Happy 9th Birthday Julianne!

Happy 9th birthday Julianne!  Yes, that says 9th!  It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years since Julianne was welcomed into our arms and the doctor said, "It's a girl".  My how she has changed our lives - she brings us lots of smiles and laughs, she entertains us with song and dance, some days she makes me want to pull my hair out and she challenges me like crazy.  Through all of that I would not trade her for anything or anyone!

As we I started to prepare for Julianne's 9th birthday party, I had lots of thoughts on what I wanted to include and what I thought her friends and the family would enjoy doing at her party.  As I came up with ideas and asked Julianne about them (usually getting a go-ahead that will be fun and sometimes an eye roll) I was having lots of fun.

After planning activities, I began creating the invites for the party. As I started on the invites Julianne came to me and said she had an idea.  She informed me instead of getting presents for herself she wanted to collect items for others.  Yes, my heart melted and I felt affirmed in my parenting.  So, as we talked about what she could do, we talked about the idea of collecting and donating items to those who could use them.  Our conversation turned to the Mission Trip that members of our church would be taking to Rosebud Reservation in June.  Julianne wanted to collect craft items and flip flops for the mission trip members to take with.  I told her I would find out if that was a need.  After a few emails I found out the flip flops would be appreciated, along with cleaning supplies.  Unfortunately, craft items would probably go unused.  Julianne agreed to flip flops and cleaning supplies - she truly was happy to help others!

The birthday party invites went out to friends and family.  The RSVPs came in.  Then, the big day arrived, Julianne's 9th birthday and her party!  Julianne's friends arrived and brought with them bags of flip flops and cleaning supplies.  Then awhile later family arrived and so did more flip flops!  I could not believe my eyes - there were so many flip flops and cleaning supplies.  Plus some individuals donated money and Julianne got to go shopping for more items.  Her and I had a blast shopping for more flip flops and cleaning supplies.  I thought it was more fun than shopping for toys and I think she did too, as she had a twinkle in her eye that I hadn't seen before.

In the end, Julianne collected 76 pairs of flip flops, 6 bags of cleaning supplies, 6 laundry baskets, and some paper products.  Today, Julianne had the opportunity to share what she collected with the Missions team at church.  I was so proud of her and yes, it brought tears to my eyes as she talked about how good it made her feel collecting all these items for others.  The mission team was thankful and as a church we took the opportunity to pray over the items and the blessings they will provide to so many others.

Julianne's 9th birthday was a blessing, full of fun, smiles, laughter, memories, and dreaming.  She has such a big heart now, I can't wait to continue to fill it with joy, love, and Christ.  Julianne has so much to give and so many waves to make - and so, the adventure will continue!