Reese's Day

Such a perfect day.

I've been thinking about and planning Reese's birthday for months, and Jason and I decided to spend it with our families (since I especially didn't know how I would be). We truly wanted to celebrate Reese on her special day. She also shares a birthday with my mom, so the day was extra sweet.

The days leading up to Reese's birthday were like a shadow cast over my heart. I fought bitterness as I bought flowers for her marker and plants for our families on Tuesday. Part of me wanted to beat the ground with the roses as hard as I could I was so upset. Thankfully feelings like this always pass. The struggle between staying in my pain too long and choosing to look for God's truth.

We gave everyone a plant to remember this day.

Our families went to Reese's garden Wednesday morning, and I placed 100 beautiful tiny white roses in her vase. My dad shared some words from his heart, and we released 100 balloons.

My dad spoke about celebrating our Creator, the child and the chosen. I loved everything he said, but a few words stood out to me.

He said the Creator "loved Reese then (before time began), He was with her during her life on earth and He is with her even as we gather here to celebrate her birthday."

"She came in a hurry, as if she had some place important to go. We knew her all too briefly, but God had known her since the beginning of time. He also knew His plan for her life - a plan we would not have chosen but perhaps some day, we'll begin to understand."

He said such precious things to Zach and Colson they will one day understand. "Colson, you live because Reese went to be with God in Heaven. And while you are special and unique in your own way, your life gives us all hope that through you and through all of us, Reese lives on."

Jason's dad prayed and we released ninety-nine pink, white, and cream balloons, and a red one marking Reese's first birthday. Her red balloon stood out until all of them almost disappeared. It was amazing how far we could see them in the sky.

We spent the rest of the day together. I love our families!

That night it was all about the cakes. ; ) My mom's delicious strawberry cake.

Reese's cake

Her one little candle sure pulls at my heart strings. Zach blew out her candle after we sang "Happy Birthday."

Our parents gave us this garden stone to remind us of everything GOD is. We love it. Thank you!

Mandy and Abby spent all of last week with us. My niece Abby is two months older than Zach, and they love each other so much.

They brought Reese pink roses. Beautiful!

Cute trouble

Cute drama

Family time

Ha!

Sweet day. Sweet families. Sweet girl.

Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. The sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more. Never again will there be in it, an infant who lives but a few days...

Isaiah 65:17, 19-20