What a blessed and beautiful weekend our family enjoyed! Saturday morning, I spoke for a ladies day at my home congregation, the Riverchase Church of Christ in Birmingham. Along with offering the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and Bible study with my sisters in Christ, this event was a momentous occasion because it was the first time that daughter Mary Ashley joined me on the program. I have always loved taking both the girls with me to speaking engagements whenever possible and dreamed of the day we might present them together. At 11, Mary Ashley inspired all of us in attendance with her passion and poise. I thought my heart might burst!
That event would have been enough for a memorable weekend, but a family celebration at our house that night made it truly unforgettable.
Can you believe that my little Carson is now 16 years old? We honored this milestone birthday with a gathering of both sides of the family -- all who could reach us by car. Planning our party during springtime, we knew several relatives would probably be unable to make it due to other weekend commitments. But to our surprise and delight, everyone on the guest list was able to come. We are still talking about what a once-in-a-lifetime event this was.
My mother-in-law, who joined us when Carson was born, brought these stunning irises in honor of the vivid flowers that bloomed outside our little cottage around this time 16 years ago.
Positioned in the foyer, this lovely vase welcomed loved ones to our celebration -- much like they greeted our little bundle when he joined our family that blessed spring day.
Be sure to visit again soon, as I will be sharing a host of creative ideas in the days and even weeks to come, both from Carson's birthday party and from the home-improvement projects we took on in preparation for the big event.
Photos by Nathan Prichard. Used with permission.
