Double Digit Darling!

My title changed to mommy on Tuesday, October 22, 2002.  My precious Karson Ann was born.  I can hardly believe that she turned 10 years old this week.  I remember the moment above--the moment I held my daughter, MY DAUGHTER, in my arms for the very first time.  I had no idea what I was doing and quite frankly, still don't have a clue.  Thank goodness my children give me more grace than I deserve.  I didn't realize how much of a bond I would share with this little girl at the time, but she has forever changed my life.  I love having a daughter.  I love spending time with her.  I love that she actually loves spending time with me.  I am simply amazed at the young lady she is becoming and so grateful to have her in my life!   I wanted to smack Matt the other day when he said, "in 10 more years she won't be with us anymore."  Those words hit me like a TON of bricks.  Where in the world has 10 years gone?  and what will the next 10 years have in store for my baby girl?  Just the thought makes me tear up.  Is there anyway to freeze time and keep my 10 year old 10 forever? 

Turning 10 is a BIG DEAL people.  You are officially entering into the world of double digits, and that's significant.  I told Karson that she could have a sleepover for her 10th birthday.  I don't think she's ever been as excited about a birthday get-together in her life.  Of course, the sleepover came with a few minor stipulations. I limited the number of guests to six total. For one, our house cannot accommodate lots of children.  And secondly, I only have six spots at my dining room table and in my vehicle (in the event we needed that). SO, we invited five of her closest gal pals for a sleepover last Friday night.  I had intended to begin around 6:00, but Plano had the school talent show scheduled for that time.  

Sidenote:  Miles was totally psyched about trying out for the talent show.  I certainly didn't want to discourage him from doing so; however, I knew it would conflict with Karson's plans for the BIG night.  Matt took him to try-outs (sometime at the end of September) where he showcased his best moves to the song "Gangnum Style" by PSY.   Matt said at first Miles was a bit shy (he was performing for four teachers at Plano) but then really got into it.  They only selected 10 acts for the primary kids so we weren't holding our breath that he would get chosen, although, Miles knew he NAILED it. I tried uploading the video twice but did have any luck.  Miles got the note home the week after fall break stating that he MADE the talent show.  However, he decided at that point that he didn't want to do it anymore =(.  Maybe next year?

Party Time!  Karson was super excited about giving everyone mustaches that she had gotten from school for selling Smart Cards. Funny girls!

Just Dance 4 was a hit!  Miles got it for his birthday, and the girls were the first to try it out.  We LOVE this game on the Wii!

I wanted a project to do with the girls at the party.  Since Karson's  birthday is so close to Halloween, I decided to do a Halloween themed birthday.  I came across some adorable lanterns on Taste of Home's website: Decoupage Lanterns This was an easy, expensive project to do.  The girls had fun decorating their lanterns and got a nice take-home gift complete with LED light.

A Friday night with great friends, lots of laughs, and ear to ear smiles.  Life doesn't get much better than this!

The finished products!  Spooktacular!

After the girls finished up with the lanterns, we decided (at 9 p.m.) it was time for CAKE! I did a table full of snacks for the evening.  I figured none of the girls would be hungry since the party began after dinner time.  I supplied all of Karson's favorite goodies.

Why can't my table be filled with yummy treats every Friday night?

Happy 10th Karson!

 Opening up her presents!  She got everything on her wish list including a new Furby, Winx Club dolls, Barnes and Noble and Hobby Lobby gift certificates and a new diary.

I wanted all the girls to get to sleep together so I rearranged the furniture and put a couple of air mattresses in the living room.  Viola, a bed for six!  They watched a Barbie movie and The Three Stooges.

The girls stayed up late.  At 12:30, they were doing a Barbie fashion show and announcing it on the TPain microphone.  Matt was out cold in the bedroom.  He said the last thing he remembered were some little girls peaking into the room and giggling at him.  At 12:30 a.m., I was doing Shimmer glitter tattoos on everyone.  By about 1 a.m., I told the girls it was time to wind down and go on to bed.  I hated spoiling their fun, but two of them had to leave early for sports-related stuff so I didn't want them up much later than that.  They went down without a fuss and were up BRIGHT and EARLY at 6:45.

Matt made a Chick Fil A run for cinnamon rolls which have recently become one of Karson's favorite breakfast foods.  They are sweet, buttery deliciousness!  I was completely WORN out after a week full of celebrating birthdays.  However, I know these memorable times with my kids won't last forever.  I'm thankful for wonderful family, friends and fun birthday DAYS.

 Donut celebration with Karson's class on Monday afternoon.  The tradition lives on!