My sweet girl turned sixteen yesterday …
So many emotions and feelings I have. Like how did I wake up one day to find a sixteen year old in front of me? In my mind, she’s still this little girl. And oh how I wish I could go back to those days of the “collapsible pout” and noodles every night for dinner.
My precious, precious Tay. So many words I want to share … yet, somehow they’re alluding me. I can’t seem to wrap my mind around many things these days {evident in my lack of posts}. And now I sit stumped thinking of a way to express the deep and tender love I feel for this child.
You know the saying that goes something like “they’re watching when you don’t know they’re looking?” I think that’s been the case with this one. So many values and beliefs I’ve tried to instill in her … things I would beat myself up wondering if she was “getting it.” Only to wake up one day to realize she had in fact been listening and watching. And man … has she gotten it!
I am so proud of this girl. So proud. I think back to some of my favorite posts of her … like this one … and this one {from her birthday last year} … and realize there isn’t too much more I can add.
Taylor you are growing into a beautiful, beautiful young woman. And I don’t mean your outward appearance … I’m talking about the beauty that lies within you. Beauty you’re revealing amongst the most difficult of situations. Others may not understand the grace, forgiveness, and beauty that lives within you … but your Savior does, and truly He’s the only one that matters.
I love you precious girl …
And now for the gifts!! During some recent reading for the MODsquad, I came across an idea that I’ve decided to do with all my girls. Taylor made a commitment to stay pure until marriage, and to honor that I decided to give her special gifts that not only speak to her commitment, but also lead to the importance of the commitment and her wedding day.
Think “something old; something new; something borrowed; something blue.” First up and just in time to mark her sweet sixteen … something old.
I haven’t seen my real dad since I was nine years old, but I had an old worn cameo necklace from him that I’d saved. I didn’t have the chain anymore … just a decrepit looking cameo. But! the jewelry store was able to spruce it up and put it in a beautiful ring setting and I gave it to Taylor explaining it’s purpose … and she’s treasuring it!
Another idea I got from Stacey at the MODsquad, was to put together a book of affirmations for Taylor. Stacey did it for one of her daughters and I thought it would be a perfect way to mark Taylor’s sixteenth! I enlisted the help of family and friends to send any memories, encouragement or scripture that they wanted to share with Taylor.
Taylor loved it! She poured over every word and read memories she had forgotten about.
And last but not least … Taylor got a new best friend!! And dare I say … she’s in love!?
Happy sweet sixteen my beautiful love …
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Hope she has a great birthday!
What a beautiful horse! :)
Happy Birthday beautiful girl! Jesus loves you so much…as does your precious mama!
What a beautiful post for such a sweet & inspiring young woman! I hope you guys had a blast celebrating her “sweet 16!”
Taylor sounds like an incredible young woman – I hope her day was very special!
Beautiful post for your daughter. Hope her day is awesome!
Look at little no teeth taylor up there (and her pretty momma too)!!! she’s so little (and it does not seem like it was all that long ago)! And look at her and cosmo go! :-) hope she had a wonderful day!!!
Taylor is such a beautiful young lady… And lucky daughter… for having momma like you, Tracie! Have a blessed birthday to Taylor, may her upcoming days are always filled with blessing and love. :) God bless you & ur beloved family, Tracie! <3
WOW! It feels like that was yesterday looking at that picture of you and Taylor. She is an amazing, sweet young lady and you are right to be so very proud of her. Happy Birthday Taylor!!!!
so tender and sweet…
What a beautiful post!!! Hope Miss Taylor had a wonderful birthday!!! xoxo
I love that picture of you two…she is so lucky to have you for her mom. Happy Birthday Taylor!
Huge and heartfelt BIRTHDAY WISHES for a wonderful year to an EXTRAORDINARY 16 year old!!!!!
Mouse wishes you the happiest of days…
Taylor is incredibly blessed to have a God fearing and loving mother as yourself Tracie! What a unique treasure you’ve given her with this ring. But its the prayers you are sowing into her life that will last a lifetime! Hope Taylor had a fabulous birthday!!
sweet 16 indeed! what a stunning beauty she is BOTH inside and out. just like her mama. the apple doesn’t fall far, my sweet friend! as for the special gifts, that is a genius idea. seriously LOVE it! i’m figuring i’ve gotta do something special with my daisy this summer too since she’ll be 14 and old enough to attend dances…and wear some mascara….but i feel like she needs something less superficial….+ she’ll be with her dad’s family at disneyland for the fireworks and actual birthday this year. so i’m feeling it needs to be memorable, whatever my gift is, since we’ll have several states between us for this big one. i’m going to ponder more on this idea of yours and see what i can come up with. :) happy belated, taylor!!! ::birthday hugs::