OUR SPECIAL GIRL!

It was our younger daughters turn to bless us with a little girl. Since we had a "Special Boy" we surely needed a "Special Girl". Jodi was "IT" and certainly fit the bill!

At a very young age she was so compliant to what you wanted her to do. You would tell her something and she would say, "ah wright". She seemed never to go through the "terrible two's age where they don't want to do anything that you ask (even though they really want to do it). They seem to like the sound of "no". This wasn't at all Jodi, as she tended to always want to "please".

Christmas time was such a special event at their home. Christmas was certainly in the "air" this particular Christmas Eve dinner. Jodi announced that she felt sick at her stomach. She was so excited about the festivities that she could hardly contain herself. After Jodi announced that she felt a little "wheezy" than her older sister said, "Daddy, my stomach hurts!" A copy cat effect was taking place. Both girls would have a part in the celebration and it became such a blessed time with the extended family. I can still vision them in their velvet dresses as they would perform at their church Christmas events. Her parents knew how to make a holiday something to cherish.

From very early on, Jodi would take her books and set up a class room and she would be the teacher. This was her "fun" way of playing. Do you suppose God was preparing her for something in the future?

Jodi was always following her "big" sister around and wanting to be included in the activities that her sister was involved in. Her big sister, was always kind to Jodi and included her in everything that was happening in her life. There was quite a "bond" set up between those girls! This was instilled at an early age in both girls.

So when Amber had junior high and high school events at her home, Jodi fit right in, and thought she was that age, also.

Jodi became very flexible and had lots of friends down through the years. Always putting the other people first.

Her parents were an advocate of her learning "life skills" and Jodi would cook dinner when she was Junior/Senior in high school. I remember her calling me up on the phone on many occasions as to what a recipe meant. Jodi had gotten off school before her mom got off from teaching.

Since her parents loved to camp, Jodi learned to love the outdoors and camping was her specialty, also. To this day, she loves activities, like hiking, boating and camping.

We were able to take her on a few camping trips and she was such a joy to have with us.

Volleyball and softball was always something that we looked forward to watching her play when she was growing up.

Jodi is so unpretentious and so "REAL". It just impossible to dislike Jodi! Being around her makes one know all is well with the world, as what you see is what she is like!

Jodi went on to college and got her teaching degree. Imagine that! She loved playing this as a child.

Last summer she helped us so much around the house doing landscaping. She is just a hard working little girl and smiling as she works! Way to go, Jodi!!

Wisdom--Make memories with your grandchildren down through the years. These will be so cherished the older one gets.