It’s PARTY TIME, baby!

Ahhh, the delights of party planning season are upon us.

As the happy coparent of six kids, almost all of whom were born in the spring (mammals much?), as of right this very second I face five birthdays (and as many parties) between March 23 and June 14. And each child faces the possibility his or her celebration a little differently.

It all starts off with kid number 1, who turns Sweet 16 in March. Originally slated as a get “together with a few people” at a friend’s house, it later became a “joint party” with a best friend, which then moved to our house because the 20+ person guest list was too unwieldy for it's former location. The guest list somehow stretched to 50 shortly thereafter. And then came the decision to bifurcate the parties-- just the celebration of our girl turning Sweet 16.

But the guest list expanded to 70 people.

*blink*

Next up is kid number 2, who could care less about a huge hullabaloo, but would likely groove on a family party, pizza and Xbox. However, as "family party" is defined as upwards of 25 people, it takes a little coordination.

Kid six cuts in line for party 3 and really has no idea what to expect. This will be her first beyond just-family birthday party, which for her is an exciting and frightening prospect all at once. Apart from cake (which she has dictated WILL be chocolate WITH pink and purple frosting AND princesses AND a bride AND a groom AND sparkles AND maybe a rainbow on it) and the knowledge that presents will be involved in some way, she is pretty much open to anything that comes down the pike. So long as it's pink and purple and sparkly. With princesses. And brides.

Kid five, as party 4 honoree, describes her needs in one word: Boomers. ‘Nuff said.

And kid four? House full of musky 12 year-old boys. Pizza. Xbox. (I am seeing a theme among the boys.)

I counted the months, I looked at the planning, the guests, the food, the sheer cost of all these to-dos and I reacted like… like… well, think Robin Williams in The Birdcage.

I WAS BORN FOR THIS! I'm so excited, my synapses are firing off like microwave popcorn. Move over Emeril, cuz BAM! I’m kicking the creativity up a notch.

Stick with me in the coming months as I ride the party-planning wave, from theme, to food, to invitations, to decorations, to where to buy the cheapest Advil. Got suggestions? Send them. Got advice? Linky love? Pass it all along.

Something tells me I’m going to need a little help.