Happy 18th Birthday Rebecca!

Wow!  18 years old.  We all knew it was coming but it still doesn't seem right - even to Rebecca.  I'm so thankful for this amazing daughter of mine.

I knew I was having a daughter when I was pregnant with her.  I just knew.  At one point, the thought crossed my mind that I could be wrong and I was shocked for a short time, but then just went back to what I knew.  Even at her birth when my mom brought in beautiful handmade pink things, I asked her where the blue things were.  She laughed and said that I was so sure that she hadn't made anything blue.

Where do I even start.  This can be a hard post to write - not because I don't know what to say, but because there is just too much to say.  My amazing, beautiful, smart, talented daughter ... is such a delightful young woman!  I love having her in my life and our family.

She wasn't sure how she wanted to celebrate and so we didn't plan a lot on that day.  That worked out well since Eliana was glutened and very sick that morning.  We still found ways to celebrate including shopping and lunch out and by the afternoon, Eliana felt well enough to join us.

One of the surprises we had for Rebecca was this.

Some of the gifts were small things like her favorite candies.  Others included a necklace, a new scarf and yarn for a future one.

Her siblings all enjoy giving her gifts as well.  (And yes, they were part of the total gift count.)

New dvds of old (but great) musicals to watch.  She loves musicals!

There were 2 big surprises in her gift bags - one was a trip to NYC to see a play and the other was a special box filled with letters.  Letters from family and friends to encourage her, share memories with her, to make her laugh and to let her know that she is loved!  My sweet girl loves words and I knew that this gift would be a sweet blessing to her now and also in the future.  (Thank you for the many of you that helped with this!)

Banana pudding ice cream "cake" - her choice.

We had a special night out a few nights later when Eliana felt better and Christopher could join us.  A delicious meal of Japanese food.  A rare treat for our family to enjoy a meal out.  It was yummy!

Those of you that know Rebecca know that she is sweet, caring and sometimes quiet.  She is also intelligent, inquisitive and has an amazing memory!  And in spite of being reserved at times, she is strong in her convictions and willing to stand up for what she believes.

She is talented and creative and has enjoyed making things for many years.  She made this beautiful dress from start to finish!  It is really beautiful and I am proud of the work she put into making it.  I wouldn't have even tried as it just looked to hard to me, but she was determined - and she did it!

Rebecca loves theatre and hopes to perform a lot in college.  (A possible major depending on the school of choice.)  It has been a treat to learn more about the stage and various plays along with her.

She is compassionate and loves caring for children.  She is regularly working or helping to care for children and if there is a baby nearby, she is quick to step in for a chance to snuggle them.

I love that she has a strong faith and is always asking questions and seeking to learn more.  She is curious and loves to read.  She has introduced me to many great books!

Rebecca is independent and willing to be who she is - and I love that!

Rebecca,
I love you and am so thankful to be your mom.  I love seeing the gifts and talents that God has given you being put to good use in your life.  Stand strong in your convictions and keep trusting God to guide you.  He has great plans for you now and also in the future.  I look forward to seeing what your future holds.

I pray for you often precious daughter!

Love
Mom

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Colossians 3:16-17