Why I Love a Party

We do kid birthdays up big around here.  It's not that I like the idea of spoiling them or think they "deserve" it, it's just that I LOVE to plan their parties with them, to figure out what they would enjoy doing and bless them by saying yes to as many of their ideas as possible.  (Ooh, I just licked some random birthday cake frosting off my finger.  How did that get there?) 

It probably goes back to my years as a camp counselor and wanting to give the kids a wonderfully fun experience.  Or maybe it goes back further, to my own mom always making my birthday very special. 

I truly adore children, well, most of them :)  I loved being a teacher and I love homeschooling my own and speaking into the lives of their friends and other kids in my circle of influence.  For instance, I spent a good half hour with a friend's 4-year-old the other day blowing and popping bubbles while waiting for my kids to finish a rehearsal.  Oh, to make a small child giggle.  It's time well spent. 

Megan, the tiny thing who surprised me by arriving over 4 weeks early for her birth, just arrived at age 11.  I picked zinnias from the garden and Queen Anne's Lace from the roadside to decorate the birthday table.  The colors and textures are mesmerizing.

She asked for a "camping" sleep-over this year.  The only thing I had to limit was the number of friends she could invite.  Her list was long as she has so many dear and wonderful friends of all ages, but I said she could invite as many as would fit in the tent.  Alas, the tent sat empty last night.  Too hot!

This is what it looks like to be surrouded by grace...as in sister, Grace, and BFF Grace.

Dave invented this creative homemade lantern that the girls assembled with mason jars, outdoor solar lights, and wire.  Charge them in the sun and they stay lit for playing and camping at night.   Here is what they look like in the dark...

Megan received marvelous gifts this year.  An electric drill from Grandpa Bo and Cathy.  A new sewing machine from Nana.  A kit to make a 3 foot wooden wishing well from us.  A tool kit from Noah and Engraving Art from Grace.  Meg was in heaven.  Nature Girl now has an alias:  Carpenter Seamstress. 

 

I think about God's emphasis on celebrations and marking milestones, and I know he created us to love a good party.  I honor the Creator of my dear girl, and I cherish her with all my heart.