Preparation for Birthday #2

As I prepare for Lanie Mae's birthday party, I hear the words "it's just another day" in my head. I have heard these words from so many people and have said them myself as I have gotten older. But, I would like to challenge that statement. In the past couple of months we have had a friend's 7 year old daughter die suddenly and unexpectedly, a friend's father pass away at age 67 (just a few years older than my own Daddy) and, a dear family friend of my husband's passed away just last night.

With my heart so heavy and tender with these deaths, I have to say that a birthday is not just another day. A birthday is a gift from God and we are supposed to celebrate it. From here on out, I am going to make the best of the birthdays in my life. Both mine, as well as family members. Starting with Lanie Mae's 2nd birthday this Friday. My heart is so full of love for this precious girl and I thank God that he has blessed me with her. Two years ago this week, mine and Neil's life changed forever. It is almost like I had blurry vision regarding the love that God put's into your heart when you have a child. But, the minute she was born, my eyesight was 20/20. My understanding of the love that my own Mom and Dad have for me was suddenly so much clearer. The absolute apathy in regards to how stupid I looked in public when I made silly googly eyes at her just to make her laugh. (although, i must say, there are some days where i am sure glad there are blinds in my house--i am sure i look quite silly shaking my hips like wags the dog or dancing along with Barney) So, if anyone reads this, CELEBRATE your birthday and those of your friends and family. Thank you Lord for my little Lanie Mae and the wonderful past 2 years you have given us---even though, they have flown by! Until next time, I will be counting my blessings and Thanking God for them. Here are a few special birthday celebrations. (Lanie Mae's 1st birthday is in an earlier posting, so I put her REAL first birthday picture on here.

Lanie Mae Morton 8/22/06 8# 1 oz 21 "

oh my, how time flies

Lanie Mae with Pop, Riley with Terry at Ben's 40th B-day celebration

(please keep these guys in your prayers as they lost a good friend last night)

Anna Charles with Pappy at her 3rd Birthday

Joel and Milla at her 2nd Birthday