We celebrated Fiona’s second birthday over the weekend, and I was overcome by the gift of family and friends…
#32: My Parents Example: My Mom is recuperating from knee surgery in Rochester, MN, and she has been such an example of determination as she is living out of a hotel room and going to therapy every day. My Dad continually demonstrates sacrificial living, as he drove out for Fiona’s party from Rochester, NY and then travelled home early on Sunday so he could be home to serve at their home church.
#33: My In-laws Thoughtfulness: One of the presents they gave to Fiona was a homemade wood cradle that Ben’s grandpa had made over 30 years ago. He has passed away, but it was special to be able to receive a gift from Papa even now. Now, she will be able to keep it and share it with her kids someday and tell the story of how he made cradles and other wooden items for all the grandkids and great-grandkids for years and years.
#34: Our Siblings Investment: I love that all of our sisters and brothers-in-law are invested in our kids. We skyped with Kristin and Sam who live in Vermont, and they were both crowding the screen saying hi to the kids. It was also cool to see their other aunts and uncles interacting with our kids at Fiona’s party, snuggling…wrestling…playing…it makes me thankful for good, solid relationships.
#35: Our Close-In-Age Cousins: There is something special about having cousins that are close in age. The younger kids don’t really play “together” yet, but the older kids ran around in a big herd, giving glimpses of years to come where we say, “go play” and they disappear for hours. And who can resist cousins jumping…hand in hand…
#36: Our Dear Friends: I am thankful every day for bringing so many wonderful friends into our family’s life through school, church, work, and neighborhood. I was especially thankful this weekend for families where parents and kids are best buds…little Georgia has been Fiona’s playmate since they knew what playtime was, and it is so cool to think of them as an extension to our family.
#37: My Growing Maturity: There was a time where adaptability and a “go with the flow” attitude wasn’t my strong point. Now, three kids later, I find myself being okay with dealing with Madi hanging the streamers all over the yard, dealing with the rain that threatened to end our picnic early, and not stressing with all the grass and wet clothes that the kids dragged into the house. I wish I would have learned sooner…no one cares if things are perfect!!
So many things to be thankful for…Happy Birthday my dear Fiona!
Happy birthday to Fiona!! I had forgotten how close she and Jack were in age.
Sounds like you all had a wonderful day!
thanks kate…i always forget too that jack is so close in age to fiona! i loved the pics you posted from his birthday too!