E's 11th Birthday

Eleven years ago I became a mom for the first time! No matter what others say to the person with a birthday at Christmastime, how it must stink to have your birthday so close to such a big celebration, I must say that from the parents' perspective, having a baby, especially your first, at Christmastime is such a special experience. I know that I felt a special connection with Mary as I cradled my own baby in my arms that Christmas in 1998. A whole new understanding permeated the words, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19 NIV)

And now, 11 years later, our sweet little Christmas bundle is growing into a beautiful young woman, inside and out.

E received a mini My Little Pony from her siblings ...

... an instruction book on how to draw fairies and a Never Fairies book from her godmother ...

... and a horse latchhook from Josh and me, perfect for our craft-loving horse lover!

My parents and sister were able to come celebrate with us, too. Grammy and Grandpa gave E an art kit with all kids of art supplies in it.

E chose spaghettios, garlic bread, and mixed raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for her birthday supper. However, most of the people in our house don't like spaghettios, so I made spaghetti, too. E and F enjoyed the spaghettios while the rest of us ate spaghetti.

E with her cake she made and decorated

Putting all 11 candles in her cake

Happy birthday, E!

(Day 355 of 365)