Sweet Jackie is 13!

Sometimes, I think back to when my young man and my now young woman were littles. My days were filled with changing diapers, teaching colors, walks to the park, endlessly pushing swings, sitting in the front yard exploring under rocks in search of critters, vacuuming and sweeping at least once a day (there was time to do that then), going to the weekly "play date" and having a quiet house at exactly 7:30 pm every night. Those times make me smile.. sometimes relieved and sometimes for the pleasure of the simplicity of it all. There are days that those times seem like only yesterday and there are other days when those times seem like a decade or more! Monday was one of those times. I woke up to a daughter who was so little just a few moments ago and is now a young woman! I can hardly believe how quickly the time has flown by. I still remember the night she was born. I think everyone in our family does. Grandparents abounded nearby and all of us anxiously awaited her arrival. Jackie, we didn't expect you to be born in the car behind a gas station next to a McDonald's. But, that's where God made you come. That's where our lives suddenly changed with the entrance of a baby girl into our midst. My darling we are so blessed to have you in our family. We are so thankful to God for your precious life. You are a godly example to us all. We love you! May you continue to grow in deep, rich inner beauty. May you continue to grow in outward beauty as well.

Monday evening we celebrated in full excitement. Jake came home from work as early as he could manage. With the rolling of his vehicle up the driveway the front door swung open and Jackie raced down the hill to greet him. It reminded me of something out of a magical far off place and I had to pinch myself and thank God that it was real.  Jackie wore her Mexican dress for the occasion. She received a special package in the mail from her dear friend Katherine in California. She wore the flower that was in that package and the hat that was there too. 

Here she is all dressed up for her celebration.

Jake put on the oldies and the two of them danced around the kitchen. Louisa and Libby danced around them in circles. It was pretty sweet.

Jackie reading a card. 

She received a promise and a very special ring.

As per the usual course, Jackie requested a Red Velvet Cake and her request was granted.

I am so thankful for you, Jackie. What a blessed woman I am.