9th Birthday Thoughts & Video

It amazes me how quickly time passes in our lives. Our days blend together so easily as we get older. When we were children, time seemed to take forever. We couldn't wait for a special event to arrive, usually our birthdays or Christmas. And then, just as quickly as they came, we're longing for the next big event. Now, I wish time would slow down. If not down right stand still for a few moments. I want to enjoy the moments that we're in. The precious conversations with Violet as she shares some exciting tidbit that she learned or just something that made her happy. I want our early morning ritual of her climbing into bed with me, as her Daddy wakes up to start his day at work, to slow down so I can enjoy her deep breathing as she settles back into sleep. 

I want to fully enjoy each precious second that we are blessed to have as a family. Yet, time rushes by and before I know it, it's bedtime and we have to tuck our beautiful girl back into bed for the night. And moments of sadness always pricks my heart as I realize all of the opportunities I've missed that day. No matter how hard I try to prevent it, my days usually end this way.

A moment turns into a day. The day turns into a week. That week quickly turns into a month. And before I know it, another year has come and gone. Such is the case today on Violet's birthday. At the stroke of 1:16 pm, CST, Violet will officially be 9 years old. It is such a bitter sweet moment for me. I miss the little girl whose fingers would gently curl around mine. Now, Violet's hands are nearly as big as my own. I'm so grateful that we have this day to celebrate though. So many families long for a birthday celebration that will never come. Time has literally frozen for them and their babies will always be babies. So, I rejoice on this incredibly special day in my daughter's life. Truly, life is very sweet for us and I thank God for all of it. Even the moments that are hard and leave us scratching our heads on how to proceed with discipline or heartaches. Each precious moment is a gift that I pray to never take for granted.

So much has happened in Violet's 8th year of life. She completed her third year in Classical Conversations and developed stronger friendships with her classmates. Violet fell and broke her nose, resulting in the need for her first (and hopefully last) surgery. She watched her Momma go through a surgery of her own, creating a stronger compassionate heart and a willingness to help more around the house. Violet had her first sleepover with two friends from her school and had the most incredible time! And, she has grown at least another foot taller bringing her close to shoulder height to me. My most favorite event in Violet's life this year though has to be Easter, the day her Daddy baptised her in front of our church and family. Oh, what a blessed event that moment in time was for us!

Each day I think I couldn't possibly love this child any more than what I already do. And each day, my heart is stretched to a greater capacity of love. A love that is so overwhelming that it can paralyze me or create a Motherly fierceness that would do anything to protect her child. A love that has caused me to push aside timidness and advocate for my child, protecting her from the onslaught of a harsh world. A love that caused me to confront a dentist when my daughter wasn't receiving the level of care that she needed and demanded that it be corrected immediately. A love that my concerned husband understood and spurred these parting words to me as I left to confront that particular dentist, "Don't do something to cause you to be arrested." FYI, I was calm but firm when dealing with the dentist and I achieved my goal of getting the help my daughter needed.

So, here I am, thinking about this past year and feeling quite nostalgic. And as in the past, I have created a video slide of Violet for her birthday. I hope you enjoy seeing how much she has changed over the years. 

Happy 9th Birthday, Violet! Your Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of the young lady that you are becoming. So many changes lie ahead for you and our family but we know that you will handle them with style, grace, and your particular flare that is all your own. No matter what the future holds, always remember this... your Daddy and I love you to the heavens and above. You are dearly loved and cherished more than anything in this world. 

We pray that as you grow and mature, that you will hold fast to your faith and remember that Christ loves you. No sin is so great that it can ever separate you from the love of your Heavenly Father and the love of your parents. Your Mommy & Daddy will fail you and disappoint you many times in life but we will always be here for you, baby girl. Our arms and hearts are always open to you, no matter what life throws your way. 

Have a blessed day Sweetheart! And may there be many, many more birthdays for you to celebrate in life.

Love always,
Mommy & Daddy 

Firsts

It hasn't sunk in yet that Violet just turned eight. I look at my baby girl and am amazed at how quickly she is growing up. Seriously, where does the time go? 

We celebrated Violet's birthday with family last weekend. Her Mimi and Pops flew down from Michigan and we got to spend her birthday with them and Gregg's sister and her family. We've not gotten to do that since Violet turned four, so that was a real treat for us. Beyond the special time spent with family, Violet's grandparents took her to Toys R' Us for a birthday shopping spree. They gave her a set amount of money she could spend for whatever she wanted within that price range. Within moments, it seemed like Violet was on a treasure hunt. Girlfriend was born to shop!  

