The Cutest Turkey I Didn't See

Camille and I just got home from her preschool Thanksgiving Feast, which was such a cute little party. Other than her school birthday parties, this is the first party we've been invited to at her preschool or daycare, and I have been excitedly awaiting this one. The parents were asked to bring food, and I just figured we'd all hang out and nibble on turkey and watch the kids play.

I don't know why I didn't really expect a "program" for the kids her age, but as it turns out, her teacher had planned a very cute one which involved the kids dressing up like turkeys and doing a few songs with dances. So I was a little surprised when I walked in 5 minutes late to the sound of applause, and realized with absolute horror that parents were clapping because the program had just ended.

I really wanted to cry, to pitch an honest-to-goodness 2-year-old tantrum right there on the floor of the preschool. But I had no one to blame but myself. The school seems pretty relaxed about schedule in general, so I figured things wouldn't really get rolling for another 15 minutes or so. I have no good excuse either, I was pricing DVD players at Best Buy for goodness sake.

And I'm really having trouble forgiving myself for this one. I should have been there, not just on time, but early. It's one thing to miss an event like this because of work or an unavoidable obligation, but I absolutely should have been there. It makes me crazy to have missed watching her perform, but makes me crazier to wonder if she was looking for me in the crowd. I am just sick about it. I'm sure this is probably another of my typical overreactions, but I'm just so sad. Rest assured, I won't be late again.

I kept it together because I didn't want her to think I was upset, and made her a plate of food and we enjoyed a picnic together outside with her classmates. She had a really good time playing and showing off her turkey "crown" as she calls it, and her adorable tail feathers.

I do believe she's the cutest turkey ever, and I'm glad I was able to be there for the lunch and playground time at least. If I don't get my act together though, I'll never be Mother of the Year or PTA President... I gotta do better than this.