Suburban America

If you've spent any time around me, you've probably heard me gripe about the pressures of Suburban America. I've lived in several places across this country including, but not limited to, Midland, MI (small town USA), Urbana-Champaign, IL (college town USA), and my hometown of Norfolk, VA (independent city). But there is something pretty special (and annoying) about suburban America. Take a wild guess... KID BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

I could be way off base... but play along with me for a moment as I go off on what promises to be a hasty generalization. I don't remember having a single birthday party growing up, so perhaps I'm just a little bitter (or maybe just forgetful). But, the birthday parties these days seem to be a bit out of control.

1. We get random invitations to parties for kids that we don't really know that well. So my general rule of thumb is that if I have never heard the kid's name, "we no go" (excuse my pigeon english, but I've been hanging around with my Nigerian co-worker).

2. Not having a birthday party for your child is not an option... apparently. Who made up this rule?

3. House parties are so lame... apparently.

4. Themeless cakes like the ones that mom used to make with the crunchy candy letters on top? Long gone. So not cool.

Instead, you must have a real venue. You must have a theme. And you must have a cake/decorations to support that theme.

We recently attended a fabulous 5-year-old birthday party for Janai's friend and classmate, Hillary. Ahem, I mean... Princess Hillary. Formal invitations were sent. Girls were asked to wear princess attire (crowns included). Janai opted for Snow White over Princess Belle. Check out this shot of Princess Janai with Princess Ariel (actually her real name) and Princess Hillary.

The event was held at the Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique in Houston. It was set up like a tea party and the chairs were covered with satin coverings much like what you would see at a wedding. Yes, seriously...

Cinderella made a guest appearance, played magic games with the girls, spoke in the highest pitched voice you could ever imagine, and also did some face painting.

The spread of food was excellent and included fruits, pastries, and sandwiches in the shape of butterflies. The table was set with real (or at least it looked to be real) china and the girls sipped on lemonade. What ever happened to Caprisuns? Juice boxes? Little hugs?

Next came the cupcake decoration. Each little princess was given her own cupcake to decorate with candies and sprinkles of her choosing. Moms were able to choose from Sugarbaby's Chic line of specialty cupcakes, including Velvet Rouge, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Truffle... just to name a few.

Did I see a photographer snapping shots of the grand affair? Yes! And thanks to her, I have a few the pictures to share with my friends in the blogosphere.

Princess Janai (Snow White) Williams sipping on lemonade

Princess Janai and Princess Hillary doing a majic trick with Cinderella

Princess Janai and Princess Ariel decorating their cupcakes

All jokes aside, this was truly a great party and all of the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves . Hats off to Queen Stephanie for hosting such a divalistic gig.

Me, on the other hand... well, I've tried really hard not to be a sucker for this suburban birthday party madness. Although I haven't quite reached Queendom, I must admit that I have fallen into the trap.

Mr. Clean

Jay is coming up on 16 months old and he is showing himself to be quite the Mr. Clean. Well... sort of! Aside from the fact that he still takes great pleasure in throwing certain foods from the high chair down to the tile floor and he shreds any paper or magazine to the smallest of pieces, he is expressing great interest in cleaning and cleanliness. Take your pick - a mop... a broom... a full length duster... dust pan... it doesn't matter. At any given moment, on any given day, it's likely that you'll find him with one of those items... or maybe even more than one if you're lucky. Check out my mini-multitasker!

He also has a complete obsession with brushing his teeth... all 10 of them. No toothbrush is safe. He'll pick up any one he sees and go to work in creating the best pearly whites you've ever seen in a woddler. It also hilarious to me that he insists that the water remain running so that he can rinse his toothbrush. Poor Ms. Janai has often caught the bad end of this obsession. If he sees her on the stool brushing her teeth, it's common practice for him to bull-doze her off of the stool and take over.

I'm enjoying this while it lasts. I know that the time will come when mopping and sweeping is no longer cool, and something as simple as brushing his teeth might be looked at as a chore and not just good hygiene!

Puppet Show

A few weeks back, I took the kids to the Children's Museum here in Houston. Janai decided to entertain Jay and I with a puppet show. Here goes...

Once upon a time, there was a raccoon and a lizard.

and a cute little brother who stole the show...

The End.

Busy Times

It's yet another busy season in the Williams household. James is in the middle of track season. Janai is busy doing what 5-year olds do. Jay is growing like crazy. And, I am... umm... well... just running ragged. It's been a while since I posted. There are a few legitimate reasons, but no excuses. Will update you soon.