Birthday Girl

On January 26, 1998 we celebrated the arrival of our fourth child ... a baby girl. Her big sister proudly named her Abigail. Following our tradition of bestowing middle names in honor of a family member, I requested that she be given my middle name of Jean, and it was only right that I finally got my way! And so it was that Abigail Jean completed our family of two boys and two girls.

Abbi, you quickly made our lives busy with your fussiness! We spent hours walking, rocking, and simply holding you. But as you grew, your big brothers and sister found that they could easily spend time entertaining and playing with you.

When you & Kevin were very small you played nicely. Soon sibling rivalry took over, and the two of you discovered that you could both "go at it" pretty well. And often there were no winners, only losers, as you both came crying!

Abbi, you always wanted to "help" me with whatever it was that I was doing. And if I was out of chores you quickly walked across the back yard to help Grandma do whatever it was that she was doing. You hung up my laundry, washed dishes, watered plants, baked cookies with Grandma, helped me make applesauce and husk sweetcorn for freezing. Did your "helping" make more work for me? Absolutely! But I wouldn't trade all your helping for anything in the world! Even today, you are a pro in the kitchen, and it's so much fun to share my space with you!

First day of Kindergarten! Sending you on the bus was bittersweet ... after many years of little hands & feet keeping my life busy, I was ready for a few hours of "alone time"!

You were quick to follow the footsteps of your big brother, Mitch. You loved the outdoors, animals, fishing, and getting dirty. The two of you are two peas in a pod!

You have an amazing way with animals. You could do anything you wanted with your first horse, Ginger. Of course she was 20+, so that worked to your benefit! At the young age of 8, you didn't think twice about riding her bareback.

And of course, you are following in the footsteps of your big sister, Alli, and developing into a very fine volleyball player! I can't wait to see the great things you will do!

You & your many friends bring so much sunshine and laughter to our home!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday to You!

What a beautiful young lady you are growing to be! God has blessed us with you in our lives, and our prayer is that your life will bless others! We love you!