I am so proud of myself...I did it!

I know you are probably expecting something BIG, something HUGE, like graduating from college, or landing an awesome job. NOPE. But to me...it is HUGE.

I have had OCD my entire life. As long as I can remember, little things really bug me. I have to have things perfect. All the time. Sometimes it makes me CRAZY. I have chosen to deal with it, rather than take medications. Sometimes, I wonder if taking medication would be better.

And then, I do something like I did today...proving to myself, I CAN do this. I can LIVE a life being obsessive and compulsive.

When I throw a party, shower, dinner, which I often do, and LOVE to do...it is amazing. (if I do say so myself) The food, the dishes, the decor, everything perfect, and in its place. I spend a great deal of time, and sleepless nights thinking of how I can make the occasion perfect in every way.

Well, let me explain how this instance went down:

It started with my 9 year old saying, "Mom, I want to throw Ava a surprise birthday party for her friends."

Mom: "We can have Ava a surprise birthday party, and you can help."

Lexi: "Mom, I want to do the party all by myself."

Mom: "You can't do it alone...I will help you!"

Lexi: "Mom, let ME do it. I want to do this for my little sister."

I am not sure if I was having a weak moment or what, but the next thing I know plans are being made by my daughter and her friend to have a surprise party for Ava.

Games, decorations, invitations. The whole deal.

I thought to myself, surely this is NOT going to happen. Oh No. I was totally and completely wrong.

As she showed me the handmade invitations on a recipe card, I cringed. She had worked so hard, and told me she used her BEST handwriting. I told her I would buy invitations. No, she wanted to do them.

This was all wrong. This is NOT how I do things. My gut hurt inside as she delivered each and every one of the invitations to our neighbors. I couldn't sleep thinking of how horrible this was going to be. I was so tempted to call each mother and explain what was happening, and why. I didn't.

As the day approached, she started to make decorations (clip art from the tangled movie). It was a princess party. Everyone invited was to wear a princess dress.

The games were a candy walk--like a cake walk, only candy was given out if you landed on the number drawn when the music (songs from the tangled soundtrack) stopped.

They also played Princess, Princess, Frog (duck, duck, goose).

They had an "art center", where the girls created their princess masterpieces with crayons, and tangled stickers.

They did each girls hair in braids, and put flowers in them (just like the movie!)

They had pink princess cupcakes, and a goodie bag with all kinds of princess things inside.

I can't believe I did it...I let her do it.

Did it come without pain and stress? Nope!

Was it worth it? Absolutely!

To see the smile on BOTH of their faces as Ava walked up the stairs to a room full of friends, totally surprised!

These are the handmade decorations. Not even cut out straight...taped onto card stock.

They were hung all over the walls, fireplace, and entertainment center. I believe there were even a couple on the front door!
(you can see them on the wall, and entertainment center door...not even hung straight...uuugggg)

Eating Cupcakes and ice cream

Drawing- at the "Art Center"

Their beautiful hair...just like Rapuzel.

Opening presents!

Playing Princess, Princess, Frog!

I did it! I really can't believe it, BUT I am SO happy I let her do this!!

That night, as I was getting them both ready for bed, I saw Ava give Lexi a big hug and say, "Lexi, thank you so much for my fun party!"

All the heart ache this silly party had caused me was gone. My heart was happy now...