Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

From the minute this child was born, she has brought light into my life.

And today is her birthday!  What a wonderful day....what seems like a long time ago, and then again just yesterday. 

I spent all day in labor, then you were born at exactly 7:04 p.m.  7 lbs., 7 oz., of pink, perfect baby girl.

Worth every last minute.  I LOVED being pregnant.  Heartburn and all.  I carried you so high, I had heartburn for four straight weeks.  I think this was taken the week that I had you. 

(Shell - quit making fun of the glasses)

What a privilege it's been to be your Mom and Dad. 

This is a pic of you and Michael at Grandma's in Okeene.  I remember how disappointed you were when you guys could no longer take a bath together.  But the boys are 2 and 4 years older and they outgrew it long before you did. 

You guys had so much fun.  When you were 2 you could tell the difference in cattle.  "Shar-ways" and "Ho-steens" and a "wong-horns" or two.  You loved the farm, and one of your favorite things was to ride the lawn mower or 4-wheeler with one of the boys.  Grandpa would always tell you "you're going to run the cattle into anemia!!".  (They recognized the sound of the four wheeler and would try to chase it because that's how they got special food).

You were such a good kid.  Even the teen years, though sometimes difficult, were really pretty easy.  I have been amazed and in awe of all you have accomplished.  Self-motivated and responsible, we could always trust your judgment.

And I'm so proud of the amazing young woman you've become.  And I thank God for every day of your life. 

"you are my  magic moment tied in a pink bow".

Happy Birthday Shell!!

p.s.  I know this picture is a little old, but I like it and it's my blog.  Besides...wait til you see tomorrow's post.  THOSE pictures aren't so flattering.....