Happy 17th Birthday Ali!

It’s hard to believe, but my baby girl turns 17 today!  How can she be 17?

Ali is such an amazing young lady!  She continues to amaze me, to make me so proud of her, and to bless me with just the person she is.  I love her bubbly personality.  I appreciate the joy she brings into my life.  She lights up a room.  Her compassion and her kindness are evident in how she treats others.  She lives life to the fullest, and she encourages others to do the same.  I am blessed to have her as my daughter!

God has blessed her with many gifts and talents.  She is smart, witty, funny and talented.  She’s a beautiful singer, plays a mean volleyball game, and she can write in ways beyond me.  God has big plans for her life…I just know it, with how he continues to protect her from things that could be harmful or deceptive.  I can’t wait to watch her grow into who God wants her to become.  I am so very thankful that I get to be her mom!

We started off the day her winning the birthday flowers and cake on the radio this morning. 🙂  How fun!  We met for breakfast, just Ali and I, on her way to school in the morning.  She took 70 cupcakes to school to share with friends and teachers.  (She baked and frosted all of them!)  We met for an early dinner with a handful of her friends after school at her favorite restaurant.  We stopped on the way home for an ice cream cake to celebrate at home.  She opened presents, and due to a stomach ache, we weren’t able to celebrate with cake tonight, but will at some point tomorrow.  Many people wished her a happy birthdy either through facebook or in a text, and she received a special phone call from Tina, her Godmother and Tina’s family.  That made her night!  I believe Ali felt blessed all day!

I love my daughter!  She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the privilege to know.  I thank God for her every day…and even more today.  She was born at 10:19 17 years ago!  And she was 8 lbs 4 oz and 22 inches long.  I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect baby, who has grown up to be a very special young lady!  Happy Birthday, Ali!  I love you SO VERY much!  🙂