September 22nd

This is a big day: two birthdays in one day! First comes Margo, who didn't really want a big party this year. She just wanted to take a couple of friends in the neighborhood ice skating. Because I am who I am, I still wanted to make some invitations and a little fuss. She had a great time (and so did I). We have to remember to do this more often--ice skating, that is!






And then there is Matthew's birthday. Again, because I am who I am (even my kids' birthdays are a little bit about me, right?), I have never purchased themed party materials for a birthday--until now! Matthew spends most of his time making a light saber or sword out of ordinary household items, and "storm troopering" around, as he calls it. Nevermind, he has never seen Star Wars. He wanted something Darth Vader (affectionately known as Dark Vader around here) and ice cream. So, Star Wars and sundaes it was.


I especially like this picture. Andrew felt like Margo couldn't make her own wish without a little help from him!

Perfect.

Inside: "I think the ruffle really makes a difference, don't you?"

Hallmark, Shoebox

Happy Anniversary!

I am posting out of order, but today I will just have to get over it. Today is my 15th wedding anniversary to my wonderful husband! I can honestly say I am happier to be married to this man today, than I was on the day of our wedding. And I enjoyed that day a lot!! We didn't begin to know what a marriage really required back then. Now, I am so thankful for my husband's love for the Lord, his leadership in our family, patience with me, involvement with the kids and commitment to integrity. Besides that, we have fun too! Here's to many more years ahead, each better than the next!! I would be lost without him!

Note: I know you are thinking it . . . Yes, we both had hair back then!

Easter: Let's Celebrate!

As Easter Sunday approached and I began to realize that I had still not located our plastic eggs (on Saturday)or adorned our house with cute Easter decorations, I began to dismiss the importance of it all and I think come very close to missing the point of making a fuss entirely. I rationalized my unpreparedness by claiming Easter is not about hiding eggs, eating candy out of an Easter basket, wearing white sandals and a nice dress to church, or any of the other ritual we have attached to it. And truly it is not. However, it did dawn on me: Easter is about celebrating, and celebration is different than simple recognition or acknowledgement of something, even a very significant something.

As followers of Christ, we celebrate daily what Christ in his death and resurrection accomplished that we could not. But, Easter is to be a special celebration, a specific time to corporately remember and celebrate the good news of that first Easter morning: He has risen, indeed! During times of celebration, we should do things differently and in such a way to help us remember specific events and rejoice over them.

So, Saturday night after the kids went to bed, Daddy ran to the store for plastic eggs and candy for the kids. (Beyond just fun, the eggs can symbolize the new life we are given with Jesus, right?) I am certainly not pushing plastic eggs, candy or baskets and bonnets for Easter, nor am I suggesting that any of it equals proper celebration. We will use these things, the good, great and beautiful things here, to remind us of the goodness and greatness of our God and his creativity. And I will purpose to be better prepared next year to celebrate, better prepared in the heart and the home to thank God for the reconciliation He made possible that first Easter weekend.



Hey . . . we all celebrate in different ways. This boy's work was not done--even on Easter. He is looking sweet in his searsucker suit though!