A TEENAGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As Rebekah turns 13 next week, I carefully planned a surprise birthday extravaganza for her. She had no idea. Her cousins showed up this afternoon, to Rebekah's surprise. I explained to Rebekah, Kristine, Naya and Nyssa that we were going to embark on a birthday adventure in honor of Rebekah's coming of age... as a teenager.

First we headed over to the nail salon where all four girls had manicures. Then we made our way over to a local second hand shop. The girls were instructed to each find one blue item to wear, in honor of Rebekah's birthday (blue is her favorite color). They rummaged around, tried some things on and had a great time. Then it was off to dinner - Indian food of course. At dinner, Rebekah opened her birthday presents. She was very happy.

After everyone had eaten more than their fill it was time for the next activity... a scavenger hunt. We went to Target, yes on black Friday - with the crowds and commotion. The girls wore their blue accessories and were split into two teams. Each team was given a list of 13 things Rebekah would like... and the first team to fill their cart and make it back to the meeting spot would be the winner!

These girls ran, yelled, rode up and down the escalator, almost ran people over, laughed and tossed things into their carts. They had an absolute blast. Rebekah and Nyssa finished first by only a minute or so. And Aunt Jen and I were exhausted!

It was time for ice cream at the Hagen Daz in the mall then upstairs to the movie theater where the girls watched Twilight! Then we all went back to our house where the girls watched a scary movie and had a sleep over. It was a successful and enjoyable 13th birthday celebration.


My beautiful daughter, my sweet baby is almost 13. Where have the years gone? She is the miracle in my life - the tender mercy that God sent to me so that even when nothing makes sense, or the burden is too great to carry, I go on - I strive to be better and to do more than just survive... I am her Mother, the greatest role I have ever had... and for this I am the woman I should be - standing for what is right, holding to the principle, believing in truth and firmly rooted in faith... I would give my life for her. Happy Birthday my sweet Rebekah.