Our twins turned 7 this week. 2,555 days ago they changed our lives completely and irretrievably.
I always get sappy and reflect right about this time every year.
Their first birthday was a huge celebration, many many people... Circus cakes, themed swimming pools, balloons and goodie bags.
Numbers two, three and four were much of the same!
Five was out of this world, stay-cation, weekend resort... Rented the pool, invited everyone and made the celebration last two days. Five was the year we discovered Super Heros and Hello Kitty.
Six took us to the park and a splash pad. A little more subdued and organic. Six happened in the heat of the summer running between sand and slides on over to the water hoses and snakes..zig-zagging between water fun and super soaking buckets.
This year in anticipation of 7 this mommy scrolled through Pinterest trolling for things special to do. The helium balloon idea with pictures of them through the years dangling from ribbon, big themes and lots of decorations.
Instead this year almost came and went without much pomp and circumstance. Their birthday present was a trip to Utah which was cut short. This year their big day was almost forgotten between surgeries, doctor appointments and x-rays.
Instead of me serving them for their day they served me. They slept with me on the couch and learned how to do some of the things mommy usually does.
There have been some celebrations... Their favorite Mexican food from a local restaurant; cheese enchiladas, rice and beans. Home-made cupcakes from a friend. Gifts were fun and torn through in minutes ... They got everything they wanted except maybe the white ninja!
Their best friends brought over pizza and donuts... Dinner was great. Presents again, of course that was fun. The laughter up and down the halls. The floating balloons... Hugs and happy birthday... A quiet night in.
7 has come and gone and I don't believe it registered with them at all as to how different this year is in comparison.
I would like to say that this year and these struggles have taught them... But the lesson wasn't for them...
The people that matter are here. The friends and loved ones who have celebrated with them this year are the same friends and family helping me.
It's not about Pinterest, colors and themes... It's about family. It's about shaping a day for two little people who changed my world.
It's about looking at them and knowing, on the couch with momma, huddled up in a blanket watching Disney movies is right where they want to be on the Thursday they turned 7.
It's about enjoying this moment, no stress for perfection and knowing I am the luckiest momma on the face of this earth!
Happy Birthday to my two perfect gifts!
James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.