This Beautiful Life

It's hard to put into words the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of watching your baby grow into an adult. I know some of you have already experienced this, and others are a few steps ahead of me in this journey. But it truly is a wondrous thing to behold. And if I had to to sum it up in a word, I would say: Grateful.

This past weekend we celebrated my oldest daughter for her "Sweet 16" birthday. And it went off without a hitch. She is a planner (no, I don't know where she gets that from), and she had had this idea from 2 years before. As I do a lot of hosting, she had seen the great lengths I had gone to in trying to celebrate a friend (in which it wasn't received well, but that's another story for another time). And honestly, while I was left defeated and demoralized after the event (and possibly shed a few tears), the reactions from my own children expressing their awe and wonder in creating beauty and celebrating life made my efforts worth it. From that moment, she talked almost non-stop of the menu, the guest list, the décor, and continued to be excited about the anticipation of her celebration.

It was a small intimate gathering and I tell you what, I don't think much more could make a girl feel any more special given the fact that all her friends chose to MISS Homecoming to celebrate her! She wanted to celebrate on her actual day which fell on a Friday, and that means football here. So, we said Saturday this year and seemed to be the ideal date, until we realized it coincided with Homecoming. We sent the invitations out ready with a Plan B if the majority declined. But thankfully, we were able to proceed as planned. It was a family affair, and my parents surprised me and even came over to get the "venue" ready! My mom is no stranger to hosting, and I'm sure I picked it all up from her.

One of the other special things about this is Naomi's best friend came over early to help her get ready. They primped and preened and they made playlists, and the enthusiasm was palpable the whole night. As we watched the girls interact that night, I turned to Alex and said she reminded me of my own childhood best friend with a willingness to help and an energetic enthusiasm that engages all whom she meets. He smiled knowingly. Later, I sent a video clip to my mother-in-law featuring aforementioned best friend while all watched Naomi open her gifts, and she responded with, "Oh my goodness! She reminds me of Stephanie!" Yep. She's one of the good ones.

The menu included Thai food (her favorite) along with Chinese food (in case guests weren't sure about Pad Thai), sparkling juice, and a homemade Purple Velvet Cake. We had candles and a bonfire. I think she named her party theme "Country Boho" and everything seemed to please her. She was ecstatic that the night went as she dreamed and she felt so loved and celebrated. Seeing her surrounded by friends basking in their friendship, reminded me of all the good gifts God has given me and she certainly is one mine.