12!

12.  That's how old our Joy turned today.  It just doesn't seem possible that it's been 12 years ago at 9:18 p.m. (to be exact) that our bundle of "Joy" arrived at 6 lbs. 9 oz., 20" long with eyes just as brown then as they are now.....our "Brown-eyed Girl".

I prayed from the moment that I knew we were expecting her, that first and foremost, she would come to know the Lord at an early age; then that she would have a sweet disposition, a heart and compassion for others, a beauty that shone from within, and a girl after God's heart.  That's still my prayer.  I thank God for the evidence I see in her of these qualities already.  I know He has special plans for our girl.

Just yesterday, I found something she had scribbled out and tucked away in a notebook.  I feel this shows her heart, and thought I'd share it here today.  (I did ask her permission first.....she said she wrote it sitting in church one Sunday.).  :)  She writes when she has something on her mind or heart.  This particular day orphans were on her heart and mind. 

A little girl lies all alone in a cradle in a Russian orphanage.  "How did I fail?  How did I let my parents down?  Why did they turn me away?  Say, does anyone want me....?"  The back of her head is as flat as the floor.  She's drugged so that she will sleep more.  Why?  Tell me that.

A little girl sits in a child's lounge chair in her pretty pink room in America.  It's not fair.  Yes, it's Life.  She throws fits when she doesn't get what she wants.  Why?  Tell me that.
 

This was taken today....on her birthday.

My kids have a way of stretching their birthdays out to several days of celebrating! :)  Today Joy got the day off from school, brownies made especially for her by Grandmama, and we'll be watching several movies together this evening.  Tomorrow is the Chinese New Year and we're going to double celebrate (her birthday and the Chinese New Year) eating at her favorite Chinese restaurant.  Then Saturday, she'll have her party and then out again for dinner on Sunday for a family celebration! 

Also taken today.....with one of Grandmama's brownies.  We put a candle on it and sang Happy Birthday.

Happy birthday Joy!  You are such a blessing to us and we love you with all our heart and thank God for you and your loving ways!  10!

~ Mom ~ (and Dad, Colt & Luke)  :)