Jonny celebrated a decade of being 27 years old last weekend. To help keep himself feeling youthful, he shared the party with the son of our friends Eric and Sarah, whose birthday is the day after his. It was a lovely party full of children, and a wonderful reminder of how much we love and value our friends.
It was a beautiful night, though bittersweet. Sarah’s absence was keenly felt, no doubt by her family most of all.
We march forward, as we must, but we miss her so much. I know she wants us to continue to celebrate this life, to laugh, even when we fear that the tears will come and drown us.
Hug your friends. Tell them that you love and appreciate their presence in your lives. Friendship is one of our greatest gifts.
And of course, Happy Birthday, Jonny! You keep me smiling; you always have.
Photos by both Lori Elizabeth Photography, and me.
Very Happy Birthday to both of them. Johnny is an amazing dad!!!
happy birthday to your Johnny! Glad you were able to celebrate with friends who are family 🙂
“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”
What a special time with friends and family. It’s funny- as I was looking through the photos they reminded me for a minute of something you’d see in a Better Homes and Gardens or Midwest (or Southern?) living magazine. Except your photos capture reality so much better- the dirty faces and the dirty feet! I love it! That REALLY captures the fact that everyone was truly having a fun time 🙂
yes, you must keep celebrating life and milestones…those pictures are all so beautiful and so wonderful to have Eric & family with you. We are still praying for them all as well as you… may Johnny be blessed in this new year! much love to you all.
My husband celebrated his 40th! I wrote about it today. So nice of your husband to share it with your friends family. I am sure they needed a reason to celebrate. Great way to celebrate life together.
May you all be blessed with many more years. Praying for you all…
Congratulations Johnny!
You are a beautiful family.
Happy Birthday Jonny! It looks like a wonderful time with friends. I also am me tearing up, thinking of your friend Sara’s family. What a blessing that they have good friends to help.
On a side note, did you have any problems with little kids messing with the torches? I have debated doing those at our parties to help with mosquitoes but haven’t for fear of little ones getting burned.
Blessings.
Thank you Ginny for posting these pics. I have been praying for peace and comfort for the Harkins children and their dad. It was soooooo sweet to see the smiles on all their faces. Made my heart sing!!!
My eyes misted up when I saw the Sarah’s children. The pain of grief must be unbearable. God bless you and keep you.
Julie
By the way Ginny, are those Aurora shoes you are wearing ( in the picture with your feet resting on the table? ) Thank you 🙂
Hi Tania! Yes, they are Auroras. I have gotten so accustomed to them, that I hardly wear any other shoes these days. They are so comfortable!
Oh Wow – thank you so very much for filling in for Sarah and for Grandparents. You really nailed it Ginney. Tears flooded my desk as I first viewed the fun and the mess and the beautiful and the kids and party. You and Johnny are so comfortable with kids and life. (at least you make it look like you are)! Love you so much for being there for Liam, it is a real grieving for me to be sooo far from them. Thank you for being family and blessings to you and happy birthday young Johnny. I love how you hold your child while watering the garden.
Love Bonnie
This is so sweet. What a nice post…generous friendship, children outdoors, and MISS RUMPHIUS!
Lovely pictures, heartfelt words. Happy birthday Jonny
Happy birthday to Jonny! Your post today brought tears to my eyes. I often think of your friend Sarah and pray for her family. It breaks my heart thinking of all the firsts that family will experience. The first birthdays without their mother there (amongst many other things). I pray that you all are finding peace and healing. On a lighter note, the picture of Jonny holding Job while watering made me laugh – the one where it looks like little Job is squirming his way out. I have a seven month old squirmer who is often found in that same position! And speaking of which, in response to your last post, if you discover a fix for the night time biting, please let us know! This fifth babe of mine is terrible about it. He’s still going strong nursing at night and we often doze as he does. When he drifts off if is not uncommon for him to bite – he never does it when awake. Anyway, I know what you are going through. I got bit not once, but twice last night – oh it was painful!!
Happy Birthday Jonny. I want to be 27. It looks likes it was a very memorable party!
Happy Birthday Jonny! Looks like a wonderful evening.
Happy birthday, Johnny! May you be blessed today and always.