Happy Birthday Mary Gwen!!

January 30th is a special day for me. It's my stillborn sister, Mary Gwen's, birthday. When I was growing up I always insisted that my family celebrate this special day and now our family has continued that tradition and we love it! I just know my sister has always been a part of my life even if she wasn't here physically. There have been moments in my life that I've just ached to know her, but I've still felt as if I do. I know we were close and that she has helped me through so much in my life. I just know it. I definitely know that she has helped me through losing little Gabriel and I know that my love for her has helped my kids grow in their love for their baby brother that they miss every day too.

We always celebrate Mary Gwen's with cake and ice cream but this year we decided to really celebrate in style. Over the last month our three big kids have all been chosen as student of the the week. Woot! Woot! Way to go kids!! Last week at their parent teacher conferences, all of their teachers had nothing but awesome things to say about them. They are honestly super great kids!! We are lucky parents!! The kids got some coupons with their student of the week honors and so we decided to head out to Applebee's for a fun meal. We usually only go out for our birthdays so this was a special treat...but since we were celebrating Mary Gwen's birthday it made it even more special.
Our waiter happened to be Ben's friend from high school so he treated us extra special and even hooked the kids up with a giant cookie covered in ice cream! The kids were so excited!!
Since we had made a bunch of cupcakes the kids still really wanted those when we got home. We had to eat Mary Gwen's cupcakes on her birthday, right? So they loaded up some more on sugar...just perfect for bedtime! We sang Mary Gwen 'Happy Birthday' and hoped she could hear us. I'm so thankful that my kids are getting to continue celebrating their aunt's birthday so that she can always be remembered and honored.
Happy Birthday in heaven, Mary Gwen!! I love you and am so thankful that I have a wonderful sister that has influenced my life so many times. Give my baby boy some love and the hugs and smooches that I wish I could!!