May 11th.

That’s the day of our city-wide homeschool graduation ceremony. As I put together these last 9-10 weeks of lesson plans, I am constantly reminded of how close that date really is relative to today. Even more staggering, for lack of a better word, is the fact that our oldest has even less time in actual school days. Her days at His Way Home School will actually come to a close by the end of April. (I am anticipating the revolt from my younger two when she is finished versus the 3 or so weeks that they’ll have left). With that being a fact, I sense time as an increasingly looming presence that constantly tugs at me, reminding me of the many items that I basically have, at this point, about one month to complete.
One of those many items–with several subsets of tasks underneath–is to put together a graduation party. Can I be honest? That is sssssssssoooooooo not me. I’d be happy to invite the family and a few close friends over to pots and paper plates, eat and greet, and call it a day. In fact, this whole listing of tasks before the “big day” brought back distant memories of my own high school graduation events. I graduated during the same weekend in which a dear cousin of mine got married. Translation: a whole lot of family with a whole lot to do. And true to the nature of a big, Southern family, we fellowshipped and ate together every night, celebrating each event in its turn. I don’t recall having any regrets about that time. I’m sure I won’t regret this time, either, but I’m not looking forward to the numbers of people and the general hustle and bustle of sitting through a graduation ceremony–or at least some of it–then running off to prepare for a reception. The introvert in me just can’t get ready for all the activity, and I feel only one semi-emotion when I think about the day: anxious. BUT, the oldest asked for a party for her graduation; she’s not asked for a party in almost 10 years, and everyone around us–immediate family and friends–has that gentle, electric buzz about her big day to come, and all the plans of her young adulthood that will take new shape and form as she leaves our home. So, here we go.

Enter Pinterest. My dear friend Kerimae blogged recently about the impact of computers, and how the digital age has taken as much–if not more–than it has given us in our quest for effectiveness and efficiency. At least, that’s what I got out of her post. As I shared with her, the computer has cost me a lot. Work requires that I spend hours on it; home education requires that I engage with computers, and technology in general. Building a business demands that I use social media networks, i.e., free advertising, to my advantage. My sacrifice is that I don’t get to do some other fun and necessary items, like spending time out-of-doors weeding, walking, and generally taking in the fresh air. BUT, one thing a computer has done for me is to expand my knowledge base and comfort level very quickly in areas with which I’m totally unfamiliar and/or hopelessly inadequate.
I will confess that I didn’t really see the point of Pinterest for a long time; I joined because it seemed to be the flow of traffic in terms of social media, and I thought it’d be another way to keep up with friends. I have an Evernote account that allows me to store and access my favorites from any computer, so what is the point, right? Yet, with Pinterest being such a visual medium, I thought it might be the perfect place to find party ideas and foods that are simple enough to prepare, and pretty enough to make a visually striking party. A basic search of ‘graduation party ideas’ did not disappoint. I spent hours “pinning” pictures to my own boards after finding tons of simple food ideas that I could combine with minimal catering and look as if I actually have some skill in this area. These pictures are just a few of the ideas I found, but probably won’t incorporate. Are you as amazed as I am at the creativity of people??!!
There are still other party-related items that must happen. Interestingly enough, while I drafted this post, Office Depot sent a discount code for graduation invitations–talk about God’s hand. Another dear friend who dabbles in professional photography offered to take the oldest’s graduation pictures gratis–another blessing. I even found party items for her intended college of choice, thanks to Party City. Also, my Pinterest party idea board has several links to printables and other simple food ideas. Perhaps the most telling–or embarrassing, dependent upon how you look at it–part of this whole digital revelation is that actually, I was inspired by the youngest, who began searching for themes for her upcoming sleepover–a party that I’ve not “officially” gotten on board with, by the way. True to her nature, she already has a list of invitees, a schedule, a budget based upon what she found at Party City, and yes, she, too, has perused blogs and Pinterest for party ideas–far before I thought to do so. Gotta love these grown-ups in miniature bodies.
Now if I can pare our list of invitees down to a realistic number of what the room will hold, and if I can learn to not be so heavy-handed with my food glue, i.e., corn syrup, someone just might think that I had a good time with this whole thing. 😉

Being the EXTROVERT that I am…you know I love doing parties! So don’t hesitate to tap me for any assistance! Two words for you: DOLLAR TREE! I live and die by that place for all things party. And for things you’ll only use once…why not pay as little as possible? you’ve got this girl! And yes, my crew will be IN THE HOUSE!!!
I can’t believe the day is so close. You all are going through lots of changes. I can’t wait to see the party you give your dd. Make someone take pictures for you.
Blessings, Dawn