Improvisation

Luckily, the weather here is warm again. But it's good to know when it's too cool for the pool, it's not a problem for these two clowns. 

Happy Birthday, Libby!!!

I said I wasn't doing a birthday party. And I didn't. I swear. 

 But somehow we've been celebrating this little one for weeks.

 She's a big fan of the "Happy Birthday" song. So we go with it.

We celebrated last week at Mexican. Last weekend in conjunction with Hadley's birthday. This week at Mexican.

 

And today. Her actual birthday. At school. And then again at home. No joke.

 Libby is ridiculously easy to celebrate. She loved every single minute of it.

 And Annie keeps asking me when her birthday is. :) 

The trampoline from our sweet cousins was a HUGE hit. 

Who knew a trampoline could also be a stage for dancing. 

Singing. 

 Playing drums. 

A perfect place to take care of "boo boos". 

And a hair salon. 

Hours of entertainment. What a gift.

And speaking of gifts...

 

It goes without saying. Every year we celebrate Libby by giving her a few. We're reminded of the extraordinary one she is to us. 

 

 

And what a year this was. 

 

 

Libby,
Happy birthday, sweet angel! It's safe to say you've been through more in your four years than I have in all of mine.  And remarkably, your infectious smile is the same. Birthday celebration or hospital bed. Libby, you inspire us. God is doing something marvelous in you. And thankfully, in us. We're so unbelievably blessed to be a part of your journey. I sometimes marvel at your magnetism. Your witty sense of humor. You've got charisma, girl. It shouldn't surprise me. Your life, already, is so symbolic of Him. You're a portrayal of His glory. No wonder others are drawn to you. 

 

 

We love you! Oh, how we love you! 

Little Lady Who Lunches

Silver Linings

Learning How To Love

I didn't think much about it until I got married. The fact that our lives aren't random. They're designed by the One who knows us best.

The events. The people in our lives. They're designed by Him, too. 

 

 I laughed when Hib reminded me of this last night. Only because he was referring to himself. And the gift I was given when I married him. :) He's right, though.

Our marriage. Our relationships. All of them. He designed these to help us learn how to love.

I watch us struggle. I watch us grow. And I watch the cycle repeat. Sometimes I can almost feel Him refining us.

 And I watch my girls as they navigate their very first relationships.  With Mom. Dad. Each other. Struggles. Growth.

I see Him at work. It's so obvious. 

 These girls. These sisters. They're blessed.

They're learning how to love. 

 

Father, help them.