Tatiana Turns Twelve

I can hardly believe it......My baby is turning 12!!! On December 25th..my baby will be 12!! The same little girl that would pee in the front yard (much to the embarassment of my 17yr old sister ) just because it would take to much time to come in the house..!!! The same little girl who would play with anyone.......never picky about age or disablitiy...or what someone might think....She would befriend anyone . One day when Tawni was about 4...she was out riding her bike and we needed her to come home for dinner ...so Jim went out and walked down the street to find her.....well as he walked he called her name and he got stopped at least 4 times by complete strangers saying..."oh Tawni went that way"....well he came to find out that every time she went on her ride around the block..she would stop and talk to every person she met along the way.....One woman said she would chase people down to talk to them and introduce herself!!! Kind of scarey ..YES..but at the same time very sweet!!! They all adored her!!

Tawni has brought us such joy. She has been head strong and spirited since the day she was born. She has grown into a beautiful young lady. This past year has been a roller coaster....from working to go to Mexico and finially getting to go (WOW! What an experience that was!!) to us getting kicked out of our trailer and haveing to move several times......But the biggest challenge she has had this year...was holding me through the death of my oldest and dearst friend. She went with me to California...and walked me through some things I would have never been able to do alone....and she has continued to be my rock. She can hear me crying no matter where she is in the house and she always comes running. I don't know how I would have made it without her!! She has put up with my sudden outburst, crying and snapping at her for no reason...with more grace and forgiveness than most adults would in the same situation.

I am proud to say she is my daughter. I have no doubt that she will continue to grow in grace and beauty...and I can't wait to see how she uses her talents to bless others in the future...... Tawni we love you more than you could ever know !!

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY TAWNI VERN !!!!

Fathers note:
Yes, Tawni, I agree YOU have been a solid rock for your Mom. I don't think we would be doing so good as a family without you holding your mommy when daddy can't be there cause he has to work. My hardest job, I have always said, is to teach you how to direct your stubborness (which is a good thing) in the right way. The next year will hold many joys for us and I am sure some sorrows to. God bless you as you grow into a beautifull women. An rememeber that VERY important trait of being a friend to anyone who will listen to you. I remember in the Billings Mall you walking up to a guy in a cowboy hat an cowboy boots putting your hands on his knee and started a conversation with him like you had known him for years. That friendliness is your MOST ADMORABLE quality. Love the world like God tells you too and you will be blessed.
I LOVE YOU BABY DOLL
Daddy