Room Mom 101

So I did my first official duty as Room Mom. Last Friday was Riley's teacher's birthday. The ISD only allows three parties a year, so this wasn't an official party ... "an opportunity for the children to wish Mrs. B a happy birthday all together" was how I put it in the parent note home. Anyway, we collected over $100 and were able to buy her alot of toys and games for the room. This is her first year to teach, so she hasn't built up her stash yet. We got Legos, Magna Doodles, book, games, Mr. Potato Head ... stuff like that. We let the kids open the gifts, which went over very well. Each child gave her the birthday card they made and had their picture taken with her. We sang Happy Birthday and had mini-cupcakes.

Not bad considering that Victoria had 102 degree fever, mine was about 100 and we were both on antibiotic. I had just taken Hydro codeine for my severe throat and ear pain, so I was a bit doped up. And on top of that, Mrs. B had just gotten back from the doc and she had bronchitis. She didn't want to miss her party, so she stuck around for it. What a trooper! And then, to make matters so much better (said with a hint of sarcasm), I brought balloons. Yes, the Rookie Room Mom brought in latex helium balloons. Well, for those of you not in the "know," those are a big no-no in the elementary school world. Latex allergies. Totally understand. But this did cause the party to end on a bad note ... which was totally a bummer. Oh well ... live and learn.

So, what did I learn from my first experience as a Room Mom ...

1. Latex balloons are a no-no.
2. Do not use the word "party" at any other time in an elementary school except at the deemed party times of the year ... also a big no-no, along with plates that read "Happy Birthday" ... it is enough to make you want to run screaming from the building pulling all your hair out, no?!
3. Hydro codeine can fix almost anything that ails you.
4. Mrs. B is totally my kind of people!
5. Even if things don't go as well as you had hoped, just make sure that you have a Christ-like attitude and demeanor and know that without a doubt that the Lord will take care of all the fall-out.
6. Next time ... D-E-L-E-G-A-T-E.