Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Ode to Joy




Ode to Joy. It's what she played while I snapped these pictures to commemorate another year of life. 

My sweet girly. I have a hard time believing she's already twelve, and now into her thirteenth year of life. She's a sweet companion, and I am so thankful for this only daughter of mine. Wow! How life would be different without her! We're a team, a small support group of sort in this house run by boys. And since we are so similar in personality, it makes it easy to just "get" each other.

But she loves her brothers and they adore her! On the morning of her birthday, bright and early and long before anyone was ready to be awakened, Jacob ran into Olivia's room to wish her a happy birthday. She was asleep still, so he stroked her hair and patted her on the shoulder. As she awoke, birthday wishes were whispered and he climbed into bed with her. Olivia recounted to me that he snuggled in, stroking and kissing her cheek, saying, "I don't care if it's your birthday or if you are twelve; I only care that you are my sister." Moments later Andrew stood next to her and asked, "Can I come in, too? I'm cold out here!" Then finally, Michael jumped in as well. The activity and volume went up and the normal ruckus of boyhood ushered in her birthday. And she felt loved.


She is quite the girl, and becoming a strong and confident young lady. In many ways, she sets a high standard of patience and personal discipline to everyone in our home. This year I have been encouraged to see her fight temptation and grow in her desire to understand Scripture. I pray that the Lord would continue to draw her close and that she would make seeking Him the joy of her life.


Olivia. She brings me joy daily.


We love you, Livy-Lou.


~Katherine


9 comments:

  1. I love her too..with all my heart.She made us grandparents and that opened a whole new world of love and joy for us.We happily anticipated each visit and I still eagerly look forward to visits with my grandchildren.I only wish we lived closer to each other.I am so proud to be Olivia's grandma.Love you Liv.

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  2. happy birthday to your precious girl. what a treasure she must be to your family. i love hearing about her brothers adoration for her.

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  3. Happy Birthday, Olivia!! I hope my Olivia grows to be a mature young lady just like you!

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  4. So precious. Such a reminder of what parenting is really about and what a blessing it is to see our little ones grow and mature by His grace. Happiest birthday Olivia! <3

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  5. Such a sweet post! She is so beautiful :)
    Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your mayo question! I like trader joe's all natural mayo. It has no preservatives and no sweeteners :) Prob not the best oil used in it, but like you said, it is hard to find a good tasting healthy version. I plan to try my hand at making my own some day soon!

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    1. That's the mayo I've been using for a few years now, but the oil is pretty much crud! I think this summer I'll be making my own, too. Thanks for responding to my question... Hope you are feeling well!

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  6. Happy Birthday to a very sweet, clever, and adventurous girl. Micaela misses her.

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  7. There is hope....I do cute Elijah's hair. I haven't wanted to spend the money to go somewhere and I like it on the longer side. So, I just trim when it gets a little too much. I did take him once to a friend to have her give him a little better shape and now i'll maintain it.

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    1. Ok, so I did it! I started with Andrew since his hair looks better with a little length and his texture is the most forgiving; I was satisfied with the results. Next came Jacob. I wasn't thrilled (a little too square across the front), but it was no worse than a $15 cut at a local chain. As I expected, I had the most trouble with Michael's. His hair is thick and super straight, and he looks best with a shorter cut. I used the clippers for the back and sides, and scissors for the top. At one point I was ready to stick a hat on his head and take him to the barber, but Jon intervened and blended the sides for me. It's acceptable in the end, as long as you don't too closely! The good thing is that Michael likes it, so I'm sure he'll let me try again next time!

      Love to you...

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