When you wish upon a Star............

 

Lila Glenn turned 10 and a pink party was in order.  She had about a dozen friends over for pink food including pink grilled cheese sandwiches, pink popcorn (it's not a celebration if there's not popcorn!) some crafts & a doll fashion show.

I couldn't have done this party without Emry and her friends.  They decorated, learned how to do the craft on youtube an hour before the party started, made awards and were in charge of judging the fashion show.  They were so cute and interviewed each girl and asked about all their dolls favorite things and talents.  Of course each girl got their own award fitting to their doll.  Utterly Adorable.

Lila sporting the hat and boots she got as gifts, & the necklace craft we made.

As much as I love the kid parties, I was really excited for the next night when all Lila's adult friends, who happen to be my friends :), came over for a dinner party.  This Raspberry Truffle Cake was so rich and decadent.  I guess I take after my mom in that I made enough food to feed an army.  Guess I won't have to cook all week :)

Clockwise from left - My parents and Lila - Katelyn Downs, Emry, & Maddie Dixon - The Dixons, he is the Bishop of our ward and we love their family - Jeannette & our friend Sarah.

The moment I've been waiting six weeks for (ever since it arrived in the mail).  Honestly I've never been more excited to give anyone a gift than I was this doll to Lila. The American Girl Caroline doll.  She is absolutely beautiful.  Ethan & Emry gave her the set of Caroline books and my parents gave her an outfit.  That hat - it kills me, it is beyond words precious.

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive as seeing Lila's reaction to her doll was more fun for me than anything and everything I've ever received combined.

Glenn & I are very aware of not spoiling the kids.  Of teaching them how to work hard and be responsible.  Making sure they are considerate of others needs and not just thinking of themselves.  That school is a priority.  But sometimes ............sometimes it is breathtakingly beautiful to throw caution to the wind and make all your child's dreams come true.  To get them the one thing they've been wanting for 4 years.  To throw fairy dust up in the air and witness the magic it creates as it falls down all around them and takes their breath away.

Caroline had 4 outfit changes that night.  A few hairdo experiments.  Dozens of hugs.  And if a doll could feel loved (which I believe they can) then she must have felt utterly adored.  I watched Emry & Lila kneeling in front of the doll crib for a good 10 minutes tucking her in.  Putting another doll next to her so they could sleep together.  Making sure the blanket was perfect.  Tucking in her pet owl as well.  Emry is probably as excited as I am for Lila.  They both went to bed talking about all they would do with her the next day.

Glenn & I take parenting very seriously, but as well as all the hard work that goes into these kids, thankfully our job also includes making sure they have enchanted memories like these that will hopefully stay in their minds forever.