Birthdays, Part 2

I think I have delayed this post, not just because I couldn't find the cord to my camera but because of feeling like all my best efforts to throw Lauren a wonderful birthday party didn't work out like I had hoped. Let's just say we were glad it was an "almost slumber party" and wasn't an all night event. At one point, even Chuck E. Cheese was looking like a better alternative! Maybe I expected more manners from a couple of the girls - they acted pretty downright rude. Everything we did was either boycotted or criticized. Lauren was a good sport but we did have a long talk about choosing friends wisely and developing some boundaries. Unfortunately we aren't the best examples.

The great parts of the birthday were meeting a couple very sweet new friends for Lauren and seeing that Lauren has developed some social ease with her friends. The night was very cozy with the whole room set-up as one giant slumber party with mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and stuffed animals. We strung white lights and streamers everywhere too. After each girl arrived from the pouring rain, we gave them each a pair of fuzzy socks. We had a lot of fun activities that we were so grateful to find from other websites with advice on the "almost slumber party."

sleeping beauty

Some of the games we played: 1. In the dark and with flashlights, the girls had a hunt for glow in the dark items. 2. "wake the sleeping beauty" - each took turns being "asleep" while the others tried to make the beauty laugh (wake) 3. "piggly-wiggly" - one girl would leave room while others hid under a blanket. When girl returned, she would sit on a blanket and say "piggly wiggly" and whoever was under her would "oink". She would have to guess who had just "oinked." 4. Blind lipstick smash on their friends 5. Pass the marshmallow with a toothpick.  Also two projects - decorating their own pillowcase and making bracelets.

lipstick smash

Pass the marshmallow

The girls had plenty of pizza and snacks everywhere. They especially loved the candy and having popcorn. Present time was exciting for them as I think they were very interested in playing with the things they brought Lauren. We ended the night with cake and a movie.



The biggest reward of the night came after the party....

Lauren is in Missionettes (now M-pact) at our new church and they made arrangements for Lauren to arrive late for their own slumber party where the girls work on several lessons together and have all night fun. The church is normally locked down for the event but her teacher met us at the gate to let Lauren in. I had also made a cake for the Missionettes girls, complete with a Missionettes book on it and stars (which they ended up fighting over). Lauren was greeted by all the girls running over to her and giving her birthday wishes, hugs and welcoming her! It made her feel so good! They even made her a birthday card and all signed it! What a wonderful way to end her birthday! We are so thankful God has Lauren with such caring and sweet teachers and kids at our new church!!

So what awaits us during Birthday month next year?? Let's hope we can have one simple party for the two of them.  Mom is too old and tired!  For more pictures, check out the smilebox posted on this page.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Lauren!