Twas the Night Before . . .

Twas the night before Lanie's Birthday and all through the house 

All the flashlights turned on; All the light switches down

All the candles we had moved from one room to the next

While we waited for the electricity to be fixed.

The children were not snuggled all snug in their beds

To lay in the heat would fill them with dread

To the streets we did walk meeting neighbors and friends

And chatting about weather and damaged tree limbs.  

A little white kitten tossed from the storm

Ran across the porch and right past our door

Child 1, Child 2, a Kenny and me

Chased after that kitten, but it was not to be.

By the time that we realized it was nearing midnight

To the living room couch we went to tuck them in tight

With windows wide open and hardly a breeze

The kids slept with ice packs, I hoped they'd not freeze.

Before sleep could meet Lanie's drowsy eyes

I reminded her that tomorrow She would be FIVE

It seems merely days, instead of years

That we awaited this new baby with such joy, such tears.

With air so still, and moonlight shining down

The kids fell asleep, there wasn't a sound

Kenny and I went to work taping streamers and things

In the morning, we knew what a smile it would bring.

Decorations all done, birthday presents all wrapped

We moved the kids from the couch to their beds in a snap

But before I left Lanie, I whispered once more

Happy Birthday dear Lanie, you are loved and adored. 

THE DAY AFTER . . . 

Our electricity switched back on permanently at 2am and I finally fell asleep. 

It wasn't a long sleep.  Lanie was up and ready to celebrate her day by 8am. 

And did she ever celebrate. 

She got the circus animal waffles she requested. 

The fancy, schmancy princess dress she wanted.

The chick-fil-a lunch she asked for. 

The wedding Barbie & Ken she begged her Grammie and Grandpa for. 

The Sweet & Sassy date with her friend Ella she longed for. 

And the macaroni & cheese dinner at Jimmy Changas (with free ice cream) she insisted on.  

It was a good day. A good day to celebrate five years. 

Happy Birthday Elaine Oleta.  We love you!