Dear Jaden,

It’s your birthday! It’s hard to believe you are 12 years old. Next year, you will be a teenager. Time goes by so quickly. I know you have been looking forward to your birthday for months now because you have talked about it often.

I am glad that you still get excited about the little things in life. You are such a sweet girl who sees the positive in every situation. I am so thankful for that. You have grown up a lot these last 12 months.

You proved how strong you are when changes were thrown at you so many times this year. You have welcomed so many new children into your home over the past 9 months. Just this year, you started with 5 siblings, then two more came making it 7, then you were down to 6, then up to 8, then back to 6, and now you are up to 9! As those numbers show, you have had to say goodbye to some of those siblings along the way, and that isn’t ever an easy task. But, those numbers also show that not long after those final goodbyes were spoken 3 sisters came, which including you, has put us at a steady 10 (5 girls and 5 boys). Only God could do that! You have loved all of the kids that have crossed your path so well! I am so proud of you! You have been Christ’s hands and feet. I know it isn’t always easy, but you always willingly sacrifice so much.

Your faithfulness to the Lord made me want to spoil you a little extra today. I hope you enjoyed your manicure, going out for lunch, picking out a few gifts for yourself, shopping for things for your birthday party coming up this weekend, and getting a special treat before heading home to your party with your siblings.

They all really love you more than you can imagine. They took a lot of time searching for gifts that they thought were perfect for you. Your daddy and I love you so much, too. There isn’t another 12 year old girl in this world as special as you are to us. Thank you so much for being you! Don’t ever change for anyone. Stay strong in the Lord, and He will take you far in this life. His love never fails.

Love Always,

Mommy 💙

Jaden’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 12

What is your favorite food? Hamburgers

What do you hope you never have to eat again? Mayonnaise

What is your favorite thing to do? Gymnastics and ride horses

What is your favorite animal? Horse

What makes you happy? Jesus

What is the best memory from when you were 11? Getting 3 new sisters

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 12? Learn new gymnastics skills

What would you like to be when you grow up? A gymnastics coach

What is your favorite song? Stand For Jesus

Where is your favorite place to eat? Little’s Quick Check

What is your favorite book? The Littles

Where would you like to go on vacation? The Bahamas on a cruise

What would you like the world to know? Jesus loves them!

Matthew 25:40 -And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.