I love 1st graders! Week 19

Not only am I surrounded by wonderful, giving, beautiful people, I am surrounded by sneaky people who finally succeeded at a surprise party.

There we were, learning about how important it is to love and respect one another, and knock, knock, knock. My mom and my sister were at the door with the batch of cupcakes they were making before I left for class! They had told me the cupcakes were for some other kind of nonsense, and I believed them.

After years of failed surprise birthday parties, this was a success! I was caught off guard, red as a firetruck, and well-loved. I got to spend my first celebration as a 24-year-old (official birthday: Wednesday) surrounded by people 1/4 of my age and 3/4 of my height. Who could ask for anything more?

On top of that, this was a great manifestation of today's lesson about showing respect and love toward other children of God. Sometimes those of us above the age of reason avoid showing affection or accepting affection when it's offered.

Yum.

These kids got to see my sneaky friend and co-teacher help my sneaky mom and sister bring a red-faced grin to my face.

They saw us hug and giggle. They also enjoyed one of God's greatest gifts: chocolate cupcakes. Hopefully they hang on and pay attention to these daily displays of love when they leave this blissful stage of childhood.

"...but Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' - Matthew 19:14

Respect others and revert to childhood. Love others and let yourself be loved. That is a lesson these kids teach me weekly and I got a healthy dose of it tonight!

I love you, Mommy, Christine and Casey!