It is Taylor's birthday today. I tried a little surprise party for him by telling one of his good friends to invite all the other friends over. I was nervous, because when you have a teenager, often your best intentions can go over like a wet noodle. Also, I totally did not think that the kids would keep it a secret. Anyways, I told everyone to get here at 6:30. Taylor had to work until 7. Perfect, right? Well, Taylor called me at about 5 and told me that a kid at work came down with a rash, so he was going to stay later and cover his shift. I said, " Well, Taylor, it's your birthday, I think someone else should cover for him." He says, " It's OK Mom, there's nothing going on and I want to earn extra money, so no big deal." Trying to not be too obvious, I said "No, Taylor, I think you should come home by 7:30 to spend time with us". Now panicking, I called his friend that works with him and asked her to call their boss to let him know there is a birthday waiting for him. All the kids get here, and we are partying down.... just me, Ella and 10 or so 16 and 17 year olds and it is 7:45 before I finally here from Taylor. Next, his girlfriend gets a call from him and I think he was hinting around to her that he wanted to stop by her house. Wow, I realized then that he really had no idea about his party. She played it off pretty good and she told him she just woke up. Then, she told him she had to go to the store with her Mom. I bet by then he was really starting to feel a little Sixteen Candles. When he walked in, they all jumped out and screamed Happy Birthday and he was really surprised. Anyways, I will pat myself on the back because my teenager actually has been smiles all night.
