We woke our beautiful 8 year old with a family sing-a-long. We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a minimalist school day.
She got a sweet package from her birthday buddy, Miss Pam. She was blown away by the little kitty and the tag that said, “Handmade with Love.”
Nan took her out for lunch, and Johanna and I frosted the cake with Lion Guard characters.
Nan and Nene and Miss Barb joined us for dinner. Katriel picked pizza.
Happy Birthday, Katriel!!
We were too busy to celebrate my birthday ON my birthday –hard to imagine given the current situation. We postponed my birthday until everyone could be home.
There was chocolate.
And cards.
Stewart drew this one. You can see how he assigned each duck a personality based on the birth order. When the kids were little, I would have them, “Walk like ducklings” while we shopped, to keep our footprint as small as possible for other shoppers. Stewart duck is wearing a hat. Nigel duck is the tallest. Marie duck is singing, or waving… Tabitha duck has curly hair and Johanna duck has on glasses. Mommy is carrying Katriel duck.
Katriel asked if she could take photos as I unwrapped my gifts.
We enjoyed some seriously decadent Hummingbird Cake.
Noelle’s birthday is actually NEXT Sunday, but they were available to join us for dinner and a few games tonight.
We also found a hair salon that was open on a Sunday afternoon.
and the little sisters enjoyed rolling around with their biggest brother for a while before he went back to school.
The day BEFORE Nan’s birthday, Stewart was in the area to visit the church he likes to attend in Newark. He brought Noelle and her roommate, Becca, and we quickly called Nan and it was a party. Minus cake. But that’s ok.
Then on her birthday, she came for lunch. Hanny made pretty cupcakes.
We had steaks for dinner.
And some carrot cakes I did not make from scratch.
Somehow, Stewart turned 20.
Noelle came up around the time he finished work and joined us for dinner. There were games and gifts and lemon squares.
And this is a photo of him from work. I am very proud of how hard both boys worked this summer. Stewart worked daily 7AM – 3:30PM at Mendon Ponds Park, and then would come home for a while Take a nap. Eat. And head to FedEx for 10PM – 1AM. Home. Sleep a little more… and repeat.
A quiet day to celebrate my Marie.
Not only was her cake choice perfection,
but, her choice for dinner was exquisite.
The girls made her thoughtful cards.
Tabby bought her a super plaque for her room.
And her own guitar.
As life just marches on and we reflect on what has been, it makes imagining what might still come next to impossible.
Just trusting this lady’s life to the One who made her and praying for her future. ♥
Somehow – Nigel has gone from the premature baby being transferred from Park Ridge to Strong, to a strapping 18 year old.
He hadn’t been able to work at the aquatics center since the shut down. He finished his classes in May, and steadfastly worked to find a job. He filled out a ton of applications and did walk-ins carrying a resume. Nothing was happening, and we just kept praying and trusting God had a plan.
Then a friend from church spoke with a golf course manager and next thing you know, Nigel was working at the Penfield Golf Course. Morning after morning, he’s out the door by 5:30AM and works 6AM – 2:30PM. I’m so proud of his good work ethic.
He requested and received Aloha Burgers for dinner.
The top layer of the cake got so solidified I mangled the cake when I went to cut it.
Our gift to Nigel did not arrive as it was supposed to…
Hard to believe Scooter is 10!
That day 10 years ago when she broke the 2 and 2 tie.
We woke her with a morning song
And the chocolatey oatmeal back she’d requested.
After breakfast she was stunned to hear the doorbell ring and she flew down the stairs because she thought it looked like Libby’s car.
IT WAS! The video shows the best hug! SURPRISE!
Libby gave her LEGOs, “See these girls look like you and me.”
Then Evie and Hallie popped by with balloons and cards and treats!
And it was warm enough for a sprinkler and kiddie pool.
Marie stayed up last night and made cupcakes so she’d have treats after lunch. (Nan brought Pizza!)
We took Libby home around 4PM and Mama made sloppy joes for dinner. Nan and Nene joined us (Ba and Poppy are still social distancing).
Katriel made her a “Forky” and a bucket with candy in it.
And along with an abundance of gifts, she received a lot of mail from people who love her. The cards were so encouraging and affirming. I’ve advised her to keep them somewhere safe so she can read them on the days when Satan is working to steal her joy.
Mrs. Hyman and Megan also stopped by with a balloon and beautiful card. And as they were leaving we were blessed with this magnificent rainbow.
It seems fitting. This little girl bubbles over with joyfulness so much of the time. And her depth of understanding on God’s Word is remarkable for her age.
Her candle skills are another matter.
But the lemon cake was superb!
Another lock down birthday.
This stings a little to be honest.
John turned 50 today.
We feel about as rough as we look.
Thankfully, he has been blessed by a loving family.
Katriel made a beautiful poster for him.
And Marie’s card was inspired by our daily press briefings.
We had steak. Nan and Nene joined us again. They are as over this nonsense as we are.
The cake was chocolate with chocolate frosting.
Because the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Once this lunacy passes, we will do a dinner out. Hopefully for our anniversary in five weeks.
Dayspring Disciples 