elle's Ivy story

This is an Ivy story from way back. My daughter, Kira asked me one day if Ivy could spend the night. The girls must have been about 5 or 6. So I said sure but we have to ask Ivy if she wants to and also if Melinda thinks it would be okay. We got the approval and also found out that this was Ivy's first sleepover. This little bit of information changed everything! Now Kira and I not only wanted Ivy to have fun but we wanted it to be perfect.
It was all going along fine, the girls were having fun, I was having fun with them, and we had decided on spaghetti for dinner. Here's where the trouble starts. I got it cooked correctly(me and cooking, a crap shoot). Then I asked Ivy how she liked her spaghetti. Cute as ever with those wonderful cheeks and awesome smile, she says: "Noodles with parmesan cheese and butter, please." You would think that since English is my only language I would have comprehended this request straight away. This was not the case, I gave her spaghetti with butter, parmesan cheese, and frickin' red sauce! Ivy being the sweet person she is tried to eat it so she wouldn't hurt my feelings. Kira brings the plate back and says "Mom! Ivy doesn't want sauce give her a new plate, would ya!" Twice more this happened before Ivy got her spaghetti the way she politely had asked for it. (So much for a perfect first sleepover!)
The rest of the night went well, but I think Ivy was a teenager before she braved another sleepover that involved elle!
This story is a testament to how patient and kind Ivy is. Ivy I am so lucky to know you and have you in my life! I've loved watching you and Kira grow and all the stages you've gone through. I am especially excited to see the beautiful, intelligent, caring people that you two are becoming. You will do many more great things and I can't wait to see it. I love you with all of my heart! -elle

p.s. If you're going through hell, keep going!