SHE PASSED!

And she really earned it, after so much hard work and dedication.

It's a sweet thing to watch your little ones spread their wings and learn to fly...

Juggle the balancing act of life.

And it's even sweeter to see them land in the arms of their Savior as they put their trust in Him.

I'm so proud of your accomplishments, Aida, but even more, I'm proud of your heart.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Colossians 3:23

CHRISTMAS RECAP

It was as sweet a Christmas as ever.

The kids are always so kind to let me get my favorite PJ pics on Christmas Eve.

And I keep thinking lately...I don't know how many more (fill in the blank)s I'll get with all my birdies in my nest, so I'm just soaking in each time I get one of these classic moments for who-knows-how-many-more times.

Cuz wasn't this Aida and Brodie just yesterday....?!....

It all goes so fast and I've cherished every moment.

And it's our traditions that make things like hearts and home knit so fondly together, especially at Christmas.

It's the traditions that we'll remember.

I know, because they're the same ones I remember from when I was their age and the traditions continue on....

I love them.

I love the squeals of delight on Christmas morning when each individual opens a gift tailor picked just for them.

I love watching my big kids treasure their little siblings' new experiences.

And the thoughtfulness of their Christmas Eve gift exchange.

I love hanging around on Christmas Day, enjoying good company and the novelties of the morning.

I love seeing my people around my dressed up table.

And gatherings with family.

I love the goodies, the music, the smiles, the smells of clove and cinnamon, nutmeg and pine...they take me back and hold me here and spur me on for each year that will follow and the generations that come after that and I just really love Christmas for all of these things and I'm grateful for what the Lord has done for us all through the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. What a special time to celebrate such a gift. It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year!

(my little Christmas miracle)

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,

glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 1:14

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing, so that

by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE."

Romans 15:13

CHRISTMAS EVE WALK & TALK

& our favorite tree

"These words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

You shall...talk of them...when you walk by the way."

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

20?!

Of ALL the bdays we've celebrated thus far, this one might strike me the most.

20

There is something just so different about 20.

And with Aida, it's like...my little girl who lived her whole life just wanting to be "grown up" finally is.

(silly sister BFFs and a bridesmaid...such a faithful friend)

(proud big sister)

Aw, Aida, my baby, the first to call me Mama and now my special adult confidante and friend, I literally cannot imagine my life without you and I love you more than you could ever know. It's been an absolute JOY to walk this journey of life through thick and thin with you by my side and I by yours. We've grown and changed and learned so much along the way...together.

(solving the problems of the world one walk & talk at a time)

(+ Jude)

(bday walk)

One of the things I cherish most about our relationship is how we can be so different in many ways and yet the best of friends. It's really precious and sweetly complimentary. I love that our union centers around the Lord and His heart that leads ours. I'm deeply thankful and have no greater joy than to know that you walk in Truth and are saved by grace through faith and led by the Spirit of God. It allows me such freedom as your parent to watch you branch out now and go, go, go as an adult knowing that He is your Savior and your Guide. I trust Him, I trust you, and I love that HIS wisdom leads you and HIS grace fills your heart toward me and others. You have His understanding...and that is a rare and beautiful gift.

(yesterday?!...and so us all along)

Aida, my 20 year old, clothed in strength and dignity...I have enjoyed every minute of our story. I've loved watching you grow into a mature woman of God, so wise and discerning. So brave and sure of yourself and who you are in Christ, unwavering. I know the Lord has amazing plans to continue to use your life for His glory as He is already doing! 2020 was a BIG year for you!! You are full of SO much potential just bursting at the seams as you step into your 20s now and I am confident that as His plans unfold for you, you will excel at every step. Cuz that's you.

Daddy and I are extremely proud of you, our little girl/20 year old woman/daughter/best friend!

We cherish you and the many fun memories we share and look forward to ALL that is to come!

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY DEAR AIDAAAA!!!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT'S CRAZY!!!

XOXOXO

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Proverbs 31:25, 26, 30