Rachel Pie

Today is my daughter, the lovely and fabulous Rachel Pie's birthday.  Not just any birthday, but her 25th.  That is a big deal.  Makes you seem like a grown up person to be 25, doesn't it?

Here is a little pictorial of some Rachel Pie for your viewing pleasure!

First up we have pumpkins!!!  Yes, indeedy.  My kids were pumpkins for Halloween several years running and they had the costume that doubled as pajamas.  Rachel is 2 years old here and quite a happy plump little punkin!

This next one is a year or so later and I don't even know what to tell you about that gorgeous, messy little face.

This one is around 2005 to 2006 when Rachel had just started at Naropa University.  She was home, it's a backyard party, so I am guessing it is July 2006 for Jonathon's birthday.  Have you ever seen anything prettier than that smile?

This next one has a date stamp on it so that's helpful.  We are at a cousin's wedding and all dressed up. It was a lovely time.  I think Rachel looked exceptionally nice with her hair cut like that and in her apple green dress.  

Here, Rachel Pie is modeling the Virgin of Guadalupe jacket I made for her.  First the backside, then the front.

Here is a cute picture of Rachel with her Mimi (my Mama).  We are at a graduation party for my nephew.  I think this is the year that Rachel had spent a semester down in Mexico teaching permaculture and living on an organic herb farm.  That is why she is looking so tan and healthy!

Look!  Another family wedding and Rachel is wearing the green dress again!  She looks like a million bucks in that dress.  It has the little black band at the top and a full skirt.  She usually wears it with those little slip-on heels like Lucille Ball wore in the 1950s, and a black satin wrap.  That dress fits her like it was made just for her.  Her brother Sparky is on the left and cousin Danny is on the right.  They all had such a great time at this wedding.  All the cousins, including the bride and groom, went out dancing afterwards.

This next group of pictures are from Dec. 2009 when Rachel graduated from Naropa.  We were taking lots of fun pictures and everyone was laughing that whenever Jonathon a.k.a. Sparky smiles he gets squinty and you can't see his eyes.  Notice in the second picture, Rachel is trying to help him out with that!  She's such a good sister!

And here's Rachel filing in to get her diploma!  Yay Rachel!  The purple sash is a thing Naropa does rather than traditional cap and gown.  They also filed in behind bagpipers!  Awesome.

I am always proud of Rachel, but this was a huge moment for all of us.

And here's a picture of Rachel Pie last year when we were on the cruise.  She could not be any lovelier.

This is just a small sampling of some Rachel Pie pictures.  She has been a blessing to me and teaches me things every day since she was born.  My life was never as full and complete before Rachel.  I stand in awe of that child.  She just amazes me.  I can't think of a single person who is as sweet, tender, giving, loving and strong as she is.  I have never felt right taking any credit for her.  I am just an observer who gets a front row seat watching all the ways she enriches the lives of all she touches.

I love you, my beautiful precious angel face.  It has been my privilege to watch over you for this first 25 years, and I hope to be here for the next 25 and as far beyond that as I can.

Happy birthday, sweet girl.