Dear Jaden Raeann,

Wow! How are you already 14 years old? I really can’t wrap my mind around it. This morning, Facebook memories reminded me just how quickly time goes by. It seems like all the fun on your 4th, 7th, and 8th just happened yesterday! It doesn’t seem possible that you are already 14!!

A few days ago, I began your birthday video with a picture of me holding you so tightly when you were a baby. As I stared at us on the river bank, I could once again feel the breeze blowing across our faces and smell the freshness of the water. I could hear laughter of those around us. If I could go back to that day one more time, I would in a heartbeat. I would give anything to be able to snuggle you so close and kiss you all over your chubby little baby cheeks.

Mommies don’t realize their babies are going to grow up so quickly. If we did, we would take in every single moment and take time to run our fingers through all that baby fine hair over and over again. I can’t even remember the last time I was able to pick you up. If I had to guess, I would say it was at least 6 years ago. I would give anything to be able to carry you on my hip one more time. Or to hear you say, “Mommy, pick me up!” I would never tell you no!

Despite my mommy heart wishing you were still little, I’m so proud of the Christ honoring young lady that you have become. You are one of a kind! You make my heart sing with joy every single day.

You, my daughter, put others first no matter what. You love others something fierce. You make sure everyone is taken care of even your furry friends. You hurt when others hurt, and you laugh when others laugh.

You have a way of knowing exactly what we all need. You always face difficult times with such strength and compassion. You have shown grace and mercy as you have welcomed many brothers and sisters into your life. Thank you for that! You will never understand how much that means to your daddy and me.

2020 has brought a few heartaches, but you have allowed those situations to make you even stronger. You use difficult situations as motivation to reach your goals with passion. You let the joy of Christ shine through your life every single day! Don’t ever change sweet girl. We love you more than chocolate pie on Sunday.

Love Always,

Mommy 💕

Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Jaden’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 14

What is your favorite food? cheeseburgers

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

What is your favorite thing to do? hanging out with my friends and riding horses

What are your favorite animals? horses, dogs, cats, pigs, and donkeys

What makes you happy? riding horses and spending time with my dog, Skylar

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 14? ride horses on the beach and build a horse barn

What is the best memory from when you were 13? training my horse, Lily and going on trips

What would you like to do when you grow up? a horse trainer and a police officer

What are your favorite songs? Trust in You by Lauren Daigle, Burn the Ships by For King and Country, and Into the Sea by Tasha Layton

Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-A

What is your favorite book? The Littles series

Where would you like to go on vacation? Disney World with Mabreigh and Maryleigh

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