Deuteronomy 6:5-9

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Taylor's sweet 16 party!

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Taylor's sweet 16 birthday. It was a fun night filled with food, games, music, pictures at the "photo booth," and cake. Below are just some of the many many pictures that I haven't even attempted to go through and edit yet. We had her party at Hotel Indigo in RTP. It was a wonderful experience.
The candy bar!

Photo Booth props

Photo Booth Backdrop

Her theme was vintage. I did coke and root beer in the bottles and I fancied up some water bottles . 

Gift table


The BEAUTIFUL cake. 

Cake table

The amazing birthday girl. 

The other kids had quite the time too. 






My sister aka Pinterest partner



Taylor and Alley painted this bow. It was the signing board for all her friends.

Some of her friends

Aaliyah and Rachel


Me and my cousin Alisha getting in on the fun!
Taylor and a friend that she's had since elementry school.

Musical chairs! Yes, you can get a bunch of teenagers together and play a "friendly" game of musical chairs. 

More of her friends
So thankful to everyone who helped out with the planning, decorating, and cleaning up. For now I am
DONE with party planning and Pinterest. It's a good thing you're only 16 once! 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Sweet 16!!!!

Sweet! Sweet? Sweet.

My Taylor Alise 16 years old. What, how, when....

You know what that means? All the baby pictures I have of you are in print, which means they're not in digital form, which means I can't post many on here. We'll save those pictures for the big party. ;) It also means you're "that old!"

There are so many things I could say about you. You're smart, driven, artistic, determined, funny, responsible, loving, kind, passionate, organized. You are a great cook, a beautiful singer, a self learner, you like fashion, you will spend 2 hours just...to...curl...your...hair... :) You have matured into a God fearing young lady. I love watching and hearing how you encourage others towards Christ. You're honest. I am so proud of you. God has been so gracious to you.

Your life has not been easy. But it's been a breathtaking journey. Our Father has protected us, led us, healed us, and kept us. You have a testimony, and I'm sure He will use it for His glory.

I am so proud of you. Unlike many teens today you are not afraid to stand apart, to be different. That is not always comfortable. It can often times feel lonely. But you know that you are walking with your Lord. You have learned how to discern when to be "in" the crowd and when to "exit" the crowd. Hopefully He will use that attribute to draw others to Himself. It is difficult to be in the world and not of it. This will be a lifetime struggle. But you MUST cling to Him and the Word, which are His Words. Whenever you have questions I hope you go straight to that Truth.

When we started homeschooling you in the 2nd grade, I didn't have a clue. I don't have much of one now. I questioned how will we ever do this? Will she thrive? Taylor, you have just blossomed in these high school years. To be honest, I can't keep up with you. I praise God that you are so driven and you desire knowledge. It is a gift from Him. You are not quick to believe anything that is thrown your way. You question for yourself, research, hold things against the Word, and then figure out your opinions. You can defend your faith.

People are always so quick to say to me, "Oh, but you have Taylor to help you." Yes, I do have you to help me. It is true that you can cook, bake, clean better than most adults. It is also true that I trust our children with you more than I do others. You're responsible and you love your brothers and sisters. I have tried hard to balance giving you responsibilities and letting you be a child. I can honestly say that I feel you are prepared for life and you've also had fun along the way.
Taylor and Rainey at mine and Martie's wedding.






















Taylor and Grandaddy
  

 


Got her permit.



 














So, 16! Yes, it's true I'm scared to death. You are my baby, my first born, my little girl. It is also true that I trust you and I have faith in our Sovereign Lord. This is just another chapter in your life. (A very exciting one) Another sign to me that you are growing up. Another opportunity for me to offer you back to God. He is your Father. He loves you far more than Daddy or I could ever love you. So I hope you have the happiest of birthdays yet! 

Lord, 
Please keep Taylor safe. Protect her mind, guard her steps. Guide her on the straight path. Help her to love and trust you more and more. Use her and her testimony to save others. Continue to give her discernment and conviction. Help her make much of You! Help her understand what it means to die to self and live for You. God, please help Martie and I. Help us know when and what to say, how to say it. It's true, we don't know what we're doing. But we trust You. You know what You're doing. We will follow. Help us follow. Thank you for giving me that precious baby 16 years ago. Again, You knew EXACTLY what You were doing. She is a blessing. I offer that blessing back to You. She is Yours. Take her, mold her, do with her what you will. I will trust You. 
In tears~Amen