Happy 9th Birthday, Jules!

Dear Jules, how can you be 9 already? You’re the one who made me a mom on that bright, spring day in May. I was in labor for 26 very long and grueling hours. But that moment I saw your face, I was changed forever. Somehow, you managed to make me forget about the painful labor and delivery and I could not soak you in enough. Mom and dad could not get enough of you. 

You have grown so much since then and I’m so proud of who you are. 

You are the sweetest older sister any sibling could ever want. The way you look out for JJ and Emmy always fills my heart because you just naturally carry that nurturing personality. How blessed they are to have you always look out for them. I’m so thankful for that.

You love being with family and are happiest when you are exploring, creating, and digging into nature. I love that you are a tomboy and aren’t afraid to get dirty, earthworms and all! #notlikemama 😀 I love your passion for creativity and hope that it continues to grow and flourish. 

You are wiser and more mature than your years. When daddy was leaving for the men’s retreat last week, you gathered your siblings and asked if you could pray for him. Daddy was so touched and this image will forever be ingrained in my mind. 

God’s intricate detail in you shows you are so very unique, precious, and one of a kind. 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

My word of prayer for you this 9th year of your life is, “SHINE.” My prayer verse for you is, Matthew 5:16. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

Keep shining, my sweet daughter! Love you, Jules. Now, let’s have cake!

<><yuni

Let all that you do be done in love. I Corinthians 16:14