12 Happy Birthday! 12

This past week Lily Grace turned 12 years old.  It was one of the most fun birthdays and really special.  
She kicked the week off with a sleepover with her best friend Pearl.  Those two giggled, ate, giggled, watched a movie, giggled, ate, played and giggled some more.  
The big day started with a requested breakfast of herb baked eggs, prosciutto and a strawberry smoothie. She woke to gifts ( a new unexpected set of golf clubs from mama and daddy), decorations and of course one excited dog!
She took in cinnamon caramel donuts to celebrate with her class and I carried her and Pearl Chick-fil-A for lunch.
She arrived home to a cute little spread for snack and a few more gifts.  
Once her homework was complete and she had eaten a little snack, she was off to the course with her daddy to try out those new clubs.  After working up an appetite we prepared her requested dinner and celebrated some more. 
Thank you to everyone who called, text, emailed, sent cards, gifts and wishes.  You were so sweet to think of Lily Grace on her birthday and I assure you she was blessed and touched by your kindness.
Daddy and I had so much fun celebrating with you, and we are enjoying watching you grow Gracie Cakes.  We are so proud of all that you do and all that you are becoming!  You are bigger than any birthday wish.  You are a cherished blessing!  We love you!

Gracie requested tacos for dinner when P slept over.  Pearl came the day before and brought LG a matching shirt for them to wear and celebrate.  Too funny! And yes, Molly was all up in the mix of things.

A fresh little island centerpiece for breakfast

So excited to come downstairs and find decorations and a new set of clubs.  (She had to forego breakfast in bed this year because her breakfast request  is baked and served in very hot individual gratin dishes.)

We loved these new candles.  You light the center wick and it shoots sparks and ignites 13 other candles on petals that open, spin and play Happy Birthday. Actually, they were so much fun, we did again at dinner. 

Before leaving for school

She had a putt off with her daddy before leaving for school.

Enjoying lunch with Pearl

Instead of cake, LG requested homemade mini lemon cheesecakes.

The snack spread she came home to after school.

Trying out her new clubs (even though it's still chilly here) after school with Daddy.

Easter in Erie!

Good Friday we left Indiana for Easter in Erie, PA.  Erie, PA is the home of St. Joseph's Bread of Life Catholic Church where Father Larry Richards is the pastor.  Father Larry is well known from the books he has authored, his talks that take him all over, his podcast and radio show and more importantly, for telling it like it is.  He's not your typical priest.  He may even make you uncomfortable and he's happy to do so and you end up better off because of it.  He doesn't shy away from reminding you that it's all about serving God through serving  others, how have you helped the poor and needy?  We are made in the image of Christ and the way you treat others is the way you are treating Christ.  He will remind you that Christ forgives anything if you just ask.  He's not one to sugar-coat things and his humor and catch phrases help him relay how very much Christ loves us.  Father Larry's keep it real approach is extremely relatable.  

Upon arriving Friday, we met this very nice gentleman, Tommy.   He was all smiles and told us that church would start in an hour.  He asked where we were from and made sure we signed the guest book.  He shared something funny Father Larry had said to him (which was priceless) and made us feel most welcome.  It was priceless.  Without him saying so, you could tell that Tommy truly loved Father Larry and that serving Christ and the church means the world to him.  Tommy also serves the church as an usher and greeter.  He was one of the kindest souls we have ever met.  

Lily Grace and I listen to Father Larry's homilies every day on the way to school.  There are years of homilies on his podcast and we are working our way through.  

With PA only 5 hours away, this year, LG requested a trip to see Father Larry and hear a homily in person instead of a birthday party.  We chose Easter weekend so we could attend Good Friday service and the Easter Vigil on Saturday.  

We made it to the Good Friday Easter service and Lily Grace was so excited.   Father Larry gave a wonderful homily and we couldn't wait to return for the Easter vigil.  

While in Erie, we drove the short two hours on Saturday into Canada to take in Niagara Falls.  The Falls were beautiful and we had a lovely day.

Saturday evening we returned to the church for the 9:00 pm Easter Vigil.  It was one of the best Easter services we have attended, a true celebration of the Resurrection   Father Larry once again gave an amazing homily and the people of the congregation were among some of the most welcoming and delightful.  A sweet couple Donna and Ron took us under their wings and honestly, it felt like meeting your grandparents to sit with them at church on Sunday morning.  The church secretary, Cheryl came over having remembered me calling the church and introduced herself, shared stories and promised Lily Grace that she'd help her get a moment with Father Larry.  

I can't begin to explain how special this trip was.  We will forever be better for having met all of the people that we did and the impression they left on our hearts will remain there always.  Having Lily Grace ask to visit a priest...well, I am most thankful to Father Larry for being so relatable, for continuing to help foster a love of faith and Jesus in Lily Grace.  I am so thankful for a parish that listens about service and then served Christ by treating us as He would, with kindness, grace and genuine interest.  I am so thankful that we were able to spend Easter in Erie and for a God that speaks to us in ways that our hearts need and for the unexpected ways we never imagined.  

Jesus has risen!  He has risen indeed!  

Our view of Lake Erie from our hotel room

Crossing the border

Looking across to NY from Canada

Niagara Falls from the Canadian side

Rainbow bridge connects NY and Canada

Hilarious

Gracie and I thought this upside down house in downtown Ontario was pretty cool.  

  Poutine is a popular Canadian dish and we had to try if before leaving.  It's fries with gravy and melted cheese on them.  

Lily Grace and Tommy- See that crucifix around Gracie's neck.  It belonged to Tommy and he gave it to Lily Grace and told her Happy Birthday.  He was so happy to give it to her.  Father Larry said it was quite special to Tommy.  I hope Tommy knows that he will always be special to us. 

The church ( which is 150 years old) was decorated beautifully for  Easter.  

And yes! She got to meet Father Larry, give him a hug and get her picture made with him.  She was super excited.  He left her with,  "Be a good girl and be a nun."  He then gave our family a blessing  for safe travels home.  We spent a few moments with Christ in the adoration chapel before heading back to the hotel.  Thanks be to God!