HHH

Once a month I hold jenH Happy Hour (HHH).  It’s my kind of Mommy & Me playdate.  I invite about 30 women and everyone knows they are welcome to extend an invitation to a friend.  Most the time there is between 10-15 Moms and about 20 kids.  Yeah, it gets crazy.  Kids run in and out and in and out and upstairs and downstairs.  And there’s lots of screaming.  Up the hallway and down the hallway.  There’s lots of laughter too.  The Moms hole up in the kitchen and we try not to be distracted (but that’s impossible because we’re Moms), but we eat, drink and talk, talk, talk.  Anyone who really knows me, knows that kids can totally stress me out.  Which is funny.  Why would I subject myself to this ruckus?  For some strange reason that I cannot explain, I totally love the craziness of HHH.  Maybe it’s the wine.  Maybe it’s the great people who always show up.

Honestly, I do it so I’ll clean my house.  And I ask people on the evite not to judge me if they find cheerios in the carpet, because they probably will.  I’m only surface cleaning and those little suckers get really stuck in there!  So I do the best cleaning job I can do in three hours (and let me tell you, my house really can really use it!).

I also have come to accept that I love entertaining.  And quite frankly, if I didn’t have HHH, I probably wouldn’t see these awesome women as much.  And I need them!  The women that show up for these, well some are close friends, some are friends that I wish I were closer to, and others are women that I just met.  I figure us Moms have got to stick together.  We need laughter, support, and group of gals that just get it.  So if I can create an environment where that happens (and it does) then I’m all smiles.  I love doing the hostess thing, making sure that everyone has a full glass and something to eat.  I love introducing people to each other and watch the afternoon unfold.

Typically about two glasses in, I stop and listen to the mania.  I laugh.  The kids are playing , the moms are having a good time.  All is well.  Am I always full of grace and ease at these things?  Hell No.  But I always see HHH as an opportunity to practice that.  Some kids drive me crazy, some kids are too loud, and some kids break things.  And sometimes there are even Mommies that are a little awkward too.  I feel like I’m inside my own personal, social randori and my job is to relax, keep my sense of humor, and make sure the afternoon is flowing well.  That’s fun for me and it’s also a great learning experience too.  Cause yes, sometimes I want to freak out on the kid who is jumping on my coffee table.

The thing that I most appreciate is the women that show up.  It’s always the right group and it’s never the exact same people either.  Most people are at ease here.  It’s okay to come late, it’s okay to bring a friend, it’s okay to bring some food and more wine and it’s also okay if you don’t.  When we’re here we look out for each other’s kids and give hugs when someone stumbles.  We offer advice, support, alternative thinking, and love to each other when needed.  Hanging out at HHH, I feel like there is a Sisterhood or a Motherhood that just feels good.  I hope that’s a feeling that everyone gets when they come.  And they too can relax in the mania.  Because isn’t that a large part of what Motherhood is?

Cheers friends and let me know when you’re in my hood.  I’d love to fill your glass.

P.S.  A big shout out to Anne Taintor who always makes me laugh.  I’m a big fan!