Twelve years ago I became a mom!

I can't believe it! I have a 12 year old! Life sure does pass by quickly. I remember when I found out that I was due on Christmas Eve, I prayed that she'd come earlier. I didn't want to be in the hospital on Christmas. She came 2 days early, on the 22nd. And we came home on the 24th. It was a long labor, with a whirlwind emergency C-section delivery, but we were just so glad that she was here and healthy. And BEAUTIFUL! Now it's hard to believe that she is all grown up and going into Young Womens at church. I still remember her as a little 2 year old with a squeaky voice using huge words that I couldn't figure out how she knew. She has grown up into a smart, sweet young lady who still uses huge words that I can't figure out how she knows! She loves to sing, and is enjoying ballroom dance. She has lots of friends, including boys (oh dear) and I love being counted as one of her "friends" (most of the time, anyway). It's fun to talk and be silly together. I love it! I just can't believe how fast it has gone. Just yesterday she looked like this:

And now she looks like this!! Where did all those years go?

I had to laugh looking at the pictures of Jared and me. We look SO young, but we were 23 and 25, so really not THAT young!! But we sure were excited to be parents. This sweet little baby girl changed our lives in so many ways, but all good. We have LOVED raising her thus far, and look forward to the next 12.

Saturday night, we threw Eryn a surprise party. Jared took her and Kaitlyn to Walmart while I hurried and decorated, and her friends came. She was definitely surprised. I set up the video camera, but there ended up being a balloon blocking her face in the video. I think she was a little mad, because it scared her, but she got over it quickly and had a fun time. They painted little Christmas Tree ornaments. They turned out really cute.

For dinner we made "calzones" or kind of little pizza pockets. The girls were so funny putting them together. I think half the stuff oozed out while they were baking, but they were yummy anyway.

They had fun playing crazy games, opening presents, and telling scary stories. They even turned on some music and danced around for a little bit... that is, until the Christmas tree got knocked over. It broke the tree stand, so we have books holding it up (under the tree skirt). It's a little crooked, and the ornaments don't quite look as well put together, but oh well. It's all good! It's fun to see Eryn with her friends. She was concerned that KC was the only one from her school that could come, but I think she got along just fine with the neighborhood girls. They are all so sweet, and I'm glad Eryn has such great friends!

Last night we had the family over for Cake and Ice Cream. We had planned to do it on her REAL birthday (Tuesday) but she was invited to go with the Young Women to a fun little activity, and didn't want to miss out on that, so we had to change it up a bit. Grandma Cheryl, PapaBob, Aunt Jo, Uncle Corey and Harlie, Aunt Jana, Uncle Brad, and their boys... and Grandpa Grace and Grandma Kathleen all came. It was fun ;)

Happy Birthday Eryn. We love you! You are a bright light in our family ;)