So much to celebrate...

We went to Sadie's for a late lunch/brunch today with J's sis. Sadie's is this cozy little eco-friendly greasy spoon that has amazing huevos rancheros (vegan available) and a wall display of Pez dispensers. J had made a delicious vegan chocolate cake last night in preparation for today's surprise celebration for his sister's recent acceptance into a PhD program in Nursing. [She is one of those wonderful sorts - kind, intelligent, active, fun - a true beauty (both inside and out)]. It was great to be able to share in this amazing accomplishment and wish her all the best.

Another recent celebration we just had was the extended birthday celebration of our little person who just turned 8. My parents and sister flew in from Winnipeg to join in the fun and J's parents drove in from Kingston, as well, to join in the occasion. Coincidentally, some relatives were also in town from California (for a wedding) and were able to join us for one of the dinners. It was nice to see the families mingling and even more special to see how happy the little person was. I think the highlight was the "friend" birthday party which was held at the neighbourhood scrapbook shop. The little people had a blast making scrapbooks with hidden pockets and personalizing their treasures with paper punch-outs, stickers and all sorts of papers and ribbons. On a scale of one to ten, "little person" rated the weekend a 9 because it was "an almost perfect birthday but everyone had to go home at the end of it".

Coincidentally, J's sister in Indonesia (yet another one of those wonderful/beautiful sorts - must run in the family!) has the same birthday as the little person so she was in our thoughts throughout the weekend. J and his sister compiled a beautiful little birthday message for her of people saying, "Happy Birthday, L". It was really lovely. I hope you enjoyed the little vignette of wishes and your day, L. Happy Birthday to you!

Other things to celebrate... how about sitting back and realizing that for the first time in your life, you're in a good place with a special someone you want to grow old with and a wonderful little person who never ceases to teach you about yourself and the virtues of patience (and parenting). Despite those days when all you want to do is retreat under the covers &/or when everything seems to annoy you (much like me this morning!), I remind myself that there is still so much to celebrate and be grateful for - my little family, love, my parents, J's family, siblings, old friends, my health, my family's health, handwritten letters, beautiful paper, special teachers, books by Julia Cameron, a good laugh, a good cry, yardsales with vintage papers and cardmaking books, rain, fresh flowers, art, a good meal, a long nap, sour candies, Ryan Gosling with facial hair, photographs, my senses, and nonsenses.

This picture was taken just before the little person went to bed. I promised her that we could light sparklers and wave them around in the night. I've decided that I'd like to have these on hand as much as I can. You just never know when you want to break them out and celebrate...