Hi there, dear friends!
Today is my birthday and I am ready to celebrate and share a little birthday goodness with YOU. I’m giving away two special party prizes:
A Different Dream for My Child, by my friend, Jolene Philo. Jolene beautifully describes her own experiences as well as stories of many other parents who have coped with the unique experience of raising a child with chronic medical issues. Readers will smile, cry and even laugh out loud as they turn the pages! Jolene masterfully weaves practical solutions with information from experts, creating a very relational and meaty book. In addition, she candidly addresses some of the greatest challenges she faced, allowing readers to gather strength by identifying with the most common–and least-discussed–aspects of parenting. It’s a must-read!
Next, we have Unexpected Journey by my friend Cindi Ferrini (along with her husband, Joe!) Cindy and Joe have used their experiences, wisdom and profound insight to write this amazing book. It’s not just their story; this book is an essential “how-to” for families affected by disabilities. The Ferrinis address the social, emotional, and physical and spiritual struggles caregivers experience, and offer practical solutions for thriving when disability enters a family. The book is full of those “aha” moments, as the Ferrinis so aptly describe (and validate) the highs and lows of raising a child with a disability. Unexpected Journey invites introspection, and leaves readers stronger and more prepared for their journeys.
Why these books? Because I feel like these two ladies were birthday presents from God to ME this year!. CS Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” This so aptly describes how I felt when meeting these wonderful women~ and I’m thankful for both of them!
SO~ Here’s how you can be part of this party! Leave a comment here that describes your favorite birthday tradition by Friday, December 3 at 3 pm. I will put all of the names in a hat and select a winner for each book…Winners will be announced on MONDAY, December 6 (along with the first installment of my series on “Accommodating Advent.”)
And thanks to all of you who have clicked on my little blog-home this year. I have so enjoyed getting to know you! Thanks for helping me celebrate today.
~Katie
Diving for Pearls 
FUN!
I’ve read both books! 🙂
THANKS for putting them out there…you’re the best!
Cindi Ferrini
We let the children choose where we eat the night of their birthday. They think this is an amazingly special privilege. I do hope though that some year soon McD ceases to be a favorite. 🙂
My favorite birthday tradition was passed down by my mom. I decorate the kitchen with balloons and a special birthday poster while the birthday person is sleeping. Present opening always happens first thing in the morning when the birthday girl/boy comes downstairs (and everyone else in the family has to get up when the birthday person is ready!). The birthday person always gets to choose their birthday dinner. The ritual isn’t anything fancy, but it is intended to make sure the birthday girl/boy feels special right at the beginning of his/her day : )
I didn’t really have a tradition growing up, but I have started one with my kids. We can’t always have a party for them but I do make sure I cook them whatever they want for dinner. I also make them whatever cake they want. My middle son wanted a krispy kream cake last year. That was a easy one! 🙂
You’re so generous Katie! I am so glad I was able to meet you! I love the quote by CS. Lewis.
Happy Birthday! You, have been a gift to many from God, I am sure!!
My favorite birthday tradition does not involve gifts. My birthday, like yours Katie, is in December. As a child growing up, my parents always waited to decorate for Christmas until after my birthday had been celebrated. I love that memory of keeping my birthday separate from the hustle and bustle of the holiday….it made me feel special. Of course now my parents decorate the day after Thanksgiving:-)
Thanks for your friendship, Katie, and for your kind words about “A Different Dream for My Child.” Most of all, thanks for what you do for the special needs community.
Our family birthday tradition is like Angel’s. The birthday celebrity creates a menu for supper and chooses their favorite dessert – usually cake, but sometimes pie.
As our kids have gotten older, they’ve come to appreciate homemade German chocolate cake with homemade coconut-pecan frosting. I love making them. They love eating them, and we’re all happy.
My ‘immediate’ family is small: there are 2 of us. We do have our own celebration at home, but birthdays always involve a ‘family party’ that includes grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, neices & nephews. The get-together itself is simple, but always involves cheese, salsa, and sweets (usually cake). For my son, it is always CHOCOLATE of various types. His birthday & his grandmother’s are a week apart so we always have a joint party for them. This fall was mom’s 80th & his 27th…the cake had “80” on the top and “27” around the sides.
My favorite tradition was having a special dinner with my dad. It was special because I was born on my dad’s birthday. It’s been years since I’ve been able to have dinner with my dad since we live in different states, but my parents are going to come for vacation next year for my birthday since it’s the big 4-0!
Cassandra