Happy 9th Birthday!

Jordan is 9 years old today!  After some warmer weather last week, we woke up to some bitter, cold temperatures and snow!!!  Pretty typical for January birthdays in Iowa.  So Jordan has already learned a big lesson for a 9 year old....things don't always go as you plan or want them to go.  That is such a big lesson that comes up over and over again in life.  Like me, Jordan is a planner and we had some big birthday plans for the weekend...then the little kids got sick mid week....when I picked Jordan up from school on Friday for a birthday lunch, she burst into tears and said she wasn't feeling good...sure enough she had the dreaded fever and flu.  (This picture was right before she told me she was sick!)

So we had to postpone her birthday party, cancel Tod's family coming and instead, take care of some very sick kiddos!  She's been a little sad, but we've still managed to celebrate (she got a new desk for her room) and have both practiced "looking on the bright side of things." (A good reminder for me!)  One bright spot, her basketball team was in a tournament yesterday and she was soooo disappointed not to be able to go.  She spent the day in bed...then her sweet coach called to check on her and just let her know they had some afternoon games and were short on players.  Jordan said, "Mom, I want to try to go!"  She pulled herself out of bed and went (I took her because my stubborn streak would have caused me to do the same thing!)  Her team ended up taking 2nd place...she tried so hard and I know it was a huge effort for her.  She came home and collapsed into bed clutching her trophy!

 Not the way you really want to feel on your birthday, but we managed to get a few smiles!

I love this girl so much for all that she adds to my life and to our family!
Nine things about Jordan at age 9:
1.  She is so organized and responsible.  From keeping her bedroom clean to her school work, I never have to worry about her getting things done or doing things right.  What a blessing for me.

2.  She is so good and patient with little kids and they just love her.  All the kids at church and in the neighborhood are always looking for Jordan.  She can get Regan and Cole to do just about anything.  Sometimes when my patience is gone, she will just step in and take over with them.  It is amazing.
3.  Jordan is motivated to improve- recently, she set a goal to read scriptures every night and to see her follow through with that is so neat.  She also works so hard to get better at the different sports she plays.
4.  Jordan loves to play school.  She has tons of school supplies and teaching things...she will spend hours in her room with her pretend class demonstrating all the latest teaching techniques.  She has recently taught Regan to read!
5.  She has a calming effect on our family.  She is such a good sister to Ashton who has the tendency to worry.  Many times I will hear her quietly reassuring Ashton that something will work out or that things will be okay.
6.  Jordan is so helpful to me.  She is seriously my second hand man.  She will do pretty much anything I ask her to do- from planning Family Home Evening to cleaning a room or baking brownies.  I appreciate it so much.
7.  She is developing a testimony of the Gospel.  Recently, she shared this experience with me- she told me she fasted to know the truth of Joseph Smith's First Vision.  When she went to church, her primary lesson was on this exact thing.  Many of her questions were answered and her testimony grew.
8.  She loves fashion!  She always puts together fabulous outfits complete with accessories and everything.
9.  Jordan is her own person.  She isn't really swayed by what others think or say or do.  She makes decisions and sticks with them.  She knows what she likes and wants and goes after it.  I hope this quality will always stay with her.
Happy Birthday Beans!