A single crayon and a sheet of paper
And for hours you’d sit still
Coloring itty, bitty squiggles
Delighted with your skill.

You drew this masterpiece in one sitting at 2 years and 2 1/2 months old.
“You realize, Tina, that’s not normal…”
My friends told me it wasn’t fair
That I was blessed with a toddler
Who’d sit for hours in her chair!

By the age of 2 1/2, you drew people and animals well and spent hours daily developing those fine motor skills!
Coloring was entertaining
Yet not your only type of play
Anything involving animals
To you was A-OK!

You'd tie puppies on ribbon leashes and ask them to stay while you went potty!
You had a jaq-“WIRE “family
I remember them quite clearly…
Mommy, Daddy and, of course, Marc and Chelesa-
The Jaq-“WIRE” twins you loved so dearly.

You asleep on the couch with one member of the jaquar (you said "jag-wire") family.
Were those feline twins
A foreshadowing of what was to be?
Like real live twins arriving
Right before you’d turn 3?

I look happy and I am... but I'm scared to leave the hospital. Mothering 4 under 4 is easier with nurses around!
God knew I needed one child
Artistic and creative
Who’d entertain herself
And even help out the natives!

Yes, and as you grew, you became
The “go to” gal for fun!
Your creativity was contagious
And blessed the Jobelettes – Each One!

You choreographed a dance for you and Sarah for the '09 church talent show. You made the aprons for the costumes.
At 4, you enjoyed stories
And pretended you could read.
You’d recite our story- books verbatim
I assumed from memory…

Reading to Sarah, '03
Until you surprised me at the dentist
By picking up a book you’d never seen.
You read it perfectly aloud-
From Anna’s phonics lessons you had gleaned!

Reading with Daddy - a nightly ritual for many years
That was only the beginning…
I never cease to be amazed
That when you set your mind to learning
You are successful – Always!

A cupcake hat you made for Esther when you were 11.
Knitting, sewing, decorating
Painting, dancing, baking,
Choreography and organizing
Music and cake-making!

One of your many beautiful cakes!
You speak canine quite fluently
So much so that –
When you bark dogs far and wide
Chime in and try to chat!

You and Tanner, the luckiest dog ever!
You once wrote to me an essay
Of the persuasive kind
To buy for you a hamster
And it indeed DID change my mind!

You and Titus the Hamster... your reward for a paper well written. You took excellent care of him!
Captivating, creative, expressive,
On stage you’ve quite a voice
A Wiggles or Barney dancer
Could be your profession of choice!

Though more likely, and I pray
That as you grow you will become
A godly wife and mother
Like the famous Proverbs 31.

Daddy presents Christina with her locket. He keeps the key until that special day...
You are worth far more than rubies
You’re diligent, virtuous and kind.
A daughter such as you
Is certainly a rare find!

We're so thankful for our precious teen daughter!
Now you are teen!
May the Lord always be your guide.
He loves you and desires for you
To grow and in Him abide.

I love you sweet, Christina.
Happy Birthday Dear!
May the Lord bless you
Throughout this and every year!

You and me the night of your Blessing Party. I love you so much and I'm so proud of the young woman you are becoming!