The Many Birthdays of Daniel

Over the past two weeks, our youngest grandson, Daniel, has been getting a lot of attention.  It was his 6th birthday on the 26th, but circumstances stretched his birthday out for over a week.  First, he had a pirate themed birthday party with a dozen of his little friends on the Saturday before his birthday.  Grandpa Bert, Uncle Ryan and I, were on hand to help his parents pull it off, although it was more about seeing it unfold.  They do an awesome job making their children's birthday parties extra fun. 

Each year, the birthday child gets to pick a theme, and  mom creates a cake to match.  They go all out with decorations, and devise games to match the theme.  This year, Daniel chose to go with a pirate theme, and the cake was a treasure chest.  Isn't he about the cutest pirate ever?

 



Uncle Ryan even brought his Lego "Ship in a Bottle" to add to the decorations.  Dad and Mom dressed for the occasion, and party guest were given the opportunity to wear a pirate head scarf, if they so desired.  Daniel's siblings and even Uncle Ryan got into "pirate mode."

 

Games included keeping black balloon cannonballs in the air as long as possible, tossing gold coins into a treasure chest, going on a treasure hunt using various creative means of getting around, (plus even having to walk the plank!)  Water balloons were used to "attack" chalk drawn ships, and everyone got a whack at the pirate chest piñata.

 

 

 

 

Lunch included summer sausage and cheese cubes, and red and green grapes poked on pirate swords, as well as crackers and pirate themed cupcakes.  The treasure chest cake would be saved for a party on his actual birthday a week later.

 

It is tradition for the grandparents to attend a supper on the actual birthday, but this year it was not possible for us to attend.  So Daniel not only got a supper with the other grandparents on his birthday, but another "cake only" party when we were able to come a couple of days later.

 

He is one special boy, and we are so thankful he is part of our lives!  Here he is with the last of his presents, which included some "spiffy clothes" from us, and a new scooter from Uncle Ryan. 

 

 




We also got him a water rocket, which he and his brothers had fun breaking in!

 

"Happy Birthday, Daniel!  All done celebrating until next year!"



Mother's Day Blues

It has been one of those "frumpy" kind of days, and I couldn't quite figure out why.  Part of the reason might be the sun isn't wanting to shine today, but as I contemplated the possible reasons, I settled on the fact I once again have come down with a bad case of the "Mother's Day Blues".

About this time of year, everyone starts posting pictures of their mom, along with memories they have shared.  Today on my Facebook page, the memory which popped up was a picture of me with my mom, grandma, and daughter, likely taken on a Mother's Day in years gone by.  Memories are wonderful, but having them with you in person is an extra sweet blessing.

The little girl in the picture grew up, got married, and now is a mom to four wonderful children who call me grandma.  Hopefully we will be able to spend a little bit of time with them on Sunday, although most of the day will be spend in the car on our return from South Dakota where we are celebrating the college graduation of our nephew.

At the age of 68, my mom passed away from a brain aneurysm. I was 35 at the time.  Grandma lived five years longer, and made it to the age of 100, and was blessed with a clear mind until the end.  Lots of years have passed since then, but I still feel their presence with me, especially on days like today.

Come to think of it, I just might whip together a batch of "Della Bars" as my friend, Charlene calls them.  They are a yummy concoction of graham cracker crumbs, miniature marshmallows, and nuts with a butterscotch/peanut butter frosting.  My mom used to send them to us when we spent our first semester of college together at UND in Grand Forks. 

"Thanks for the recipe, Mom!  Give Grandma a hug, and imagine me there with you!  Looking forward to the day you will both welcome me to my eternal home!"