Jaimie was 11 years old when she became my step-daughter, some 19 years ago. Looking back, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for her to make the transition from being an only child one day, to suddenly being thrown into a new family dynamic the next.. one that included two older and, more often than not, slightly obnoxious step-brothers.
Roland and I were so smitten with each other and our new life, in hindsight, I often wonder if we really appreciated how challenging this all must have been for our kids. Fortunately, and much to their credit, it all turned out well.
Yesterday, Jaimie turned 30 years of age. I think this birthday was a bit of a tough one for her. These days, the “big 3-0″ is a significant milestone. When you are a twenty-something the world is simply a little more forgiving. Fair or not, there is just something about turning 30 that seems to proclaim adulthood. The weight of “being responsible” can weigh heavy.
Jaimie, feeling just a little down about the prospect of all of this, did the smart thing.. she threw herself a party. Surrounding herself with good friends and family and by sharing food, drink, and laughter, she made the move into her third decade with her usual style and class.
Smart girl, our Jaimie. :-)
My children continue to teach me.
What a neat idea — to go out and throw yourself a party! Why not?
Happy Birthday to Jaimie! What a nice photo of you all.
Happy birthday, Jaimie! I think it’s wonderful that she threw a party for herself.!
Happy birthday to Jaimie. I love it when people don’t wait around to have someone else acknowledge their passages.
(She looks a lot like you in the picture.)
Happy Birthday Jaimie. 30 is great!!
Then, age 30 becomes her, wise as she is! Happry b-day to Jaime! I am glad your kids all adapted to your new family dynamics. Kids are fairly resilient.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog, it led me back to yours. I have enjoyed your writing and photos and will be back.
I have macular degeneration and have found that a diet rich in antioxidants really does help. I wish your mother a VERY slow progression.
I cried all day when I turned 30 because I wasn’t ready to leave my 20s. I wasn’t ready to be a grown up. But the 30s were far better than the 20s. I started figuring out who I was inside. I stopped making bad choices. I became my own woman I guess you could say. Jaime is beautiful….I hope the 30s will be wonderful for her too!
Good for her! That’s the way to embrace life.
That sounds like a great response. Maybe for my 4-0 I’ll do the same.
Happy Birthday to Jaimie!
Excellent post that really made me sit back and take note of how well our little combined family did too!
Congrats on obviously making everyone feel like a working and loving unit, Coll!! Good job.
And Jaimie is one smart cookie to look into the face of 30 that way and say, “Take THIS!” throwing herself a gala. Yay Jaimie!
The picture is lovely and that kitchen is to DIE for!