Monday, November 12, 2007

I said I would attend the birthday party several months ago, then forgot about it. Yesterday was the day . I didn't want to go, but I had purchased a card and put money in it. I was obligated to go. It was Spence's grandson's first birthday. His mom made it into a big deal. Spence picked me up. We went to the birthday party, filled with Spence's relatives. It turned out to be a wonderful party. The mom and dad of the birthday boy went to a lot of thought. There were plates of munchies all over. One table was set up as a bar. Later, pasta and salad were served. There were two cakes!
The best part was watching Sam...now age one. Most children at that age get over tired and cranky...or hyper with excitement. Sam took it all in...completely calm. He smiled at the gifts...especially a big monkey that delighted him. Sam laid on it, perfectly happy.
When my daughter was one, I gave her a cake. The cake was torn apart, daughter a mess of chocolate, followed by distress cries ...her hands were all sticky. She didn't like it.
Compare that to Sam, who politely stuck one finger in his cake, tasted the frosting and went back for another fingerful. I've never seen such neatness and restraint...a one year old eating his birthday cake.
There were a few young children at the party. Brenda (Mom of birthday boy) bought a pinata for them. She gave all the children colored bags. There were ribbons hanging from the airplane pinata. One ribbon opened it. Toys and candy fell out. The children scooped up their prizes. Wasn't Brenda thoughtful? Little Sam was too little to open his presents, so Brenda got the other children to help with the wrappings. She involved them in the festivities, so they wouldn't get bored and race around, annoying the adults. Brenda is a teacher working full time. Her skill with young children is apparent. I admire any working mom. It is a lot of work and not enough time to get every thing done. She has a wonderful, supportive partner in Spence's son, Jason. They work together, not against each other. It is so wonderful to be aware of this.
The gathering was made up of personally successful people...unlike my own family. (This distresses me.) Spence's family is sports minded. Some play golf, they are interested in U Conn Women's basketball. Some are musicians. One is a banker, another a serious painter. Spence reports that there is an Olympic swimmer in his ancestry. His son is a triathlon athelete. Every body swims and boats, even if they don't own a boat. I enjoyed being exposed to the crowd. I think they accepted me. I also think they expected something from me....to make Spence happy, but that is a topic for another day. Anyways, Spence is loved and admired by his family. What a support system that man has.
After the party, Spence offered to help me paint the edge of my stairs. Russo Floors removed the quarter round molding, exposing an unpainted strip. It had to be painted before the carpet arrives...today! We got the painting done. It dried overnight and the carpet arrives today.
After the carpet installation, Chris and I have to buy gasoline and groceries for him....until his first check comes in. I have to get the key for the rental house to the agent....details...details.

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2 Comments:

Blogger Anthony said...

I love birthday parties, but parties for children are usually hectic and unorganized. It seems that Sam is a rarity among one-year olds! But it seems like you had a great time with the family. I hope you're able to finish all your projects before the snow comes!

10:24 AM  
Blogger gardenbug said...

I hope so, too. The carpet on the stairs is installed and looks great. The new stove is in place. As you know, Rascal's things are in Syracuse. Your Mom and I went to Buffalo to see my Aunt Val. She gave me a set of dishes that are beautiful. Beth and I went to the Anthor Bar and had buffalo wings and beer. I love them! I snuck around Buffalo and Syracuse...did not call any of my friends because i didn't have the time to see them all. Don't tell them that I was in their city.

8:14 PM  

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