Wendy

Hi Wendy,

Today is your birthday.

I still remember helping your mama get ready for your 

very first birthday.

I made you this toy box for either your 1st or your 2nd birthday.

I would have been 14 or 15 then.

I was also there for many more of your birthday parties

(although I could not find one single photo of me at any of your parties 

because I was always the one taking them).

Your 3rd.

Your 4th.

Your 6th.  

I was already in college at the time of your 6th birthday party.  Your mom asked me if I could be the "entertainment" so I brought my newly made flannel board and all of the story pieces I had made for a lot of fairly tales and folk tales.  I also brought my puppets I had made in class.  You and all of your guests loved the stories I told and the silly voices I made telling them.  And then you and your guests had fun playing with them and making up your own stories.  

That day was fun. 

Your 7th.

Your 11th.

And I'm sure I was there for any other parties you had but finding those photos 

would take more time than I have tonight.

Remember the Christmas I made stilts for Kendra, Cindy, and you?

All 3 of you loved them.

This was from Farmer's Day.

You remind me of your son, Mason, in this one.

This photo was taken when you spent the night with me so you could play in the snow with us.  

You remind me of your daughter, Leah, in this one.

I loved holding you when you were a baby

(if I could get you away from your mama).

She even drove with you on her lap

(of course this was still legal then).

I do not have a photo but you are the first cousin that I helped work on a paper for college over the internet.  I remember you emailing me a paper for help editing and proofreading.

And I remember driving the 5 hours from where I lived at the time to come help you with something at your college.  I had to bring Anna (4 at the time) and Wesley (1 at the time) with me and we had to go back home that night so it made for a very long day but it was worth it because I was able to help you accomplish what needed to be accomplished.

I have enjoyed watching you be a mother.  Anna and I were so happy to be at the hospital when Leah was born and all of my children and I were so happy to be there when Mason was born.  We were blessed to be a part of those 2 very special days.  I've enjoyed our phone calls when you've called me to ask something about mothering.  You are a great mother.

I hope you've had a great birthday today!

I love you, Wendy Kay!

Always have and always will!

Love, Janna