These two words, laughter and joy, describe our daughter, Abigail. She is turning 14 in a week and I will not be able to post on that day....so this is a little early this time!


I couldn't resist showing you one of our favorite pictures of Abigail of all time. Don't you just love the Pebbles Flintstone hair do? This was taken when the girls were almost three and five.

Dear Abigail,

Since the time when you were a baby you have been such a joyful child...one who is always ready to smile. Remember all the pictures we have when we would say *smile, Abigail* and you would open your mouth really big in an O shape, thinking that was as happy as you could express yourself? You didn't really know what a smile was, but you still showed great joy in your expressions and mannerisms. That has not changed...

You have always loved life and people. You have a very tender heart towards young children and animals(remember saving the frog?!). You notice when someone is being treated unfairly and you seek to make things right. You do not like to see people hurt...physically or emotionally...it really bothers you. God has given you a compassionate heart and that will cause you to want to minister to hurting people one day, I'm sure. Your God given sensitive and caring heart makes you precious to our family and we love you so much!

Now, you have turned into a young lady...14 years old. The time has gone by quickly, but there are things about you I will never forget...I will always remember your kindness, your smile, and you running to a special place to pray...(yes, I know about this!) When we look back on your life, we will remember that you added such excitement to our days...much joy and laughter...as well as a kind of spontaneous unexpected adventure some days. I love the memory of you in your prairie girl dress running through our trees in the backyard with a silver lunch pail, a leather strap for your school books, and your washing board for the creek! Those days are gone, but they hold a special place in our hearts!

We will also remember all the things you have broken along the way...the dishwasher from standing on it...the kitchen drawers...the wall from falling and hitting your knee on it(ouch!), the many glasses and dishes, and many other things. We have always kidded you about being destructive...it is all in love, I hope you know, because we all know those things are not as important as your precious life and what you mean to us! You are a blessing to our whole family!

I hope you know how much your younger brother and sister look up to you...they watch your every move...they see your attitude, your facial expressions, and your actions. So, I want to challenge you to keep up the good work of being an example to them. It is really important...and we are counting on you!

We are so happy to be celebrating 14 years of life with you, our beautiful joyful daughter, and we look forward to what God is going to do in your life as you seek to walk with Him. As a final thought, God loves you and He has a very special plan for your life...obey Him, walk with Him, trust Him all of your days...He is the source of all joy. We are so very thankful that God has given you to us!

We Love You,
Mom and Dad