Godsons & Gifts

I have a godson with a birthday on Friday. I have a birthday present to bring him, but am curious, what do you folks do for godchildren? Anything special, or just fun gifts they can enjoy? Bring it back to God? Yes? No?

I ask specifically about godchildren because, well, they're a slightly trickier subject, considering that you're a spiritual guide of sorts. But I'd love to hear all about things you love to get for kids in your lives!

Whaddaya Think?

Here are my cakes!

Not perfect, but not terrible either.

Today, we are headed to Mass and N is in his homemade sweater vest. Then, we go to a birthday party, for which I made the cakes! I'm feeling just a tad creative right now, so you'll have to forgive me for tooting my horn! :)

Mommy's Birthday

I turned 24 today. Mid-twenties. Very strange to consider.

It might be motherhood, or a shift in priorities, or just terrible memory, but I haven't been able to keep track of the days lately. This morning it took until I was reaching into the fridge to pull out N's milk before I realized that it was my birthday.

Last year I made this cake for my birthday ------->

Because I share a birthday with the late great Dr. Seuss, I went with a Seussical cake. We brought it to Uncle L's house and showed off my newly learned made decorating skillz.

This year, Uncle L bought a cake a surprised us with it on Sunday. As we have left-overs, I'm not decorating a new cake.

Usually my birthday has me feeling very entitled and lavish, as though I want and deserve more, always. I remember my 21st birthday and how many people canceled or didn't show. I remember feeling like my friends should rearrange their schedules and shouldn't get sick because it's my birthday, after all. Oh, not that I really blamed those who weren't feeling well.

This year, I have been continually reminded of the blessings in my life. I have a loving and supportive husband, a clean house that I really do consider a home, and the two most well-behaved, loving, adorable little boys a mother could ask for. I have friends and family who love me and who I love. Our cats are well-behaved, clean and quiet. We're beginning to develop a community at church. We have a modest but steady income, and somehow even in the worst of times, we manage to get bills paid. Our car works.

As I type this, I have a cat purring on my lap. T is smiling while he naps in his bouncer. N is napping in his crib (he went down with only one cry for me, and that was because I was on the phone-sorry, love!). I can smell beef shortribs cooking in the oven. Cucumber salad is marinating in the refrigerator. And, on top of all that, I have time to sit here and type up this reflection.

I've been particularly influenced by this Proverb lately:

"The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." -Proverbs 14:1

Lord, guide me in my quest to be a wise woman. Teach me to build my house on Your solid foundation, and help me in my struggles not to tear it down. When I stray from the righteous path, help me, God, to find my way back. Keep me forever in Your sight.