Things have been crazy the past - I don't know - 8 months, but I am trying hard to get back on track. I wrote Anna Grace's birthday blog (I wrote the boys' as well but I certainly can't put them up without putting her's up first) but never published it because I never grabbed the pictures. So finally here it is; but first pictures from her birthday - which by the way was upstairs at Homewood Gourmet. I highly suggest it for a party if you have a little one like Anna Grace who can't wait to grow up and own her own restaurant. Chris and Laura did an excellent job. Laura and Anna Grace worked together prior to plan a menu (Anna Grace only planned part as she answered questions about what she wanted to learn to do and what she likes to eat) The girls make pizzas from scratch, fruit skewers and dip, and homemade frosting. Then while their pizzas were cooking downstairs they took their frosting and decorated the chocolate cupcakes that Laura had already made. The girls got to take home their cupcakes and however much pizza they had left. I think all of the girls had fun but wow! Anna Grace loved it. Her passion for being a chef has grown - Has anyone noticed that chef and chief are closely related? In cases such as Anna Grace it is no accident!
Anna Grace,
It is an interesting journey we are on. I watch you and I see so much of me in you; I see your daddy too but wow there is a great deal of me. God has blessed you with a tender heart and I pray that it will always remain. I see you learning each day and I am so thankful that you are teachable and willing. You ask questions and desire to learn. You love those around you with open arms. You may try and boss us all to death but you love us, protect us in your way and encourage us. I have loved watching you sit down with Dean and teach him to read saying all of the things you have heard said (whether or not you practice them). I have also enjoyed listening to you play with your brothers over the summer and these the past few months while homeschooling. I know it is not always easy being away from your friends and living your life differently but I do think you enjoy your time. It has been a thrill to see God's word take hold of you and watch you grow spiritually over the past year. He has much work to do in you (and me) but I am so thankful to know he is working in you and through you. When you discuss things we need to pray for I count it all joy. You are spunky and oh so imaginative; you are quick and not always tempered. You are passionate and determined, silly and beautiful. You are an artist. You test the limits yet share the Gospel. You inspire; you love. You are drama - good and bad. And you still call us "Mama and Daddy" even though most of your friends have gone to "mom and dad." You love to sing and dance and are good at both in my opinion. I think your love for singing (both made up songs and real songs) is part of the reason that when I pray for you a song often comes to my mind. And when I sing this song, A Mother's Heart, I find my thoughts wondering to you. It is one of the Getty's and I know you know it by heart as you do most of theirs but this is the section that reminds me of you:
...Hold my hand; I'll teach you the Way to go. Through the joys, through the tears,
the journey of these years, He is with us 'til the end.
He is faithful 'til the end.
You'll travel where my arms won't reach as the road will rise to lead your feet
on a journey of your own. May my mistakes not hinder you but His grace remain
and guide you through; this is my prayer for you.
Take His hand and go where He calls you to. And whatever comes, seek Him with all your heart;
this is my prayer for you.
Father, hear my ceaseless prayer, Oh keep her in your care."
God has a journey for you. We know not what it is but we are excited to see the adventure unfold in His timing. We will remain prayerful and Lord willing steady and do our best to continue to point you to your heavenly Father and His word that you may walk with Him all the days of your life.
I love you, Sweet Girl!
Mama
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