Athena's 11th Surprise Birthday

Happy 11th Birthday, Sweet Athena

Today is all about you so let start with nails and shopping.

Layden enjoyed getting his nails done with us, while the other boys walked around the Orchard. We had Ryleigh and Issiah bring us chocolate. It was the first time you had a pedi/medi. Your smile never left your face. 

Athena, you woke up early and sad, for whatever reason you didn't think we cared about your birthday. You came into my room and in a small sad voice said 'good morning.' (I think you hoped for balloons and gifts when you woke up after all that is what we did for all the boys) I knew that was your hope but I had other plans. I said 'sorry Athena but we aren't doing presents.' Your face sadden even more. I smiled largely and asked 'how about we go shopping?!!?!' But you replied 'I don't have any money.' 'How about we use my money?' I said hoping you would get excited about shopping. You still didn't understand. I think you thought we didn't  care and shopping was buying you one thing from the dollar store. But I knew by the end of the day you would be happy with what we had planned.

Our First stop was getting our nails done. This was your first time doing a chocolate medi/pedi. You smiled the whole time. Layden was cute, he wanted to hang out with you and get his nail done too. While Ryleigh and Issiah walked around the Orchard and got us Chocolate. It was a wonderful experience. 

After our nails, we started shopping. You still didn't get it. You looked but wouldn't buy. Ryleigh pointed out you looking at the price then putting the item back because 'maybe you thought it was too expensive.' I started to focus you to buy things, one clothing items at a time. Once you got going I wasn't sure I was going to get you to stop, it made me so happy to see you enjoying your birthday. I had to put a stop to all the clothes and have you look at room decor. $600 dollars later we were done. 

Our favorite sushi restaurant Sushi Tohoro for birthday dinner $300 later you were full. You wanted to try everything. 

I was so happy to see you enjoying all the different things you got for your birthday. Your room is looking beautiful. 

Dad didn't get to spend the day with us, so he couldn't wait to help you with your room. He hung everything up just the way you wanted it. Just for you. 

After a long and fun day of celebrating your birthday we had only one last thing to do... Birthday Cupcakes. They weren't fantasy but it meant so much to you.  As we sang you Birthday Birthday your emotion took over and you couldn't blow out your candles but you did get out, 'I love you guys so much'.

We wanted to make your birthday special... I think we did it.

Happy Birthday sweet girl. We love you so much!!!!

Well, your birthday has always been in the shadows of Valentine's Day or forced to shared with your brother Issiah. Your birthday has never been a true celebration about you but not anymore. I feel so strongly that you desire a special celebration filled with many WOW moments. So we will start with making this birthday a surprise party. 

Setting up and decoration is a big part of making a party go from good to extraordinary. We started with two extra large number 1 balloons to make the number 11. Then order another 100 helium balloons and 1000 balloons. 200 white roses, and 10 dozen flowers to go into the balloons. Athena's favorite color was rose gold so I'm adding rose gold as much as I can, although decoration in this color is hard to find. 

So loved!!! Grandma Debbie, Jared, Ryleigh, Issiah, Layden, daddy, and I all helped out in decorating for your party. 

In a young girl's birthday party it's important to have activities and party favors. We set up a spa, completed with robes for each girl, nails and facial kits, jewelry, and 6 white roses for all the girls. We had a special decorated entry and the spa room was decorated with balloons, flowers, pictures of the girls, and everything we needed to give the girls a proper manicure. 

Athena, this experience was meant for you but was also special for daddy and I. It give us so much pleasure to make this special experience for you!!

Every area of the house was decorated. We all put a lot of love into it. It was meant to inspire you and make your birthday magical. 

The boy and I came up with an idea to set up a photo-booth. Such a fun idea. 

Food was an excited part of putting this party together. We first started with the Cake. The Cake was a rose gold/pink unicorn cake, plus extra cupcakes. For dad we added unicorn rise crispy treats. I also wanted little snacks cups, and salad. We made ice cubes of fruit and flowers for our virgin mojitos. 

Mojitos are the drink of choice. I had shown Athena several months before and she never stopped talking about them. It was the perfect toasting drink for Athena's surprise. Athena loved drinking out of champagne glasses. We made ice cubes with mint and lime. I think she will be happy if she notices them. 

