for such a time as this: Kirsten's Birthday

This is a long one, folks, so grab a snack and hang on! You have to really love us to read it! The rest of you can just glance at the pics and move on. :)

I still keep reminding myself that Kirsten is 10. She woke up today and said, "Yay! I'm 10 years old!" She feels very grown up. And she should... only 3 more years until she's a teenager and 8-9 years until she moves out! Woo Hoo!! Relax! I'm kidding. While Brad and I look forward to the day we're alone again, we recognize that our children are a gift from the Lord. Our quiver is full of them, as it says in Psalm 127. But I digress...

Kirsten had a wonderful birthday day/weekend. She opted not to have a birthday party with lots of friends this year which I fully embraced! She invited one little friend, Emma, to have a mani/pedi at a nail salon, dinner at On the Border, watch a movie at home and then have a sleepover. It really was fun!

Granny (my Mom), Meme (Brad's Mom), Kirsten, Katelyn, Emma and I went to a nail salon. It was Kirsten's first experience so I prepped the girls by saying this is where mommies come to relax and feel luxurious so you have to speak quietly and sit still while the nail techs massage and paint your hands and feet. Please do NOT disturb the ladies around you. My girlie girl Katelyn thought she was in heaven. Kirsten took it upon herself to instruct the nail tech exactly how to paint her nails and that she wanted animal print in green glitter on her thumbs and silver glitter on her big toes. This was after she was offered a drink upon arrival and asked for milk! That's right, MILK! The man didn't know what to do with himself. It was hilarious! He informed her that they don't serve milk but should could have a soda instead. Sprite was her 2nd choice.

Kirsten

Katelyn

Emma

Me, Meme and Granny

the girls' nails

After we all enjoyed our pampering, we headed to On the Border where we met Brad, Josh, Christina (the college student who helps me with the kids) and Mrs. Otis. Dear Mrs. Otis was the vice principal at the girls' school until about a year ago. Kirsten became very attached to her and has missed her so much. We were thrilled that she could join us. Kirsten loves Mexican food but surprised us all by ordering a corndog and fries instead that night! And the best part was her face when the wait staff filed by cheering and singing their version of "Happy Birthday" complete with a grand and loud "Ole!" at the end.

a somewhat scared and very surprised Kirsten

tightly hugging the bear Mrs. Otis gave her

Kirsten and Mrs. Otis

Granny, Josh and Daddy

Then we went back to our house (minus Mrs. Otis) to watch "Tinkerbell the Great Fairy Rescue" (cute movie) and eat some more because what is a birthday without tons of food? We stuffed ourselves with movie candy and popcorn and the girls were asleep by 11pm. I think that is pretty good considering all the sugar they consumed!

with Christina

hugging Meme "thank you" for her gift

Monday was Kirsten's actual birthday so the festivities began again. We woke up earlier than usual so she could open gifts and then we ate cupcakes for breakfast... a tradition we started a few years ago. Yummy!

I surprised the girls by eating lunch with them and sweet Mrs. Tamney, one of Kirsten's teachers from last year, joined us and had made Kirsten a cupcake. So sweet. She gave Kirsten nail polish and a nail pen and the special ed team had all signed a card. Mrs. Hammond, the wonderful lady at the front desk who Kirsten adores (her daughter has babysat for us since before Josh was born), gave her candy, nail polish and lip gloss. She is quite the celebrity at school!

with Mrs. Tamney

At 2:30 I took donuts to her class and sweet Mrs. Tomlin stood with Kirsten in front of the class and said she loves having K in her class because she makes her laugh and she's so sweet. Melt my heart. After everyone had eaten, has classmates asked me questions about Kirsten. Where was she born? What does she like to do for fun? Does she fight with her little brother (Josh was with me)? What is your family heritage? I liked this one because I took the opportunity to tell the kids that we loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Then Mrs. Tomlin wrapped up by asking if there is anything I wanted the class to know about Kirsten so I told them that Kirsten was born with a heart that didn't work well so when she was 6 days old the doctors fixed it and she is a miracle baby! It was a precious time for me as her Mama.

That night K picked spaghetti and salad for dinner... another bday tradition (picking the dinner on your bday). Yay for me that it was an easy meal!