Happy Birthday!

Marina was looking forward to a good day today. She picked out a sparkly blue dress to wear to school today and we bought cupcakes for her to hand out at school.

After school, I asked what she would like for her birthday dinner, but she was unsure. She wanted something with bacon – ultimately settling for grilled cheese sandwiches with bacon in them. She was even willing to wait for me to make them.

After dinner, we had a small chocolate cake. After she blew out the candles, she opened her presents. She seemed very pleased with all of them, especially the mermaid cuddle tail I gave her. After she ate her cake, she ran upstairs to try on her new mermaid swimwear as well.

When I asked her how her birthday was, she said, “Outstanding!”

Birthday Blessing

Our church has a tradition of saying a public birthday blessing for every member. Last week Marina wasn't there, so she got her blessing today. She was quite excited about it. She wore her birthday dress and since she had a matching American Girl dress, she brought Grace along as well.

Today was Palm Sunday. Marina enjoyed helping to hand out palm leaves to everyone. Then she joined he procession with our friend Miss Judy.

Near the end of the service, Marina beamed as she received her birthday blessing. She didn't have to be prompted at all to go to the alter for her blessing.

After church, we went out to lunch with Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy. When our server asked if we were there for an occasion, Miss Judy let him know we were celebrating Marina's birthday. She was quite pleased.

Marina ordered for herself and even had a salad to start with. We were all impressed with how much she ate. She was the only one who wanted dessert. She ordered chocolate cake and ice cream. When it arrived, our servers had added two birthday candles to it. They lit them and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She graciously shared her cake with all of us.

After we finished lunch, Mr. Chuck and Miss Judy took Marina shopping for a birthday present. Marina clearly enjoyed that. Once she picked out her gift, she and I went out shopping for a bit. We bought some of our favorite lotions and a Cinderella movie inspired dress for Marina. She'd had a good day!

Hail Mary!

Marina was very excited for the church's Christmas Pageant this year. She got to play Mary. She's been going around the house with a blanket over her hair preparing for her costume. And we've been going over her lines all week. She even volunteered to bring one of her dolls for the Baby Jesus.

Before the church service, the kids arrived to rehearse. They went through the pageant twice before everyone arrived.

During the service, Marina and I lit the Advent candle. I read the prayers and Marina got help from Miss Judy lighting all four candles. Once we did that, she went into the classroom to put on her costume and wait with her friends for the start of the pageant.

The pageant went very well. Marina remembered all her lines and spoke in a loud, clear voice. She had a little trouble pulling Baby Jesus out of his hiding place to be born. All the kids seemed to have a good time.

For those of you who missed it, here is one of Marina's pivotal scenes.

Advent and Early Christmas Present

I signed Marina and I up to light the candles on the Advent wreath at our church this morning. I read the prayers while Marina lit the first two purple candles with the help of Miss Judy. Naturally, she wanted to light the pink one, but it's not time for that one yet.

Today during the service I had her follow along rather than playing with one of her friends. She did really well at paying attention. Hopefully, it will become a habit.

After church, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house to celebrate an early Christmas. Marina received many lovely gifts, but one was particularly special. She received an American Girl doll from Aunt Ann and Grandma. She literally squealed with delight. She has been "dying" for a Julie Albright doll for months now. So she was ecstatic to get one today.

Naturally, Julie went with us to lunch. In fact, Julie has been with Marina non-stop ever since. It looks like this has already been a memorable Christmas!

Christmas Eve

When Marina woke up this morning, she stretched out a bit, then her eyes flew open and she said, “Christmas Eve!” I had told her she could open one gift on Christmas Eve and she took that literally. Before she was dressed, she wanted to open a gift. The one she chose was from me, a cat that purrs and walks. She named it Sparkle.


We went to the family service at church. Marina wore her green velvet Christmas dress with her pink princess Santa hat. She went up to the alter for the children’s sermon and even offered answers to a few questions. But her favorite part was the Christmas carols. She especially loved when we lit candles to sing Silent Night. She does appreciate that we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday as well as Santa making a visit to our house.


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Advent

We were asked to light the first candle of the Advent wreath at church this morning. I read a prayer, the Father Jim helped her to light the candle. She was did a great job but was disappointed that we lit one of the blue candles and not the pink one.