On March 14, 2013, Jordan turned 5. But the party started early and lasted for about 2 weeks…
The celebration began on March 2: Jordan got her ears pierced! She had asked for our whole family to be at the mall with her, and afterwards we all celebrated with cookies from the bakery.
On March 13, Jordan took treats to school for her birthday – they were chocolate and sprinkle dipped rice crispy treats!
The next day, Jordan was officially 5! After school, she went horseback riding & had a blast!!
Once Daddy came home from work, we went out to eat at Jordan’s restaurant of choice, McDonald’s.
And when we got home, it was time for Jordan to open a present.
It was exactly what she asked for! A baby doll that she can feed ice cream!
Just 2 days later, it was party time! The morning of Jordan’s party, she was greeted by a doorway of balloons!
And while we waited for the guests to begin to arrive, Jordan opened and (I) read nearly 70 birthday cards! Cards were sent from Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Germany! The cards were filled with stickers, birthday crowns, and messages of faith and love, and above all, birthday wishes!
This is really a special part of Jordan’s birthday celebration, so I’ll quickly expand. A few months ago, I posted a status update on Facebook about Jordan’s one birthday wish – to walk independently. Her birthday wish led to one of the most difficult conversations that I have ever had to have, with the one person in my life that I never want to have difficult conversations with. But in turn, my status post sparked a friend from college, Lindsay (Applegate) Traylor, to reach out to me with a kind yet simple request. Could she, her children, and a small group of girlfriends and their children send Jordan birthday cards to help make her feel special on her special day? Of course I said yes; what a thoughtful idea!
I never expected that she would create so much excitement for Jordan, and I know that she didn’t expect it either. But thanks to Lindsay’s generosity and heart, Jordan knew that on her birthday, the world was celebrating with her!! Did I mention that Jordan received 70 cards, including several from Germany?? And led by Lindsay’s mother-in-law, a math teacher, Jordan received a stack ofhand created cards from 7th graders in Kentucky! The outpouring of love was nothing short of remarkable.
At the party, Jordan’s birthday cards covered the walls of our living room.
Jordan had asked for a video of her to play at the party, so our party guests were treated to a 40 minute slideshow of some of the happiest moments that last 5 years has had to offer.
And now here’s some more pictures from the party!!
Our Rinker Crew 
Mama Laughs
March 21, 2013
Our crew had a blast! Thanks to Mama for the party…and thanks to Jordan for giving us all so many reasons to celebrate!
Rinker Pit Crew Captain
April 11, 2013
Reblogged this on Journey of Jordan.