Yesterday, was one of my favorite days of all time. It was of joy and fun and family and friends and laughter and comical moments and good food and precious memories. And, it was a miracle. We celebrated our Elsie's 2nd birthday. What an honor to bless this sweet little girl with her first birthday party! These past few weeks have been crazy busy. Prep for a work conference, more work travel, hiding from the rally which involved a trip to the ranch for the kids and some RBC fun add in a little Kids Bible Time prep for this fall/winter plus ninja classes, a bit of allergies+a cold and most importantly... planning our little girl's first birthday party. We barely pulled it off but it was a blast and totally worth it!! :) Here's a peak into the fun of our day....our day of all things Elsie!
Twinkle, twinkle our little star.
What a wonder that you are,
You've grown so much and come so far
Let's celebrate how loved you are!
Her favorite foods... fruit salad and lo mein and star shaped watermelon and corn on the cob- the girl has good taste :)
We're so big, we just eat with the big kids.
Oh, the presents....
Followed by cake of course....
And, then we sang Happy Birthday.
And, it was the most happy, joyous, exciting rendition of Happy Birthday you've heard!!!
So, of course.. she wanted more singing of the Happy Birthday!
So we did :)
"More" "More" "More"
It was precious indeed. So, incredibly precious.
Pictures say a lot but a video tells even more.
This my friends, is what adoption is all about:
Because every little two year old deserves joy.
Squeals of arm waving boundless joy.
In reality, the video doesn't even come close to capturing the feeling and excitement everyone felt standing there in our cramped little dining room. It was loud and for a moment while we sang it a 2nd time I thought... this is why you adopt.
It isn't a mission.
It isn't a crusade to save the world.
It isn't about rescuing or saving or trying to make yourself feel better.
It's not about t-shirts with James 1:27 plastered all over them.
It's about being surrounded and smothered in love by family and friends.
It's about being a daughter who is loved and cherished.
Families need kids and kids need families.
Simple as that.
And, to those that helped bring her home...
that little video above is thanks to- YOU.
God used so many of you to help us bring home our daughter home.
And, for that- we are profoundly grateful!
In comparison, I doubt anyone even recognized or knew that a year and two days ago was her very first birthday. I am thankful beyond words that a year ago today, they started preparing her paperwork. Praise the Lord she will never live what could have been.
Happy 2nd Birthday our Elsie girl :)
We love you!!!
And, every day I praise the Lord He chose me to be your Mama.
