April 1st is one of the best days of the year, thanks to this grinning girl. What a day to be born! What a girl! Our favorite Fool!
With each birthday, the birthday couch conquers yet more surrounding territory. It'll be a Birthday Empire before much longer.
Nixie had some long spots of hardship in the new year, and the disappointment of continuing knee problems on her birthday was offset by a mysterious birthday package from an online friend. Joseph may never know that his gift kept her occupied and happily intent for hoooours on April 1st...as did a bag of homemade granola bars from Piper and Lucinda. :)
Ezekiel begged to arrange the French toast and sausage, along with the toothpicks in the berry sauce.
Fruit, cream, and sweet bread in morning...
I have no pictures of her birthday baconless-chicken ranch sandwiches for supper (without the bacon because I forgot it in the rush of making the rest of the stuff-- oops), but here are some pictures of the trifle, with Skylark to fill in the gaps.
While looking at pictures of herself as a little girl, Annika has often said she wishes she could hug and squeeze her younger self. I'm pretty sure that Skylark is the closest she'll get to that granted wish! Sweetness.
Happy birthday, wonderful girl. It's a gift to watch you grow into adulthood with such grace and joy. Though the shadows are more apparent now that you're older, I'm grateful that, in darkness, you turn toward the Light. May it ever be so! God is your comfort, He is your defender, He is your peace-- an everpresent help in trouble. Happy 17th, Nixie Pixie! We love you!
Annie leaves smiles on faces wherever she goes and even more magically, even when she is merely conjured up in the mind. Not many people have that superpower but Annie surely does.
ReplyDeleteTo continue to smile in the face of adversity, trials and uncertainties is a real gift and even at the tender age of 17, she inspires me to find joy in all circumstances and pursue after it.
Chase it down and tackle it if I must. Anything but wallow in it.
I love how the meaning of the girls' names reflect who they have grown into. And I love seeing Annika fight for joy and seeking the Source when it's not easy.
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