My mom at my 8th birthday party:

I’m so glad I bought my daughter’s DS ahead of time. I told her I wasn’t going to get it for her when she was in trouble and she believed it.

Now it is time for her party. I am on my way to the YMCA with Precious in the car and I have all the party decorations packed with us. I decided she’ll have a Hulu themed pool party. Shakira is turning 8. I love her so much. I call one last parent and make sure her classmates are coming. Everything is going according to plan. Trevor is already there with Malachi, the cake and presents. We arrive and we let them swim while we set up the decorations. When they’re done, we set up some chairs and host musical chairs to a new Kidz Bop CD. I brought prizes for the other kids and treats for them to go home with. I like to make a good impression and I want them all to have a good time - especially my daughter. She is sticking with her friend Precious, dancing, and having a great time. I give them cake and then I let her open the presents. I made sure she had a nice display of gifts and her classmates brought some too. Shakira had a bright smile opening her gifts, and she looked adorable in her hula costume. When she opened her D.S., she cried and gave me a hug. She makes everything worth it. I’ll never forget.