The big event

There comes a time in every parent's life (in this parent's life it's about twelve times a day) that you must compromise your parenting principles--because not doing so just isn't worth it. This is just one of the thousands of ways that God uses parenthood to teach us humility. There's nothing quite like swallowing your pride.

And swallow my pride I did.

When we first moved to Texas, I could not get over how many birthday parties were big, elaborate affairs held at the most over-stimulating places imaginable--like Chuck E. Cheese and various bouncy house complexes. What happened to relay races in the backyard, or cutting the cake on the picnic tables at the neighborhood park? I became more determined than ever to keep our birthday parties simple and "homemade."

But then I got tired. And as the months slowly dragged on toward summer, David's expectations grew bigger and bigger. And I felt even more tired.

The thought of hosting a party here at home kept me awake at night for weeks. My parents have a spacious house, but the architect didn't have children's birthday parties in mind when it was designed. I couldn't picture the logistics of such an event. Besides, hasn't my mom done enough already? Does she really deserve to have a dozen screaming 5-year-olds running through her house?

So I dutifully began researching other locations. And that is how I started down the slippery slope towards the very kind of birthday party I was determined to avoid. But you know what? I'm really glad I took that slide, because it plopped me at the front door of the perfect location: The gym where David and Mary take gymnastics.

David has had a rough year. Nothing can change that. But the kid could at least have a super fun birthday party, right?

And super fun it was!

I think this was the only time David will have a giant swing at his birthday party.

Yes, a GIANT swing!

Here are his friends, all lined up, waiting their turns...

...to do this:

David loved the obstacle courses.

Tio Dave even joined in the obstacle course fun too. (His Marine training helped.)

Mary wasn't one to sit on the side lines. She was right in there with the big kids.

David and the boys, Caden, Andrew, and Ryan. Looks like David is definitely enjoying himself!

Sweet friends, Sydney and Maddy.

This is Mia. She is from Wisconsin! That's why David is excited to move there. If Mia likes Wisconsin, it must be okay.

After an hour of playing hard in the gym, the whole gang got together for a quick snack.

David, Ryan, and Caden.

This is David's fun playmate Brooke, along with little Grant and little Luke. (David was careful to include two little friends on his invite list, so, I quote, "Mary can have somebody to be with." Isn't that sweet?)

Then it was time to sing to the birthday boy! And eat cupcakes!

I love this girl! (David does too.)

Friends C.J. and Maddy.

As you can see, Mary staked out a spot for herself right next to the cupcakes.

(Above, in the leotard, with her back to the camera, is good friend Leah. Sadly, I don't have a decent picture of her!)

And, once again, the joys of opening presents.

It was a good time!

AND I didn't have to clean up the mess--that was easy to swallow!

David had a great time, and he was thrilled that so many of his friends were there to join in the fun.

Not only did David have lots of friends attend, but family came to celebrate with him again.

It wouldn't have been a party without Tio and Tia!

We love them so much! (Hey, guys, what are the odds you'll transfer to the University of Wisconsin??)

We're especially grateful Greg's parents decided to spend their Saturday afternoon with David and his friends! What a treat! (Notice the birthday boy's unhappy face. He was ready to go home and play with his new presents--NOT pose for pictures!)

Most of all, we're happy Greg could be there. The Senior Master Sergeant he works with was the one who suggested to Greg that he ought to fly back for David's birthday. Senior Master Sergeants give a lot of good advice, but I think this was the best advice ever! (Thank you, Sergeant Bridgewater.)

A few weeks ago David started praying nightly for the following things:

1. "Bless me to be patient waiting for my party."
2. "Bless my friends that they can be patient waiting for my party."
3. "Bless my daddy that he can come to my party."

Well, David survived the agonizing wait, and lived to see his party. So did his friends. AND his daddy was there to celebrate too.

God hears my child's prayers!

(And teaches his mom humility.)