Teaching Update, and My Mom's Birthday Bash Madness

I am so happy to report that today was my LAST DAY OF SUPPLY TEACHING for this school year!

Tomorrow, I'm back in grade one, in a long-term assignment, at the school I know and love!  Wheee!  I am SO GLAD!  I will get to finish off the rest of the school year for one of my former grade partners, so I already know her students and the upcoming units we're teaching... phew!  It's going to be awesome.  Plus, that school is four minutes from my condo, which is an awesome commute.

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My mom's 50th birthday is coming up on May 12th.  She's a social butterfly, so I couldn't let her 50th pass without a big birthday bash.  The party is happening on May 7th, and I'm keeping it a surprise.  We only set the date a couple of weeks ago, so it's been a bit of a rush putting everything together (however, my mom is away on a holiday the weekend AFTER her birthday, and the following one is the May long weekend, so we had few options left).  Fortunately, I have an aunt who was able to call around to a bunch of family members for me to handle some of the invites... but mostly, I'm handling this entire shindig on my own (though Mr. Lock is being helpful in any way he can, just another reason why he is an awesome boyfriend) (PS -- thanks for the name idea for him, SciFi Dad!).

I'm feeling very accomplished today.  I ordered 50 Pink Flamingos for the front lawn on the day of the party, from a local company who does that sort of thing (because I'm going large, loud and fun with this party).  I also made an appointment for tomorrow evening with a catering company (my dad and grandmother are helping me fund the party).  We're going to get some platters from a grocery store, but we're looking to have the hot stuff and the main meal food catered (mostly just with finger foods and substantial hors d'oeuvres).  I've also been in touch with my mom's favourite bakery, and know that I just need to order the cake a week before the event.

I have my plans for decor, and will be going out with Mr. Lock on Thursday to purchase some fun, "50" themed items to splash around my house.  Every guest has been invited, and I'm only waiting on a couple of RSVPs.

I think it's going to turn out to be a very fun party, and the best part is that my mom isn't expecting it at all.  I think she'll really appreciate the effort being put into it, and will love having her family and a few close friends celebrate such an important year with her.  It's going to be about 40 guests, mostly because we have such a massive family (my mom has six brothers, who are married, with children)!

If you guys have hosted any big parties and have any advice, feel free to share it in the comments!  Otherwise, just wish me luck with this big undertaking!  I'm really loving planning it, because I think if I wasn't a teacher I would have LOVED to be an event planner.

And... grade one!  Tomorrow!  HURRAH!