Picture me yesterday, around 4:00, reading my book by the pool & waiting for M to go home so we can start our weekend. Nick called, and asked if he could have a pool party (starting in 10 minutes) for 20 teens, to celebrate them winning their tennis regionals match & that they are on their way to state. I gave it about a second of thought, and agreed. Not working right now puts me in a place where this is easy to say yes to.
I swept up the back patio, skimmed the pool, put the umbrellas up (it was hot yesterday!) & picked up the house a bit. Sure enough, 15 minutes later, the back patio was filling up with teens. I ordered delivery pizza (never listen to Nick that three large pizzas will be enough -should have done four), and when M got home, I ran out to grab popsicles, soda, ice & chips. There was absolutely zero frugality involved. We spent about $150 on the impromptu event, and ... I'm considering it my Mother's Day gift to myself. It was SO much fun to see the teens all laughing, throwing the seniors in the pool, playing pool golf, jumping off of the giant rock, tossing the football, & my favorite... all signing along to various songs on Nick's playlist. I was very surprised by the eclectic mix of singers: everything from Drake to Abba to Frank Sinatra. When they started singing Careless Whisper, M & I were nearly crying from laughing.
It was such an unexpectedly fun afternoon/evening, and I love the flexibility to say yes to things. The kids were all super polite, helped to clean up, and the backyard actually looks totally fine in the light of day. I did need to order a new pool football, as ours didn't survive the fun. ;-)
What else am I up to today? I'm tired this morning, as I foolishly stayed up late last night reading. You'd think I'd learn not to do that, but sometimes, I just can't help it.
- Run 4 miles, before it gets too hot
- Get Nick up for calculus tutoring
- Make a shopping list
- Go to the store
- Pick up M from the tire shop (Nick's car needs new tires)
- Have the teens try on M's dress shirts, to find something appropriate for prom
- Work in the yard
- Pick up a couple of BN items
- Remind the boys (it will take multiple reminders for sure) to take the mandatory sexual harassment & concussion training for their work
- Laundry. Particularly all of the pool towels
What a great night for all, and the memories will be so long lasting I'm sure. I loved being a bystander at these events too, such great insight into our kids and their friends. Kudos Mom and Dad!
ReplyDelete- Tamara R
It really was so fabulous. No regrets! (HP)
DeleteI wouldn't have hesitated to host an outdoor gat together. The times go so fast. $150 for that many kids us pretty reasonable in the scheme of things. They'll remember it too I bet.
ReplyDeleteThe time really is going too fast, and we loved the chance to see all of the boys in action. Especially the seniors, who are almost done with school & are all off to college. (HP)
DeleteHow wonderful that you were able to pull that all together in such a short period of time.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Luckily, I was at home, and M was almost home since it was a Friday. I felt happy I'd picked up the house & yard already, so it wasn't in too bad of shape to start with. (HP)
DeleteLife is good — these are the good times
ReplyDeleteIt really, really is! (HP)
DeleteJre. Love this!
ReplyDeleteNo regrets - it was so worth it! (HP)
DeleteEven though you might have thought the impromptu pool party was not frugal, one day in the future you will remember that day and realize you spent your money on memories that are priceless. And that is worth every single penny.
ReplyDeleteSo true. We enjoyed every moment of it, and I was actually just looking at photos (we are making a poster for Sam's graduation, which the school hangs in the hallway as the kids walk outside for the ceremony) & M & I were talking about how many truly amazing memories we've had with the kids. We feel so super blessed. Seeing all of those photos - what a reminder of what a fabulous parenting journey it's been! (HP)
DeleteYou can't put a price tag on great memories like that! I would have done it, too!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. While I always appreciate notice, sometimes it's the impromptu things that mean the most, and you can't always plan everything out. As a die hard planner, I'm working to embrace the moments I'm not expecting, just as much as the ones I'm planning for. (HP)
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