Annabelle's 3rd Birthday

I have been known to go overboard on my children's birthday parties. I love planning any party and I especially love celebrating my babies. I love anything kid themed and it really does bring me joy for them to feel celebrated in a big way.

Annabelle's party was no exception to my inability to find moderation. It was really over the top. It had much to do with my baby girl becoming a little girl, the fact that she is a girl and girls parties are SOO fun, and the fact that I was stressed about the possible move to Seattle so I used the party as an escape. Regardless of all the reasons, I had so much fun searching on line for ideas, getting ready and eventually showing it all off to her.

The party was a Flower Fairy Party. We started a week before the party setting up a Fairy Garden in our backyard with hopes that some Fairies might find it and come to her party. All the kids got involved in designing it and Tyler even made a sign out of tree bark and nailed it to the tree. All his idea!

The colors and patterns for the party were based off Annabelle's dress that I found last spring at a consignment sale. I used just 2 yards of fabric for table runners, center pieces, banners and napkins.

Tissue paper flowers hung from the trees and around the banner I made from scrapbook paper. I also made Fairy wands by wrapping kaboob skewers with floral tape and adding a tissue paper flower to then end with floral wire along with ribbons and a jingle bell. The shook their wands around the yard while we went on a "Fairy Hunt"



We served brunch: 3 different kinds of mini quiches, baked oatmeal muffins, yogurt parfaits with raspberry purree, fresh veggies and fruit.

We had pink lemonade for the kids and Momosas for the grown-ups. Brian broke out the beer but drank it with pink straws to keep with the theme.

The little girls table sat under the tree canopy of tissue paper flowers, lights and tulle. The chairs were covered with pillow cases and ribbon.

At each spot were small watering cans used as place holders. Each can was filled with hummus and a veggie bouquet. The napkin rings were tissue paper flowers on hair rubber bands that the girls used as bracelets.





Flowered hair garlands waited for each of the girls on the backs of their chairs.



The highlight of the party was when the "Real" Fairy showed up to read a story and paint faces. This was an 8th grade friend of ours who did a fantastic job. Annabelle still thinks a real fairy came to her party.



The other favorites were getting nails painted, going on a fairy wing hunt, potting a flower in their own small pot, and ordering cupcakes and other pretend food from Annabelle's Sweet Shop.

Obviously, Annabelle had a great time, as did we all.

This will be a tough party to top...not that I need to try!

Do you want to move to Seattle?

Frequently, when we have told friends of our potential move to Seattle, they ask if we want to go. It has the appearance of a simple question but every time I am asked, I freeze. I don't know how to answer.

Ask me, "Do you feel like this is the right thing for your family?" "Do you feel like you'll be able to find peace there?" "Do you think this is the right job for Brian?" "Do you think this is an opportunity you can't pass up?"

Easy questions. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

"So do you WANT to move there?" I guess my honest response would be no. No, I don't want to leave the many incredible, deep friendships I have here. No, I don't want to leave living with my cousins and sharing everyday life with them. No, I don't want Tyler to miss having his cousin Casey as part of his daily life. No, I don't want to move to a state that touches Canada and is difficult for friends and family to reach. No, I don't want to leave our incredible school district and community. No, I don't want to leave my house with its big backyard, beautiful master bedroom, quiet tree house porch, great neighbors, and all things walkable. No, I don't want to leave my church where I have been mentored, challenged, changed, supported and loved... where my kids have all been baptized by name, known and loved. No, I don't like change and I never dreamed we would change our life in this way. No, I don't want to leave what is safe and comfortable.

I am afraid. I am afraid of change. I am afraid God won't be good. I am afraid of being lonely. I am afraid of how this will affect Tyler. I am afraid of being forgotten.

Yet, I am ready to go.

This is right. This is good. And, whether I believe it fully or not, GOD IS GOOD. He will not abandon me or my family. He is not taking all this away to be cruel. I am taking each step forward based on what I know to be true of God, even though my heart does not FEEL safe.

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is my biggest prayer. That I would more fully believe that I can trust God to take care of me. And, that regardless of if I want to move, I would move with a heart that is at peace.