Ruby's 1st "heaven" birthday

I know it's weird to most people that we would celebrate Ruby's birth into heaven, but it's one of those things you don't "get" until you've been there (so I hope none of you ever "get it"). Madeline asked, soon after Ruby died, if we could celebrate her 1st "birthday" with balloons, flowers and cupcakes. Well, who's going to say no to the grieving 7 year old sister?! So that's what we planned. As the day actually got closer, it didn't seem like such a good idea, but it's something that was special for our family. Even though it doesn't serve any practical purpose, it feels good to do something for her.

The cemetery is behind a church and is a huge area with beautiful hills (as you can see below), but there aren't many graves there. There are lots of wide-open spaces and for the most part you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, right in the middle of town. So, we actually love to be there. There are months where the kids ask to go once a week or more and months that nothing is mentioned. Most of our time there is spent climbing the hill, but it's a special place for us, our little private retreat just down the road. Thanks, Ruby, for reminding us to take a deep breath, step back from the craziness that is our life, and really enjoy our blessings.