Birthday Bash for Edie

When we turn eight years old, we get a big birthday bash complete with a piñata and friends.  Mom and I spent all Monday morning taping, filling, running, gluing, mixing, wiping, cutting, and well, you get the picture :)  Then around 3:15 our house was livened with eleven guests and an excited birthday girl.  It was so fun to watch them get along so wonderfully and have such a 'joyful time' (according to Edie).  And even though the party only lasted an hour and a half, I thought all the preparation was worth it. 

First things first, they made name tags since not all the girls knew each other.  There was a mix of church friends, school friends, and neighbor friends.

 

Then they ran outside to play!  And just as they went out, the man who we've asked for many moons to come do some digging in our back yard showed up and did the work right then!

I'm not sure the girls really noticed as they were busy swinging, petting ponies, or playing in the playhouse.

After some play time, they came up to the deck for cupcakes, watermelon, and punch.

The birthday girl:

 





 

 

 

After the snack, Edie opened gifts.  Some of which were enjoyed with the girls a little later :)

Group photo!

Finally, it was time for the piñata!!!  Each girl drew a number, except for Edie who was going to go last. 

However, about half way through, the piñata dropped some candy and the girls dove for the candy!

Except for Edie who politely watched.

Since there was some candy left in the piñata, we decided to let her cut into the line and hit it before it was totally gone.  Each girl got some candy to take home and there was never a tear shed.

Pony rides and a craft were after the piñata.  The craft was tissue-flower boquets, an idea inspired by the tissue-paper flowers I made with Hannah for the Valentine's Day party in Ixtlan.  Thanks for the idea, Hannah!

 

Once the organized activities were over, the girls played with various things until their mothers came to get them.

But the party wasn't over yet for the Lehmans!  Thanks to Edie's great choice of a birthday meal, we got to enjoy steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and melon.  Then we were joined by some extended family for presents and cake.

That night I was so worn out, but I would do it all again.  And I think Edie would too :) 

Happy 8th, Edie!!!

Just yesterday, I went to visit for the first time my beautiful, brand new baby sister.  Just yesterday I held her safely in my arms as she slept.

And somehow, yesterday turned into weeks ago.  Months ago.  Years ago!  And the precious little baby has grown into a beautiful girl.

At eight years old, I still see in her the innocence of a child.  But I also see a girl who has displayed maturity in practicing diligence, compassion, joy, and sacrifice.

 

Edie, I'm so incredibly blessed to have you as a friend and sister.

 



 

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day :)

SPRING!!!!

Spring.  I love spring. I love love love spring.  The flowering trees.  Oh, so beautiful!  The tender, bright green leaves that unfold from the branches.  They just lift my heart.  I love it.  So much.

Perhaps it's because to me it is the picture of promise.  Spring is full of promises.  While the weather has yet to reach a balmy 80 degrees, the flowering trees and slowly rising temp kindle the fire of hope inside me.  Even though I had 10 weeks away from the bitter cold here in Indiana, the beauty of spring has not diminished this year...

Before I really really begin this post, I want to clarify that not everything is going perfectly well at all. In fact, sometimes things are still really hard.  But I know that #1. my problems really aren't that big. #2. the more I dwell on those things, the more I feel down and life is just too short for that. So in this post I'm not pretending that life has suddenly become easy and everything is better *yay!* No.  Instead, I'm counting my blessings and seeing how wonderfully God is working in my life.


So...now let the post really really begin.

If God cares about the earth He created enough to bring it back to life after a season of dormancy, how much more He desires to give His children life, hope, and purpose.  In the spring season, all those who believe in the death and resurrection of His Son are reminded of His love during Easter.  And in the Wolcott church we partake of communion near to this time.  Coming together as a family for Easter and church family for communion is just a special time.

 

In addition to the normal spring events, there are some things that have happened in my personal life this spring season that give life and hope.

 

First of all, a close friend of mine recently announced her engagement.  This really isn't exciting since it means that she'll be moving 2 hours away and won't be working with me any more on Tuesdays and Fridays at Homestead.  But to see how God brought their lives together and was so faithful through the whole process was something God knew I really really needed to see.  Watching her faith grow boosted my faith.  So while sometimes it's quite saddening, it really has been a blessing.  A sign of God's faithfulness in somebody else's life that again confirms He will work all things together for good in my life as well.

 

Another area God has been really good to me is the amount of work that He has provided.  At one point near the end of my stay in Mexico, I wasn't guaranteed many hours at the Homestead where I was working before my trip to Mexico.  I wondered if maybe I should give up the few hours I did have and just find another job.  I fished around online a little but didn't look into anything too seriously.  Then a little bit before my return, I got an email saying I could have more hours and it was enough to keep me from looking for a different job.  Also, I'm picking up more hours at D&K Electric where I do secretarial work and so that is a big blessing.  I am going to accompany the spring program on May 9th at Cornerstone and with the date rapidly approaching, this week has brought several long practices and next week will bring more.  Fittingly the theme for the program is "From Buds to Blossoms" :D.  All that together is enough to keep me busy for now.  Overall, I would just have to say that God has provided, specifically in the work area, more than sufficiently for today.

 

One more quick example: recently I began reading a book during my devotions that has helped me a lot with where I'm at in life.  Among other things it's reminded me that purpose isn't having some big assignment or responsibility.  Too often I look past the purpose God has for me in search of something greater, and then I miss my purpose entirely.  Purpose really is being used where and how God wants to use me.  I've been challenged and most definitely encouraged by it!

 

Though at first appearance these do not seem like huge promises or rays of hope, God has been using small things to once again so patiently remind me that He is at work in something much greater! (I forget too easily.) 

 

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying delicate green leaves peaking through a late snow, cheery yellow daffodils smiling among the drab flowerbeds, and of course the flowering trees.  Because after all, IT'S SPRING!