My Last GA Sleepover

Eleven years ago, I went to my first GA Mother/Daughter sleepover. My eldest was in the 3rd grade, M had turned 3 and L was 7 months old. Tonight, all 3 girls are here and it has been great fun. L and I tied with 2 other mother/daughter teams in the mother/daughter game. I knew her favorite restaurant is Olive Garden, her favorite food is chicken pie soup (we had it for dinner last night), her favorite color is yellow, her favorite school subject is band, and the last time we were shopping together was last weekend with Sr. Mrs. H. We got 5 out of 5. It is a miracle! We usually get 2 at the most. Last year she was in tears at the end of the game. This year we rocked.

When they started getting ready for the talent show, she got out her clarinet and asked if she could play it. I said, "Sure! What are you going to play?" "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Can I go in your office to practice?" I was so proud. She didn't win, but I think she should have.

The ladies that put this event together every year are sensational. I don't think any of them have daughters still in GA's. Some are grandmothers and even great grandmothers. Some have infants that won't be in GA's for several years. They do it because they love the Lord and these girls. They come up with games and food and crafts and decorations and photo opportunities that keep these girls busy until 2 a.m. (I suspect some are getting tired and grumpy: I just heard one of them say hotly "You're not the boss of me!" and stomp off --I had to smile.)


Here are a few pics from tonight. This one is my eldest and her buddy since 3rd grade. They are former GA's helping out.

This is M during the singing/devotion time.

This last one is L and Bre. Bre's older sister and M are good buddies, too. Every year there is a photo spot for the girls to take a picture with their mother. One of the things the girls take home with them is a framed picture. If a girl's mom can't come, one of the GA leaders takes a picture with her or she has a friend in the picture. Last year a girl's dad dropped her off, so he got to come in to all the girly pinkness and have a tea party picture made with his daughter. No one is alone in this place.

Now, it is incredibly late and words are starting to blur here. Good night, sweet ladies.