It feels like it was just yesterday when you were born (and I had really big hair) and I could hold you in one arm.
When I could look at those big, baby blues and the years of childhood seemed to stretch forever
I still remember when you turned three–it felt so old–like my baby was grown.
I look back and I see the shoots of the artist you were to grow into.
I chuckle when I think of those years where your feet wouldn’t hit the floor when you played piano. And how you concentrated so hard to get just the right note.
It feels like it was just yesterday when you were the oldest of just three girls — now you are the big sister in a family of seven.
When I took this picture, you were so brave — this was when daddy was going through cancer treatment — you smiled so hard even though I could see worry deep in your eyes.
Yet, throughout it all time slowly ticked by. Christmas, Birthday, Summer, Fall, Christmas, Birthday…and again…and again…and again.
Then 13 came and I realized time was racing by and I became even more determined to savor the years to come
I watch you and want to tell you once again that beyond being an amazing daughter you are an amazing sister.
You are a joy to be around. You make smile and think and laugh
You are a dancer, full of life, living vividly.
So today, on your 14th birthday, I celebrate you. The daughter of the King. The depth of love you have for the Lord inspires me. So now, today, I see you, a shadow of a the little girl and a beauty of the woman you are becoming. And I’ll tell you — I’m proud to walk this journey with you.
Happy Birthday Hannah!!
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For those of you who haven’t found Hannah’s blog I’d love to encourage you to check it out. She is a gifted writer who truly lives her life for Christ. And while you’re there — make sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!
27 comments
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful daughter!! God has blessed you richly!
Happy Birthday to Hannah!
This is a wonderful post! You are a great example of a God-loving family and I appreciate you letting us in:-)
Heather
P.S. Sam’s hair in that picture is fabulous!
This was beautiful! Thanks for sharing this with us! I’m popping over to Hannah’s blog to wish her a happy birthday.
(Love your big hair, by the way) 😉
I just realized I follow your beautiful daughter! But I didn’t realize she was your daughter!! Such a sweet post. <333
What a beautiful post! So sweet and full of love! Happy birthday, Hannah!
Happy Birthday, Hannah! Hannah is such a lovely girl…you must be one great Mom to raise up such a daughter!
Such a lovely post! Happy Birthday, Hannah!
What beautiful love you have for your daughter. It brought tears to my eyes to read. Happy Birthday Hannah!
I love this post – so sweet. 🙂
What a cool b-day post for her!
~Amanda
http://www.farmgirlwrites.com
So sweet, and what a beautiful girl !!! Happy Birthday Hannah 🙂
This brought tears to my eyes and made me want to snuggle my babies because they are growing up way too quickly too. you are such a lovely mom. 🙂
So beautiful! Happy Birthday to your girl.
Blessings,
Amy
I have 4 daughters and I pray my daughters turn out to be as amazing as Hannah!She is one beautiful person, just like her momma!! HUGS
What a sweet post, Rachel!
Happy birthday, Hannah!!! 🙂
Love both you and your Hanni-girl deeply, friend of mine. God pours out a beautiful and strong picture of full life, real faith, and committed family through your words and your relationships, Rachel. I am honored and pretty much ECSTATIC to get to journey with you! ~ Amy
A beautiful tribute to your beautiful daughter. She is truly gifted and her love for the Lord is very evident. Thank you for allowing me to share your lives with you through blogging!
Oh, that was so sweet, Rachel! I left a comment on Aspire, wishing Hannah a happy birthday.
I agree with Nana – you must be a wonderful mom to have raised such a lovely daughter… no actually, you must have a wonderful faith in God to follow His directions and guide your daughter into the person He wants her to be. (But I still think you would be a pretty wonderful mom to have, from what I read through yours and Hannah’s blogs!)
Have a happy, happy birthday Hannah!
Love in Christ,
Lizzy
Thanks for visiting my blog Rachel. What a beautiful tribute to your daughter who is growing up so fast. She is beautiful, I loved your post.
Molly 🙂
Happy Birthday Hannah!
Rachel, you are so right to savor the time. My sweet girl (and youngest) just turned 24. I am sure it was just the day before yesterday when she was 14, wasn’t it? 🙂
Happy weekend!
This post made me want to savour every moment with my own little girls (9 & 6).
What a beautiful girl you have… wishing her a Happy Birthday!
Tell Hannah HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me!
Praying in Seattle!
Psalms 62:5-7 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Happy birthday Hannah! You are beautiful inside and out! Hope you have a day that rocks your socks off!
Rachel, I loved the tribute. It was so special.
What a beautiful post! I can see you feel blessed to be Hannah’s mum and I am sure she feels blessed to be your daughter! How wonderful that she loves the LORD.
awww. so beautiful!! love the post!
Beautiful post for your dear daughter! Happy birthday, Hannah!!
Happy belated birthday,Hannah!! I hope it was a wonderful day! This post is so sweet(and she’s so pretty!)! 🙂 🙂
ps.My dad was sick for years too so I can relate.
♥
Beautiful words of a mother! *tears*