And then We Were Five.

It’s been busy around here lately –
with scrumptious Thanksgiving feasts, reconnecting with out of town company and extended family members, family baptisms and of course …
Lovelyn’s birthday!
Five years ago, our tiniest baby yet was born the day after Thanksgiving.
So each year, her birthday is in the mad dash of turkey, stuffing, golden leaves and family festivities. A great season to have a birthday, in my opinion.

Even without hosting a party, we try to make sure each of our children know they are special and loved on their birthday.
Being in a bigger family can have it’s perks – there are lots of us around all the time so when we want to throw a party, it’s still entertaining, noisy and fun!

{In a North American society of big birthday parties, not officially throwing a “real” birthday party can often make me feel guilty, however.
And yet, growing up, I believe I had one official birthday party – and it did not bother me as a child…
So, we  have stepped away from most big birthday parties

and try to celebrate simply and with a much smaller ado – but that’s another blog post…}

We choose a Winnie the Pooh day for this sweet little girls of ours …
homemade waffles in the morning with the table decorated to theme by the big girls {so nice having girls old enough to help with things like decorating!},
Winnie the pooh snacks during the day, pin the tail of Eeyore and then a birthday dinner later with
some of the grandparents, complete with a Pooh-bear pinata (probably the best part!) …

 

{Look at the fantastic cake her grammie made her! We were so impressed!}

It’s very difficult to believe that five years has gone by. Makes you realize how each day is a gift and a treasure.
God bless you, sweet Lovelyn Angelica Joy, as you walk through the next year of your precious life. xo We are grateful to be your parents!

 

“Please, everybody, look at me!
Today I’m five years old, you see!
And after this, I won’t be four,
Not ever, ever, any more!
I won’t be three – or two – or one.
For that was when I’d first begun.
Now I’ll be five a while, and then
I’ll soon be something else again!”
-Mary Louise Allen

 

 

 

October 29, 2015 - 11:48 am

Maike Do you mind sharing where you get these country praerie dresses from? I love these and am searching for such dresses a long time but can only find to glamorous vintage dresses or too stiff amish like dresses. I’m trying to find one for myself to wear.

October 18, 2015 - 12:28 pm

Sherri Smith So sweet. I remember coming down to the hospital with Lloyd to see your newest L at the time. She was the first newborn I’d ever held, the only one that new to the world and so very very tiny. Happy birthday lovelyn.

October 17, 2015 - 9:41 pm

Lynda Lu Gibb Your family celebrations have their root in “real” traditions..that is a blessing to see. Love shines through all your loving efforts.

October 17, 2015 - 9:05 pm

Kristina I hear you on the big-birthday culture, and I agree with you all the way. What are we teaching our children with extravagant affairs, other than to value extravagance? Simple, homely birthdays are the sweetest and the best! It looks like you made a lovely birthday party for Lovelyn. Very sweet.

October 16, 2015 - 6:52 pm

Rachel Joy I cannot believe she’s 5!! I remember when you were pregnant with her. I remember when she was born! We did all those tiny bath bombs at that time. Oh Lovelyn! Sweet girl. Happy birthday!