On 07/08/09 our eldest daughter, Jaime Louise, turned the ripe old age of 10. She found it very cool that her birthday was in number order this year. We all did. She had a very fun birthday this year. Actually, we are still celebrating!!
Her festivities started on Tuesday when Jaime went to work with Scott to have her much anticipated breakfast with dad. She was quite spoiled and enjoyed every minute of it.
[Miranda, Jaime and Katie]
On Wednesday, her actual birthday, Jaime invited a few friends to spend a few hours with. She initially invited 5 but only 2 could come. But they still had a great time.
First we went bowling. Yes, we love bowling! Then we went to Taco Bell for a bite to eat.
Then on to Cold Stone for some ice cream. The Justice store is right next door and so we went in to look around. I let each girl pick one thing to buy.
Now before you start adding the figures in your head, this was the cheapest “party” ever! The bowling was free (gotta love the summer bowling pass). Taco Bell was the 89 cent menu. Cold Stone was $1 ice creams. And Justice had a huge sale and there was a $1 section. The total cost?
$29 for 6 girls to have an afternoon of fun (Jaime, Katie, Miranda, Alix, Sophie and Niah). Thanks Roberta for watching the other kids so I could relax a little and enjoy the older girls.
[Opening presents in the car with her friends.]
Jaime got 2 Gap shirts from the Brack Family, $10 from her grandparents, games from Katie, a blow dryer from Mirdanda and lots of candy.
After we got home, Jaime spent the day relaxing while the rest of us did chores (can’t do chores on your birthday). In the morning, before we picked up Jaime’s friends, I baked her birthday cake. Now, I don’t pride myself on too many things, but I was quite impressed with the way the cake turned out. Not only in looks but taste too. Thanks Jaime for having a summer birthday, when strawberries are in season!
After a dinner of chicken and rice casserole, salad and spaghetti squash (Jaime’s request) we had cake and ice cream with the neighbors. Jaime opened some more gifts from her siblings.
They were so cute. Each child wrapped up a toy we already had here at home and presented it to Jaime. She was so excited. I was very grateful for her and her ability to smile and enjoy these gifts that her siblings truly gave from their hearts. Then we headed outside for some games before putting our cute little children to bed.
I think Jaime had the perfect day. On Thursday her and I went out on a mom/daughter date. She used her Denny’s coupon for her free kids meal and dessert. Then we went to Toys R Us and she used her $3 to buy more candy. Then we went to the Half Price Book Store and picked up a few $1 books. Finally we came home and she got to bed by 9pm. She still has a Baskin Robins coupon to use and I think she will finally be done doing her birthday stuff. She does want to spend her birthday money, but that might have to come at a later time.
The top 10 things I love about Jaime (in no particular order)
1- Her smile. She has her daddy’s smile and I think that is why I love it so much
2- Her laugh. When she starts laughing it is so contagious!
3- Her love for her siblings. She loves to read, play and be with them. They are so lucky to have her.
4- Her ability to clean. I know I can ask her to clean anything and it will come out GREAT.
5- Her knowledge of the Gospel. At such a young age she has such faith that it amazes me.
6- Her honesty. I never have to doubt if she is telling me the truth.
7- Her desire to learn. She wants to learn lots of new things all the time; cooking, sewing, writing
8- Her musical talents. I always wanted to sing and dance and play piano. Jaime does them all with ease. And she loves and enjoys them very much.
9- Her health. I don’t think Jaime has been sick more than 5 times in her whole life. I think the last time she went to a doctor appointment was her 5 year well check.
10- Her generosity. Being the oldest in a big family can’t be easy. But she strives each and every day to share her knowledge, love and abilities with her siblings.
Thank you Jaime for coming to our family. I’m so glad we can raise you and be part of the special person that you are! We love you and are so pleased with what you have accomplished in these last 10 years.
Happy Birthday Jaime! I spaced it on her actual bday, but it sounds like you had a good day anyway ;-) I remember turning 10 years old and thinking I was so mature because I was in the double digits! As far as I was concerned, I was no longer a kid!!