9 Cool Things About Simon's Birthday Party
COOL THING #1 | This photo. Katie snapped it during the craziness of the birthday party, after the kids had finished the treasure hunt (the glasses were some of the prizes). I'm thankful that this was my prize.
COOL THING #2 | Simon getting an email from my parents first thing in the morning with an interactive card and fun Spongebob game. I'm thankful for all the ways my parents have connected with Simon.
COOL THING #3 | For his party Simon really wanted to have "marshmallow lasagna." The idea for this dessert came about from a show called Wubbzy and he's talked about it from time to time in the past. I googled "marshmallow lasagna" and found a few different recipes. We ended up doing a modified version of this one - it's basically a smores casserole and it is super, super sweet. For some reason (most likely it's part of the Wubbzy episode that Simon has memorized) he asked for grated cheese on top of his. I'm thankful that he wanted to try something new.
COOL THING #4 | The kids really played together. There was chasing (Simon's favorite), and laughing, and running around upstairs and downstairs, and light sabers and swords. More than half (actually most) of the kids at Simon's party are somewhere on the autism spectrum. They've been in the same program with each other since kindergarten and we've watched each of them grow and develop over the last few years. Most of the same kids were here last year and this year there was really a difference in the way they interacted with one another. I'm so thankful to those kids and their parents for showing up.
COOL THING #5 | I got some photos that I really like of all the kids together eating at the table. I'm not going to be sharing them here but I'm really happy that I took them. Those photos especially remind me just how old he is getting. I'm thankful for the chance to share these photos of friendship with Simon.
COOL THING #6 | My sister sent a bouquet of birthday balloons for Simon. I'm thankful for my sister who is always so thoughtful when it comes to celebrations.
COOL THING #7 | Chris organized a fun treasure hunt (you can see the flier he made up in my Project Life post here) that included five different pirate treasures. I'm thankful for the relationship that Chris has built with Simon and for the one they are building now.
COOL THING #8 | Lots of Ninjago. I'm thankful that Simon's current favorite lego theme has books available.
COOL THING #9 | The nap time after the party. An early in the day party meant time left in the day for a nap on the couch for me. I'm thankful that Anna took a nap (she was exhausted from the excitement) and that Simon was ready and willing to play in peace and quiet with his new toys.
JUST A NOTE | Today is the last day to join Tara Sophia Mohr's Playing Big program (the program begins on Thursday).
I love the way you told the story here, feels like I was right there with you. Love the first photo and the last one. HOORAY FOR NAPS!!
So happy for Simon and growing up with great friends.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
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What wonderful memories! Simon is getting so tall.
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Your kids will be thankful that you and Chris, despite your difficulty between each other, continue to be there for your children, In the same room, sharing the same events.
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Cool thing #10 is the beautiful and loving way you live and present life. I'm thankful that you share your amazing family and your journey with us. You have such a gentle and kind way of looking at everything even when the situation is difficult. I love the way you love your family. I'm thankful to look for your blog each day and be inspired and encouraged to be a better person each. Thank you!!
I completely agree with Jacque's comments.
.... and her comment helped me over my "Simon was TEN! Where's the TENTH thing??" freak out!
I mean really... how could you stop at NINE?? Ten is such a nice stopping point. And Simon is ten years old.
It's ok. ; )
I echo this sentiment. Also that photo of Simon with the balloon bouquet and those glasses is priceless.
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You are such a good mama and storyteller!! Beautiful.
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Dawns comment is EXACTLY what I was thinking...feel like we right there. I LOVE your passion and visual that you "see"...Simon is SO cute, and growing up so fast. The pic of you and Anna is priceless...thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for sharing. Simon is an amazing little man!!
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I'm thankful for the stories, photos, and encouragement you give me everyday. You inspire me.
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Love this, and so happy for your and your family finding your new normal. It looks like Simon had a great day!
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Love this.. what a wonderful memories for Simon's big 10th birthday to remember by.
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i totally adore this. what a lucky family to have shared such a special day together.
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That first photo is awesome on so many levels. Good to hear the bday party went great! Love the balloon bouquet!
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I love how you tell your stories, Ali...!!! God bless...
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I love this! So much to be thankful for.
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I LOVE that picture of Anna and Simon with the funny glasses. It cracked me up!
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What a great party for Simon. It's wonderful how Chris took part. I know that is good for the kids but I also know that it must be hard for you in some ways. I'm so proud of you and the way you are handling all of this. God bless you. I keep you in my prayers.
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I just want to say I think it's a beautiful thing you are doing for your children, by getting along with Chris and including him when you can and keeping him a part of their lives. Kids need a dad and you are doing an exceptional job Ali!
tara
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Ali, if I may ask a personal question...did the guests come to the party and stay with or without parents staying? Are they comfortable enough to do that now? Thank you. It looks like it was a wonderful party!
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I love how you tell your story, Happy Birthday Simon :)
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What sweet pictures! Looks like everyone had a great time!
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Thank you so much for sharing Simon's birthday with us. Looks like it was a great day all around.
BTW, my 10 year old son's current lego obsession is also Ninjago. :)
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Looks like it was a wonderful party - and I love the gratitude statements at the end of each cool thing! I also have to confess that I goggled marshmallow lasanga - new to me - just had to look! :-)
Happy Birthday SImon - Happy days Anna and Ali
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Thank you for sharing Simon's Birthday Party with all of us. Cool Pic #1 is PRICELESS. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! The last Cool Pic reminded me of my time with my little girl! She just turned "9". It goes too fast.
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Love how you tell stories to us, Ali!!!
What a special day for Simon and his buddies. Love hearing about their special connections. So sweet.
Glad you and Chris are both present for the kids despite your new realationship status. You are inspiration to us all--married, single and otherwise! :)
Yup - what kat-in-texas said.
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Thankful for YOU!! For your inspiration, for your grace. Without knowing you, you inspire me to be better at releationships and memory keeping :)
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