09 October 2012

turning two.

bday 12
bday 10
bday 7
bday 8
bday 6
bday 5
bday 4
bday 3
bday 2
bday 13
bday
bday 11
bday 14
Have you ever met a child who captivates your soul
who holds your heart and runs into the wind
who reaches for your hand and suddenly nothing else matters.

Have you ever met a child who whispers secrets in your ear
words you cannot understand, but surely they mean love
because what else could that sweet innocent voice say

I once met a child whose eyes I became lost in
I wandered and lurked
Searched and strayed
and yet I felt home.
with this child of mine
whose hand I grasped
and secrets I stole
to tuck away
far in my heart.

► ► ► ► ►

On Sunday we celebrated Jessica's second birthday. A small gathering with family and a few friends. It was a cool autumn day, a perfect day for braised short ribs, mashed potatoes, a pear walnut salad and, of course, dessert. Vanilla cake (gluten free, dairy free) and spiced muffins.

Every day I learn more and more of what my children need. Of what they need from me, as a parent, from this world, from grandparents, friends, siblings, aunts and uncles. It is truly amazing how parenthood will change you. Because I have children I am a better person. I'm not a better person for myself, but for my children. I need to eat healthy, exercise and educate myself for them. I need to volunteer in the community and help those in need for them (and for the good of our community of course).

I have learned that birthday's are not about the gifts, they are not about the gatherings, they are about my children. Their happiness. And I will do whatever I can as a parent to make them happy. I will shelter them with positive energy. Positive people. What they need is for me to take their hand, listen, ask them what they want to do, to get on the ground and play, to get my hands dirty. To run around wild and free. What my children need are me.

Because one day, down the road, I will be old. My life will be different, and I don't want to sit on regrets. I want to know that I gave my children everything I could possibly give them, and they aren't items that can be wrapped in a box or purchased.

Love, attention, happiness, laughter.
A future.
Those are my gifts to my children.

I made feathers that the kids could decorate out of newspaper and wire and then wrapped the stem in colored tape.
The inspiration was found here.
I made Jess' headband.
Her outfit is from the Gap
Her beautiful silver and turquoise cross necklace was a gift from my uncle.
And no, Jon's shirt doesn't have stains on it. He was a good man doing the dishes!

8 comments:

  1. cute! I love her face in the 3rd and 4th pictures! thanks for sharing! my daughters 2nd birthday is in a month!

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  2. Happy Birthday to your sweet little girl. You are an amazing Mama.

    Kacie

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  3. She suddenly looks so much older in these pictures! Such sweet sentiments and photos...she is only lucky gal. Happy Birthday Jessica!

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  5. "To run around wild and free. What my children need are me."

    Beautiful words, Liz, beautiful words.

    And what a lovely party! You know I love the feathers!

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  6. what an adorable party! love her feather crown!

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  7. This is a beautiful. Such a lovely tribute to her birthday and to her :) Love you lots sweet friend. <3

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  8. I love these feathered birthday parties I've been seeing around the blog. So adorable!!
    xo TJ

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