Birthday Girl!

 

My oldest daughter, Cecelia turned 9 on Sunday. She was a good sport about not having a big party this year. She'd wanted a Hannah Montana party, and I had some cute, fun ideas on that front, but it was not to be. Nick and I were extremely busy all weekend with OHOP's monthly Awaken the Bride conference. Nick led worship on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning (I sing on his team.) He also taught classes on Sat. afternoon and Sun. afternoon. It was a crazy time to think about poor Cecelia's birthday. She was thankful, though, that her birthday was on Sunday and glorified and worshiped God with excellence! Fortunately, Grandma always remembers to send birthday gifts early, so she had a gift to open first thing after church. (Thank you Grandma & Grandpa; you are awesome!) Her sister, Keliah, couldn't wait to give her gift of a pink Princess Disney hat, either. That evening, she and I got to go out (just the 2 of us!) to see Alice in Wonderland - sharing the tub of popcorn and large Cherry Coke for supper. We had fun together and planned to have our family cake party to celebrate on Monday evening.

After much speculation and looking at other guitar cakes online, I just made up my own ideas with what I had on hand to create her pink guitar cake. (Notice the C.C. initials!) Nothing too fancy, but perfect for our little gathering with 2 kinds of ice cream. The remains were breakfast this morning. Anyway, I'm so proud of my little girl, getting so grown up (but not too grown up.) She is truly a gift from God and I'm so humbled to be her mom.

The gifts from us were pretty simple this year. Books, a couple toys, candy and clothes. As you can see below, Sabina was certain that the cute puppy was hers!  Today, she even got to stretch that birthday joy for another day with the arrival of a package from my parents - Granny & Papa. Woo-hoo! I'm determined to enjoy letting her be a little girl for these next couple of years. I don't want her rushing in to growing up too fast. These years are precious. Besides, once you are grown up it lasts for the rest of your life! That's not so fun. Even though I try to impress a sense of responsibility and contribution upon all my children, I also want them to have lots of time to just be KIDS. This is the time for the games, books, songs, artwork, and dances that will truly make up the woman Cecelia will be. And, please God, help me be the mother that Cecelia needs.

6 Word Saturday

Thank you Granny for new PAJAMAS!

Baby Picture Sunday - Babies Can Sleep ANYWHERE!

Truthfully, this pic of Luca is only about a year old. He's 2 here, fell asleep having his snack.


Luca is much younger here, only about 2 months old. I know it's not that unusual for a baby to fall asleep in the swing, but it had stopped swinging long before!


This is Sabina (15 months old) this past January asleep on Granny's lap, in a rocking chair. Again, not that unusual, but Sabina has never been a rock-to-sleep baby. She's always had to fall asleep in her own bed, on her own. If I tried rocking her, she'd squirm around and stay awake, and frustrate me. I think my mom just had to get this last sweet snuggle time in. We flew home the next day.

The weird cute sleeping pic I had of Carlo asleep on Nick's tummy, wearing 3D glasses, while waiting for "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" to start at Disney World is sadly missing. I took it with a cell phone that has been damaged. But, I think about these moments as treasured up in my heart.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my parents. We may not always communicate well, but I love them so much. And, now that I've grown out of my totally self-centered stage, I appreciate all they have done and continue to do for me. I even appreciate the advice they give which I may not agree with. I understand that they want the best for me - happiness, security, and love.

I am thankful for all the time and patience and love they pour into my children. My mom will read a bedtime story to each one. My dad will put bait on every hook, and take hooks out of every fish (if he must.) They gave Nick and I a much needed anniversary alone while they took care of all 7 AND cleaned out the vacation rental. They are the best Papa and Granny I know!

I am thankful that, despite our separation by half the country, my children hold their grandparents dear to their hearts. Those good-bye hugs are sad, but so, so sweet.