Cookie Cake

I have a high-maintenance child. I say this with love and affection. I also realize I have enabled this condition. I accept that.

I quite often find myself in a conversation with other mothers discussing the trials of raising our children. It helps to vent and know you are not alone so this is a frequent occurrence. It is mostly the mothers of girls who are completely frustrated by the demands of their girls. When I then chime in with "My son is more work than both my girls combined", the response is usually disbelief. But it's true.

But he can be so cute about it and appreciative when everything is all said and done! That must be how things keep going his way. :-)

EJ wanted a party for his birthday. When I reminded him that last year was the last one, the negotiations started. What did you have in mind? How many boys did you want to invite!? I can't fit 9 17-year-old boys in my house! How much pizza do we need to feed a crowd that size? And before you know it I've agreed to all 9 boys being invited to meet at our house, caravan over to the youth house at church for video games and man hunt, pick up pizza, shop for sodas and a COOKIE CAKE!

I drew the line at overnight guests. That was just too much for me. I found out at 2 PM on the day of the party I needed to be present the whole time the boys were at the church (really, it makes sense - I just hadn't planned on it) and that meant no Wednesday night activities for me. I had to take a long lunch hour to pick up the key. But that blasted cookie cake was the most frustrating detail. THREE stops to find it; thank you Publix.

I offered to bake any kind of cake or cupcakes he wanted. I even offered a cheesecake. But bless him, he wanted a cookie cake. And we've learned from experience that he prefers the store bought ones. So I'm thankful I was able to locate a cookie cake and I'm happy to report the evening was a success.

I think all the boys had a great time. There was plenty of room for them to run and play their video games. They had a huge area for the man hunt event. It was easy to clean up. My girls were not banished to their room for the evening. And I got a huge hug and thank you.

EJ is one smart cookie.

Last Week of Summer

All in all, we had a very quiet weekend. Chloe managed to sleep a little at her lock in. Both girls read ALL day Saturday. Kate had to take some time out so she could work, but I know once her charges were in bed she was back to the book. I don't think either of them finished over the weekend, but it was close.

EJ spent all weekend with his friend Marc. They alternated nights at each other's house and I didn't spend a lot of time with EJ. But that is what summer is for; relaxing and having fun. Next Monday we'll be back in the swing of routine, routine, routine.

Chloe spent last night with a friend from church. It was Chloe's first week back since school let out and she and Emily were very happy to see each other and catch up. They discovered within the first two minutes of reuniting they have two classes together this year. A big plus for both of them.

This week will be more errand running and squeezing in last minute doctor appointments so we don't need to do them during school.

Tonight I will visit with my soccer moms! Marybeth very graciously invited us to her house for dinner and margaritas! You might say it is our last fling before
school starts. I had to talk myself through it but I've decided my kids are capable of finding dinner on their own for one night. So I haven't even planned or cooked a meal for them. Very progressive for me.