have I missed my calling?

If you're a regular reader of my blog then you'll remember my post a while back when I talked about wedding photography. I am definitely passionate about pictures (especially when they're amazing!), but I think I've narrowed down my passion to one simple word: parties.

Yup. It's true. And all of you who know me are nodding your heads and laughing. I am completely obsessed with parties. I don't know if I've totally missed my calling in life by not being a party planner, but really, it appears there are plenty of them out there that are doin' just fine.

My daughter will be turning 4 in April and for some reason I have become obsessed with planning her party. Because I've been so busy working and dealing with some unexpected family stress, I think this party just gives me something to look forward to. Yes, I realize she is 3 and probably won't remember it, but I will. Surely that counts for something, right?

It's amazing how my view has changed this year in regards to celebratory events. For Elizabeth's 3rd birthday party we went to the Gymnastics place (a.k.a. warehouse with horrible lighting).  I spent $50 at Party City on tacky Disney Princess decor, ordered a few pizzas and called it a day. And I absolutely refuse to discuss the party (or lack thereof) for my second daughter's 1st birthday. I cringe when I think about it. Please note: this was completely out of character for me and I really have no idea how it happened. Do know, however, that with a young baby one tends to make rash decisions under pressure (hence the plastic tablecloths and "made in china" party favors).

I'm pretty sure my party passion was subdued over the last year due to sudden loss of my Mother-in-Law and the birth of our second child (which occurred within 48 hours of each other), among other things. Excuses, excusess, call it what you want. All I know is that I'm back.

That's right. Me, the crazy passionate party lady is back and I'm in full force. My poor husband...he has no idea what he's in for. In November we hosted a football party for the UF/UGA game- I was inspired and went a little overboard...but the party was a hit! As far as I'm concerned a party is only as fabulous as it's details...and I am the QUEEN of party details.

During a baby shower planning session this weekend one of the gals looked at me with conviction and said, "You should do this for a living." I smiled, agreed, and we continued with the checklist. So perhaps I missed the boat on the whole party planning for a living thing...lucky for me I've got two little girls who have a mommy for hire. And to my darling Kennedy, I promise to make it up to you for #2.