12

Last week we celebrated Kaelan's 12th birthday.  She is such a blessing in our lives and is growing up to be a hard worker who is  very thoughtful of others.  Kaelan and I spent the afternoon together for her birthday.  We went out for lunch and then did lots of shopping.  We spent a good while at a local bookstore selecting a handful of good collector quality books.  She chose two Anne of Green Gables books and Heidi.  Then I surprised her with a trip over to Walmart to get a personal CD player so she could listen to  some audio books and teachings on her own.  We also threw in a little grocery shopping and shopped for a bridal shower.  It was good to have that one-on-one time with Kaelan.  It can be rare in a busy large family!

Devin treated Kaelan to a new outfit, Lauren gave her some perfume and the boys gifted her with money that she is determined to save.  She also received cards and monetary gifts from her grandmothers and a friend.

Our birthday celebrant gets to choose the dinner menu and Kaelan requested a meatless pasta dish that Devin created a while back using jarred (!) spaghetti sauce and alfredo sauce.  We also had a salad from the garden and garlic bread.

My baby girl is growing up!

All of the girls started making their own birthday cakes starting at about the age of 10.  They also do the cakes for the boys, Jeff and I and even the grandchildren at times.  Kaelan made a two layer white cake with a layer of chocolate mint ice cream.  It was delicious!!

Delicious cake!

Kaelan also got a watch that she had picked out the week before.  Now she has no excuse to be late!

Happy birthday, Kaelan!  We love you so much and are so thankful for the wonderful woman that you are becoming!  We pray that you will continue to seek the Lord in all that you do!