Party, Party, Party

Today was Maddy's party with more than just the five of us. She got some really cool presents and loved every one of them. She enjoyed having friends to join her too as normally people we know are visiting the states when it is time for her birthday. Most of you know though that she is my only child who has gotten to celebrate her birthday with MY WHOLE family not once but twice. We had a good day and a fun little party even though someone (no names here Julia) told me that because I had no balloons, games, or party favors it was more like a playdate than a birthday party.

Maddy wanted peanut butter chocolate cupcakes so that is what I made. She invited all the people she wanted to invite, and I put 11 (10 years and one to grow on) candles on one cupcake. I know it is crazy, but I thought it was amusing...especially because I used the ones you can't blow out. :) Jenny made a funny. I thought so anyway. I am attaching a photo collage so that those of you who couldn't be here can see a bit of it for yourselves. PS: JennyP the M and the embroidery are already on the wall and she LOVES them because they are grown up type objects. I mean really, she is ten now :)

Maddy Is Ten

Madison is officially ten! I can hardly believe it. I found myself thinking "man that is half way to 20." I know that this is crazy to think of but it's true. She truly had a great week at craft camp and sweet, sweet Mary had all the kids call her princess Madison today because it was her birthday. NOTE TO MARY: you didn't know it at the time, and may not know it now but you really made her whole day. I was telling my friend Julia about it over the phone and when she came over later she called Madison Princess Maddy. Her whole face lit up and she said, "Miss Julia, everyone has been calling me that all day!" Score one for Julia! We had a great day actually. Madison could have had anything she wanted for dinner, and all she chose was pizza, salad ("so you can eat too mommy") and all of us at the dinner together. Those of you who know the job, know that this doesn't happen that often as Michael doesn't know what time he will be home some nights. He did come through tonight. We all sat for dinner and then the kids got a sneak preview of the cupcakes for tomorrow. The family sang happy birthday to her and then we had a family movie night. We let her open two of her presents from us tonight as well. I know it's not very exciting, but it's a day that makes me smile because it made my baby smile--as evidenced by the final picture with her smile.