Happy Sweet Sixteen Sweetheart!

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...and now here we are already 16 years later. Oh my goodness time needs to stand still!

I thank the Lord for the wonderful gift of you!

I remember dreaming about you and anxiously awaiting your arrival. The nursery was beautifully decorated and I was reading books about sisterhood to your sister.  

My favorite book she and I read was about Spider Sisters.  I remember praying that you two would have the most amazing relationship....and you do! Sisterhood is a blessing to watch...yes, you two are "Spider Sisters" through and through!  

On this special day, I thought I would try to only share 16 things that I love about you....I could easily list sixteen million things that I love about you, but on this, your Sweet Sixteen, I will try to list only 16.  I love you sweetheart to the moon and back again a billion, gazillion times over!

1.  "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:14.  And you know this full well!!!  You love the Lord with all your heart....and that makes this momma's heart sing for joy!

 

 2.  Joy!  I love this picture of you from so many years ago!  It captures your absolute joy!  Not only are you filled with joy but your joy spills over to everyone around you!

 3.  Spider Sisters through and through!  I loved this relationship when you two were little...

 3.  ....and I love your Spider Sister relationship today! What a blessing you two are!!!

4.  And although you tend to be a dramatic at time (I wonder where on earth you got that? Yes, your daddy for sure-lol) you are the best drama queen I know and love.  I can't wait to see how your One Act Play advances this year.  Remember being Mrs. Osgood and your furry friend-Leeroy?! 

5.  Even your band costumes are bright and cheery....my Hannah banana!

 

6.  You are so generous and would do absolutely anything for anyone. Remember the rainbow cupcakes?  I think you spent well over 6 hours making 87 of them for your fellow band mates.  Each cupcake was a piece of art. 

7.  You are an athlete, and a great athlete at that! You work hard on and off the court and you are definitely a team player!   Not many sophomores make Varsity and then have the grace to not brag about it to those who didn't make varsity.  We are so proud of you! 

 8.  You have the most gorgeous eyes and eyelashes.  They are as blue as the ocean!

9.  And the most gorgeous smile....when you smile, your whole face lights up and, as my Granny would say, "your eyes dance with joy!"

 

10.  Contagious joy and laughter!  Remember this photo shoot?  Your song had me rolling on the floor in pure laughter!

 11.  Your family LOVES you!!! And you love your family!!! 

12. You like things that are vintage/retro....like my 1988 prom dress that you are wearing.  Be still my heart!

13.  You are a treasure, the apple of His eye and He shines so beautifully through you!

14.  You can be a girly-girl, but a fierce hunter too...and your daddy adores that about you. 

 15.  You have a thing for cowboy boots...and cowboys!

 16. ...and mustaches!  Which totally makes me smile.  You know what you like, who you are, Whose you are, and that your incredible future is in the very palm of His mighty hand.  I know He dreams big dreams over your precious life and we do too!!!!

My dearest Hannah, your name means God's Grace....and that is certainly what you are!!!!  I love you so very, very much!!! Happy Sweet Sixteen, Sweetheart!