4 a.m.

I woke at 2:30 a.m. and tried for an hour and a half to go back to sleep. I decided it was hopeless just before 4:00 a.m. See, I am anxious and when I am anxious I toss and turn at night. Right now I am anxious about the Down Syndrome Family Alliance Christmas party. There are close to 150 people planning on attending the party. I distinctly remember telling Anne at the beginning of November that we should plan for 50. I was being optimistic when I told her that number.

I am thrilled, but I have a tendency to worry about things that are out of my control. Right now I feel responsible for making sure everyone has a good time; like I can actually make people have a good time. I know we've done our best to make this a success. We are having the event catered by Thornblade. I am thankful for that because I at least know the food will be good. Just in case you are interested we are having a home cooked buffet that includes fried chicken, pot roast and all the sides. Sounds yummy, uh? Ann Coleman is also bringing 250 cuppies from her shop: Cupcake Couture.

The other thing that I am worried about it trash. Yep, that's right. I said trash. Go ahead laugh. See, we are responsible for cleaning up and I wasn't worried about cleaning up after 50 people. 150 people means 150 paper plates, 150 cups and more plastic forks and spoons than I want to count. All of them have to be carried out of Greer First Presbyterian Fellowship hall at the end of the night. 150 people, 250 cupcakes--I figure that means a good many will be ground into the carpet. Seriously, I can see my little angel, Ryan Barton Freeman, helping himself and making a mess of things. He loves cake.

But despite all of this I am beside myself with excitement. Santa Claus is coming to our party. He is also bringing a gift for each child. I know this is a bit early, but he said he'd make a few exceptions for us since we've been so good this year. How fun is that!!! And my friend Cindy is coming from Kindermusik. She's going to bring instruments for the kids, play the piano and lead us in Christmas carols. I know her from church, so I have seen her in action with the kids. They love her.

Oh and I can't leave out Usborne Books and Helga Parks. We are going to have a representative from Usborne Books there just in case anyone wants to do a little shopping. All sales from our party and the e-show that is taking place go toward free books for our group. We plan on using the free books as gifts for children that are hospitalized or need a pick-me-up.

Helga Parks makes Down syndrome dolls. I had a chance to meet her a few weeks ago and see the dolls. I was pleased and plan on getting one for Lilly in a few years. Mrs. Parks is dedicated to promoting Down syndrome awareness and has chosen a wonderful way to do that.

I have managed to spend an hour here on the computer and surfing the net. I think I'll go back upstairs and try to catch a few zzzzzz before I head out for the day. I have a long list of errands to do for the party and phone calls to make too. I am sure I'll be lagging about 2 0'clock this afternoon, but it will all be worth it.