Tuesday, August 6, 2013

She is Eleven

Grace is 11 WM

And then my soul saw you and kind of went,
"Oh there you are. I've been looking for you."
~ Iain Thomas


Grace is 11 Storyboard 1

I sometimes wonder if I'm supposed to love her as much as I do.
She is my muse, my inspiration (many times) with
photography, my heart and my daughter.
I will protect her fiercely until the day I die.

We know nothing about the circumstances of her birth or her birth parents.
But maybe we do know some about them through Grace.
Most likely they are soft spoken, kind hearted, sensitive,
artistic and striking in appearance.


Grace is 11 WM-3


What we do know is that the names she has been given fit her.
In China, she was named Fu Lan Li which means 'beautiful orchid' -
and then we named her Grace which couldn't be a more perfect name for her.
Orchids are sturdy flowers that need the right environment to grow and thrive.
When she came to us, she was just 12 mos. old - not talking or walking yet.
Now 10 years later at age 11, she has blossomed into a young lady who carries
herself with grace.


Grace is 11 WM-2

Yes she is beautiful but it goes much much deeper than the surface.
Grace is a kind and thoughtful person.
She is loving, creative and turns simple things into
works of art and beauty.
Recently on our vacation I found three long scraggly roots on
the beach and braided them to make a rope.
Grace turned it into a beautiful crown decorated with flowers and leaves.
She didn't say a word about it.
She just made it, put it on her head and acted like it
was supposed to be that way.


Grace is 11 Storyboard 2


Every day she makes us smile.
Laughter comes easily and often to her and it puts a smile on my heart.
Her hugs and kisses warm my soul.
I can't imagine our lives without her or how diminished the world would
be if her light didn't shine.
Thank you God for the delightful gift you have given us.
We are blessed beyond our dreams.

May all your hopes and dreams come true,
Happy Birthday, Grace!

Grace is 11 WM-4

Taken about two weeks ago before sunset
in the beautiful fields of Southern Wisconsin.
 



14 kind words:

Kate said...

Happy birthday to your sweet beautiful Grace. A beautiful post inn words and images that made me cry this morning. I hope she has a special day.

Hannah said...

Happy Birthday Grace!!

Grace is the perfect name for her :)

Jboo said...

Such a beautiful post to your incredibly sweet daughter! Love it. Happy Birthday dear Grace!

Laurie said...

So glad I went to the blog and didn't just click "like" on FB. I really enjoyed reading about Grace.... what a special young lady! Hope she has a super fun 11th b-day!

ashley said...

Gail, that may be the most beautiful thing I have ever read, written by a mother, about her daughter. I could "feel" the love you have for her. So beautiful and special!
Happy Birthday to your amazing girl!
xoxo
Ashley

Jewels of My Heart said...

Truly breathtaking.... Happy Birthday sweet, beautiful Grace...

Hoots Momma said...

Tears,,, always tears when I visit you... But Good tears!!! Blessings and best birthday wishes, Shelly

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Grace! You get more beautiful every year!

Love Letters To China said...

What beautiful heartfelt words to describe your sweet girl. Every word speaks volumes of the love you have for her. She really is such a special gift.

Happy Birthday Grace! May the coming year bring you all the happiness you deserve. Hugs....

likeschocolate said...

Such a sweet post! I know I have told you this many times, but she is stunning. She takes ones breath away. Happy Birthday to Grace!

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

I am teary here. Sensational post. I think that you and Grace are matched well.

I hope you enjoyed celebrating Miss Grace yesterday.

Love to you my friend.

lea

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

ALL a mom could ever want... a daughter like Grace. Beautiful just like you!!! LOVE every image captures so perfectly! Breath taking!!! Love!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to sweet and gorgeous Grace!! <3

Gina Kleinworth said...

Her poise always grabs me- I love how you capture her Gail. I hope she had a very lovely birthday. Grace's birthday is the day after my munchkin- she's just a year older. I know if we lived close our girls would so enjoy each other.

 
© Aging with Grace and strong Will
CoffeeShop Designs