I am grateful for my baby girl. Today is her birthday, and it’s a very hard day for this mom. I miss Katrina to the point of heartache. Here are 29 reasons (off the top of my head while I try to focus at work) as to why I love this girl so much it hurts.

1. This beautiful young woman has made me so proud every step of her 29 years. She lives Proverbs 31.
2. Her laughter is infectious.
3. She is the best mom.
4. People gravitate towards her because she is just so much fun to be around.
5. She’s the best at playing games, especially the Name Game. Not because she’s good, but because there is non-stop laughter.
6. She’s the best at playing games, especially Friends and any movie/tv trivia game. Because she’s actually the best.
7. She is doing love.
8. She is a great cook.
9. Watching her play volleyball and basketball are memories I will forever treasure.
10. She’s a reader and loves books as long as they keep her interest.
11. Listening to others who need an ear could be considered one of her greatest strengths.
12. She teaches her daughters how to eat healthy.
13. Not very many can make any clothing look good, but Katrina can, because 6’ of gorgeous always does…
14. Her true feelings are not easily hidden and she speaks her mind when she feels it’s necessary.
15. Hard work is not foreign to her. I will never forget her comments about working at the camp in Colorado and feeling bad about not using her psychology degree, until God spoke to her and made her realize that she was cleaning toilets for kids who might be experiencing life with Jesus for the very first time and what an honor that was for her to do that for them.
16. Her home is always full of youth, friends, and love.
17. She made her grandparents very proud.
18. If there was a rebellious bone in her body as she grew up, I never saw it. A messy bedroom was probably the worst offense I ever had to correct.
19. She is comfortable in a ponytail and hoodie, or at least she portrays it to the rest of us.
20. Frugal is her adopted middle name.
21. She occasionally sends me an envelope with artwork from Parker and Reilly.
22. A knack for writing really well is one of her hidden talents, along with singing.
23. Her eyes and her curls make her so unique.
24. Her friends are awesome and loyal and easy to love.
25. Her best friend is her husband.
26. She has always been so meticulous when it comes to taking care of her teeth. She knew the value of braces and was determined to not waste the sacrifice.
27. Reading to her girls is a priority.
28. Adventure and stepping out of her comfort zone, risking it all in order to do the right thing is a part of her existence.
29. She loves Jesus and just wants to serve Him.

You’ve been on my mind all day long, Katrina. Happy birthday, sweet girl.
May your 30th year be the best one yet.