Monday, May 07, 2007

... Preteens

If you are ever in a rut or in need of a little pick me up, I highly suggest throwing a party for a group of preteens. That is what I did the other night. Rachel, my niece, turned 11 a few months ago and in celebration, I offered to help her throw a dinner party for a group of her friends.


Rachel and I chose the menu, picked the date, sent out invitations, went grocery shopping, and worked the kitchen together chopping and shredding and making cinnamon and lime chicken fajitas.


Ready or not, we were descended upon by two cars full of high energy girls. I left them alone to figure out the dynamics of the evening and munch on the chips and dip. It didn't take long for a conversation of favorites of form: favorite stores to shop, favorite bands, favorite games... Standing close and giggling - the evening had begun.


I happened to have Balderdash - one of the gals favorite games - and for the next two hours we all enjoyed a little competition in the art of lying.


The evening went on... dinner... stories... dessert... jump rope....


Then, they left just as quickly as they arrived. But what remained was the smile on my face. Eleven, what a great age.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Balderdash...seriously Michelle, you always want to play that game. I'm so glad you were able to find kindred spirits in the game department. Makes me wish we had actually found a few people to play it once in a while. Looks like you all had a blast.

Bethany said...

Michelle, you are incredible!!!! What an impact you are going to have on these gals lives opening your home to them and being a part of their lives in such a special way. I know you had fun but most single gals wouldn't do something like this and I just think you are sooooo GREAT!!! And ummmm I cannot believe that Rachel is 11!!!!!!!!! I remember when she was born!!!!!!!!!!

Libby said...

can i please go back to being 11? and i love games! what's up with poeple who don't?! i wish i could have gone to this party. you are a sweet, generous friend. you inspire me to be a better person.

Libby said...

oh yeah, you cut your hair!!! did you get highlights too? looks cute! :) i always cut my hair when i needed a change. ;)

Bekah said...

So fun Michelle! And those cinnamon and lime fajitas...YUM! I remember when you opened your home for Katie's birthday party years ago! It was such a blast! So I know these girls had so much fun! Luv you!

Bekah

Jennifer said...

Michelle- It's shocking to me to see these girls looking so grown up.... where did the time go? Have you thought about writing an article/book on dinner parties... you've got the gift girl!

I love you.

JL

Jenn said...

Michelle,

I can't believe WHERE the time has gone. Look at Rach so big and grown up. What does that say about us???? Do you remember when she was so little .... Wow!!
Thanks for pouring your heart and life into others, it's inspiring to see and brings glory to the Savior!!

Ashleigh said...

Michelle, what fun! You're inspiring! Looks like everyone had a great time.

Judy said...

Um, oh my goodness. If some of those girls are who I think they are... I'm shocked. I did a bit of a double take. Looks like a fun party.

Cinnamon & lime fajitas? I'm intrigued.

Billie said...

How fun! Your so fun Michelle. What a special treat that they will always remember. Miss you

Reaghan said...

aww thats so cool! i bet she'll remember that for the rest of her life! thats cool of you to do that for her!
~Reaghan