What's in a Number?

So many things can be in a number. We are celebrating a very important number today.

The number 10.

What is this number 10 all about?

It has two digits. That seems to be a milestone to some. I'm sure many more numbers will hold significance...such as 13, 16, 18, and 21. But, for now, 10 is amazing.

Turning 10 means a military I.D. is mandatory. It feels grown up to go and have your very first picture I.D. made. I got my first one with a learner's driving permit.

Turning 10 obviously means you are no longer a kid. A child. A baby. You are on your way to being that glorious label called "Tween". When I was growing up, we didn't have tweens. We had kids who were major pains in the butt. I'm so glad this age group has their own personal label now.

Turning 10 means you must perfect the eye rolling because 13 isn't that far away and it has to be a skill you do without thinking way before then.

My Baby Girl is now 10.

I am amazed by her on a constant basis. Every week brings a new facet of her personality to light. We are dazzled with her smartness and puzzled over her humor. She has her Mama's expressive face (you might need to pray for her on that one!).

I think it's fitting that the middle kid, the second born, have the first birthday out of the family right at the beginning of the year.

(Some of these facts have been said in previous birthday posts, so forgive me for repeating.)

Makenna shares her birthday with my Grandaddy. I shall never forget joking with him earlier in the day and asking him if he wanted a grandchild for his birthday. Little did I know that I would do just that at 11:03 p.m. with 57 minutes to spare. I don't think I could top that birthday gift if I tried for a million years.

When Makenna was born, I literally thought my heart was going to burst right out of my chest. I loved her sister Paige so much, I just knew I couldn't love another human being that much. Makenna proved me wrong. She made it an easy decision to have that third and final child because she taught me how love could grow bigger than any thought I've ever had.

She is my peacekeeper in the family. To me, she's like a rock in the storm. The whole world can be in chaos around her and she is serene and smooth.

A family is like a puzzle. Everyone is a distinctive and important part of the whole picture. Normally, you do the outer edges first, then the middle. She is the heart of our family puzzle. Without her, our picture is not complete.

We love you, Makenna. Your star is bright and so full of promise in a world filled with shadows.

Shine, Baby, shine.

HAPPY 1OTH BIRTHDAY!

Birthday poses should be done with flair, don't you think?

This is the same shirt from last year. She's gonna wear it until she can't anymore! The Birthday Tiara completes the picture, don't you think? And, yes, she wore it to school! (note how the tiara matches the shirt. This was one of my gifts last year on my birthday from Carla. I am being kind enough to share it with my girl.)


Aunt Lu called before she got out of the door so she could give some Birthday wishes! We were running late this morning and Miss Thang was just sitting and chatting like she had all the Birthday time in the world.

A whole decade. Wow.