Parteee

Saturday's fundraiser was a success, in large part, due to the help of my family. Not only did they give of their time to come to the party, they provided wonderful food for the guests and financial contributions too. One niece even gave me the gift of her time as she helped me to decorate the barren walls of the house. My mother really came through, helping me don the naked windows with ready made window treatments that we ended up customizing to fit my windows. She worked really hard giving me input on how to decorate. Mom, in a past life, actually took some interior decorating courses, during her run with Sears. (Back in the day they actually used to do that!)

I particularly love her suggestion to put a table next to our grand window in the family room. Steve and I love to sit there, eat or work on our laptops and look for deer that seem to continually cross our back lawn. My house has lost it's "just moved in look" - which is a great side effect from the party and a terrific birthday present to me.
The toys lined up along the fireplace hearth especially give that "lived in" look, don't you think?


Most importantly - we raised over $1400! I had a reach-for-the-stars goal of $1500 - but am very happy with this result, of course. This does not include those donations that people said they will mail in, so perhaps we will get closer to the goal. The stomach bug was running rampant, so 6 guests canceled at the last minute. Some people who I really wanted there didn't make it to the party, which was really sad for me. I tried not to let it dampen my spirits though. Those who did make an effort to be here seemed to have a really good time which made me feel terrific. The fact that the charity will get a little boost makes it totally worthwhile.

Zach did fantastic at the party! A year ago, he would have clung to me or Steve throughout the whole event. He ran through the crowd of legs, ate food, and we even had a mini playdate with a little guy, also 3 years old who so desperately wanted a little boy to play with. Great exposure to a social situation. Playdates were arranged for this week of vacation - an added bonus.

40 is the beginning of my new stage in life - and I am happy that I started it with trying to do something beneficial to others. Glad to see others out there care enough about me and the charity to make the effort. This sort of support really gives me a boost to figure out life in my new role as a stay at home mom to a special needs child and advocate. I hope I can learn more humility and the ability to give more selflessly in this next new phase. I am, after all, a work in progress, just like Zach!