Happy Birthday!

Today, our first born has turned 23 years old. Can I tell you how much that freaks me out?? It's almost unbelievable. Where does the time go?

Ashleigh has grown into a wonderful gal. Who at times, I'm positive, has it more together than her old ma! She is wise beyond her years. Always has been. She is strong willed. Determined to succeed. Has a HUGE heart. She is loyal. Compassionate. Empathetic. She is always the one who will go that extra mile. Whether it be for family or friends. She is hard working all the way around. Be it at school or at her job/jobs. Yes, this girl has carried a full load for the last 4.5 years. She has been a full time college student working 2 jobs.

At times, she gets very frustrated with us. As we try to steer her toward the bigger "picture of life". Although, I'm sure she is very capable and really doesn't require much input from her parents...we still feel the need to parent her! I must admit, there have been times we, her parents, have steered her wrong. For example: making her attend a Community College her first year out of High School. Which in turn, resulted in her having to go an extra semester after transferring to Western Michigan University. Ashleigh is quick to remind us of that too!

Happy Birthday Ashleigh!! Like it or not, you will always be our little girl. Age makes no difference!