The "Party"

Despite the weather, we had a really nice little "party" for Jillian tonight at the cemetery. We had planned to meet at 6:15, for a balloon release and cupcakes. It was questionable all day if we would be able to, since we were severe weather watches, and when we got there, it was getting very dark and cloudy, like it could start storming any minute! Not to mention the heat index was 106 today and SO HUMID! We got all the balloons handed out, some of us wrote notes on the balloons, or attached notes, then we all sang Happy Birthday to Jillian...and let our balloons go! It was so neat to see all the pink and green balloons! We got 22 balloons.....each one representing each hour she was with us 1 year ago!

And of course, I had to make pink and green cupcakes!!!

As soon as we got the cupcakes eaten and to our cars, it started to sprinkle...this was the sky as I was headed home! Luckily it held off long enough for us to celebrate. I felt like there was so much more I wanted to do...but couldn't since she isn't here. I always throw parties for all my girls, and sometimes go overboard, so I feel like I did the best I could for Jillian.....but it just doesn't feel like enough. That must be the "mom" in me.....you just want to do the best for your kids....I hope she knew I put a lot of thought and love into the details!!!!!

The girls gave their Jillian bears extra hugs today!

We even got a couple very nice gifts from some friends and family! I LOVE how my sister wrapped this one in pink and green and wrote Jillian's name on it!!!!!!

Here are a few gifts we received----we can't THANK YOU enough for thinking of us and Jillian!! We also received a couple really nice cards, e-mails, etc! It means SO MUCH!!!!! Also thanks to everyone that was able to join us tonight and those that couldn't be with us---I know you were thinking of us!!!!

Tonight before tucking the girls into bed, we all picked a cupcake and a candle, and sang Happy Birthday again, and we all made a wish and blew out the candles!

As hard as today was, it feels good to know we celebrated just for her! I know she was only with us for a short time on Earth, but she is forever in our hearts!!

WE LOVE YOU BABY JILLIAN!!!!