As usual, I have neglected my blog so I'm therefore behind on what's happening in our busy lives. But being busy is part of the reason I've neglected to write! I don't think we've ever been this busy. Every weekend (and most weekdays) for the past few weeks and in several weeks to come are completely booked with 50th Anniversaries, Naked Concerts (yay!), Creation Museum Trip and birthdays! One birthday in particular being that of Mr. Face, aka Isaac Landon! My little man is turning 2...whew I'm worn out thinking about it!
I think it's tempting for most parents (including myself) to become overwhelmed by how big we want to make our kids birthdays. They are, after all, our children and we love them. It's super easy to get excited. This year, though, Rodney and I decided to keep things pretty simple. For one reason, we're too busy to plan a huge party. I even got slack on my invites and forgot to send out most of them (funny though, I didn't forget Facebook invites). And two, we've been working on simplicity in this season of our lives.
Simplicity is really hard for our family. It's hard for most families. It's hard for most people. I love going to the store and getting something new for the house. I love going to every function and party and seeing friends and family. I love new projects and have to constantly remind myself I don't have time for a new hobby. We're so fast paced and busy and surrounded by stuff we don't need. It starts to feel heavy and I've been feeling tired by it all. So Rod and I sat down and agreed to cut out all of our extra spending (within reason) and cut out activities that don't better ourselves or those around us. And Isaac's birthday was something we took into consideration when we planned this.
See, we don't want our children to inherit our tendency to junk up our lives by un-needed things.
And while we want our kids to feel loved and special on their birthdays, we can do that without buying them 50 toys and a lavish cake and etc, etc, etc. Not that those things are bad, in themselves. We just have to watch that we aren't fostering hearts of want-ism and me-ism. Isaac's going to have a nice, simple birthday party and I'm sure he'll get more toys than he needs (and eat more cake than he should) but because I know I'm striving for simplicity and a heart of gratitude in his birthday, I don't have to worry about how it will effect him. I also won't have to worry about stressing myself out!
So, back to our lives. The big day is in 4 days and I can't wait to celebrate my firstborn turning 2 years old. It seems like only a short time ago he was born and even shorter time that he turned one. He's getting so 'grown up' and I wish I could slow it down but I'm excited at how fast he's learning and his developing personality. He's going to love his practically one day out of the year he gets to eat cake. Even more he's going to love his Buzz Lightyear (ssshhh!). And most of all he's going to love his family and friends being there to love and support him as he grows up. I may have to shed a few tears...
