HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY OLIA!

13...

Oh wow, that sounds just way too grown up for my Olia. How can it be?!

And yet...

It sounds right if I'm honest with my mom-heart-self that still wants to curl my little yummy bundle all up in my arms and call her my Squishy D. My Olia has indeed become a beautiful young lady before my eyes and I couldn't be more fond of her.

Dearest Olia, your grace and sweetness, your innocence and gentleness are always a blessing to me. Your natural talents and poise are inspiring. Your heart is kind and lovely. You're a delight to my heart and all who know you.

Today, as you step into the teenage years, I pray the same for you as I have for your older siblings...that you would counter the expectations the world has for "teens" and live like an adult who fears God, even in your youth...set apart as holy.

I know you will. You already do.

May the Lord continue to guide you into His wonderful plans for your life and may He remain the center always.

(Olia in her happy place...surrounded by flowers)

(working on her rose garden)

(...and always reading)

Our dear sweet precious Olia, we are so very proud of you!

Happy 13th Birthday to my Olia Lily!

You are so very LOVED and admired!!

It's been a special 13th birthday celebration for a very special girl!

"I love you more than I can write."

"She is far more precious than jewels."
Proverbs 31:10

STARTING AIDA'S GARDEN

We bought the girls garden signs when we first moved in. Olia has always wanted a rose garden and there was a perfect spot for her already begun so she got straight to work. Olia loves all flowers, but especially roses and she has a beautiful collection!

And since Aida loves to cook and be in the kitchen, we decided to give her the raised bed garden space as a project of her own. Until now, we've had to use Aida's garden as a goat enclosure, but now that we've built onto the barn for Elka's goaties, Aida is ready to get started preparing her produce garden.

(happy goats, happy Elka)

Yesterday was the first day of preparations.

Her dad brought home lots of chicken wire and extra soil and they spent the morning working together.

It was rewarding to see the beginnings of Aida's garden taking form and I know she will make many memories tending to it and reaping the benefits of her hard work and also getting her siblings involved. (I hear she's promised homemade cookies to her helpers. ;)) A garden is a beautiful way to experience God in nature from seed to soil to harvest. The blessings are many and have already begun...just one of the reasons why we love living here. It made me smile to see my Aida smile yesterday in her garden.

"They shall build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce."

Isaiah 65:21