We gonna celebrate and have a good time.............

I've heard of shopping till you drop, but partying till you drop is a new phenomenon to me.  Now let me qualify that.  I wasn't actually doing the partying, well perhaps just a little bit.  I must admit I bust my moves anytime I get the chance!  It was actually Gracie who was living it large today, three parties in one day (including her own disco party that she shared with a friend).  I was just her obliging taxi service.

I watched as she and her friends raced round harmoniously, bopping to the music, singing at the tops of their voices!  It is wonderful to be a child, carefree, happy, enjoying childhood as God intended.  I think it's a shame when all to often, as is the case in society today, children want to grow up far too quickly.  They are far too eager to enter into this world of adulthood.

Today (day 278) I gave a prayer of thanks as I stood by and watched Gracie and her mates simply enjoying the moment, a snapshot of childhood as I think it should be.

The weekend is upon us .........yay!

Home made pizzas were on the menu tonight, with us each choosing our favourite toppings.  The weekend is upon us....................... yay!

What ever you have planned I pray you will be blessed and thankful as I am today (day 277).

Kick off and relax!

My younger two have very busy social calendars by way of extra curricular activities as well as parties, sleepovers etc rendering the working week a sometimes hectic one.

Thursday is the only day during the week when I can come home after school straight into my lounge wear knowing that I won't be going out.  As much as it is a pleasure to taxi them back and forth to partake of the activities they enjoy I am thankful for days like today (day 276) when I can shut the front door, kick of my shoes and just ....................... well, you get the picture. 

Claiming his fame!

I came home from school today to find a very excited Aaron.  Apparently our regional TV station had been to his school to do some reporting on the impact of the Olympic Games on inspiring children to take up sport.  He could barely get his words out, but we were to all sit and wait for the 6.00pm news.  And there he was, filmed playing badminton during his physical education lesson.  He recorded his latest claim to fame .....................he's clocking them up! 

I chuckled after Aaron had gone to bed.  I was reminded today (day 275) of how different our three children are....... that they are each unique individuals made exactly the way God wanted them to be.  Aaron is definitely the showman.  Of our three children he is the one who just wants to be famous.
It is just a pleasure to see them all growing every day, right before our eyes.

I love today's reading

Be Happy for Others

'Rejoice with those who rejoice.' Romans 12:15

William Barclay said: 'It's more difficult to congratulate another on his success if it involves disappointment to us, than to sympathise with his sorrow...Only when self is dead can we take as much joy in the success of others as in our own.' Karen Ehman's home had been for sale twenty months when a friend called to say hers sold in twenty days. Ehman says: 'Although I was thrilled...I was a tad jealous...that poor me mentality when God answers someone else's prayer and my answer seems to be no, or not right now. As a child I envied kids from two-parent homes...in high school it was other girls' looks and cute clothes...I was average looking, and although I was every guy's pal, I was nobody's gal. In college I envied girls whose prayers for a knight in shining armour were answered...Once married, I struggled with miscarriage and dashed dreams of motherhood...I slapped a smile on my face and attended yet another baby shower. The cure for envy isn't easy...But when you call on God He will tell you...things...you could [never figure out on your own] (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV). Instead of begging Him to sell my house, take away my pain, and fix my kids, I need to ask what He's trying to teach me that I won't learn if He rescues me; and what qualities He's trying to grow in me. God's willing and able to answer our prayers as He sees fit...[His goal is] growing us to be more like His Son.' Paul writes, 'Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.' To be Christlike, you gotta be able to do both.

September ........... a celebratory month!

Seeing the joy on children's faces on their birthday makes the effort that has gone into making it a special day so worthwhile.  Today it was the Katrina's turn to be centre stage.  Up early to don her birthday rosette lovingly made by her mum before setting off for school.  Lots and lots of laughter ensued later on to ensure lovely memories were made on this her 14th year.

I feel very strongly that birthdays should be acknowledged in some way (as the celebrant desires) and spent in the company of loved ones.  September is certainly a busy celebratory month amongst our family and friends.  I give my Father thanks today (day 274) for His Grace which has most certainly been sufficient for us all.

Birthday girl!

A tearfully overwhelmed Gracie asked her Dad tonight why her birthday could not be spread over 2 days............ if only!

Birthdays are indeed a wonderful thing and today on her 7th one, Gracie has been blessed with phone calls from as far away as Nigeria and also closer to home in Bedford.  She has been sung to several times, at school, at dance lesson and at home, in the company of family and friends.  Her day has been truly magical, one she will remember for a long time and today (day 273) I am truly thankful.

Early birthday celebrations...................

The rain couldn't dampen our spirits as early birthday celebrations were underway for two special ladies!

I thought I would kick start the celebrations with some birthday quotes.  What else!

You know you're getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It's like, 'See if you can blow this out.'
Jerry Seinfeld

The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.
Brian Tracy

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.
Jim Valvano


God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.
Voltaire

You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.
Bob Hope

Presents don't really mean much to me. I don't want to sound mawkish, but - it was the realization that I have a great many people in my life who really love me, and who I really love.
Gabriel Byrne

We have to be able to grow up. Our wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life. They are what we have been through and who we want to be.
Lauren Hutton

Thanking God today (day 272) to be a able to share in the birthdays of these jewels, Grace and Kat.