This post doesn’t have alot to do with my kiddo on the spectrum, but guess what – my whole life doesn’t revolve around that one piece!

In early May I was struck by the fact that my sweet little girl was turning four already! Time sure flies. We just brought her home from Russia, when we adopted her, three years ago. We have a small immediate family and every year our family birthday parties are even smaller because of half that small immediate family living out-of-state. I made a very quick decision this year to give Maella a birthday party with her preschool friends, at a local gymnastics center. It was a tough decision because I knew I’d go overboard. I love making it special for kids, they’re so appreciative and accepting and complimentary and they get so excited.

I said the decision was quick but I was tempted to not do it at all. It was the decision between go all out, or don’t do it. I had to choose if I’d split my time and efforts during the final couple weeks of school, when I was also going on field trips, attending class plays, helping out in classrooms, working on end-of-year projects, wrapping up IEP’s, planning ahead for summer schedules including in-home therapy, summer school and recreational programs, planning our family summer vacation, and more.

A week or so before I had to make that decision a family in our small community lost their little girl. She was hit by a car when she ran out into the road. It was a tragic accident, every parent’s nightmare. This certainly ran through my mind as I considered whether or not to spend efforts on doing the party.

I never seem to have enough time and I have to choose wisely what I’ll spend it doing. But I sure am glad I gave my little girl that birthday party. I did go overboard, and it’s ok. She had so much fun. It was wonderful seeing her open up with her friends, outside of the school walls. Before I can blink, she’s going to be another year older! My son’s enjoyed watching me prepare for it, and while I had out a barrage of craft supplies for her party they were all at the ready for the boys end-of-year projects!

Mom & Maella having fun in the foam block pit!

I hope you find something fun to go overboard on this summer! If you need ideas go to my favorite new website… pinterest. =) There’s so many ideas on there! Make some special summer treats, or an over the top fort outside, have a major water fight, a neighborhood kickball game WITH adults, and more!

Looking forward to going overboard on some things this summer, but also relaxing by the local pool for the better part… Kara