My little boy will be 9 tomorrow. 9! And he is so very excited. In the past we would celebrate his birthday at my parents‘ in the countryside. This year will be different. For the first time ever J really wanted to have a birthday party with all his friends. So we sent out invitations …

„There were ten in the bed and the little one said, roll over“ Are you familiar with the lyrics? In case you’re not: at the end it says „There was one in the bed and the little one said, ‚I’m lonely…[sigh]'“ – that is pretty much were we are right now. French kids spend summer vacation at their grandparents‘. And as we are in the middle of summer vacation most of his (French) friends are gone. If it wasn’t for two there would be no guests at all tomorrow.

Fortunately, J makes the best of it. He suggested we’d go to the movies (something I would have never done with 10 kids) followed by a barbeque in our garden. And that’s what we’ll do.

I started making a garland for him the other night. A heart garland … But after I made two hearts my son would catch me (unprepared), take those hearts and use them as bookmarks. There was no need for him to say anything. Even I understood: No more garlands for the beautiful boy he is – inside and out. He has outgrown heart garlands.

But if you feel like making one – here’s the easy and very lovely pattern.