A very happy happy birthday to my little sister, Becky, also known on this blog as Zuma or Zumie. My sister is a special girl through and through. She’s thoughtful, sensitive, and always thinks about the well being of others. She’s got a servant’s heart times 10. Even if she doesn’t want to do something, there’s something wired in her blood that lays her will down for the sake of the other person — sadly not something I can say I fully have, but her example to me has really shown me how it’s supposed to be done.
She’s also grown into such a classy lady. There was a day when she would run to my closet for an outfit, but now I go to hers! It’s neat to see how our tastes are alot more in line as we get older — I’d like to take some credit for rubbing off on her in someway or another over the years. : )
Her dedication and devotion to Jesus this past year has also grown in such a beautiful way. It’s a wonderful thing to see someone actually lean on Jesus. Not just in words, but also in action and deed.
In honor of her birthday this year, I rummaged through the home goods section of my belongings in my parent’s basement (yes, I put up signs in my parent’s basement) and chose some special linens and an array of vintage dishes for a quaint backyard dinner surrounded by 8 of her closest girlfriends. With the help of a couple friends, I cooked up a meal of spinach strawberry salad, stuffed mushrooms, bread, grilled chicken tandoori tacos, spring vegetables, a vegan dessert mousse, banana dream cake (and it was a dream!), and lastly a Whole Foods strawberry shortcake (thanks Gifty!). Supper was scheduled to be served after sunset. After the sun set, the outdoor lights were turned on, the candelabra lit, I donned my apron, and the table set for a cozy dinner surrounded by the cool night air.
There is surely something romantic and cozy about outdoor dining. It’s something Greg and I hope to do lots of when we move to our own place. I’d love a backyard patio adorned with twinkly lights, hanging vines, wildflowers, and an outdoor farmhouse table always set for a meal to share. I love bringing out the good dishes when I plan a meal. Sure there are tons to wash afterwards, but it makes dinner all the more special. The way I see it, planning a meal takes thoughtfulness and creativity — the whole process of bringing people together around a table to break bread is special and totally worth all the effort and time put into it.
I’m so glad I get to be her mom. She’s fun, vibrant, soft, lovely, smiley, huggable, and oh so sweet — just to name a few. My little girl turned two years old on Christmas Day. These past two years have really flown by. When Greg and I reflect on it, we just smile, because she really truly just brings a smile to our faces whenever we think of her.
I would just like to say that my husband is lovely. Quite lovely, in fact. And I don’t mean in the pretty eyes sense. Yes, he’s got beautiful green eyes, long eyelashes, and awesome hair, but that’s not what I’m referring to. He’s lovely in a “sit-together-on-a-couch-and-sip-coffee-and-chat” way, or the “me-interrupting-his-quiet-time-in-a-closet-and-us-cuddling” way, or the whole “showing-college-students-the-road-to-Jesus” way, or how about the “explore-a-run-down-old-barn” way. Let me tell you, what I’m trying to say is at the end of the day, I usually sit back and think, “man, he’s lovely.”
susie mey 