 |
| Sister-in-law Stephanie brings out the birthday cake |
|
We have two July birthdays in our family. Aidan and Ammon's birthdays are two weeks apart and they are five years apart in age. I started this blog around the time when Ammon was born and I can't believe that it is three years later and I'm still writing! The birthday rule in our family is friend birthday parties are allowed for children ages 8-18 and then only every year (so their even birthday). This year, Aidan turns 8 so he gets his first friend party and he is so excited. If only I could get as excited! Kalli turns 13 this year but since she didn't get her friend party last year at 12, I said she could have one this year. So, two friend parties this year. Yikes! I just felt that I couldn't give each kid a party every year. That's five parties a year and I just wasn't up to it! This way, it is a little staggered although 4 of my kids were born in an even year and Aidan is the only one born in an odd year. But, it still works out because Kael has his last "friend" party next year when he turns 18 and Aaron and Ammon still aren't old enough...anyway, I know it sounds complicated but it works for our family. Also, we don't allow any sleepovers with friends (only family like cousins) at our house or the kids going to friend's houses. I know that when I was growing up, sleepovers were fun but I stayed up too late and never got any sleep and I always came home grumpy because of lack of sleep. Kalli feels like we are the meanest parents because of this policy but you know what; we live in a different world now than when I was growing up and this is something we feel strongly about. When she is a mom, she can make her own rules! ;-) Anyway, off my soapbox. Aidan is having his very special birthday of 8 years old and he is getting baptized next month. We are so excited and so proud of him! Ammon is turning 3 at the end of the month and I am so thrilled that he is potty-trained and not quite three yet!! So awesome. So the pictures above are the family party we had Sunday. We celebrated Elizabeth and Katie's birthdays also. Ice Cream and cake of course and lots of fun and family togetherness. Since Erik and Stephanie are visiting from Kentucky (well now Oklahoma!), this was one of the rare times that everyone was there! All the siblings, spouses and 17 grandchildren were there. Makes for a little chaos and noise! But a lot of fun and love.
5 comments:
Kari,
you are wise to not let your children go to sleepovers. I gave a lesson in relief society a few months ago on courageous parenting. Here is a quote:
"May I express my personal warning about a practice that is common in many cultures. I am referring to sleepovers, or spending the night at the home of a friend. As a bishop I discovered that too many youth violated the Word of Wisdom or the law of chastity for the first time as part of a sleepover. Too often their first exposure to pornography and even their first encounter with the police occurred when they were spending the night away from home.
Peer pressure becomes more powerful when our children are away from our influence and when their defenses are weakened late at night. If you have ever felt uneasy about an overnight activity, don’t be afraid to respond to that warning voice inside. Always be prayerful when it comes to protecting your precious children."-Larry Lawrence October 2010 general conference
We decided against sleepovers a few years ago too, and I was so glad to hear that talk at conference because i felt like we were the only parents in the world against it.
thanks Tammy
We don't allow sleepovers either. My kids aren't old enough to get mad yet but I am sure that time will come. Bytheway, I am so jealous about the potty training. Brennan has zero interest.
We too are not doing the sleepover thing. It can just create too many problems. I still cant believe Ammon is three. Werent we just pregnant together? I am still jealous about the potty training, and the no diapers at your housse. My time will come. Happy Birthday Ammon and Aiden. We love you two silly boys.
Post a Comment