2024 Jensen Bday Intro

The speaker is reflecting on their child's birthday party and how they wanted to document the day. They admit to being nervous and wanting everything to go perfectly. They express gratitude for the people who showed up and reflect on how blessed they feel to have their child. They mention the party activities, including an itinerary, food, and an ice cream truck. They encourage their child to always dance as if nobody is watching and to focus on the good in life. They advise their child to not let small things steal their happiness. I often hear parents say how they wish they could freeze time and hold on to the younger years of their children. I know that's not possible, so I thought documenting this day would be the next best thing. I also hope one day when you are a parent, or when you're older, you can catch a glimpse of the things that were going through your mom and dad's mind. Let's begin with honesty. I spent many hours planning this event. This was your first real birthday party, and I wanted it to be a great day for you. It was Dora the Explorer and Tex-Mex themed. I was nervous about today in many ways. The moment you are seeing right now shows how I was making sure everything was perfect. Yes, I made an itinerary for your third birthday party. I wanted everything to go smoothly and thought this would help. I made copies for everyone. Did I already mention I was nervous? This part is difficult for me to admit, but I want to be honest with you. I want you to know it's okay to feel unsure of yourself occasionally. At this moment, I was praying people were coming. And just like that, your first guess appeared. Guess what happened next? You got it. More and more began to arrive. The smile you see on my face, well, that's one of gratitude. And yes, you do see me handing out the itineraries. Somewhere around this time, I thought of the obvious. Why would our friends and family not show up? God has blessed us with the best people to surround ourselves with. Why would I ever doubt God? Jensen, this too is something okay to think, feel, and do. I think it's God's way of proving to us everything will be okay. Look at your face, those eyes, your rosy cheeks, and most of all, your beautiful sweet spirit. We stand in awe of how God blessed us with you. Out of all the people in the world, past and present, he chose us to raise you. Those are bubbles from two bubble machines I had to have as an ambience. That is Luis Palomo appreciating my itinerary. I had the food prepared to go along with your birthday theme. It seemed to be a hit. I had someone prepare the food for me because I wanted it to be authentic. As you will see in the video, I think we hit this one out of the ballpark. Here you are enjoying your ice cream. In case you can't tell, that is supposed to be SpongeBob SquarePants. Being able to sit back and watch your birthday party play out before me gives me a different perspective. I am so happy everyone is having a good time. From children to adults, I see everyone smiling and really enjoying themselves. You know what? They wouldn't have been able to experience this Saturday this way without celebrating you. This is Emerson. Watch her go after the pinata. She's so focused on being able to break it. I love her determination. I'm certain you are familiar with the saying, dance as if nobody is watching. My prayer is that you never lose this remarkable ability. Your sweet spirit does this so naturally. Don't let the world fill you with doubt and uncertainty. Never stop dancing as if nobody is watching. I think we can safely say all of my worries I had in anticipation of this day are unwarranted. Jensen, I have learned this lesson the hard way. When one stresses over minor things, it inhibits us from enjoying the people, places, and things that matter most. Oh, the ice cream truck, did I mention I had an ice cream truck for your birthday? Between you and I, I think the adults enjoyed this part just as much as the children did. Look at that face, filled with joy. Here you are dancing once again, and this time you have the speaker in your hands. I think you're on the right track for a life filled with goodness. Here's a bit of advice for mom. Always see the good in every situation life throws at you. To be happy is a life journey. It's not meant to be a destination. And most of all, please never let the little things in life steal or occupy your happiness. Nothing in your journey is worth losing your peace of mind.