Happy Birthday, Jordan!

Just yesterday, that FIFTEEN year old on the left was the same age as that TWO year old on the right.

JUST. YESTERDAY.

See?

I just took that picture YESTERDAY!

How did this happen?!

No. really.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??!!!

I love having a teenage daughter, but it also makes me so sad that my babies are all growing up SO FAST.

In honor of her special day, here are the top 15 reasons the teenage version of JP is even better than the toddler version:
1. She wipes her own bottom.
2. She no longer leaves sippy cups filled with milk in the car for who knows how long.
3. She has better taste in music... and by that I mean, we are no longer listening to Barney!
4. Her tantrums are much quieter (especially in public!).
5. She dresses herself, feeds herself, and BLOWS HER OWN NOSE.
6. She no longer spits disgusting stuff out IN MY HAND.
7. She has stopped eating dog food and crickets.
8. She talks like a grown up about grown up stuff.
9. She loves to shop and doesn't need a bribe TO NOT EMBARRASS ME in the store!
10. I'm no longer afraid to leave her alone with the scissors! or a sharpie! or HER SISTER!
11. She's no longer BITING her friends. (I hope.)
12. She appreciates a good nap as much as I do!
13. She still gives me a big hug and squeals when she's excited.
14. She still has that same great smile and beautiful blue eyes.
15. She still makes me feel blessed every single day.

Happy FIFTEENTH Birthday, JP. Watching you grow into a beautiful young lady is one of the greatest joys of my life... even if it makes me a little sad!

Go Riders

The girls joined the THESA Riders (a homeschool basketball team) this season and are having a BLAST. More importantly, they are really getting better at basketball.

Their team recently won second place in the Stephenville Freshman tournament (falling only to the home team!).

They are finishing the season strong with hopes of doing some work at the upcoming State Tournament.

Can't wait to watch!

Jordan's Solo

JP auditioned for a solo in her TAFA Christmas Showcase and got it!  She was super excited until performance day actually arrived!!

I have never seen my first born so extremely nervous!  She was sick to her stomach all day and kept saying, "Why did I think I would want to do this?"  Sadly, I thought she hadn't inherited my anxiety issues. I would have never even auditioned because the very thought of it would have made me hurl!

I offered to give her a dose of Nyquil to help her relax, but she was a little concerned she might actually slur.  

She braved the performance sans drugs (I am kidding; settle down!!), and in the very unbiased opinion of her mother, did a fine job!  (She is the second verse voice!)

Leigh bet me I would cry, but I am happy to report that I REFRAINED!!  Mostly because I had to prove Leigh WRONG!

I'm very proud of you, JP.  Sorry you inherited my severe performance anxiety.  At least you didn't break out in hives and run to the bathroom to puke.  Not that I know anyone who's ever done that.

One "Sing"-ular Sensation

Last night, the TAFA Musical Extravaganza BLEW ME AWAY! Jordan sings in a couple of TAFA choirs, and after attending several concerts this year, last night we watched the kids perform show tunes! And, in case you are not privy to my feelings about show tunes, let me just say...LOOOOVE THEM! (please hear that in a very high pitch operatic tone!)

(Note: I didn't actually snap any pictures of last nights performance, which though typical, makes me sad! The above photo is from an earlier concert!)

JP's group performed "I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair" from the Broadway hit South Pacific! She definitely got her groove on while I smiled until my jaws hurt! I could tell she was having a blast, and the joy of the kids in every performance was infectious!

The TAFA kids are amazingly talented. Performing from all different genres and musicals, it was a delight to behold!

JP and her friends have already chosen the piece they would like to audition to perform in next year's production!

I think it's safe to say that my love of all things musical has been inherited. LOOOOOOVE IT!!

Order UP!

Since Sarah has been training JP in the kitchen, hopefully passing along her culinary skills, JP offered to make spring rolls for us one day at lunch. She had been working for awhile when I walked into the kitchen and saw this:
She didn't want the onions to burn her eyes so she borrowed Wes's safety goggles!

YUMMY!!!

So True

This morning, while JW was taking out the trash, he said, "I'm gonna have a maid when I grow up."

To which Jordan quipped, "Yeah, your wife!"

I heart this picture.

Proof...

...that my children really do love each other!!