I have a dear friend who wrote me a sweet birthday note on facebook.
These were her words —Happy Day that the Lord brought you in to being…Praying that you- and all that you do, especially being that mirror reflecting God’s love for His/your children, feel celebrated today. The word reprieve is coming to mind- so, this too I shall pray as I lift you to Him, even if the temporary relief is short…may it be sweet and you bask in His Light, His gift to you! Continuing to stand with you, Rachel ♥ — (Thank you, sweet Cheri).
I received note after note and prayer after prayer from you, my blogging friends (thank you for your many birthday wishes), from my family, my church friends, and more that mirrored those words — specifically that I would have a day of laughter, and fun, and fellowship.
A reprieve.
After taking Samuel to the doctor in the morning I came back home to find out that my family planned a surprise celebration for me. There was an entire list of activities — including a much needed nap — planned for the day. My house was spotless, there was fabulous gluten free food — including a favorite Pad Thai — and there was so much laughter. Laughter playing my ridiculously silly and fun new game Quelf. Or lining up to take silly pictures in the photobooth that Hannah prepped.
Everyone knew.
I needed to laugh.
My heart has just been so heavy with my Samuel lately.
It was a beautiful thing to just laugh.
{And be a tad bit silly.}
(that would be me and Hanni and Chloe — looking goofy)
And to let the worries slip away, just for a bit.
Thank goodness for birthdays and good friends and a beautiful family.
I was blessed.
19 comments
I am SO glad you had a day of laughter and fun! 🙂 You deserve it. What a wonderful family you have and that, my dear, is a testament to the mother that you are. 🙂 God bless!
So great to see your smile. Love that you had a beautiful birthday…what a loving family.
What a WONDERFUL reprieve. SO glad for you! You are a blessed, blessed mother, even in the valley filled with trials and tribulations. Continuing to pray for you all!
Rachel,
You are TRULY blessed! You are such an inspiration to me as a mommy…your children really respect you and love you and that shines through so obviously! You WILL walk through this…HaPpY, HaPpY BiRtHdAy! Blessings on you and your beautiful family,
Nicki
I agree 100% with Kelli (commenter #1)!
What fun! Glad your special day was such a blessing 🙂
what a day of precious memory making. and sweet smiles, laughter and a whole lotta joy!!! i’m so glad your day was full of blessings!
Oh, I pray the memories of yesterday will replay in your heart day after day. May every day bring new joy to you. Blessings abundant!
Awe, what a fun birthday!
So VERY special. Glad you had this time 🙂
I am so happy that you had a chance to let go, relax and have bit of fun!
<><
Wow. So precious!!! I’m trying hard not to be jealous! You have some really thoughtful kids!!!
And you totally deserved this reprieve. Your family is precious and so very creative. Love those photo booth pictures!
when you have raised children to be
attentive and helpful, they surprise you in
the sweetest ways.
my prayer is that these precious moments
will increase and samuel’s health improve.
What a treat. All I can think of is that “the children will rise up and call you blessed!” You are blessed indeed! Love all the great photos and smiles. I am so glad you were able to take a nap and truly celebrate you day….while taking a little reprieve emotionally from all that you have been through lately.
Continuing to pray for you all and that sweet little Samuel!
Much love,
Stacy
Happy birthday!!
That looks like a lot of fun. 🙂
~bree
Seeing your joy (in your goofy pictures) just made my heart rejoice! You deserved some time to smile and have fun. 🙂
Loved the pictures! Especially that last B&W.
Happy Birthday to you Rachel! You are blessed to have such a family – and they are blessed to have YOU!
Love,
Lynnette
What fun! Love the photo booth pics! 🙂
Happy belated birthday!
You deserve the treat! Congratulations.