so, about the port-a-potty

I really appreciate all of the advice that you lent on my last post about the upcoming birthday party. You folks are the bomb diggity! At noon today, we had our minds made up that we'd host the party at an offsite location (here, in fact) and we were feeling relatively good with that decision.  Actually, Charlie was feeling GREAT with the decision because:

1) He wouldn't have to prepare;
2) He wouldn't have to clean-up; and
3) He would have an opportunity to experience the Fields of Fear

Me, personally? I had my heart set on fixing up our yard like a fall festival, but Charlie really likes haunted houses. And, one of the keys to a successful marriage is compromise. 

But then. I went to our school's Open House tonight and while there, I spoke to some of my friends about our birthday party plans and every one of them (!) suggested that we NOT host it at a pumpkin patch. At least not that pumpkin patch because although, yes - it is awesome and the kids (and Charlie) would have a fantastic time ... it's 90 acres and we'd lose everyone. 

I think their exact words were, "Do you really think the kids are going to know that it's time to come out of the corn maze and eat cake?? Most of the kids don't wear a watch, let alone know how to tell time!!"  Hmmm. Good point.

A few of my friends told me that hosting a party at our house is a wonderful thing to do. But, we're going to work our fannies off getting ready.  And then there's the whole bathroom issue.  Truly, I was cracking up at the number of people who suggested that we have it at our house and rent a port-a-potty.  When I read the first port-a-potty recommendation to Charlie, he snorted and said, "Yeah, RIGHT. Like we're going to have a portable toilet on our front lawn?!"  But then another 20 or so suggestions came in with, "Rent a port-a-potty!" and we were in fits.

I don't know why that struck us as so funny?

We clearly need to get out more. 

A few weeks ago, I took Henry to a playground while the children were in school and in the midst of climbing around a jungle gym, he had to go potty.  So I noticed that there were some port-a-potties lined up near the playground and we walked over to use one. My young son - who has no recollection of ever using a port-a-potty in his entire life - was aghast.  He peered down in to the deep blue water and turned with a look of horror on his face.

"You want me to .... IN THERE?" 

It took a few minutes of coaxing (no, you can't go behind the tree or the bush or the swing or the slide) before he went in. And this is how he came out, he was so desperate to extract himself from the deep blue water toilet box, that he didn't even take the time to complete his ensemble.



He kind of reminds me of my friend, Terrell, who did the 3-Day (60-mile) breast cancer walk with me in 2009. Terrell had such a phobia about port-a-potties, she pledged she'd hold it until the walk was over.  If I remember correctly, she nearly succeeded.

No final plans yet on the venue for the party - although I have the invitations almost ready to go.



As you can see, I just need to add in the WHERE and adjust the duration. Three and a half hours with 35+ children?? You'll find me hiding in the deep blue water toilet box.