Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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)  :)

23 comments:

Donna~One Simple Country Girl said...

Happy birthday Joy!! Such a beautiful young lady! Enjoy all your birthay celebrations this week!

Tammy, from one mother to another, I know how bittersweet this day is. Our babies grow up way too fast. You have a special treasure in this beautiful and awesome young lady! May God continue to bless you and her with many, many, many more wonderful birthday celebrations together.
Hugs,
Donna

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

Mom,

Aww, thank you! I love you! Thanks for the birthday wishes and all the billions of other things you do for us!

I love you!

8!

Love,
Joy :)

Penny said...

She is such a beautiful girl -- both inside and out! Enjoy birthday 'week' (as we used to have in our house, too!)

terrypi said...

Hope you had a super fantastic day today Joy. You are a beautiful girl. Always stay as sweet as you are.

Angela said...

Oh Tammy, I know you are so proud of Joy. Her writings show she is such a caring person. She shines in the photos you post of her. You can tell from the pictures, she has a great and sweet personality. And she favors you so much! Happy Birthday Joy. Many many good wishes sent your way.

Sheila said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet Joy! You are truly blessed with beautiful children.
Blessings to all,
Sheila

Here On Crow Creek said...

Happy Birthday Joy! You are such a pretty girl! You are a blessing to me to see how much you love the lord. Always keep him in your heart and he will never leave you:) You have a beautiful family Tammy! God is GOOD isnt he:)

Mandy said...

Happy Birthday Joy! (from Zach and Leah Kate too!)

What a good heart this sweet child has!

Tammy, Zach will be 13 in May - hard to believe!

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

Happy Birthday Joy!!!! and many more till your a hundred and four!!! hope you have a wonderful week;)

Tanya said...

Happy Birthday Joy!!!! What a fun time to be 12! You have a very special Momma and I can tell how much she adores you. From your Momma's blog I can tell you are a pretty special mature adorable young lady. You have such patience and a tender heart for your new brother. Always keep God first in your life as I can tell you do. Enjoy your fun week and let everyone spoil you!
Blessings to a sweet girl,
Tanya

Susannah said...

What a sweet girl! She seems so happy. Happy Birthday, Joy!

Susannah

Patty Sumner said...

Tammy, how sweet and how blessed you are. There is no better way to raise a child up than under the guidance of our Lord. She definitely has a gift of writing. It seems God has given her vision and heart for the helpless. Blessings and Happy Birthday to Joy! What a joy she is.

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

She is beautiful, just like her Mother!
She really puts that JOY-JOY-JOY down in my heart. I look forward to watching her continue to grow as a person. She is an undeniable force.
You have been blessed with a wonderful family and I am blessed to be your friend.
★Linda★

Annie said...

Your sweet Joy is truly a blessing, Tammy! What a wonderful, beautiful soul she has! Happy Birthday sweet Joy!

Sandi @ The Primitive Skate said...

Happy Birthday Joy!!!
sandraallen260@centurytel.net

Simple Home said...

Oh Tammy, you must be so proud. Joy is a beautiful young lady...inside and out!
Blessings,
Marcia

BumbleBeeLane said...

Happy Birthday Joy! Such a beautiful young lady.Pretty inside and out.The orphan poem is sad but shows her caring heart.Yummmmm brownies my favorite! Enjoy the celebrations.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Sharon said...

Happy Birthday JOY.
I can see by all the photos you are a beautiful young lady both inside and out.
Enjoy the week of celebrations.
Hugs

Amy said...

Happy Birthday sweet girl. You are going to change the world!

Julie said...

What a sweet, tender girl. I wish she lived by my girls so they could be friends---happy birthday, Joy. If you ever want a pen-pal, I have a daughter named Rebecca who will be 12 in July. She is as sweet and thoughtful as you!! Have a great day. Julie

Blessed Beyond said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Joy!!!

What sweet pictures and precious memories! She had to the be the cutest little dancer ever!!!

Hugs and Blessings,

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU JOY!!!

Melissa said...

Happy Belated Birthday to your beautiful girl!