No Greater Gift: Happy Birthday!

Oh my! I can't believe that my girl is 16! Yeah, that's right! 16 I tell you!!! Her entrance timing 16 years ago was less than ideal for both of us, but we have persevered and are stronger and wiser because of what we've been through. I tell you, God's plan is always perfect. As I look back, I see how our lives have been perfectly orchastrated by Him.

My fiery red head is sometimes just that but more often a very caring young woman. She never ceases to amaze me. She volunteers to help others all the time. I almost never have to ask her if she has done this or that because it's already been done.

Okay, for the gifts. Not only did we want to make this birthday an extra special one, but remember our challenge (I wrote about it here on January 1st)?

Many weeks ago we began brainstorming about how we could make this day meaningful for her. We decided that we would ask those who love her the most to write her a letter. A letter of challenge. A letter of love. A special birthday wish. Many people included favorite Bible verses. Some included funny stories. A few even included pictures. In one letter I was amazed to find a copy of a drawing my girl had given a friend 8 years ago one early Sunday morning. The friend still carries that drawing in the front of her Hymnal. We received 32 letters in all! My girl is LOVED!

Just some of her letters

Her box filled to the brim with love

One gift was this box. My mom helped me find and copy pictures from the past 16 years of my oldest in black and white. I then covered this box inside and out with the pics using Mod Podge (I love that stuff!). The box was filled to the brim with her letters- a very special gift.

Made by her Daddy

My hubby and I also wanted to give her something she would have forever. Something that would remind her not only of our love for her, but Christ's love also. We came up with the idea of getting her a chest/trunk of some sort. We thought we'd "find" one somewhere until hubby decided he wanted to build it- extra special! So, build it he did with extra pine lumber we had saved from other projects. It is beautiful!! On the bottom of the inside we each wrote a special birthday message, the date and this Bible verse- "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Colossians 1:9. My husband then put a couple coats of poly over our writings so they will stand the test of time. She was in awe of his beautiful gift that her Dad made for her and tears were flowing. Get ready honey because you have a few more to make now!!

The inside where we wrote special birthday messages and very meaningful Bible verse.

Instead of the usual sausage ball birthday breakfast, we had monkey bread. She is the only member of our family who doesn't like sausage balls and since it was her birthday, monkey bread it was.

Monkey bread for breakfast

Our youngest and a carrot butterfly- super cool!

She also got to choose where to go out for dinner. She chose a wonderful Chinese restaurant around the corner from us that we hadn't eaten at before. Here's a picture of when they sang "Happy Birthday" to her- did you know the Chinese add "cha-cha-cha" to the birthday song? Well, at least these guys did. It was hilarious and got a huge clap from all the diners!