water,
Mysterious, beautiful;
Among what rushes will they build,
By what lake's edge or pool
Delight men's eyes when I awake some day
To find they have flown away?
Dammit, you made me cry this morning. I have to admit, Yeats says it better than I ever could.
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