July Birthdays Club!

Okay, stupid court hearings interrupting my valuable morning writing time. lol
Back to it now...

After a memorable Friday night celebrating Miss Kyndal Faith, Saturday was Chet's party in Tulsa!!  Here's the group pic I finally insisted on before the Fosters left, but for the record... the Richards fam, Young fam, Moss fam, Teresa, Steve, the Weatherford fam, Michael Wilson fam, Huffman fam, Darnell fam, and I think lots more neighbors were also there to celebrate. lol  Kudos to Chet and Karli for their extraordinarily generous hospitality - it's a lot of work, but what a gift to this friend group (and the Country Crossing neighborhood)!!

I should really know at this point to just keep a swimsuit in my car in case of need, but it was a rainy morning in Moore/OKC, and Chet had mentioned that it would probably be a stormy day, so I figured it would be a chill indoor party and didn't bring it with me.  Fortunately for Chet and co, I was very wrong and it was a happy day full of outdoor fun!  And in more happy news, Parker Elizabeth was uninterested in the afternoon swim, so I got some extra time with this preshface!! ❤

Tate showing me his new helmet (made by Bill - impressive), and Parker stacking multiple puzzles on her own - also impressive!  Teresa and I chatted a bit whilst the kids kept us busy and entertained. =)

This = the "Emerald Tsunami" water slide, a rental that took up most of the Wilsons' backyard.  Some of the kids were afraid to try it, but most of the adults seemed to enjoy it! lol

JEM and Ellie Faye + Sarah and Katherine Claire!

Jeffrey leading us off in the birthday song + random Chet and Sarah pic that made me laugh!

Four out of our five dessert options... two white mini-cakes and a berry trifle by Karli, a chocolate bundt cake by Melissa, and a coconut cream pie by Sarah Young!!

Out of order, but these pool pics of Sarah playing with Hope and Kate are precious!

Water slide fun!  I got some slow-motion videos that were entertaining. =)

Karli was kind enough to make an extra cake so that Chet and Sarah could both celebrate their birthdays with friends!!

Pic with Chet and JEM outside - they're the best!

Kate, Parker, and Ellie all had the same cute pink mermaid swimsuit - never all at the same time, then Parker refused to pose for a pic, so here's a random candid shot.  To the right of that pic is Chet's Bellagio hotel card from our 2010 Vegas trip (something I grabbed to look at closer as Tate was showing me his wallet and "credit cards").  Then a sweet card from Nora to Mr. Chet.  Then Mr. Chet closing a business deal during the party (gotta pay for that water slide). lol

After everyone else left, the Wilsons, Sarah, Rachel, and I sat in the front living room and chatted for a bit... I read them some texts from the night before, we discussed Sarah's latest church thoughts, and the kids popped in and out as they didn't wanna be on their own to watch a movie. lol

Parker Elizabeth ended up sitting with me and looking through all my photos and videos from the day, then playing with my necklace again.  I just love her! ❤

I'm ridiculously tired, but very grateful for good conversations and kind friends.  After talking a bit more with Sarah (driveway) and Chet (drive home), and after turning down my inner critic and turning up the self-compassion and truth, I feel a lot more peace.  So now I just need a full day off from everrrrything else to catch up on sleep. ;-)  There is homework and work-work and counseling clients and a wonderful Colorado trip in my near future, but I'll be able to focus better now that I've appropriately documented things here! lol

Sunday morning, I woke up to lovely birthday messages from friends at Restore. lol  So I got to very temporarily join the July Birthdays Club - huzzah!! =)

Third post is a charm - that's finally all for today.
I love you and believe in you,
and God is with you and for you!
❤❤❤