Fifteen

Our little, baby girl is 15 today!  FIFTEEN...whoosh, how quickly the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years have gone. Audra came into the world all gangly, skinny, long legged and scrawny. 7 beautiful pounds of heaven right there in my arms - it was the biggest miracle I had experienced and I was awestruck...I still am! My dad once told me that as good as it is to have a brand new baby, life with them gets better every year. At the time, I couldn't even think past how great it was to have a brand new baby. But as the years have passed, I think about his statement often. Yes, it was great to have her as that precious little baby, but each year has been better and as fun as it is to look back, I so look forward to every stage, every age, that is yet to come.

Audra is probably our most joyful child. She has a heart like Jesus, tolerant and accepting of others, kind to everyone, a friend to all and just such a very bright ray of sunshine. She had a great day today, opening presents before school, going out to lunch with mom and dinner with dad. A simple girl, she asked for nothing and was deeply touched by the kindness she received from friends at school, who remembered that today was her special day. It's clear, as I walked across campus with her today and watched people in all directions just light up and wave as she walked along holding my hand, that she is very loved. Audra is an amazing girl and it was wonderful for me to spend the day immersed in memories of these past 15 years.  Sitting across from her at lunch, her chocolate brown eyes glimmered with joy as we chatted about life.  I thought again about how wonderful each new year with her is and wondered how God found me worthy to be mom to such wonderful kids. I sure am grateful that He blessed me so! Happy 15th birthday, Audra, I love EVERYTHING about you!