After 12 years of marriage and "only" 5 moves (and the joyous thrill that comes from mostly shopping thrift stores), we have acquired quite a lot in our home. I have regularly cleared out but knew that there was a desparate need to do one--or more-- massive "clean-out." While my mom was here, we spent several weeks going top to bottom in our house, clearing out "stuff." We came up with such a huge selection of households, toys, books, etc..., including a couch, a dresser, a loveseat, an armchair, a mattress set, and a room screen. With the great magnitude of items, we decided to have a garage sale. But even while pricing items, I was aware that these items, free or otherwise, could be a blessing to others. I spent hours praying beforehand that God would bring just the right people to the sale and that our stuff would be a blessing to others. So many stories to share as I saw God answer that request! Just a few: a Hispanic fellow who excitely tried on a ski jacket we had. He pondered and then put the jacket back. When I told him we could lower the price, he asked if I could go even lower since pesos don't go very far with the dollar. I remembered my prayers and just thanked the Lord that we could be part of this blessing. Another man was overjoyed about a room divider screen we had for sale but wanted a lower price. I was already torn about selling it (had grand plans for it) but agreed to lower the price. I was thankful to hear how his mother-in-law who had just moved in with them in the garage, could now have more privacy with this screen. Once again, a blessing to others. Another fellow's story only came out the day after the sale. He knocked on the door and asked if we still had our records. I remembered he had purchased a few the day before. He told me that his wife had redone his phonograph player for him before she died and now that he was 78 and lonely, he often sat and enjoyed records to pass the time. He had so enjoyed the few records he had bought the day before that he wanted to purchase our entire collection that was left (probably over 300 records). When Michael named a price, he offered more. He kept asking if he was paying enough since he was overwhelmed that he could acquire so many hours of joy at such a low price. Another blessing to others. As for the hundreds and hundreds of items that still did not sell? They will be donated to a couple of local charities as we can fit them in the car and take them over. Blessings to many more.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of your blessings to others!
And my favorite of all...:)
The actual festivities took place on Friday, beginning with 1 yr. pictures that morning. Elizabeth was not such a happy camper, but all that changed in an instant when the cake was brought out that evening. Unlike her brother (who wanted nothing to do with his first cake), E began grabbing for it before we even cut into it. She then proceeded to happily gobble down a large slice of her strawberry shortcake. Smart girl even figured out how to lick her own fingers to make the most of every morsel! Yum! 
and for fun...(It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to)
