Gabrielle Elle Jelly Belly Sweet Bella Belle Schmells

Gabrielle turned 13 on Thanksgiving Day. My BABY is 13! She started her first day as a teenager with a landmark event: a one-mile fun run in downtown Atlanta. Yes, she WANTED to do it! Brian was originally going to run a marathon the same morning, but numerous injuries changed his plans. He spent the morning with us cheering on the Child After His Own Running Heart.

Gabrielle trained a short while before the race but never broke 9 mins and 30 seconds. We went thinking she would try to break nine minutes. Seven minutes into the race, Abby announced that Elle was in sight. We could not believe it, but it was true. Thankfully, I was able to catch her on the final stretch with my camera. Abby stopped her ipod timer at 7:43 as Gabrielle crossed the finish line.

Gabrielle was thrilled and shocked about her time. She thought she still had a long way to go and was pacing herself for a long run ahead. We had to scream at her that the finish line was coming up and that she should pick up the pace. She had not even broken much of a sweat! After it was all over, Elle announced that the race was an absolute blast and that she just had to do another one! We may bring her along to Brian's hopeful attempt at a marathon in the spring somewhere in GA.

We spent the remainder of the day with our friends, the Walters, and Amy (single friend), Kim (another single friend), and Vikki Walter's hospitable parents. We ate too much delicious food, played bingo for M&M's and indulged in a bit of Karaoke. The kids went ice skating in the evening. Everyone was blessed and filled and refreshed.

I am grateful for all our friends - near and far - and for all our families. We missed being with "real" family but enjoyed spending the afternoon/evening with our GA family!

I'm especially grateful that Gabrielle's birthday finally fell on Thanksgiving. It gave me a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the gift she is to me and to my family. Gabrielle is full of gratitude, love, life, loyalty for family and friends, and has a big, compassionate heart. She is growing quickly now - something her siblings never managed to do! In a few months, the baby of the family will be taller than all the other girls in the family - a minor triumph for the one who comes in "last" in so many ways. Gabrielle is also a great friend and servant to her dad and me. Gabrielle helps Brian with home projects and loves it. She cooks regularly for me and is always thinking of something to bake on the side. She cleans, cares for the dogs with no complaining, and works hard in school. If I need something to be assembled or repaired, Gabrielle is often my source of help. God knew what I needed! (Alzheimer's is kicking in....) I am comforted to think that she may be the last of the children at home with me, but then again, I cannot take that for granted. I will enjoy having her at home while I still can.

Our little April Fool's joke ("Yes, the pregnancy test IS miraculously positive") is a daily blessing and reminder of God's faithfulness to strengthen us and hear us when we call. We are so glad that God "sneaked" Gabrielle into our family.

We love you, Sweet Bella!