J@de

I have 5 nephews and 3 nieces. (i hope I counted right)

Today my oldest niece turns 17.

me and J@de

I first met Jade (she prefers to write it J@de) when she was a baby.

I know that sounds like that is the most expected thing, but Jade is in no way blood-related.  

although I think she is.  

Her mom and my brother dated when Jade was a baby and I wanted her to be my niece back then. 

it took a few years but Jade is my niece.  

and I am so glad she is.

Jade is a beautiful young woman with a huge heart.  

She loves everyone.

family is so very important to her.  

friends are the world.  

God is crucial to living. 

I am proud of the young woman she has become.

She is extremely gifted in the arts - drawing, photography, and drama is in her scope too.

She loves music - music is her soul. 

I think she is overlooked too often because she is so willing to give of herself to her family and friends (and as a teen I know it doesn't come across so obviously sometimes)

She is quiet, but funny.

She adores her step-dad, my brother, and loves to go to his comedy shows.  

What a support and encouragement I know she's been to him as he starts off his comedy career.

She loves serving God - even though it is a thankless job a lot of the time.  

(on mission trips, and at camp)

I have a gorgeous niece and i pray often for her.  

I see myself in this girl who joined our family at a young age.  

i adore her.  

She is wise - but doesn't realize it.  

She is absolutely beautiful, but doesn't realize it. 

I am blessed to have her in my life.  

She is an encouragement to me in many ways. 

I pray this next year of her life is full of many unexpected blessings, many friendships strengthening and forming, many dreams accomplished and dreamt. 

Love you J@de.