Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Happy 11th Birthday, Eva Grace

the birthday girl blowing out 11 candles

Eva celebrated her 11th birthday on February 7, just a few weeks after our arrival stateside for furlough ministry. One of her treats on this birthday was the opportunity to go to the store with Daddy and pick out her own cake! Animal and small trinket lover that she is, naturally Eva chose a cake with cute little puppy dogs on keychains of some sort. :)

opening gifts with cousins and siblings

Eva was happy to be surrounded by her brothers, sister and cousins. It was a quick party but hopefully accomplished what was important: celebrating this very special young lady who brought joy and sunshine into our lives with her arrival eleven years ago.

a special hug between sisters

I wish I could say Eva and Isabel are the kind of sisters to always hug each other so fondly, but that wouldn't be quite true! However, this was a special hug after Eva opened a gift that her sister had thoughtfully purchased for her. Just a few days prior our family had visited a nearby museum and Eva had wished for something in particular from the gift shop. She was out of money, though, and with disappointment headed out empty-handed to the car with Daddy.

Meanwhile Isabel whispered to me that she wanted to use some of her own hard-earned money to buy that item for Eva's birthday! Her sister was so surprised when she unwrapped the gift and saw that it was exactly what she had wanted. Of course I had to have a picture to document such a precious moment and I am so thankful for the sweet spirit that prompted it.

gifts from Mom-Mom

My prayer for Eva this year is that she would grow in the love and knowledge of Christ, her Savior. We are so thankful that many opportunities are available for our sweet daughter to learn God's Word through the AWANA clubs, and to experience the family of God in a unique way as we minister from church to church in the coming months.
Eva, we love you just the way you are! You are our artist, our animal lover, our friend-maker. We are so proud of your creative mind and tender heart. Keep listening to Jesus and allowing Him to guide your choices and relationships. We are so thankful to be your Mom and Dad.

Love, Mommy
More birthday posts:

3 comments:

Deborah said...

Happy birthday, Dear Eva! How I thank God for the joy you've brought to the lives of those who love you!

I am so thankful for you!!!

I pray that God gives you a WONDERFUL eleventh year! <3

Love,
Deborah :)

Terri Fisher said...

Happy Birthday, Eva! We are so excited to be able to spend some time in person with you this year! We are looking forward to having you and your family at our house this month...and Russia is looking forward to meeting you, too!! We love you!

Aunt Terri and family :)

BumbersBumblings said...

I can't believe she's that old! I remember holding her as a little baby ;) Hope she had a great day!