Friends and More Celebration

I love that Ellen says her siblings are her best friends. Being home together everyday has made for some strong family bonds and creative imaginations that work together with her brothers and sisters. But, I am also thankful that Ellen has been blessed with 2 sweet friends outside of our immediate family.

What a treasure these 2 precious friends are. Their parents are just as crazy about raising children with strong Godly character that will glorify the name of Jesus as we are. Their entire families have been a tremendous support and blessing to us. Sadly, one of the above friends has moved away, but what a great surprise that her family was able to come into town for Ellen's postponed (see flu bug post below) birthday sleepover. (Her first ever.) Wow, birthday celebrations with friends are so easy when the birthday girl is 11, loves to make and decorate cakes and has a plan! With Ellen's love language being quality time, she just wanted time to enjoy and play and giggle and talk with her friends.

Ellen's homemade sleepover cake from the Family Fun Cookbook. (Thank you Julie K!)

After a Dunkin Donut breakfast (wow, the kids LOVE birthdays) we headed to the paint your own pottery store to make some beautiful creations. Ellen was surrounded by all of her friends as she did what she loves to do! Last year Ellen had a scrapbooking party. She is one creative and crafty girl. (A talent that comes from my sister and Mom. Unfortunately, not me.)

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Birthday parties in our home always includes all the siblings and a friend or two outside of the family. We never want them to lose sight of the fact that their brothers and sisters will be their friends for life. They are never excluded from a birthday celebration of their brother or sister's.

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And now... all of the celebrating has made me tired... I'm off to bed. We lose an hour of sleep tonight. (Bummer.) But Anna will wake up at 8am now. (Yay!)