Prayer

Lately, I've found myself uttering the words "I'll pray for you" a bit too much.

I say "too much" because there just seems to be an abundance of situations to be praying for these days. And they're not little things to be praying about, either. They're big, life-affecting things. Death. Sickness. Surgery. Safety. Betrayal. Peace. Healing. My heart is heavy with the grief of the world. My brain is fuzzy with my inability to grasp understanding as to why some things happen.

My very dear friend, Holly Rodriguez, raced in the Boston Marathon yesterday. She is safe, and the sense of relief I felt when I heard that she was OK was immense. I hate that Holly's excitement about her accomplishment was take from her so quickly--taken so quickly from so many. But Holly is a fighter, and I know she will--and is at this very moment--bringing God glory through this experience.

Sometimes I get so bogged down with sadness that I render myself useless to bringing hope and love to others. There is so much darkness lurking around these days, but we can choose to combat that darkness with light. When the people of God go to battle, we arm ourselves with love and good deeds. 

I pray that we would be known by our love. God bless you, my friends.

 Matthew 5: 14-16: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Delaney's Birthday Week

Wow, Delaney is a lucky kid. She was seriously spoiled with (almost) an entire week of birthday celebrations. Most of you know that I LOVE birthdays, but even I was exhausted by the end of it all. Please bear with me as I now post a gazillion pictures of said celebrations.

Nana and Papa started out the partying on Thursday with a trip to the newly opened Farrell's. It was yummy, fun, and very loud.

And then came Delaney's Backyard Dance Party. It was scheduled for Friday, March 8th, and rain was in the forecast. I've already mentioned how it all turned out, but yes, Delaney's party was wet and wild. I wish that I had better pictures that captured the zaniness. 

Delaney's ice cream cone cupcakes. Printable by Little Deevas. Sadly, this was really the only picture of decor that I took. 

See what I mean about these kids getting down? Rain or shine, baby!

Birthday Girl Boogie 

We tried to congregate inside to sing and do cupcakes. It. Was. Insane.

We were rosy cheeked and chilly, but still having fun celebrating Miss D.

Delaney and Ruby Cash. These girls are more like sisters than friends!

The next morning the partying continued as we made our way to Disneyland! My Grandparents had never been to Disneyland, so it was a very special day indeed!

Delaney with Gramps and Grams, explaining that they would all be going to Disneyland together! We kept it a surprise until the day before we left. 

The Birthday Girl, as happy as could be!

In line for the "train," also known as the Disneyland Tram. Both my kids think the tram is one of the Disneyland rides. 

Auntie Jessica, Uncle Jimmy, Grams, and Gramps

Grammie and Nana with their "Perfect Granddaughter." I love that Papa is photo bombing this picture! 

And there's Papa! We were all waiting in line for It's a Small World. That's how much we love this kid.

Grandpa and Laney make quite the pair.

Grams and Delaney with their ears. I love this picture!

I was even allowed in a few of the pictures! 

Look at this hat that Grams bought for Jude! Mickey Mouse and Lightening McQueen, all rolled into one obnoxious hat! The boy loves it. 

This is pretty much how we all felt towards the end of the night.

After our Oregon family left on Monday morning, we took a day off from birthday celebrations to recoup. But on Tuesday we partied once again, this time at Delaney's preschool. I made cupcakes again for the millionth time that weekend, and Steve, Jude, and I all got to attend her birthday celebration at school. It was fun being there together, and watching Delaney interact with her school friends. And of course, Marshmallow the bunny was a big hit with both Jude and Delaney.

Our little family at FUMPS

Marshmallow and Delaney

Phew! It was such a fun and zany party week. Remind me next year to do something simple, ok?