Lauren's 10th Bday

July 1st was Lauren's 10th birthday. I will NEVER forget the day of her birth. Not only was it the most painful birth, but I almost had her in our car on the roads of Dallas. I was sent home from the hospital because my labor wasn't far enough along. The nurse did not listen to me when I told her that things progressed really fast with Cody at the end. So, off we went back home. After being there only a while, we loaded back up with me in excruciating pain all the way back to the hospital. When we arrived, my water immediately broke and Lauren was born within minutes. Thankfully, the dr. was at the hospital already visiting patients. He basically walked into the room and caught her in his street clothes.

Here she is at 9 mos old.

We always joke that Lauren had a mullet when she was little. Her hair grew really weird. It was hard to get it cut so she did have a period of time where it was "mullet-like." The mullet was not on purpose, it was just the result of weird cuts and weird hair growth.

Here is our pretty little girl!

Look how old she looks now!!

Her birthday started with a family breakfast of sausage, biscuits, gravy, eggs, and coffee. It was a great way to start the day.

Turning 10 is kind of a big deal around here. Many years on her bday, we are away on vacation. It was very important to her that we be in town on her bday so that she could celebrate with friends. She chose to have a Spa Sleepover. Everyone arrived @3:00.

We started with crafts and games.

Making heart candy necklaces

A game that we played was to decorate a paper plate with a face and makeup.

The girls then voted for their favorite!

We also played a game where they had to pick up candy hearts with chopsticks.

For her Bday dinner, Lauren chose pizza, mandarin oranges and lemonade.

For dessert, she chose a Smore's dessert.

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

Love pictures of mom and dad with the bday kid.

Our big gift on the 10th bday is $100!!

After opening gifts, the spa night began. We kicked Rick, the boys, and little kids out for the evening, and we opened our spa complete with Hawaiin music and lots of treatments.

We did foot soaks and pedicures.

Face Masks and head massages.

Lauren specifically requested cucumbers for their eyes.

The pretty painted toes with flowers on them!

They camped out in the basement in a tent.

Before going to bed, they watched "Night At The Museum 2"

and had buttered popcorn and chocolate popcorn.

Breakfast was donuts, bananas, and chocolate milk.

There was lots of giggling and silliness throughout the night. They had a great time. I am so glad we could make her big day special.

It looks like she is going to buy an American Girl Doll with her money. We are going to the store in Denver on Monday. She keeps asking every day about it.

Lauren,

You are growing up on me!! You are becoming a young lady. I love your heart of compassion for others. I love your desire to serve others and make them feel special. You are a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend to so many. I don't want you to ever lose your sensitive spirit. I look forward to seeing what God does in your life over the next year.

Love ya,

Mom