Here Comes Harper!

 "I am a bit of a ceremonialist, and the importance of these events is, in no way, made more or less by the presence of lack of attentive detail.  But there's beige, and then there's color.  There's one life, or one wild and precious life.  We take efforts to make moments like exchanging vows memorable and worthy of praise, and yet how many more events in our lives are laudable occasions?  I wanted to feel deeply the significance of these moments played in my life story, and I was determined to celebrate them deservedly.  Because once, a long time ago, I had a white picket fence, but it fell down.  And while I didn't choose the crazy-colored one that was erected in its place, I had grown to love it.  I wouldn't change it for anything in the world, and if there is one thing I've learned, its that you can never ever go wrong with vibrant color."

-Bloom, Finding Beauty in the Unexpected

I was fortunate enough to spend my morning celebrating new life, God's grace, and fresh starts with some dear friends and family.  And was I ever so blessed!  I can't think of a better way to spend a hot June morning than over brunch with friends as fellowship and laughter echoes in the halls.  I am ever so thankful for those who gave of their time and finances to make it a perfect celebration.

We can't wait to meet you, Harper Mackenzie Beckner!

 

 

No Ordinary Picnic

 Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there was a picnic.  Families parked cars, children excitedly chattered, and the smell of fried chicken permeated the air.  But this was no ordinary picnic. 

Moms stood in small circles, discussing the events of the day.  Dads shook hands and played cornhole.  Children climbed playground equipment.  There was sunshine.  But this was no ordinary picnic. 

Approximately 70 people gathered.  And they all shared a common bond.  One they never anticipated, but yet it had forged deep unions.  But it was not ordinary. 

 Directions were given and the line began to form.  A clap of thunder sounded overhead, and rain quickly soaked the ground.  The families gathered the children and moved indoors.  No one really batted an eye at the storm.  You see, these families were used to storms.  A little rain never hurt anyone.  They knew this from experience.  Because they were not at an ordinary picnic.

As people took their places around the tables, shoulder to shoulder, and began to eat, there was a camaraderie in the air.  Knowing glances were exchanged, smiles were bestowed, helping hands were given.  This group of people... they were seasoned hikers on the road less traveled.  Sometimes they ran, sometimes they walked, sometimes they limped, and sometimes they crawled.  No man was left behind.  They soldiered on, together.  Because they were not ordinary, and this was no ordinary picnic.

There were doctors present, interacting with small children.  There were feeding tubes beeping and blood glucose being monitored.  Sign language was used, wheelchairs were pushed, and love abounded.  Because this was no ordinary picnic.

 There was a tired look about the eyes of the adults.  The children carried on as if they did not notice.  There was laughter.  There was compassion.  There were celebrations.  There were tears.  This picnic was not ordinary at all.

It was extraordinary.

Goodbyes were said at the end of the evening and well wishes were made.

Hugs were exchanged.  Bonds had been strengthened.

And the families left to forge ahead on their journey...together.

And they all knew... it was anything but ordinary.

[photo credit: Jessica Myers]

School Is Out!

 The time has arrived.

We survived the school year.

We may have been limping over the finish line in agony... 

...but we made it.

Naturally, such a milestone involved celebration.

We had to par-tay.

Brooklyn enjoyed blowing bubbles in these cool homemade Pinterest contraptions.

And then the preschool class did a little program for the parents.

How cute are these kids?! 

And naturally, there was food.

 And just like that... I blinked... and preschool year one was over.

And we were headed home with a bucket of summer learning activities.

Savannah had to party too.

She informs me daily that she is a first grader now.

Make.it.stop.

She made a cute pillowcase with her buddies at school that read, 

"Now I lay me down to sleep, and count my friends instead of sheep!"

They all signed them and they are adorable.

There were hugs and sad goodbyes.

Thankfully, she will get to see many of her buddies over the summer.

She had such a great Kindergarten year! 

I don't doubt that it was mostly due to having a wonderful teacher.

 And... now she is a Kindergarten graduate!

Be still, my heart.

I'm not gonna lie... I'm looking forward to spending the summer with my munchkins.

And it is really nice not to be waiting on a bus at the crack.of.dawn. 

But my favorite part of all is seeing these sweet faces all of the time.

Bring it on, summer!

Butterfly Fly Away

 You tuck me in, turn out the light

Kept me safe and sound at night

Little girls depend on things like that

 Brushed my teeth and combed my hair

Had to drive me everywhere

You were always there when I looked back

You had to do it all alone

Make a living, make a home

Must've been as hard as it could be 

And when I couldn't sleep at night

Scared things wouldn't turn out right

You would hold my hand and sing to me

Caterpillar in the tree, how you wonder who you'll be 

Can't go far but you can always dream

Wish you may, wish you might

Don't you worry, hold on tight

I promise you there will come a day

Butterfly fly away

Turned around and you were there

The two of us made quite a pair

Daddy's little girl was here at last

Looked away and back again

Suddenly a year was ten

Don't know how it got so far so fast

And yes dear, you don't understand

Its not anything we planned

Kind of makes you think its meant to be 

I always knew the day would come

You'd stop crawling, start to run

Beautiful as beautiful can be 

Caterpillar in the tree

How you wonder who you'll be 

Can't go far but you can always dream

Wish you may, wish you might

Don't you worry, hold on tight

I promise you there will come a day

Butterfly fly away

Butterfly fly away

Got your wings, now you can't stay

Take those dreams and make them all come true

Butterfly fly away

You've been waiting for this day

All along you've known just what to do

Butterfly fly away