...and before you know it...

Your baby's ELEVEN! Happy Happy Happy Birthday Ashley. Eleven reasons why I LOVE this girl:

1) She is so responsible! She has started babysitting, and after her first job, the mom called me to thank me...not only for being a great babysitter and playing with the kids, but for feeding them and CLEANING up her kitchen. Way to go Ashley!

2) Her smile. Who can't love that face of hers. She is such a sparkler and flashes those pearly whites often

3) Her sense of humor. She is always telling jokes and making us laugh. She has a very witty comment or remark often, and keeps us in stitches

4)Her amazing artistic ability. From a very young age, Ashley showed her special ability to draw and create pictures! We LOVE it when she draws. She is constantly working on her art, trying to improve her talent. One of our favorite things is when she combines her artistic talent with her witty sense of humor with her original comic strips. Here's one she drew after she learned how to play badminton up at Aspen Grove:
(the caption reads: "Tim, maybe we should stop playing since you can't leave the birdie alone.")

5) Her ability to "sense" a situation and act accordingly. I can't tell you how often I'll be feeling a little overwhelmed, and without being asked, Ashley will dive in and start doing something to help me: dishes, vacuuming, etc. What a doll.

6) Her ability to entertain other children. Ashley is the "head" of so much of the play that happens at our house. She is giving somebody a "horsie" ride on her back or building huts, or playing some sort of game, or helping someone build something. Her imagination is endless!

7) She is turning into such a lady. She is starting to mature so much and has just started to get into those little "girly" things...but not too quickly! She's the perfect balance between childhood and pre-teen. Perfect! I might add that she is also an adventurer. She will try new things without worrying. She loves green marinated olives, Brie cheese, and tried pheasant for the first time this summer. She LOVES it when I buy her those strange and unusual fruits and veggies at the grocery store (that right now I can't even name because they're so unusual!)

8) She is grateful. Whenever we do something for her, even the littlest thing, she is always gracious and thanks us...sincerely. She truly appreciates everything we do for her, from buying her new socks to making meals. She is just appreciative.

9) She is smart! She gets great grades, and although may need to work a little harder at some things, sticks to it and hangs in there until she gets it done. She takes pride in her own work and doesn't have to be pushed by us to do well. She just wants that for herself.

10) Ashley is unassuming. When we go to the store, she NEVER asks for things. If another child asks for a candy bar or something, I'll see her nudge them and quietly tell them, "Don't ask. That's not nice." I LOVE that! I guess it sort-of goes back to the "appreciative" thing. She doesn't expect anything.

11) She is mine. What a blessing in my life to have this first child, and such a gem. She is truly a rare and wonderful gift to our family. She is a leader in our home and such a great teacher to her little brothers and sisters. We couldn't feel more blessed to have her in our lives.

Love you Ashley!!!