poured out and filled up {crafty party}

We kicked off Spring Break this week. Kinda sorta. We don’t actually do Spring Break…homeschool perks to doing school when everyone else is out and taking off when everyone else is in. The introvert, crowd-avoiding me finds this aspect of homeschooling especially appealing!

Okay, back to my point. My oldest daughter wanted to start the week with a craft party. She invited her classmates from our homeschool community and planned the entire party. She wanted snacks, supplies, and the freedom to create.

I offered to organize a craft – nope.

Honestly, I was soaking it up that she had very clear ideas for the party and was confident her friends would enjoy making whatever came to them.

She even created herself a To-Do list. I smiled so big when I saw it laying on the table. The spelling. The things she thought to include. The boxes. All of it. This is the good stuff in life.

She made a painting table, a paper crafts table, and a sewing table. I think I am going to ask her to throw me a birthday party this year!

She initially did not want the boys and their friends to come inside – out of fear a nerf gun battle would break out. Naturally, the guys made their way in and did some serious and not so serious crafting of their own.

When the party ended and the last of the glitter was swept up, she sat down to finish her checklist.
The room was filled of her sweet classmates crafting away. She worked hard planning, setting up, creating alongside her friends, and cleaning up afterwards. She embraces hospitality and welcoming others into her spaces. Instead of hiding away her favorite fabric or prettiest papers, she smiled when her friends used them. She is a thoughtful and generous friend and she daily challenges and inspires me.

When the last guest left and the room returned to its normal state, she sat on the couch exhausted with a full heart – and a headache. For all the ways she is energized by planning a party and hosting her friends, it equally tanks her. She usually ends up curled in my arms completely spent. She pours out until she is empty and then I get to hold her and help fill her back up. I have a pretty sweet gig.

I learn so much from her.