Girlfriends: Alex, Hailey, Terry, and Olivia

Plus: Ryleigh, Issiah, Layden, Jared, and Grandma Debbie

The boys will leave to the movies with daddy right after the surprise, so the girls can have girly time. 

You went to Chuck's and Sharyl's house to help-out with the girls. Sharyl curl your hair and took you shopping. You had no idea about the surprise. When dad picked you up the plan was ... you were going to come home, change, and then you were going to the movies just you and dad. Little did you know when you walked through the door you were in for a surprise. 

The shock of the surprise caused you to drop to the ground and started crying (I think in joy). Your friends were sweet, they all hugged and comforted you. It took a moment for you to realize what was happening and gather yourself for the party. I just couldn't wait to show you all the decoration, food, and the spa. 

After you calmed down from the surprise I got a moment with you to take pictures and show you around the house. It was short lived as you wanted to get back to your friends. You were still overwhelmed with emotions, I hoped this moment of love would stay with you forever. 

The first thing the girls wanted to do is the spa... nails, facials, and girl talk. And of course putting on their robes. A great start to Athena's party

The party was going strong and you shined brightly. I feel so proud of you. You are so beautiful, kind, funny, and so sweet. I'm so thankful to raise you as my daughter. 

The girls went into the bathroom to put on their facial masks. I heard a lot of giggle and laughing coming from the bathroom. The mask looked very funny on. It was hard not to laugh when we looked at you girls, and it only took a glance at each other for you girls to start laughing again. Who know a facial could be so funny!!!

Spa was a success!!! Especially the facial mask. 

Many memories made. 

Today my heart is so full of love and gratitude. Today my mind feels enlighten and my love feels strengthened. Today more than normal. I smile at the little things and cherish each moment of happiness. 

Today, I realized that you won't be my little girl forever. Today I saw little glimpses of you at 16. You as a vivacious, confident young woman. I may have dropped a tear this evening as I watched you and your friends eat dinner at your party. Your inside beauty shines through. 

I never thought I would have a daughter. I never thought I would have four kids at that. I grew up around boys so girls terrified me. Raising young girls to be street smart and book smart, strong in mind and body, beautiful on the inside and out, seemed beyond intimidating to me. Yet, this moment I see you have all of this and more.

Thank you for always being patient with me. Thank you for always loving me so unconditionally, even when I am not in the best of moods. Thank you for those unexpected kisses and hugs from behind. Thank you for exceeding every expectation I've ever had of having a child. Thank you for just being you. 

Photo Booth

You girls absolutely love it. 

Cherish our Friendships

My wish for you is eyes to see a larger world beyond your immediate vision, a world wracked with pain and full of beauty, a world waiting for you to live life fully. I hope you look for adventure and new horizons, and I also pray that you see the light of others and l have the courage to engage with and for them. I want you to learn that while I want wonderful things for you, the world is not all about your happiness. We share this planet, and you have gifts to enrich it and much to receive from it. Exercise responsibility and generosity. 

It is hard to believe that 11 years ago I held you in my arms for the first time and looked deeply into your big, beautiful blue eyes. Now, as you officially become a 'tween' on this birthday, in between childhood and teenage years, I look into those same eyes with a love that has only grown since the day I first saw you. You have the best personality, You make me and your friends laugh.

Friendship Marriage

Athena, I wish for you curiosity about the world and all that is in it. Ask good questions, and don't be satisfied with easy answers. Travel, Exercise, Read, Explore, Try. You will fail, and then you will try again. Enjoy nature, and love animals. Acquire knowledge, but don't stop there. Seek wisdom (which is what you do with all that knowledge) in you decisions. Pray for peace, and participate in the making of it, too. Nurture your faith, and speak about your hopes and dreams. 

The day after your birthday party, and boy we have a mess to clean up. We cleaned up for a couple of hours in the morning then went to the Ranch Country Club for lunch. Later Layden, daddy, myself, and you soaked  our feet. A great end to your birthday celebration. 

Cover of Athena's Album.