Got to a point today where I absolutely could not process or produce one more thing, so I hopped on to Bloglines for a few minutes and ended up finding this link on a blog. It was absolutely what I needed! Utter cuteness.
Gummy hearts and relief pitchers February 14, 2006
I remember Valentine’s Day parties from my school days…the joy of the sugar buffet – walking around the room and filling up my paper plate with red gummy hearts, cupcakes, converation hearts, and various other pink and red delectables. And the boxes we decorated to hold our incoming Valentine’s. I used to look at the moms who showed up to orchestrate those parties and wish that my mom was able to come. She was always the paper-goods volunteer 
I’ve been fortunate to be able to attend every school party Ben has ever had. In the younger grades this was a true sacrifice – these kids were hyped up with excitement even before the sugar started coursing through their bloodstream. I literally had to come home and take a nap to soothe my jangled nerves. I guess I expected parties to always be crazy and out of control, but they have been getting progressively more and more pleasant. Today the kids sat at their desks and worked diligently on their craft, got their snack in an orderly fashion, visited with each other while they ate and then opened their Valentine’s. No fighting, shouting, or food-throwing. Just well-behaved kids enjoying a little social time.
Which brings me to my tip – and this is big, so don’t miss this, young mothers! If you are so inclined to be a room mother, wait to volunteer until your child reaches 3rd grade at a minimum. (Not me – I’m more the library mom type Because here’s what happens…the kids start school and those kindergarten moms are rip-roaring-ready to be a room mother. This is the moment they have been waiting for! It is not uncommon to see K and 1st grade classrooms with 2-4 room mothers. There will actually be planning meetings where all the moms show up just to plan one party! Well, by the time the kids are in 3rd grade, the newness has definitely worn off, moms often have multiple children in school and the conversation surrounding the appointment of room-mother sounds like siblings arguing over dish duty, "I did it last time," "My husband will kill me if I volunteer for one more thing, you do it!" "I’m already doing it for my other child’s room," "Sorry, I work full time," (who could that one be ?!). But, if you’ve preserved yourself, you can swoop in and be the hero, stepping in as the relief pitcher to win the game. And the beauty of it all is that it’s tons easier when the kids get older. They actually have an attention span. They can sit still. You can call the shots about the activities, crafts, foods etc. and grateful mothers will shower you with whatever donations you could need. And your older child will be much more likely to remember and appreciate your efforts! So, during the parent night at your Kindergartener’s school, smile innocently at those eager moms and bide your time, knowing that the sweet spot of room-mothering is waiting for you just down the road.
A progression in fun February 7, 2006
When Ben was in Kindergarten and 1st grade, he couldn’t wait to go to events like the Winter Carnival at school (bounce houses, snow cones, midway games and drawings). On the other hand, events like a lock-in at our church (with a trip to the movies and arcade) didn’t interest him in the least – too much uncertainty, being away from home, and he couldn’t begin to know what to do with a video game at that age.
Fast forward to 4th grade and flip the switch. This weekend he’ll be attending the 4th/5th grade lock-in and skipping the Winter Carnival at school. This may seem pretty matter-of-fact and well-duh! to a seasoned parent, but it took me by surprise when I realized the change. He’s been turning down lots of events at school this year and it didn’t strike me as a new phase until now. He feels too old for that kind of fun. He never puts it down and always asks if we want to go , but he just doesn’t care about them like he used to. It used to seem impossible to imagine him as a middle-school student, but these little stepping stones are paving the way.