Violet's big request for her birthday this year was to have a slumber party. She has been asking to have one for over a year now. After deciding that having two friends over would be the best way to ease into the world of sleep-overs, it was time to figure out who to invite. We thought about it for a little while and figured two friends from our home school group would be fun. School starts in a few weeks and this would give the girls a fun experience to talk about at lunch. 

I'm typing this as my precious daughter and two of her friends are sleeping in our living room. Violet's first slumber party. The girls seem to have had a great night so far - swimming, pizza, cake, movie, popcorn and lots of giggles. They've been so well behaved and after some gentle convincing to go to bed they have finally settled into sleep. It only took them an hour and a half to settle down after the lights were turned out. I think I've been pretty lucky so far!

As I'm sitting here, I am drawn to memories of other "firsts" in Violet's life - her first kick in my womb. Her first cries at birth. Her first words - Dada, duck and Mommy. Her first steps. So many firsts in her life and now this one. Each one so precious. Each one a gift from God. 

Happy Birthday Love!

Thirty seven years ago, on September 14th, the most amazing man was born on that day. And today, we celebrate his birthday!

The Birthday Boy with Violet by his side.

Checking out the cards that were sent to him and showing off his balloons.

A present, wonder what it is?

Oooh, I think he likes it!

Now maybe he'll stop stealing MY coffee mug!

Football cake! Are you ready for some football?!!

Man VS. Cake! Well, actually the candles. Wonder which will win?

Oh, poor fella. The cake won! Sorry baby, I didn't realize those candles would reignite after you blew them out. Ooopsie!!!

Happy Birthday Baby! Have a fantastic day. Your girls love you more than anything. Even more than infinity! Thank you for being the fantastic husband and father that you are! We love you!!!

Princess Birthday Tea Party

It has been a crazy few weeks around here. It all began when Violet asked for a Princess Tea themed Birthday Party. Violet wanted a pretty, pink princess dress for her party (and for Halloween) and so we searched high and low for a dress. After going to four obvious store choices we had nearly given up on finding a dress that would fit my little princess (they all were for age 3). I finally remembered that Cracker Barrel had their costumes out a few weeks ago. So, I called and they had ONE dress left in Violet's size. I asked them to hold it and we were there within five minutes.

Isn't her dress beautiful?


I put all the decorations up while Violet slept the night away. We created a bowery, of sorts, in the entryway of our living room for everyone to walk under. It had a magical feel to it.


Then we draped crepe paper over the light fixture in the dinning area.


The birthday banner was hung, appropriately, over a wall of photos of the birthday girl herself.

The moms all seemed to get along and enjoy one another's company. Two of them are mom's of two of Violet's Classical Conversations classmates and one is her tutor! A happy accident that we didn't realize until after the party, with the exception of one couple, everyone at Violet's party home schools.


My beautiful sister-in-law D. and her husband, D., came to the party with their precious daughter (my lovely little niece) C. Violet now has a cousin that lives close by!


BFF's!!! Miss A. and Violet. They became buddies back in July when we had a homeschool practicum we attended for three days. They are inseparable when out of their class on Mondays.


Miss. A., Violet, and cousin C. Such pretty little princesses!


Violet with another BFF, Miss. R. I can hardly stand all the cuteness!


Violet and another BFF, Miss. S.


And here is everyone at the party having a wonderful time playing around in Violet's room. The sweet faces are enough to still my beating heart. They're all so precious!!!


Violet had her finger in all of the details which included... having all the boys and girls dress like princes and princesses (tiaras were welcome!), finger sandwiches cut in the shape of flowers and butterflies (and a few little bears were cut for the boys). We also had tea (lemonade for the kids), veggie and fruit trays, chips, dip, and cake.


Make a wish!


Cousin C. enjoying her slice of the cake!


Pin the Gem on The Bracelet...


I think everyone enjoyed the game! Sir. T. was our lone Knight in shinning armor and was a very brave knight while in the mix of all these girls. His sister, Miss. M. is to his left (your right) ~ unfortunately, we didn't get pictures of the birthday girl with Sir T. and Miss. M.


Presents!



We had a wonderful time at Violet's party. Most importantly, it was a very special time for her. The smile on her face, the joy in her laughter, and her giddy steps of delight made it worth all the work and effort put into arranging this party.

Thank you everyone who came and celebrated Violet's birthday with us. Your presence here made the day all the more special. Violet loved seeing her friends and enjoyed playing with them. And, Gregg and I enjoyed the chance to talk with all the wonderful parents. We love you all and thank God for your friendship!