It seems that all I hear myself saying lately when looking at my daughter is,"Where has the time gone?" 18 years have flown by faster than I can even believe. There were days that I thought would never end, yet now I would take some of those days back in a heartbeat. To have her cuddle in my lap with her Bear-Bear and sucking her thumb, to see her walking around playing dress-up, playing with her baby dolls, and to just hear her sweet little voice.
Days of dressing- up (and she did it well!) are now replaced with trips to the mall to go shopping. The cuddling doesn't happen like it used to but there are still many hugs to be found. The baby dolls, dollhouses, and other toys are all packed up in boxes and hopefully will one day be passed onto a daughter of her own. And that sweet, little voice is now a voice of a young woman who has opinions of her own. A voice that isn't afraid to ask the hard questions in life. A voice that can talk about things that really matter. A voice that will make a difference in the world.
The maturity, confidence, passions, and love for the Lord she has amazes me. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and desires to live life at it's fullest. She is intelligent, compassionate, discerning, and often so wise beyond her years. God really has begun an incredible work in her heart and her life and I look forward to seeing His plan unfold. I have learned so much about who I am as mom through Jessica. Things I know I could have never learned on my own. Through that, I have deeply learned about who God is as my Heavenly Father.
Today I celebrate my daughter's 18th birthday. I celebrate who she is and all that she is becoming.
Happy Birthday and I love you so very much my Jessa girl.
A very Happy Birthday to a very beautiful (inside & out) young lady.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Mom.
Happy Birthday!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday....wow..what a testimony!
ReplyDelete-sandy toe
p.s. Now a question to the mom:)...what did you do in your upbringing of her that made her who she is today?
I love your blog; I read often! I also noticed that Jessica was wearing an IWU sweatshirt in a previous picture. I went to IWU in Marion, IN! Great school!! Happy Birthday, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteBlessings-- Rachel
Happy Birthday Jessa! We are so happy we got to spend a part of your birthday with you. Nothing says Happy Birthday like Dunkin Donuts and cold pizza!
ReplyDeleteUncle Mike and I love you very much and are so proud of you!
This is the sweetest post~
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Jessica!
I understand....my oldest son just turned 27..how can this be? She is beautiful, on the inside and out. I know you feel so blessed!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Happy Birthday Jessa!
ReplyDeleteI remember when you used to be my "mommy helper" with Reilly. That was almost 9 years ago. So she is now the age you were then. It does just seem like you flew right into the beautiful woman that you are.
As you close this chapter on your "childhood", know that your whole future is ahead of you, full of promise and wonder, and lessons and trials. But I know you have chosen to walk with Jesus and that will make all the difference. Stay close to Him through all life's twists and turns. There is no closer friend nor deeper comfort than His arms can provide.
You are in my prayers as you journey on...Walk strong, Sista!
Love-love!
Happy Birthday Jessica! What a beautiful tribute to you. Hope you had a wonderful weekend away!!!
ReplyDeleteWOW...what an amazing tribute to Jessica....AND...what a GREAT testimony to two great parents...for their faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jessica.
What a precious tribute to your beautiful girl. What an incredible blessing to the heart of her Momma. Happy Birthday Jessica! = )
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to a Beautiful young lady!
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings on the days to come.
Happy Birthday, Jessica! Hope you had a great time in TN for your special day!
ReplyDeleteChristy~ This is such a beautiful tribute to your daughter! I can't imagine my daughter being that age - but when she is, I pray that I can say those same things about her.
ReplyDeleteShe is lovely - inside and outside, and I just know that she takes after her mom!
Happy Birthday, Jessica!
PS: I second Sandy Toes' question - Please share with those of us with younger daughters what you and your husband did to help her become the young woman that she is. :-)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! She is so beautiful! Sounds like you have done your job as her mother! ;o)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jessica!
ReplyDeleteI agree... a beautiful young woman!
She is beautiful--you must be so proud of her!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is just beautiful...I know you are so proud. Time certainly does fly. Happy Birthday:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful girl...inside and out! I know you love her so much!
ReplyDeleteThat made me cry! Motherhood is such a journey. I pray one day to look back with as much to be thankful for. She's a lovely young woman!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jessica! What a gorgeous daughter and testimony she has and shares. :) Y'all have done a great job Christy.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful picture! And Jessica is a beautiful young woman. I love to read your words describing her. May this coming year be blessed in many ways for her!
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me think of the 8 years I've enjoyed my precious daughter. In just 10 years my sweet little girl will resemble the young lady in this picture. Makes me cry thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteJessica is a beautiful young lady, Christy! Congratulations on 18 years with her.