Shower Fun

This past weekend was very exciting for us! We were blessed by friends and family with 2 baby showers to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Baby Avery Grace. The theme of the family shower was dandelions and Rylie read a wonderful poem that I will share below. But the table was decorated with things Rylie and Isaac have made for me over the years....my dandelion treasures in a sense. Very precious! Rylie and Isaac worked so hard preparing for the shower--helping Mom with food, decorations, planning. It was neat to see them so excited! Along with all the yummy food that just so happened to be some of my absolute favorites, we were served dandelion jelly. Yes, made from actual dandelions. It was very delicious! I had it on my english muffins for breakfast every day this week! Thank you to Mom, LeAnn, Lori and the kids for all the work and love you put into making the shower special! I didn't get pictures of the decorations b/c I forgot I had my camera there until gift time. But we did get some pictures of the fun so I can share those.

This next photo definitely warrants a caption...
Sherry had just pointed out to me that the lovely tissue
paper she used to fill the gift bag was fast food napkins! Classic!
I think it is very obvious in this photo that we are related!

The Dandelion

From earliest childhood,

The dandelion has been a symbol of a child's love for his or her mother.

They are so brightly yellow, and so abundant!

Few mothers have missed the joy of receiving a limp bouquet of these plants,

Proudly presented with a big smile and the words,

"I picked these just for you!"

We consider them weeds, but I sometimes wonder if God didn't create them

Just for children to give to their mothers. . .

And how else could we know if we liked butter,

If we couldn't have a dandelion held under our chin

To see if there was a golden reflection?

Then, after the blooming time is finished,

These plants present spectacular round balls

Made of tiny "parachutes" that, when blown upon,

Spin gaily off to unknown destinations.

A weed--yes, I suppose so, as plants go.

But I have found lessons in their persistence.

There have been attempts through time to eradicate Christianity--

But it keeps springing up.

It is unwelcome in many areas of the world today,

Where those who are misled by the evil one

Try to "mow it down" or "dig it out."

But it is impossible to do this.

God is in control of the world today as He has always been.

And when our time on earth is over,

Those who have been God's "dandelions,"

Beautiful only to those with childlike hearts,

Will receive a touch of God's breath,

And float away to be with Him forever.

And thank you to Mom and Cyndi who threw a wonderful shower for my friends at church as they also joined in the celebration of this new little life God has blessed our family with. I didn't get pictures of people at this shower b/c my camera battery died, but I did get a couple pics of the decor. I love the attention to girly detail!!!

More of my favorite snacks!

Thank you to all of you who have been so supportive of me and have extended love, grace and truth to me during this transition in our life. God's plans may not be my own, but I know His plans are bigger than mine and I am excited to see what He has in store for us with the addition of Avery Grace to our family. I love you all.

PS. It has been pointed out to me that the pictures of Avery from the previous post are unable to be seen. I am not sure what is wrong. I can see them on my computer. It probably has something to do with the format so I will continue to experiment. Any suggestions are welcomed!