07 March 2009

Happy Sweet 16 Rachel!

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday Sweetheart!

I could cry just typing those words. My heart is so full of precious memories of wonderful you. It seems like yesterday that I held you in my arms for the very first time.

We have shared so many firsts, you and I...and I pray so many memories are yet to be shared.

Sixteen years today, my life changed completely.
God blessed your daddy and I with the most wonderful gift next to Jesus.

When I was little I often dreamed of being a Momma. It seems that I waited my whole life for you...and I'll tell you a little secret...I had high hopes and dreams for you...and you and your sister surpassed them all.

Look how tiny you were at only 3 weeks old:

It was so fun to play dress-up with you. I think we could have changed your clothes 5 times a day and never run out of things to wear. You are the first grandchild on both sides...they had been waiting for you their whole lives too.
Here you are on your first birthday:


My journal entry for this day says, "God truly exceeded all of my greatest desires, anticipations, expectations, and prayers when He handcrafted you. I remember praying that you would be a beautiful reflection of God. Oh, I feel like I see Him when I look at you. I love you so much sweetheart. You have brought so much joy into our lives. I can never thank God enough for you. Each day is a blessing!"

I still offer those same prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord every day...and I see Him even more whenever I look at you. Oh, sweetheart of my heart, He shines so beautifully through you!

Do you remember your Pocahontas phase? I just had to share this photo. How special that Aunt Sissie saved some Pocahontas wrapping paper from your 3rd birthday to wrap your 16th birthday present in. You are dearly loved by everyone!


My little dancer:



Growing much too fast. Where is that baby face?

My special Spider sisters! (I love this special sister book that Granny gave to you when Hannah was born). You are a wonderful big sister and an excellent role model. Hannah's card to you tells you how much she loves you and looks up to you...and she does.

I remember this picture like it was yesterday:


...and this summer when we gave you your first car (be still my heart!)



We will have one more picture to add when you receive your driver's license!


You are a true gift from the Lord in every way.
I know that your life hasn't been very easy over the last 2 months. Your faith in the Lord has never waivered. You are an encouragement to everyone that knows your story. We thank God for what He has done and what He is continuing to do.
Happy 16th birthday, sweet child of my heart! You are dearly loved!
Love,
Momma
xoxoxoxo

15 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday precious girl, Happy Birthday to you.

    may God be gracious to you this day Rachel and bless you and make His face shine upon you always.
    amen amen amen

    blessings from Canada!!~

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is so beautiful! Makes me want to cry! Happy Birthday Rachel!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Birthday Rachel! You are all so blessed to have each other as family... hope your day is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. A very, very happy birthday to your Rachel! You are blessed to be part of such a sweet family! I feel like I know you from your Mom's writings.

    Kristi, Thank you for sharing the pictures of your little girl, such a lovely tribute on a special day.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have a very beautiful daughter. Thank you for sharing her growing up pictures. I'm going to have a 16 year old in Sept. Where does the time go?
    Big hugs my friend.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a precious post, and what beautiful pictures. Oh, how I want to slow time with my two sweet girls. Have a great day celebrating!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Kristi! Is there a way to e-mail you? I have a friend who has a child with some of the symptoms that Rachel has had. I was just wondering if you could read a little about it and see if anything clicks with you? or you can e-mail me at sheri68lynn-sistersheri at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy Birthday to your darling girl! Thank you for sharing some of your treasured memories.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy Birthday Rachel! What a beautiful tribute to your precious girl! I pray you've had a wonderful day of celebration.

    Blessings,
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Happy Birthday Rachel!!! You are so beautiful! I know you are such a blessing to your family and friends....

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kristi,

    Happy Birthday to your precious Rachel! May her smile always be so bright and her heart always filled to overflowing with the love of Jesus!

    Blessings to you both!

    ReplyDelete
  12. wahhhh what a beautiful young lady! hope her day was great!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Total cuteness all the way through! Happy birthday to your girl!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey girl,
    I am sure you are VERY busy these days. I just wanted to tell you that I have missed you and hope everything is okay!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my little corner of the world today. I just love reading your comments! May you have a blessed day in the Lord today!