Ari and I have an amazingly special relationship. It was just she and I for the first six years of her life until DH and I got married. She probably grew up faster than most kids because she was my best friend. One time when she was 4 or 5 years old I she overheard me talking about my struggles with money being a single parent. She came in and dumped two hands full of change into my lap and said that I could have it because I needed money. Oh course I let her know that it was very sweet of her to offer, but mommy wanted her to keep her money.
We did everything together. As much as I love my husband and now Devyn, sometimes I miss those days that it was just she and I. We were so much closer then and she would tell me everything. I know she is growing up and that separation is just a part of her becoming more independent, but I miss the closeness sometimes.
Ari is amazingly smart, sweet and caring. She LOVES to cook and has always been “creative” in the kitchen. Grandma was always better at letting Ari make a mess in the kitchen while making her “experiments” then I was, but she is now turning into quite the chef.
She is very thoughtful too. I remember in 1st grade when her teacher told me that Ari had been volunteering to stay inside during some recesses to help a fellow classmate who was special needs to work on math together. Ari had never mentioned it because to her it was no big deal. To me as her mom I was so amazingly proud.
Ari and I are both very bull headed so we definitely butt heads sometimes, but she is the most amazing daughter and I am so proud to be her mom!
As for her actual birthday celebration we ate sticky buns (I know, I know, my husband makes fun of my family's name for them but they are a birthday tradition and sooo good) for breakfast, then opened presents. Aside from going to see Wicked in LA, she got a skateboard (have I mentioned she's a tomboy?) with all the protective gear (I know, but I'm a mom and she has to have it), some books, a new outfit and an I-dog from Devyn! Devyn loves the I-dog almost as much as Ari. I should get a video and post it, too cute!
Then we went to the California Pizza Kitchen for lunch and the Cheesecake Factory for dessert (her choices, but I totally agree with them :)
After that we finished the day going to see The Longshots. Not the greatest movie in the world, but inspiring for a young girl, which was nice.
The next day she had her party at the swimming pool. I loved it because they take care of everything.
- pizza
- cake
- party favors
- drinks
- plates, cups, napkins
- decorations
- hostess who runs around and plays with the kids
I know it costs a little extra, but not much when you figure in all you get. It is totally worth not stressing over getting it all done myself. Not to mention we don't have a yard and a townhouse to boot, where would I put all those kids anyway?
Anyway, it all turned out really well and I think Ari had a great time. Happy Birthday sweet girl and welcome to double digits!
5 comments:
It is fun going down memory lane through pictures of Ari up to this important birthday. Looks like she is having fun with her "gotta have" skateboard and at her birthday party. How does it feel, Mom, to have a daughter that has reached double digits and going into the fifth grade?
Happy Birthday, Ari! I'm so glad she had such a great birthday --that swimming party looked great!
she's a cutie. and i can tell she's a firstborn, because you have like a thousand pictures of her!
awesome post... I love how you thought of old stories to share!
Happy Birthday!
She is so blessed to have a good mother like you. I mean it! You raised a wonderful girl.
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