A Real. Live. Adult

Somehow we managed to keep this cutie alive and happy for eighteen years! And since Madison's so special, her birthday deserves it's very own blog post instead of being lumped in with all of the other February happenings. 


After dinner at Texas Roadhouse we stopped by our local Toyota dealer to pick up her very own car! Our salesperson was sweet and as a birthday surprise pulled our new to us 2004 Corolla up to the front of the dealership and attached a bunch of colorful helium balloons to the side mirror. Maddy didn't hesitate, she hopped right in and sped away! In reality it's only kind of her own car because sometimes I drive it and sometimes Jared does and most days Madison ends up behind the wheel of the van.  We've needed a third car for a while with three drivers working at three different places. Life has been so much nicer with that extra car. So far we've been happy with it and Madison has loved being able to drive to and from school and work each day without relying on me or our friendly neighbors to get her where she needs to be. 

After the fun of a delicious dinner out and a new car we headed home for presents and cake. Poor Madison, her presents this year were definitely practical and mostly were chosen with her upcoming move to college. Nothing says happy birthday quite like new luggage, a set of towels, and a laundry hamper! 




Oh man, classic chocolate cake is just the thing for a birthday celebration. To fancy it up a little we added a sprinkled heart and some matching candles.  Seriously, rich chocolate cake with creamy frosting and a cold glass of milk. There's nothing better!


Look at all those candles and her beautiful smile! It's hard to imagine that next year she'll be far away and we'll be celebrating without her. How can you celebrate your child's birthday when they're not even with you?


Jared and Samantha had some fun with the cutting of the cake. I guess the knife and the heart made of sprinkles was too good to pass up.


We're at a strange point in our lives with Madison. She's pretty much all grown up but it still feels as if we have more to teach her and so much more to do before she is ready to head out on her own. There's definitely a sense of urgency, like time is running out to help her develop into the woman she should be. I think there's also a little regret, for what we didn't do or give to her and what it is just too late now to do anything about. Of course, being a parent is a lifelong job and we've got the rest of her life to help and teach her, but the hands on day to day parenting of Madison is quickly coming to a close. Thankfully, she's turned out pretty well despite how little we knew about being parents eighteen years ago and, frankly, how much we still have to learn.

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