Thursday, March 19, 2009

Venting

There's a reason why my sisters don't know about my blog. It's so I can bitch when I need to. So, at the risk of stealing a blog topic, supposed well-meaning family members should mind their own business. I'm referring to hosting a small family "get together" in honor of my daughter's First Holy Communion. Two out of three of my sisters think I should extend the invitation to include extended family. Here are a few facts as to why I want the party to be small.

  1. It may come as a surprise, but I don't like hosting events. I know it seems odd especially due to the fact I'm inviting 8 second graders to my house for an evening in the near future. However, second graders are different from adults, for one thing I won't have to work as hard. As long as I have toys, music and food - they will be happy.
  2. Is it about the party or about receiving the sacrament? If I need to answer that one then I know you don't get it.
  3. If I invite my aunt and cousins, then I feel the need to include Mr. Hard-Worker's extended family (his aunt and cousins) making the guest list over 30 people. That is not a small number my friends.
  4. Do I need to repeat that I don't like hosting parties? Like most hostesses, I work before, during and after, thus, not getting the opportunity to enjoy the company and therefore the event.
  5. Whose house and party is it anyway? Hmmm, I wonder?
  6. Arghhhhhh! Haven't we been through this already? When Monkey Girl was Christened, I kept the gathering small, only having immediate family present. Yes, they argued back then too.

I'm tired and don't want to think about this anymore. However, if either of my sisters want to host their own event, they are more than welcome to do so. Maybe I seem like a party-pooper, but I'm the one doing the work here. I'm doing her party my way and if they don't like it, too bad for them. They don't have to come now, do they?

9 comments:

Suzanne said...

I'll say the same thing I said earlier today, and that's 'we should be humble before the Lord'.

It is important to recognize the occasion, but I look at the fact that you've got three. If you do for one, it means you have to do the same for the others. (and what of all the communions that you're singing?)

Joyce-Anne said...

Sue- I knew I forgot a couple of valid reasons. Thanks!

songbird's crazy world said...

Suzanne makes a good point. You need to honor the occasion, but you don't have to go overboard, because what you do this time you will have to repeat for each child.

Do what's comfortable for you.

Natalie said...

We had the same dilemma for our babies' baptism. All hell broke loose!
It is about the sacrament.
It is your house.
It is your blog.
It is o.k.
Hugs.xx♥

Suzanne said...

However, anytime you want to fly in a personal chef/party coordinator, let me know! ;) And I don't offer that for just anyone, you know.

Joyce-Anne said...

SB- I know if you do something for one child, be prepared to do the same for the following kids. That's precisely the reason why we're doing something at home-it's cheaper and we can be consistent when it's Computer Boy and Monkey Girl's turns.

Natalie- Thanks. It's just frustrating dealing with my sisters who think they know best.

Sue- Thanks for the offer. :)

Momisodes said...

Definitely understandable. It really is about the occasion and not who is on the guest list.
I'm sure this is incredibly frustrating having to deal with family pressure. *hugs*

Joyce-Anne said...

Sandy- It's hard when everyone disagrees with you. I will say, though, my mom and sister (Army wife) understand where I'm coming from. Thanks.

Bama Cheryl said...

Do it your way and be done with it. It's your family, it's your commemoration of the event (current and precedents for the future) and you must be able to stay sane throughout. I don't let family members (beyond a couple) know of my blog either for precisely the same reason. It's none of their bee's wax!