Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Cake

We celebrated a little early this year, having family over for tacos and cake. I asked you if you minded having your party on a day other than your actual real birthday. "Nope! That's fine!" you assured me. When I smelled something coming from the oven, once again breaking my tradition of never burning anything, you cheered me on. "That's ok mom." When I struggled to wrestle the cakes from the pans in one piece and I glued them together with massive amounts of frosting you affirmed me with a smile. "It's alright." When I realized that I had grabbed the wrong color and dyed the frosting purple instead of pink you didn't mind. We stood and assessed the damage together, a toppling, crumbling, mess of chocolate, purple, and sprinkles (that were applied to divert attention from the train wreck). I wanted to scowl and sulk and kick something. You assured me that it was perfect.

You amaze me. Your positive outlook on life is an inspiration. God gave you the wonderful gift of a peaceful, cheerful, humble, optimistic spirit. God gave us the gift of letting us learn from you for these past 11 years. Happy Birthday Noelle.

17 comments:

Beth@playinwiththepaulsens! said...

What a beautiful girl, inside and out!

KarenK said...

She is lovely. Happy Birthday, Noelle!

trash said...

Happy Birthday girl! Your positive outlook on the whole cake thing reassures your mother that childbirth was worth it!

Sara said...

Oh my goodness...11 years already? She's so beautiful...like her mama.
Happy Birthday Noelle!

melanie said...

Noelle, you really are an amazing young woman! Happy birthday sweetheart!

Claire said...

Happy Birthday, Noelle! May God richly bless you this year!

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Happy Birthday Noelle! Your mama has described you well. We love you and pray that 11 is wonderful!

Truth said...

A very happy birthday to Noelle! A rare beauty.

Ann said...

You really are beautiful, Noelle. I'll never forget when you were really little you said to me, "I hope all your dreams come true!"
Noelle, I hope all your dreams come true, too!

I love you and miss you!
~Aunt Ann

Mrs. Schmitty said...

She sounds amazing! Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Where did Noelle go?? Where's the little bug with the little pigtail on the top of her head?
Where's the girl who was 4 or 5 inches shorter last year and if she does that again this year, she will be looking down at Grams next January?
Happy B-day Miss Noelle. We all love you ooooooooodles!

Tina said...

she is NOT eleven?!!!?

georgous.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Noelle! Hope your day was as lovely as you.

Sherry said...

Happy Birthday, Noelle!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! When will we see her on a cover? I think she gets her positive outlook on life from her mother!

Jenni said...

Aw! She is absolutely beautiful. And what a blessing to have that cheerful outlook; may she keep it her whole life!!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Oh she is beautiful. What a great memento for her.