I have been asked to give an account tonight at church. of my Haiti tripthat I took this past June. As I prepare and look through my pictures and past blogs and journals I am astounded again at the blessings I continue to get by this life changing trip. The memories flood my mind, joy fills my heart and tears flood my eyes as I take in these snapshots. What an abundant life-changing dose of God I got during that trip. I gladly remember this and hope to never forget.
I celebrated my 28th birthday 5 days ago. I am still getting presents in the mail! How fun is that? John planned lots of fun things for us to do the day before and our friends Derek and Rebecca planned and executed birthday plans deluxe on the day of my actual birthday. I am not old yet but I do realize the older I get how time with family and friends are what is most important about the life in my years. Not so much what I got, how it was gifted, what someone did for me, or how grandiose the whole shebang was. It's the relationship you have with those people who may give gifts, do something excellent (like planning a fun filled city day with wonderful cuisine) and throw a fabulous party in your honor. It really is the thought that counts. And that's NOT a cop-out. You couldn't have paid me enough to believe that in previous years. But this is a concept that I really am grasping. God is good to me. Being away from family on my birthday has always been a struggle but they all remembered even all the way in California. My nephew Aidan's birthday wish was my favorite. A close second was the whole congregation of my dad's church in Indiana singing happy birthday to me over his cell phone at church. My friend Marianna stopped by with present in hand late in the envening claiming "it's just not the same when you don't get it on your birthday". Precious. I got artistic gifts and kind words from everywhere: California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Indiana and Illinois. What a blessing to be celebrated thoughtfully!
I will continue to love my birthday second only to Christmas. I will continue to expect royal treatment for the entire month of September. I will continue to get giggly when I see birthday presents. I will always love to hear "..happy birthday dear, Missy". Birthdays are meant to be celebrated. I am so glad that this year was a hit. Thank you Jesus for friends and family who make the thought count!
Vintage Birthday Fiesta. AMEN!
John's bag o' presents with neverending tissue. He made me work for it!
I wish this was a scratch and sniff picture. The fragrance was amazing!
No birthday is complete with a party hat
There has to be a more comfortable option than elastic that chops off your facial circulation
My favorite person to spend my birthday with
Awkard family photo nominee of the year.
Atleast we had a good time celebrating :)
Embracing the differences other's have from you rather than criticizing them at first glance is often hard. I have found that my most intimate friendships and relationships have been with people who are not like me. Yes, we have similar interests and some common goals but overall our upbringings, our habits, our styles and our talents are contrasting. What good is a piece of art without contrast?
He who is different from me does not impoverish me - he enriches me. Our unity is constituted in something higher than ourselves .... For no man seeks to hear his own echo, or to find his reflection in the glass.
Most people take glory in only having ONE really good friend or kindred spirit to connect with. I don't get that. I think it may be an excuse to not try for that deeper more meaningful relationship. It gives you something to hide behind. It isn't impossible at all to have a basketful of close, kindred, wealthy friendships. Yes, it takes work. But the art you experience in the difference of those friendships is something so vibrant and rich; it gives dimension to your own soul and personality.
I have been blessed to have many quality friendships lately. People who invest in me, who ask questions, spend time with me, call me for no reason, don't pretend to be something they aren't, love me during my bad days, come to me in theirs, brave the awkwardness and embrace our differences. Isn't it an honor to have people like this in our lives? The more the better, I'd say. I do have a couple of friends who are the diamonds among the rubies. The missing puzzle pieces in my 1,000 piece mess. And what a perfect fit they are!
Embrace the differences around you and experience the contrast that makes the art of friendship!
I recently helped throw a baby shower for one of my best friends, Rebecca and her soon to be here son, Ogden.
I threw a shower back in February as well for my Karis and her son, Malakai. Back 2 and a half years ago I planned and threw my BFF, Tricia's shower for her twins.
This is what I have found- I love showering! Making, planning, baking, decorating, organizing,buying, partying- I love it all! (even if the gluten-free cakes explode in my oven and almost burn my house down.)
I homemade a lot of Rebecca's shower decor. Some would say I have too much time on my hands but I love designing and creating on my free time! What a creative outlet! It was supposed to be an outdoor event since everyday that week had started with glorious sun-filled, cool mornings but on the morn of the shower I awoke to crazy downpouring rain. We had the shower at one of our pastor's houses and they keep their garage in better shape than I keep my home on a good day. We relocated to the garage and had a wonderful time. It was so soothing to hear the rain falling while we were eating and celebrating. Rebecca is the most easy going appreciative person I know so she really enjoyed the gathering and even kept some of the decorations for Ogden's room! There was food galore and sweets everywhere. Delish!
The point- I love throwing parties. Especially when they are for someone I love. I'm pretty sure I would love them even more if I had an unlimited budget and did this for a part- time living.
This was Rebecca's mommy corsage..it said, "Ogden's Mom"
And here she is, Ogden's Mom
Baby Bennett Bath Salts that I made. Jasmine and Honeysuckle scented!
Centerpieces- they had river rocks and floating/sinking flowers in them
Some of the luxurious yummies we had!
The gift table. The flags were super easy to make! She kept them and we hung them in his room!
Sweet little guy..
My gluten-free adventure
Karis' yummy Baby Bennett cupcakes
What a joy to throw a shower for such a wonderful friend! 
Showing off Ogden under the "Ogden" sign
Pie baking time is in full swing again. I have been a baking maniac lately. It's the influx of cool weather and the approaching of fall that gets me in the spirit. I wanted to post my recent success. Meringue is not something that is generally "easy" to make. I gave it a try and voila! it turned out (quite beautifully, I may add). I got excited about a new success and now have another pie to add to my repertoire..oh wait, that's a musical term, I will add it to my menu, list of specialties, or whatever you want to call it.
I also made sugar free coconut cream pie since I am on a no sugar diet right now -NOT BY MY OWN CHOICE, and it turned out quite stunning as well. I finally found a crust that is a no fail staple. So now I can concentrate more on my menu/repertoire of exotic and tasty pies and not be weighed down by the crust issues that once plagued me.
Bon Apetit!
.................
Practicing my lattice-work
Always a mess..
Beautiful crust! (I could use a shower and some primping, however.)
baking= my kitchen in shambles
So yummy!
turned out just wonderfully!
Fluffy Meringue
It looked good...I didn't eat it though, it was given as a gift.
I wish there was a way to taste the pies before I give them away to make sure they are eatable!
I just pray over them and hope for the best :)
