The Lion King
Today I’m taking my son to see “The Lion King” broadway musical. 
This is the first time I’ve ever taken him to a public performance and I’m hoping he’ll do well. He’s almost four and whenever we watch movies at home, he’s completely silent and mesmerized. Here’s hoping he does well! 
It should be a fun mother-son day for us.
**Update: If “The Lion King” is playing near you, go see it! It was amazing! There were two additional songs that just blew me away. I had no idea there were new songs. Go here and listen to “They Live in You” and “Shadowland.” Wow. Just wow. I already ordered the soundtrack.**
He survived his first swimming lesson, although there was great trepidation on his part. He sat about two feet away from the edge of the pool and I finally had to intervene and tell the instructor to just pull him into the water with her. Once he realized that A) he was not going to be thrown into the water and B) the water was actually pretty warm, he did fine. He had a big goofy grin on his face because there was a cute three-year-old blonde sitting next to him. I predict the next lesson will be a good one.
On the writing front, I’m working on some new stuff to clear my brain. This one is my paranormal contemporary. I still have a bit of a fear factor on writing contemporaries because they’re not my usual reading fare, but I do love Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of Nora Roberts’ books. On the bright side, it’s easier on the dialogue because I’m not constantly checking myself to see–is this a word they would have used back then?
Anyway, I’m gearing up for my son’s birthday 
at the beginning of February and trying to decide how not to spend a fortune on paper products. He loved the Lion King plates and napkins I did for him last year at his daycare party. I’d like to do a theme of some sort, but I have to buy paper products for 24 kids. Yikes! At $3.99 for a pack of 8 plates, that’s a fortune. Hate that. You’re literally throwing money away. 
I might see if Oriental Trading Company has any options. Anyone have ideas for inexpensive but fun paper/party products?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 11:06 am | Viewed 843 times
Rene Says:
Isn’t it amazing how expensive those paper products are? They are cheaper if you buy them online at places like Birthdayexpress.com.
When I was working on a historical, it was more work than fun. It needed a great deal of research and had some dark themes. So I started a contemporary paranormal for the fun of it. That story ended up winning a contest and is the one currently out with agents. I’m not a big contemporary reader myself, much prefer historicals although I do like paranormals.
Have fun today with your son.
Tori Lennox Says:
Have fun at The Lion King!
Olga Says:
I hope your son and you will have fun! As for paper products for the birthday party, I’d love to help, but honestly I have no idea. But you’re right, at that price it’s literally throwing money away!
Peggy Says:
I’d buy a huge package of plain paper plates and spend the money on other stuff that the kids would rather enjoy—and notice. One of the things I did for my daughter on her last birthday party was throw a Hawaiian theme. You could incorporate that into a pirate theme instead. We made huge palm trees out of carpet tubes (free for the taking at your closest warehouse) and top with long “weiner” balloons for leaves. You can buy really cheap wood looking cupboard covering at your dollar store to cover the tube to give it a real bark look. Hide some treats, create maps and voila—a treasure hunt. My kids favourite parties always included a treasure hunt.
Stacy Says:
My Husband is the biggest fan of the Lion King and readily working the kids into his favour of it too:popcorn:
Robyn Harper Says:
Stickers and markers are very inexpensive. Get plain paper placemats and cups from Paper Warehouse and let them decorate their own placemat and cup.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Glad you had a great time at the Lion King, Michelle
Kelly Says:
Sounds like a fun time, Michelle! I’d love to see that!
Mary Says:
Hope you had fun at the movie.
I love movies.
Stephanie Says:
If you write historicals, writing a contemp is a great way to relax your brain. Have fun with it!
Bosey
Melissa Says:
My daughter and I went to go see “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” It was okay - she enjoyed it and that is what is important.
I’m not a big birthday party mom. I’d rather go somewhere where they take care of everything for you.
kacey Says:
man, I so do NOT miss planning little kid birthday parties… Some moms around here were just flat out NUTS on what they would spend.
Danica Says:
I did an awesome Oriental Trading Co party… Bay wanted a zoo theme, and they had the perfect stuff.
Missie Says:
That is so weird, as I just came back from buying stuff for my son’s bday party, which is Thursday. I went to the local Only $1 Store and bought orange plates, cups, napkins, table cloth, and yellow utensils. (His favorite color is orange, btw.) Even though he’ll be 10 and not interested in a theme party, I noticed that they have fun looking plates and stuff there. Try that if you have one locally. Also, they usually have party favors and little toys pretty cheap.