Grateful, but..

NOT grateful.

For those of you who aren't aware, a lot of us Mormon folk are ancestors of pioneers. This is because of the ridiculously horrible persecution the early members of the church faced while living back east. Because of this they walked thousands of miles to get away --and ended up in Utah. Yes I am aware that people other than Mormons are from that heritage, but it's a pretty big deal in our church. So big of a deal that in Utah there is a state Pioneer Day. Stores close, businesses shut down, and there are a lot of picnic get-togethers and sometimes even fireworks at night. 

Well, growing up in Texas, Pioneer Day was pretty much a made up holiday in my mind. The ward that I attended sometimes celebrated it, but whether or not I went to these celebrations was a different story. There's always the interesting women in the ward who dress up in bonnet's and long dresses and make homemade butter and bread to celebrate...yeah, I think it's weird too. Moving to California, I never thought that people would recognize/celebrate this made up holiday out here. To my surprise, they do. The biggest party of the year for Los Angeles LDS members takes place on the 24th of July. There is dinner and music and prizes and games for 3+ hours at our church building. About 500 people usually attend...and Daniel and I are in charge of it. THE. WHOLE. THING.

I like to think that I keep a pretty clean house. But right now, it's full of crap. Sorry..uhh celebration festivities. Canned beef and baked beans, barbeque sauce and cotton candy sugar, tablecloths and popcorn, and prizes. Lots of prizes. Thats what people show up for, right? Maybe it's just me.

We have had about 5 weeks to prepare for this, and a very tight budget. It's been what my life has been revolving around for the past 5 weeks, and I can't wait until Saturday to be over with. We've had quite the run around getting people to help us out, but I've gotta say that I am super grateful for my cute girlfriends who have helped me tons. I assigned 7 girls to make 4 lbs of macaroni and cheese for the event (count em..28 lbs of mac and cheese..sick). I gave them each the noodles and corresponding cheese for recipe. Most of the girls have already made it..and today my good friend points out to me (in the sweetest way) that I am dumb and cant convert measurements. While quadrupling the recipe I did not give out as much cheese as I should have. Yep. Awesome! Oh well. It's almost here and I have run out of will power to be a perfectionist. Bland mac and cheese it is..enjoy!

It's been a learning experience. Let's just say that I now have a HUGE appreciation for people who put together activities. It's not easy to find helpful volunteers, and I think I will be a little more willing to donate my time in the future. 

Pioneers--my hats off to you. I'm pretty sure that walking though 3 feet of snow in nothing but one dress and some homemade shoes would be a little more challenging than planning a party. This is why I was born in this generation. But still..we all have our trials!

We should be all set by Saturday afternoon. Thanks again to all who have contributed, you are helping me breathe a little easier! Shoutout to my awesome husband who's been the reins of this whole operation! I'm doing the food and prizes and decorations..he's got the rest! Bring on the food cotton candy, games, BINGO, and fun :)