My daughters have been planning a birthday dinner for me for weeks.
They gathered shells at the beach last week to use as table decorations
and bought me a skirt to match the whimsical beach theme.
After church, I was instructed to go into my room and
not come out until they said, so I read and napped.
And really enjoyed the after-church quiet.
While the girls cooked and prepared in the kitchen,
I could hear them talking, laughing, and listening to their music.
It made me so happy.
Occasionally, I would hear them yell,
"Gigs, we neeeeeed you againnnn."
Then, a few minutes later, I'd hear him come down the stairs
to do whatever it was the girls needed him to do;
pick up something heavy or high to reach.
He was playing his part in Mom's birthday dinner.
Claire was in charge of the decor, and Jane was in
charge of the menu.
Lottie helped with both.
A little white gift was on my plate, a beautiful nautical crown
that I wore throughout dinner.
Jane made:
Grape Salad with Brown Sugar Glaze
Tomato & Halloumi Salad
Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Corn & Zucchini Salad
AND the best part was she made a Dr. Pepper chocolate birthday cake
with adorable cherry candles.
It was delicious!
We sat and talked while Angus lay at our feet and Kitty
roamed the table, licking up scraps.
Soon, the miracle came:
Rain.
The stillness of the dark, heavy clouds was abruptly shattered by the sudden
eruption of thunder and lightning.
Then, the rain poured down from the sky,
the wet earth smelled heavenly.
Best. Birthday. Ever.
Best. Kids. Ever.
