Kim's Birthday Party

We had a small party for Kim's nineteenth birthday.  I made her lasagna, which is one of her favorites.  I also made her a German chocolate cake, which is one of the only kinds of cake she likes. 

This was a large difference from the birthday parties I used to have.  There was no large crowd, overpriced store-bought cake with fancy decorations, and mound of presents.  I started doing that and it got to the point where I felt I had to do that every year for every child.  It was expensive and VERY stressful.  Yes, I got some great pictures out of it, but in the end it didn't feel worth it.  I wondered how special my child felt when mom was stressed out and angry about a party.

My mom came to the party to celebrate with her granddaughter.  She made Kim stuffed peppers, which is Kim's ultimate favorite.  She also took the time yesterday to teach Kim how to make them herself.  It was personal one on one time that my daughter doesn't get with her grandma very often.  Now that my daughter is in college, the days of learning to cook a meal from grandma are probably limited.  I am grateful, however, for the time they have together. 

Kim, helping to light her candles.

I don't know what Kim wished for, but I have lots of wishes and prayers for her.  I pray she grows to love Jesus more and more with each passing year.  I pray she is blessed in her health and in this adventure she is living.  I pray she follows the will of God in His plans for her life. 

I love her very much.  She is a true blessing from God.