Dear Jaden,

This past year you have changed so much. You are officially taller than me and your shoes are two sizes bigger than mine. How did that even happen?

When you were a baby and then a little girl, I never imagined you outgrowing me one day. As a young mom, I never thought about the day I wouldn’t be able to pick you up and carry you around. But, these past few years have flashed by, and all of a sudden you aren’t a little girl any longer. You are a beautiful young lady who has officially outgrown her mama! I will never again be able to even give you a piggy back ride much less carry you on my hip!! Just thinking about all of that makes the tears flow.

No matter how much you continue to grow and mature, you will always be my first little girl. You have quite a bit of competition with all the younger girls in the house now, but you will always be the girl who stole my heart first.

You make me so proud each and every day. You love on everyone so well especially your 3 littlest brothers. And, you keep those sisters of yours in line probably better than I ever could. You are stern with them, but you also show them how much you love them.

We could all learn a lot from you sweet girl. Just this year, you showed all of us how important God’s strength is as you trekked through Peru, South America on crutches. You had compassion and wanted to share Christ’s love with others. You are the definition of selfless!

Thank you! Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you in big ways! Thank you for allowing God to be the biggest part of your passions and dreams.

We will love you forever and always. Don’t ever forget that. No matter how tough things may get in your life always remember that we will always be here for you. More importantly, God will always be by your side. He loves you more than any of us ever could, and we love you more than you could ever imagine!!

Love Always,

Mommy

Jaden’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 13

What is your favorite food? cheeseburgers

What do you hope you never have to eat again? soy milk

What is your favorite thing to do? playing with my dog, Skylar

What are your favorite animals? dogs

What makes you happy? being with Skylar

What is the best memory from when you were 12? getting Skylar

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 13? go to Disney World with only my mom and dad

What would you like to do when you grow up? a baker

What is your favorite song? Burn the Ships by For King and Country

Where is your favorite place to eat? Littles

What is your favorite book? Who’s Who Disney

Where would you like to go on vacation? the Bahamas

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

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.