Attention! We have a TEENAGER in the house!

I could never write well enough to how much my oldest child means to me. But, I'm going to give you an idea.

Many years ago I believe I needed a wake up call. That call came in the form of a 7 lb 6 oz little girl born 3 months after my 20th birthday. She is a Godsend (you know, the valley and mountain kind).

She quickly became the center of our (thank God for my parents and sister) attention and we couldn't remember what life had been like before she had arrived. You've never before met a more adored child.

Lizzy was special from the start and has always possessed that which draws others to her. Oh, the memories that are flooding my head right now! Playing back like video clips in my brain. That motormouthed, short bobbed hair little girl-where did she go? Time has passed so quickly.

Liz has turned into a beautiful young lady inside and out who loves others in such a way that they know she is real and honest. She has the gift of letting Jesus' love shine out from her to touch others. She is moving mountains and I can't wait to see how He uses her in the future.

I couldn't be more proud.

Lizzy, thank you for more than you will ever know. For being a loving big sister to three little kids who many times steal your thunder and require more attention than you receive. You are such a good example to them and handle the realities/expectations/inequities of your life with such graciousness and understanding. You are wiser than your years.

I love you and happy birthday.

(Sorry this is pictureless. She is having a special photo shoot with her friends soon, so I'll be sure to post later!)