When we finally returned from our big holiday trip...and the decorations were finally put away...and we finally got everyone back to work and school....it was time to celebrate Jordan Marie's birthday!!! It was a big one as she turned 12!!! So exciting! Jordan loves her birthday and always makes big plans! And this year did not disappoint with lots of celebrations for this gal.
First, birthday week started with a lunch date with Mom and Luke, of course to Burger King where she downed a Whopper in 4 minutes flat. We had fun with Luke who insisted on getting Dad's soda to drink (Dr. Pepper) but we tricked him by getting Root Beer instead (our fav)...He refused to drink it and told us it was a "new kind" he didn't like!
That evening we had a really fun get together for our girl. We had been trying to think of something where Jordan could include everyone that she loves...her school friends, church friends, etc. We came up with the idea of an ice cream sundae open house. I have to say that Ashton helped so much to pull this whole thing off. She is a great party planner! Never fear, it turned out to be the coldest day we have had yet this winter with a high around 0 degrees...the perfect day for ice cream! But it was warm in our house, especially surrounded by so many wonderful people. Jordan is so very loved, and we really love everyone who came by. Really great night!
The next day was her actual birthday which started with a new birthday outfit. If you know Jordan well, it won't surprise you that she ordered up some Casey's pizza for lunch. Luke and I were happy to deliver it to her at school. After school, it was time for her traditional birthday treasure hunt where she scored some fun gifts. And as usual, she was a great sport about letting others help open all her gifts.
Next, it was off to Culvers for some birthday dinner. We were so happy to have the Despains join us there, they are just like family to us. And Jordan was so excited because it was her first night to attend Young Women's (youth group) at church. She is finally 12 and ready to take the next step into this amazing program.
Her birthday celebrations weren't quite over...she got to go out to eat with some of her favorite people in the world, Jackie and Tanner. They were her primary teachers when they first moved here, and have loved her ever since. She was totally spoiled with Olive Garden and Whitey's. We sure love the Clarks!
Grandma and Grandpa along with the cousins came up for the weekend, and of course, we had to throw in one more birthday dinner and celebration. And Sunday was a special day as it was her first day in Young Women's. I am so glad I get to be in there with her too.
"My girl is 12 today! I remember the cold Iowa afternoon when she was born. She's been bringing sunshine to January ever since...she is outgoing, fun, sporty and helpful... And we love her more than words can say. Happy 12th birthday Jordan Marie!"
Twelve things about Jordan at age 12:
1. She is still Miss Sporty- she loves basketball and soccer (goalie), but her true love is softball. She has worked year round on improving her pitching, and we are so proud of her hard work.
2. Jordan has really picked up on piano this year. Most of it, she has done on her own. Her songs for Christmas recital were hard, and she nailed them. She is also still doing viola- sometimes she doesn't really like it, but she has made a lot of progress. She even made it into honors orchestra and honors choir.
3. Middle school has been a big adjustment for Jordan. She has done really well, but it hasn't been easy. She is learning lots of life lessons from her hard experiences. She is learning about being different and standing out from the crowd. She has enjoyed her TAG class and has worked hard to keep up with the 7th and 8th graders.
4. Jordan is so ready for Young Women's. She is growing up spiritually. She asks a lot of questions and is a deep thinker. She is excited to go to the temple.
5. Jordan is still my right hand man. I can almost always count on her to help me out, especially with Luke. While Tod was in Germany, she did so much for me. And the whole time that he has been the Bishop, she has just been amazing. I don't think I would have ever survived bedtime without her. Usually she just takes Luke downstairs to play so I can concentrate on Regan and Cole. Luke absolutely adores her.
6. Jordan has learned to sacrifice for others. She is willing to give up things for others. I always tell her that she is going to be a great mom.
7. Jordan is really funny. She sees humor in lots of things and laughs easily. She and I like to share funny stories and experiences at the end of the day.
8. Jordan is good at talking to others. She loves to talks to adults and will often share with me interesting conversations she has had with her teachers and coaches.
9. Jordan is so patient with Luke. Often, she has energy for him when I seem to have none. I am amazed at how well she does with him, even when he is difficult.
10. She is very close with her Dad. I think she missed him the most out of the kids when he was in Germany. She really values his opinion and enjoys spending time with him.
11. Jordan is so determined. If she gets something in her mind, she is going to do it. Watch out world.
12. I feel so lucky to be this girl's mom. As she has gotten older, and a bit of teenage tension has crept into our relationship, I still look at her and see my chubby, bright eyed smiling baby girl. She has always brought so much happiness. Looking forward to a great year Beans!!
