I can NOT believe that my baby girl is 16 years old already!! She has been such a joy to parent and I have enjoyed every minute of watching her grow physically, mentally, and spiritually over the last 16 years. Here is a picture that I put on facebook of my precious baby girl 16 years ago. She started out beautiful and that has never changed!
She was fortunate enough to be out of school on her birthday which was on a Friday as well as the following Monday for a 4 day weekend.
She spent many hours planning her birthday celebration this year, using Pinterest as inspiration for many ideas. She decided after MUCH discussion to invite some special friends over for a night of fun. She wanted her colors to be purple and silver, and even picked the snacks and food she wanted.
The hardest part was picking her cake. We went back and forth many times with many different ideas.
Unfortunately, Dale's Uncle Harry passed away a few days before her birthday and the funeral was that day. So, we went to his funeral that morning in Jasper and stopped on the way home and had a birthday lunch with Mimi at Applebee's. Jennifer was able to get some driving time in with that long trek (She still needs about 17 hours!). Then we headed home to get ready for the family party that evening.
Everyone came over in the family to celebrate. All of her grandparents, along with Dana and Brian and Deena came over. We had lasagna for dinner and then cake and ice cream.
We did a non-monetary Valentine's day this year so we had to be creative in showing our love to each other in non-money ways.
Here was Jennifer's breakfast:
Get it?? Of course, you see the smiley face but the eyes represent I the heart represents love and the banana smile represents U for I LOVE YOU!! She liked it!!
Then I made one for Justin and he actually got breakfast in bed....
He doesn't care for boiled eggs but loves kiwi, so his was a little different. He LOVED his breakfast in bed!!
This is the last day of 15 year old Jennifer...isn't she beautiful?!?
We had a family candlelight dinner in the DINING Room (which is special for us!) with huge steaks that I got from Costco (Dale did a delicious job grilling them) and Red velvet cake for dessert. It was yummy in our tummy!!
I love my kids, my husband, my family, my friends, and my LORD!! Happy Valentines Day!!
Well, we had had been putting it off for quite a while but finally thought the time was right. We went for our consult last week and he had his new braces less than a week later. He was ready and didn't seem to act like it was a big deal. He wasn't so excited about having to give up some of the foods that he really likes- primarily popcorn and gum. But he wanted the first available appointment.
He had intended on eating popcorn the night before but wasn't hungry, so he asked if he could have popcorn for breakfast this morning. I told him I didn't mind but he needed to eat something with it that would have some nutritional value, so he had cereal and popcorn- breakfast of champions, right?!?
Here is the real picture with his bag of breakfast popcorn.
I was so proud of the way he handled the news and the change and the anticipation and the visit to get them on. I know he was a bit anxious but he seemed fine.
Here is the AFTER picture:
The orthodontist had suggested something cold the first day, so we went to lunch at Wendy's afterwards where he got fries and a frosty. I know--lunch wasn't any better than breakfast! But, we were following doctors orders! :)
He is still just as good looking and still has such a sweet smile but now he has braces. The plan is for them to be on 18 months but we are hoping they come off much sooner than that...
Jennifer has taken a leap of faith to go on her first mission trip. She feels like God is leading her to take this trip and she trusts that he will provide the funds that she needs for this trip. Here is the letter that she will be sending some of you asking for your support through money and/or more importantly PRAYERS.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life and allowing me to grow spiritually. It is thanks to many of you that I have gotten the chance to go on a mission trip. We (me and a few students and adults from my youth group) are going to New York City on a mission trip this spring Break, April 6th to the 12th. We will be representing Noonday Baptist Church and the kind people at Park Slope Community Church will be providing us with housing for the week.
My team and I will have a variety of ministry opportunities that we will take part in. Our main goal while in New York will be to serve the Park Slope Community Church and other churches in the area by assisting with evangelism including street and park presentations, backyard bible clubs, small service projects and other things of that nature.
However, with every great opportunity, there comes a price. The leaders at Noonday Baptist Church have tried their hardest to keep the price down, but New York is an expensive place. The cost for everyone attending is $700. I am writing this letter to most humbly ask you that if the Lord has called you to support me in this effort, that you open your heart and help me, either financially or through prayer. Even $25 can make a difference.
I want to be involved in this mission trip because of my strong love for the people of that beautiful city. I have always been intrigued by the city of New York and all the new beginnings and chances it gives people. I know that many people in New York are in need of our Lord and Savior, and I would be honored if I could change even one life for the better. I feel that God is calling me to this trip so that I can not only help others learn about Christ, but also so that I can grow in him.
Thank you so much for helping me in my spiritual journey!
Jennifer Jones
P.S. Checks should be made out to Noonday Baptist Church and you should mail any checks to me at my address or use the chipin widget above. If you send a check, please be sure that you leave the memo line BLANK.
