Another “First”… Can My Heart Handle It?

Lately our lives have been so full of “lasts” & “firsts” that I’m not sure my heart can handle it. I want to stay where I am comfortable… where I know what to expect… where my kids are little… where I feel loved. Yet, through every tiny & each great big change, I am learning to trust God more, & to find joy in each moment!

Last night, was one of those “firsts” that I will cherish in my heart for a long, long time… our girls had their first ever sleepover party with friends celebrating Alyssa & Elliana’s 7th birthday! :) They had such a wonderful time! Their giggles were precious & their squeals of joy rang throughout the house. Their friendship with the other 7 girls is so priceless- something they will truly miss if/when we move away. Truly, every day for weeks they’ve been asking how much longer until their party, & now that it has come & gone, they are asking how much longer until their NEXT party.

When I asked them what their favorite part of the night was, besides for “all of it”… their vary favorite part was when I left them sleeping this morning for fifteen minutes as I got ready for the day. I turned off the water to the shower to hear a house full of talking & giggling & playing… & to think that they were all “sleeping” when I had left the room! :)

Here’s a quick peek at what the night looked like…
*Decorated pillow cases with fabric paints (Each girl got to take home a new little pillow with her name on it, as well as a new toothbrush & toothpaste.)
*Made beaded jewelry
*Decorated & ate chocolate cupcakes
*Opened presents
*Played games- I LOVED the ideas that many of you gave me! We ended up playing… “Balloon Charades” where the girls have to bounce on a balloon until it popped, read the word written on a paper that was inside the balloon & then acted it out… “Sleeping-Bag Hide” where one girl went out of the room & the rest hid in their sleeping bags; a stuffed animal was given to one of the girls to hide with them in their sleeping bag; the girl from the other room came in & had 3 guesses as to who had the stuffed animal… & “Pass the Candy” this was an impromptu game where we played music while passing a candy treat around; when the music stopped, whoever was holding the candy got to keep it to eat during our movie (This was SO simple, yet the girls would clap  cheer whenever the music stopped- it was so cute!).
*Watched a short video & ate popcorn
*Got ready for bed
*Read Psalm 4:8 in our Bibles, & a couple other favorite Bible stories
*Prayed together
*Went to sleep to another short video
*Turned out the lights
*Woke up with smiles… & giggles that didn’t want to stop :)
*Watched the video that my wonderful husband made of our fun night (see below…)
*Ate chocolate-chip pancakes & eggs
*Played
*Said “Good-bye!”

What a fun night!!!

Here’s a little peek into the fun…

(Click here to view video!)

What firsts have you had at your house lately??

I have absolutely LOVED reading everyone’s comments to my questions on this post!! You have truly blessed my heart, & given me some wonderful things to think & pray about!! That’s where we got our game ideas (which the girls LOVED). So many of you have blessed us with such kind words & wonderful advise! If you haven’t had a chance to read through those comments (or leave an answer), take the time to click over there, & I know you too will be blessed! :)