Happy 15th Birthday, Alisa!

Happy 15th birthday, to my born in southern Arizona on one of the few days it ever snowed (and melted by lunchtime), beautiful Alisa Grace!

Just like the snowflakes on your birth-day, you continually surprise me! The little notes of encouragement you put on my nightstand, the patience you have for your younger siblings, and the hilarious jokes you make to lighten a mood. You are smart, hard-working, an excellent student, and have abundant knowledge of all things “Star Wars”, “When Calls The Heart”, and “The Hunger Games.” You’ve been known to eat a double cheeseburger and a bag of Reece’s Peanut Butter cups in a flash, you wish God hadn’t created alligators, and you make the best homemade gnocchi. Delicious! You are a fiercely loyal friend and inspire me to do better at taking time to laugh with those I love. Alisa, your smile is stunning and you have such a steady, calm, gentle way of leading children in Bible study and teens in worship. And the way you sing and play your guitar is breathtaking! Your passion for Jesus is clear in how you live in public and at home where only our family sees. You are set-apart; feminine, strong, loyal, and oh-so-much-fun! 

Daddy and I could not be prouder of the young woman you’ve become, all the challenges you’ve conquered as a military kid, and the wise choices you make. Keep holding tight to Jesus and I can’t wait to see all the surprises He has planned for you this year. 

I love you more than words could ever say! 

Your birthday fell on a Wednesday, one of your favorite days of the week, because of youth group! So, before youth group, we went out for a family lunch at Armature Works, had some yummy Greek food and enormous Nutella-filled cookies for dessert. I love watching your siblings celebrate you! Then that evening Jessie, your amazing small group leader, surprised you with cupcakes and your favorite friends at youth group singing "happy birthday." I heard you turned a dozen shades of red, but felt so very loved. Because you are oh-so-loved!

The day after your birthday we made a family trip to Texas, to spend some time with Papa and Grandma Prescott (which was such a gift!). When we arrived home, we had your "The Greatest Showman" birthday party! Cotton candy, games, and singing at the top of your lungs with the sweetest of friends. We love celebrating you! 

"No one made a difference by being like everyone else." PT Barnum "The Greatest Showman"