Happy 5th Birthday

Last week we celebrated Grace's 5th birthday. She started the week off on Monday being star student. I was able to go watch her present herself on a poster, that we had spent the Thanksgiving holiday working on. She was great. She read the words on the poster she had told me to write. She pointed out the pictures, who was in them and what they were doing. She allowed each of her classmates to ask a question and didn't say anything when they seemed to ask the same questions over and over. I taped the whole thing and kept thinking, she is getting so big. On Tuesday, the actual birthday, we drove her friends to school along with 18 special ordered frosted cookies(mom has too much going on to bake.) She wore her special birthday girl necklace and the crown her teachers made her all day. I snuck out of my own classroom to pass out the cookies and sing happy birthday, where Grace stood on a chair looking proud as could be. After school we went to Ballet where Grace wore the necklace and crown and her friends sang Happy Birthday. When we got home Grandma and Lily were excited to hear all about her day. That evening we had a special dinner of Chicken Nuggets, Fries and lemonade from Chick-fil-a with Grandma Suzanne and Papa. Grace was even lucky to have Grandma spending the night. (This was for a different purpose - Lily and her not procedure - that I will not discuss now.) Wednesday and Thursday she got to ride to and from school on the HUGHES bus - Thank you Mrs. Lara. Grandma also spent Wednesday night to help out. On Thursday Grandma Terry and Popop came into town for the big weekend celebration. Grace got to open presents including the crayola magic light paint set, a cot with sleeping bag, a book called Grace For President where a little girl named Grace Campbell runs for class president, and several other things that are littering the family room. Friday Grace spent the day playing with all her new toys and Lily, Grandma and Popop. Then the big day came, the day of the party. We had her party at Pump it UP. It was fantastic - all inclusive 1 1/2 hours in the jumping room and 1/2 hour in the party room. There were small children bouncing, sliding, climbing and running all around(some adults too). Taylor my nephew would cry whenever he couldn't find "my Gracie". At one point Grace ran up to me, gave me a huge hug and said "I am so glad it is my birthday!" With a kiss she was off again. I can't tell you how much I needed that. All in all I think she had a great birthday week.

I can't help thinking about how 6 years ago, I was praying for God to bless me with a child. It had been a rough 2 years of unsuccessful treatments and heartache. And now my first baby is 5, going to Kindergarten next year and brings me joy everyday. She is so kind, loving and full of God's Grace. Since her birth there have been some dark and sad days and unbeknownst to her she has helped many people to feel better about what is happening. She is the best big sister I know. Lily lights up like the Christmas tree whenever Grace is in the room. Her spirit is infectious and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to raise this wonderful child. She continues to make me proud. The only words that I can use that seem so inadequate are - I love you Gracie Pippers!