The first year of motherhood was tougher than I ever imagined, but also more rewarding than I ever thought possible. So, when Eli’s first birthday rolled around, my mom and I took him to light a candle at church that morning ~ a thank you to God for helping me survive a year of motherhood and blessing us with Eli, and an ask to help guide me as a mother for his next year and to always be with Eli as he goes through life. It was such a special moment, and my mom and I have continued to take the kids to light a candle on their birthday. Sometimes we go to mass first, and sometimes my dad and Sam are able to join us depending on the day of the week, but we always light a candle and go to McDonald’s for breakfast. The kids get excited about their birthday candle now because they are old enough to light the candle completely on their own. As much fun as it is to plan their birthday parties and celebrate with everyone, this little tradition is my favorite 🙂