Minus2...: Birthdays...

Jojo and Francis both celebrated their birthdays in the U.S.

Their first EVER birthday party.

And a special day ALL BY THEMSELVES on their birthday.

Many emotions went thru this mind of mine.

As well as thru my heart.

I knew I wanted to capture that on pen and paper.

As to not forget.

I started a NEW tradition, thanks to my sister.

Each child would get their "special" day on their actual "birthday".

A trip to the dollar store to decorate the kitchen table.

Balloons, table cloth, Happy Birthday banner, plates, napkins, a couple little party favors.

Just enough to make it feel like a birthday party.

I let them pick out the cake that I, personally, make for them.

And they get to pick what mama makes for dinner.

It's simple and it's perfect!

Jojo...

Jojo walks downstairs on March 28, 2017 to a kitchen that is decorated JUST for him.

His birthday cake that he is itching to eat immediately.

And cards and gifts on the table.

His face was one GIGANTIC smile.

You could not remove that grin no matter what you did...

It was HIS special day and we got to see magic happen right before our very eyes.

A chocolate cake and chocolate icing.

Pizza for dinner.

Honestly, I know Jojo loves pizza, but I am not sure that is his very favorite thing to eat.

My opinion?

Francis yelled pizza when I asked what Jojo wanted for dinner and Jojo agreed. ;)

Francis...

To say Francis was ready for his birthday would be an understatement.

He had to endure Jojo's, Sissy's AND Mommy's birthdays BEFORE his came to be.

It was hard.

Actually, it was extremely hard.

So much that he was mad at me all day on my birthday.

Yes, mad.

I knew in my heart he just wanted my birthday to be over because his was next in line.

Although that still meant he had to wait almost 6 weeks.

Lets just say that was a LONG 6 weeks of Francis asking DAILY if tomorrow was his birthday.

And finally, June 4, 2017 rolls around.

White cake and chocolate frosting was his pick (he copied what sissy had).

I say that because him and Adeline have a lot of competition that goes on between them.

So this choice didn't surprise me one bit.

And of course, PIZZA!

I capture that precious smile on video of us singing Happy Birthday to him.

And his face was as bright as the sun.

Pure joy.

Something to hold tight to.

That joy.

That kind of joy, my friends.

It is RARE.

And when one is able to experience it, you can't help but want to bottle it up.

Superhero Birthday Party

Both boys were turning 5.

To me, this is a BIG number.

But more importantly, this would be the boys FIRST EVER BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Did they celebrate birthdays in their orphanage?

I can say that no, they really didn't.

Not in both of the boy's original orphanage that is.

When we moved them to Beacon House, I asked to send extra funds the months of the boy's birthdays so they could get a cake and celebrate their birthdays.

They stated they celebrate each month with some type of cake/treat for all kids that month (if they are able).

So in March and June of 2016, Jojo and Francis got to experience getting a REAL cake for their birthdays (or at least close to the day of their birthdays). ;)

But a party?

A celebration?

Nope.

Considering it was going on 9 months since the boys' homecoming, I thought a party would be OK.

They love superheroes so it just seemed fitting.

My sweet friend, Robyn, from Tiny Superheroes made the boys their very own capes.

A bunch of fun and colorful decorations.

A gluten free birthday cake from the best bakery in town, Sucrose!

Family and friends.

And we were ready for a PARTY!

I kept trying to prepare the boys what to expect on the day of the party.

I told them there would be lots of family and friends.

They LOVED this because they LOVE people.

I told them there would be food and a special cake.

They LOVED this because they LOVE food.

And I told them there would be lots of gifts.

And then the most sweetest and a tad on the "hit me in the gut-check" response was given by the boys...

"Like Santa Claus?"

I gulp as that was not what I expected to come out of their little mouths.

Not that I had any idea what to expect.

With tears in my eyes...

I reply, "Yes, like Santa Claus."

And it hits me.

They truly have NO idea what is means to be celebrated.

They are turning 5 years old and NEVER celebrated.

And I find myself getting choked up.

A hard and very true reality.

And my words could go on with emotions in that one single moment.

But I will just say, I was thankful.

Thankful for that raw and honest conversation between me and the little boys.

Thankful the Lord gave me that gift of realization.

Of how special this really was...

For them, and for our family of six.

The party was amazing.

My sister was amazing coming in town and helping me with the set up.

Oh and the tearing down.

Thankful for my friend, Jen that helped us tear down too.

The party was going to be outside, but weather was a concern, so we moved it to the garage.

And I am so glad we did because it was just perfect!

Who knew it would take one multiple hours to set up and tear down for just as few hours of enjoyment?

I was beat by the end of the day.

But, you know what?

It was worth every minute.

The boys were beside themselves in laughter and fun and excitement.

They ate, and they played and they ate more and they played more.

And there were NO melt downs!

People, THAT is a milestone in this home!

I am shouting that from the rooftops! ;)

So many of our family and friends were there to witness this beautiful occasion.

So many there to sing happy birthday to them in person.

To witness a little piece of heaven on their faces.

Could not be more thankful for their support and love.

This community we have around us is a blessing beyond blessings.