Double Digits (The Girl This Time)

Long before I had children, someone told me that as you get older you remember the years by your children.

I could never understand what that meant.

Today I think I do.

The moment a baby enters your life you're changed-- everything becomes measured by that momentous time.

That child (or those children) become the measuring stick by which all moments, days, seasons, and years are measured.

I cannot believe that 10 years ago today I gave birth to a tiny dark-haired baby girl.

In the blink of an eye, we went from a cold day in Texas with a pink swaddled baby, to celebrating her 10th birthday-breakfast eating one of her favorite foods: bacon.

Time goes so incredibly fast.

~~~

To my sweet Girl,


Of all the girls in this world, I wouldn't want anyone but you. You are smart, and funny, and compassionate. And you have made the last decade so bright.


I pray that the next decade finds you healthy and happy, and drawing nearer to God.


I have sung these words to you almost as long as you have been alive. I pray that these words will be alive and active in you as you live out the decades to come:

Hold on to Jesus,

Cling to His love,

Rest deep in his mercies, 

Whenever things get rough.

Don't lose sight of His goodness,

and don't ever doubt this truth.

That when you hold on to Jesus,

He's holding on to you.

-Erin O'Donnell

Cling to Jesus, sweet girl...today and everyday!
Happy Birthday!
Love you,
Mom