December 8th

Today is a very special day. It's my birthday! Today I turn 37 years old. Now, being a mother of rapidly growing children, this milestone seems more significant. I can only imagine what it is like for my parents to look at me and remember back 37 years to the night that they became parents for the first time. Amazing. I am learning that what they say is true..."time flies."

I have always loved birthdays. I love to plan parties now, and as a child it was no exception. I was always busy planning my birthday party by early September, if not before. I carry on the tradition of early planning today with my own children. Yesterday I had to choke back an inquiry to Joel about what kind of birthday he might want - mind you it is not until April 25th, 2010. Only slightly more than four months away. I realized that while I may spend time considering the next three family birthdays, (3/1, 4/08, 4/25), it would behoove me not to enlist the creative juices of my children just yet!

I will give credit to Jacob, however, who has mentioned several birthday party ideas over the past two months. :-) So far we are considering Rescue Heroes, Thomas, Fire Truck, and possibly one other idea that I cannot remember. Kaylee, too, is on the ball. Sometime this summer, just months after her 5th birthday, she was already considering a style of birthday and a guest list that would help her dear friend Seth to feel more comfortable than he did at her Heart Party last year. We may have landed on a perfect option - a cowgirl/cowboy party. I've secretly always longed to have a cowboy party. I may yet get my chance!

Birthdays will likely always be one of my favorite things. The entrance of Jesus into the world over 2000 years ago was the most significant birth day in the history of the world. It had none of the traditional elements, yet it has changed the world. Jesus has changed my world. As I celebrate my birthday this year I am most thankful for God's promise of Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for a future and a hope." My hope is in him.