Happy 13th Birthday, Hannah!

Happy Birthday, baby girl!  I have no idea how you are already 13.  Time passes by too quickly.  As much as I wish you were still the little baby I had to rock for hours and hours, I have also enjoyed watching every stage of your life.

Hannah, you amaze me.  I have often said, "I wish I could have a heart like, Hannah".

You have a love for people like no other I have ever seen in my life.  Your compassion for those in need and those who are hurting is so precious.  Your mind is constantly coming up with ideas to help others, and your passion for carrying those plans out has such a wonderful way of getting others to participate.  You challenge us to look beyond ourselves.

That's a gift, girl!

You are so sensitive to those around you.  I love how every time you see me cry, you reach over and pat me.  I love how you often remind us we need to be praying for someone.

I love how you always stand up for what is true and right ... even when it causes others to not like you so much.  I love how you stand up for your friends when they are too afraid ... even though we need to work on how far you need to go with that. : )

I love how you love Jesus.  It is so evident to me and to those around you how much you love Him.  Not only do you love Him, but you have a deep desire for everyone to know Him.  I love how you pray for those who need Him, and how you celebrate when someone turns their heart to Him.

I love how even though you fight with your sister, you would fight for her with every fiber of you being.  You love her and want to spend time with her.

I love your laugh.  I love how your laugh comes deep from within you.

I love how your are so independent ... although you still see your need for Jesus.

I love how you have no fear.  You are not afraid to try something new.  When you decide you are going to do something, you just do it.

Hannah, I love you ... all of you!  I love you from the tippy, tippy top of your head, to the tippy, tippy bottom of your toes.  I am so honored the Lord picked me to be your mom.

You are one the best gifts the Lord has ever given to me. 

You are precious to me ... and to so many people around you.  I love watching the young woman you are becoming.

Happy Birthday.  Your finally a teenager ...

And you know Mama Gaile would be the first one to wish you Happy Birthday on Facebook.  She loved you so much and was so proud of you too! 

Love you so much,
Mommy