Happy Second Birthday To Skylar

Photobucket

Saturday was Birthday #2 for my granddaughter, Skylar, and a great time was had by all.  Dora The Explorer came along, with her big head, and danced a jig or two.  Elmo was there too, although one kid tried to ruin things by insisting it was the same woman but in a different costume.  We assured Skylar that all was o.k.  Lots of friends and lots of kids brought far too many gifts for one little girl who still likes the wrappings better than the contents. 

Here's a few photos you might find of interest:

Photobucket
Cake, Before Demolition
 

Photobucket
Skylar & Christian standing atop the hill, thinking they are King & Queen 

Photobucket
I pose here with Grace and her little girl.  The last time I saw Grace she was about 8 years old.  She and her sister were part of a tiny little church I pastored located literally out in the middle of nowhere.  It was a sleepy church mostly of elderly members, and sometimes I wondered why God was wasting my ministry in such a place.  One Saturday I was out in the community knocking on doors and inviting people to visit the church.  I remember driving down a long dirt drive, avoiding ditches and crevices, to a dilapidated old trailer that looked abandoned.  So I was surprised when Grace and her sister came running up to the car.  I met their mom who was single and having a hard time raising her kids.  She said she would be glad for me to come by on Sunday and pick up her children for Sunday School and church.  And so began about a 4-year-connection with some really sweet kids.  They became friends with my children.  I tried to be of influence.  And now- look at her!  She is a beautiful young lady, sweet, with an adorable little girl.  I met her husband, a fine young man with manners and respect.  Grace told me thanks, that we meant so much to her in her life.  And that was a hug that felt so very good. 

Photobucket

Here's Skylar & Katie, her mom and my daughter, though not at the party.  They live at my house.  We have lots of fun together- a big, happy (usually!) family.

Happy Birthday From
Papa!


posted by: intricategirl (reply)
post date: 03.03.08 (5:04 pm)

Awww. What a cutie!



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 03.03.08 (5:38 pm)

Really neat. Happy Birthday Skylar.



posted by: PirateGirl (reply)
post date: 03.03.08 (6:08 pm)

Wonderful story about Grace and her family!
just goes to show - you never do know how The Lord is going to use your life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYLAR! :D



posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 03.03.08 (7:50 pm)

Looks wonderful :)



posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 03.03.08 (8:48 pm)

What a treat to see Skylar's birthday pictures!
I love the first one where she is licking the
frosting off the fork ~ adore it!

And the Grace story ~ very interesting and so touching. How nice to hear that we do make a difference ~ inspite of what happens from time to time. Often it takes a long time to see the rewards of our efforts, even if we don't think we are doing anything really so special. We really are!

Thanks for sharing these photos!









posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 03.04.08 (10:16 am)

isn't it funny how the past will crop up and validate the present?

skylar and katie are adorable. as is your whole family. you are truly blessed. best wishes.



posted by: ggirl (reply)
post date: 03.04.08 (10:48 am)

Skylar and Katie...beautiful!





posted by: bawdy (reply)
post date: 03.04.08 (11:45 am)

I wasn't aware that your daughter moved back in with you...you must be relieved. That is a wonderful story about Grace.

It sounds like Skylar gets spoiled like my nieces and nephews.



posted by: Aunt Barbara (reply)
post date: 03.04.08 (12:32 pm)

I was there and that little angel is full of self-confidence at such a young age, too. She's going to be a beauty like her mom and her Aunt Krystal. Love the curls (does she get those from you or Debbie?)



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:14 am)

Reply to: intricategirl
A cutie? I certainly agree.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:15 am)

Reply to: surrogate
So, surr, when are you going to get into this "Grandparenting Business?"



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:18 am)

Reply to: PirateGirl
Thanks. I've come to believe we complain lots about life, when the reality is that life is not so bad after all. At that time in my life I was busy wanting more, wanting to be somewhere else, and not taking time to realize things were pretty good.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:20 am)

Reply to: FinalyFree
Thanks. Birthday parties are fun, although I plan to skip my own from this point on. Too many candles upon the cake.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:21 am)

Reply to: auntconi
I think life is at tis very best, we are closest to our purpose for being here, when we make a difference. Even a small difference is worthwhile.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:22 am)

Reply to: fractalmom
Every so often, the past comes along for a visit. I am discovering that, almost invariably, it is a good experience. Even what I remember as unpleasant, with the addition of a few years and a bit of changed perspective, seems to be o.k.



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:23 am)

Reply to: ggirl
Yes indeed. Glad you notice!



posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:25 am)

Reply to: bawdy
She moved back. Broke up with her boyfriend. It is most likely temporary- she is very stubborn and self-dependent, which is not all bad. I do wish for stability and a healthy living situation especially for Skylar. She seems to thrive at our house.



posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:25 am)

Reply to: PastorDave

I'd like to. Unfortunately, it's not my call. Maybe you could call my kids and suggest they get busy. They won't listen to me.




posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 03.05.08 (5:26 am)

Reply to: Aunt Barbara
I'm not sure the source of the curls. However, the good looks obviously come from her grandfather- this side of the family.




posted by: chrisflea (reply)
post date: 03.06.08 (1:53 am)

Your grand-baby is so cute!



posted by: mercurysoul (reply)
post date: 03.06.08 (9:52 am)

Too cute! Glad everyone had a good time :)

Hope you are well PD. It's been awhile so stop by and say hello! <3



posted by: rosietulips (reply)
post date: 03.06.08 (10:26 am)

Happy birthday, Skylar! Love that first photo :)



posted by: Lisa (reply)
post date: 03.06.08 (12:34 pm)

Happy Birthday Skylar!
You are a great papa, congrats :)



posted by: nightbreed (reply)
post date: 03.06.08 (3:26 pm)

she is a baby doll..



posted by: spook102956 (reply)
post date: 03.06.08 (5:52 pm)

Skylar is so cute. And I like the Grace story. Four years of picking up two kids to take to church is a wonderful thing you did.

Your Name:


Your Comment: