Another Teenager??!!

Yes, it's true!  There are now two teenagers in our house as of yesterday.

13yrs. ago this young lady came into the world.  Her arrival was 7 weeks early and she spent 19 days in the NICU but she's been going gang-busters ever since.

Her day began with balloons and her request for Boston Kreme doughnuts!

Hugs from big brother Allen who was only 17months old when she arrived and usurped his role as the baby and only child. (I'm still not sure if he's gotten over that one-haha!)

Hmm...seems Michael is more interested in the doughnut than in the birthday hug, but it's the thought that counts right?

Sweet Birthday Kisses from a little sister.

Now, on to the good stuff.  At our house, birthdays are a pretty big deal and because we homeschool, the birthday girl or boy gets to take the school day off and fill it with his/her favorite activities.

Josi spent most of her day watching home movies (one of her all-time favorite activities which just happens to be mine as well!)  We also played some of her favorite games. Fun, fun!

Of course the birthday calls came throughout the day.  Every time the phone rang, Josi said, "Birthday Call!", and then would put the phone on speaker so we could all listen. And, if she didn't get sung to, she would request that the caller do so!  The girl knows what she wants!

Present Time!

Josi loves playing games and so we got her Twister Hoopla and this one called Hedbanz where you put a card on your headband and ask the other players questions to help you guess what your card says.  I think this will be a fun addition to our family game times.

Josi only asked for one thing this year.  One night not too long ago, Nadia was playing with Josi's magnadoodle (which was totally annoying Josi).  I happened to ask Josi right then what she wanted for her birthday. She quickly and emphatically responded, "A little magnadoodle for Nadia!" :)  So much for the whole sharing thing we're trying to work on.

Birthday Wish Granted!

The Peanut Gallery waiting to try out the presents.

The boys are usually willing participants when Josi wants to play 'beauty shop' (as am I), because who can turn down having their hair combed and styled right?

A manicure too?  OK, it's her birthday so I'll play along. 

Someone looks happily surprised with her 'gift'. :)

Isn't she a beauty?  She's all dressed up for a very special occasion...but you'll have to wait to find out in an upcoming post!

Josi, we can't imagine our lives without you.  Our family is extremely blessed to have you in it and we love you VERY, VERY MUCH!!!

Happy Birthday!