Dear Jaden,

Wow! The countdown to 18 has officially began. I never imagined we would get here this quickly. But, nevertheless, here we are.

You celebrated your 17th in true Jaden fashion by going on a cruise and exploring Hawaii with one of your friends. I think it is amazing how you have gotten to go on so many adventures over the years. Alaska, Peru, Bahamas, and Hawaii stand out the most. However, you have also went on many other vacations as well. You love to travel!

This past April, just the two of us hopped on a plane and went to Disney with another friend and her mom. We had so much fun! Thanks for joining me as we check boxes off of our bucket lists! I am not sure swimming with sharks in the Bahamas was ever on my bucket list, but we can go ahead and check that one off, too. You teamed up with the life guard, and you both got a good laugh at my expense as I tried to jump onto a floating raft with my arms and legs flailing about.

Only a few weeks ago, you drove your sisters and me to Richmond to see the Grinch. I offered to drive, and you said, “Mom, I’ve got this.” I did not doubt you for a minute, but we all had a few laughs along the way, at your expense this time, considering you missed a few turns and then pulled into the wrong driveway way past dark. I am pretty sure I remember one of your sisters yelling, “Jaden, you are going to get us shot!” You threw the truck in reverse and went on your merry little way. I love your independence and problem solving skills!

Nothing much seems to faze you. You have became a confident young lady who makes goals and achieves them. From barrel racing, to sports, to taking college classes, to working in the public, you know how to get the job done.

Keep your head on straight and continue to serve the Lord in all that you do, and you will continue to succeed! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.

I love you something fierce and when God gave me you, he not only gave me a beautiful daughter but also someone who always encourages me to try new things instead of being afraid of failure. Your confidence has rubbed off on me, and for that I am grateful! Thank you for being you!

Love Always,

Mom

Jaden’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 17

What is your favorite food? Japanese

What is your least favorite food? Seafood

What is your favorite thing to do? Ride horses or play sports

What is your favorite animal? Cats, dogs, and horses

What makes you happy? Friends, Jesus, family, riding horses, and my pets

What is the best memory from when you were 16? Being able to barrel race in a rodeo for the first time and going to Hawaii with Clara

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 17? Continue barrel racing and be able to place in a show

What would you like to be when you grow up? An equine vet

What is your favorite song? Pickup Man by Joe Diffie, Lady May by Tyler Childers, Wondering Why by Red Clay Strays, Outskirts of Heaven by Warren Zeiders, Not My Home by Luke Bower, fishes and loaves and The Prodigal by Josiah queen

Where is your favorite place to eat? Yummy Yummy, Wendy’s or Sisters Cafe

What is your favorite book? The Bible

Where would you like to go on vacation? Anywhere warm with sand, Texas, or Vegas

What do you want the world to know? You can’t handle everything at once. Focus on the small things the Lord gives you and dwell on them. God will take care of the rest.

Psalm 100:4-5 – Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.