Planning for Party – the mini series: Episode 6 – Where’s My Panic Button?

Thanks for tuning in, this “mini-series” will be the daily play-by-play, panicked countdown of a mom on a mission to pull off an original and memorable birthday for my soon-to-be three year old. I’ll take you through the last week of planning, because of course, that’s the fevered crunch time. And naturally when everything goes awry…

Wednesday: T minus 3 and counting

I am officially stressed. Again.

Despite the humongous hair balls that appear here:

I managed to get the crayon rolls to where I only have the trim left to do. Well, that’s not 100% true.  I still have 20 to turn right-side out. And iron all of them. And get the “invisible ink” lines off of a few of them. I swear, that pen wasn’t worth sh*t.

I searched online to get ideas for what to top Princess Cupcake’s cake with, and discovered many “crayon-themed” cakes. Most of which – at least the ones that were Duff-worthy — require 3-D crayons on it and the use of fondant.

I have never used fondant. And I was honestly hoping that would be one thing I could regret on my deathbed. Never using fondant. That may no longer be a wish come true.

Tomorrow I have to make another run to JoAnns to get more thread (funny how much a hairball can consume), and some additional cake and cupcake supplies.

My mind is racing and I have lists of things and projects to “not forget” on my desk, on the dining room table, in my purse… all of things I need at the store. And which stores – because I cannot remember where all I need to go. Honestly, even if I stayed awake for the next two nights it would not all get done. But I SOOOO want to!

On my list(s):

• Drop the pearlized balloons that PC picked out under the idyllic Target photo to the Tom Thumb so we can pick up balloon bouquets on Saturday.
• Don’t forget to buy other snack food for the kiddos and parents at Sam’s Club – fruit tray, waters, juice boxes. (I think we still have some left from last year’s party. They have to be expired, don’t they? Note to self: check juice box stash.)
• PLATES! FORKS! NAPKINS! Geezums, I need primary colors. Dollar Store or Target????
• More crayons for the centerpieces – Target. No time to run back to US Toy.
• Joann – remember all the cake decorating supplies. See list in office. Or is that one in the car?

I am definitely one of those people who has Plan B in their head when they come up with Plan A. I am getting nervous because I my Plan B’s are pretty lame.

Why, why, why didn’t I start this before?! I am now setting the alarm on my iPhone for the afternoon to remind me of errands to do tomorrow. I am still planning on taking Friday off. That’s my only fall-back position.

To accomplish:

• Hats
• Treat bags
• What will she wear? What will I wear?
• Cake
• Cupcakes
• Centerpieces and placesettings
• Grrrr. Those crayon rolls. And I have to stuff them with crayons.
• What did I forget? Where are all my lists…

Wish me luck.