Joy

4 years old in the dress that I hope Rebecca can wear this year

That was almost my name 32 years ago (my sister Melissa wanted to name me Jesus but that didn't win out either). Mom reminds me of that occasionally & I try to make it my goal to be joyful even if my name isn't Joy. ;) It was easy on my birthday this year.
"Gimme that delectable flower of frosting..."

Andrew awoke me to "Happy Birthday! Is there something on the table?" Unfortunately, there wasn't. So, he set out to take care of it. He gathered a few half-inflated balloons from the basement, my present, & my cake to adorn the table for me. What a sweetheart. I wish I had gotten a picture! Darren whipped up some eggs & toast, then we all enjoyed a nice breakfast together. I opened my present with fun drawings from the kids & a beautiful print entitled Kissing the Face of God. LOVE IT. Thanks, honey!

We dropped the kiddos off in Wahoo for some fun time with Green Grandma & Grandpa after school was out & ventured up to Omaha. We shopped at Fat Brain Toys... kid Heaven!... & looked around the new Village Pointe Mall. It's been a while since Darren & I were shopping together anywhere besides Hy-Vee, Wal-Mart, or Menards. :P Then we had a yummy dinner at Firebirds. I'm so thankful for a wonderful day, a beautiful family, so many thoughtful friends, & the gift of faith that I've been given. Thank you, Mom & Dad for bringing me into this world & loving me so generously. God is good!