Happy 17th Jessica!!!

Wasn't it just yesterday that I felt the first twinges of the pain that would take me into the secret world of women for the last 6,000 years?

Wasn't it just yesterday that I held you and said with awe, "I just love her so much."?

Wasn't it just yesterday that I walked through Wal-Mart with you in the little seat of the cart? Just the two of us enjoying the world while wise women said "that baby is so fat, you must nurse that baby. "

Wasn't it just yesterday that you wanted to leave the church nursery to come see me because you didn't think you should be watching a certain movie. The not so wise nursery worker said that your mommy does not want you to come. DROPPED THAT BIBLE STUDY in a heart beat. (And now, we like those movies!!!)

Wasn't it just yesterday that you read "Paddington Takes a Bath" by yourself and never stopped reading- surpassing us all in speed and ability?

Wasn't it just yesterday that Daddy read the Hobbit to you and you were able to remind everyone of some obscure event that occurred several chapters before in the reading?

Wasn't it just yesterday that you would put your one year old twin sisters to bed for nap time, so I could nurse your newest sister?

Wasn't it yesterday that multiplication seemed hard?

Wasn't it just yesterday that you hosted a Film Festival that put me in more awe of you than ever before. Standing and speaking in front of more people than most people do in their lifetimes.

No it wasn't yesterday. It has been a life time of you. It has been a beautiful seventeen years and you are an incredible woman. May God shine upon you.

I love you. Thank you for becoming my friend.