Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

Sunday Snapshot: {look who is 22}

Enough about Poppy.

Right?

 


Wrong.

Just taking a break.

Because I do, *ahem*… have other kids.

 


And one, very special one, is turning 22.

So this Sunday? It’s all about Victoria.

 


To say that I am proud of the young lady she has become would be an understatement.

*gushing mama alert*

If you choose to forge ahead, consider yourself warned.

 


She’s on the verge of graduating from a highly-esteemed engineering school with a degree in Biology.

So, she’s got plenty going on upstairs.

 


She is working this summer and successfully holding down two jobs.

And she’s paying all her own bills.

 


She’s generous, loving and always thinks of others before herself.

And her little brothers and sisters positively think she hung the moon, which says a lot. They’re a tough crowd.

 


She is patient and forgiving… and rarely gets upset.

But she can be, on occasion, a bit hardheaded.

 


She is truly beautiful, inside and out.

And, clearly, very gangsta.

 


Okay, not really on that last one.

But silly?

Absolutely.

 


Happy Birthday, baby girl.

You make this world a better place.

All my love,
Mama

Comments

  1. Happy Birthday Victoria! You are such a beautiful young woman! Sounds like you have your head on straight and your heart in the right place!

    Your mama has every right to be proud!

    Cynthia

    Reply

  5. i have always thought that she was positively stunning but these photos are over the top! jaw dropping beauty!!! i have always wondered how she felt being the eldest of such a large crew…if she ever wished to be an only child…if she thinks about adopting one day. sounds like she will be busy putting that degree to good use for awhile though! hope her birthday was wonderful!!!!!

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  6. Happy Birthday!! May God bless you HUGE this year!

    “I know the plans I have for you..plans to prosper you not to harm you to give you hope and a future.” 🙂

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  10. LOVED this post! I’ve stopped warning people that I’m going to brag a bit on my kids. Right now my job is raising children, so of course I want to talk about my work and how it’s going. 🙂 So, brag on! Sounds like you have a lot to be proud of when it comes to your oldest, and I do hope she has a fantastic b-day… Ah, to be 22 again! 🙂

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  13. Happy Birthday Victoria!!! I love the first picture of you and the gangsta is one is pretty cool too! =)

    I hope you have a fabulous birthday!

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  14. there is no reason not to boast about this girl. any good mama would do the same thing.
    happy birthday to a beautiful girl, who obviously was raised by amazing parents.
    happy 22nd

    Jill

    Reply

  17. Happy birthday to your darling daughter who obviously did a fine job paving the way for all the rest of the darling girlies in your house! What gorgeous photos and wow, SUCH a smart young lady.

    You must be busting with pride!!

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  18. Positively beautiful pictures!

    Victoria, did you ever think about America’s Next Top Model?? Seriously. What I wouldn’t give for that gorgeous hair you and your Mom share!

    Happy Birthday!

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  20. Happy, happy birthday, Victoria!!! You are such a beautiful young lady & a beauiful example to your siblings! Your mama & I go way back (*wink*) to 2005 when you all were waiting for Isabelle & I was waiting for Kiara & I have seen you blossom into an amazing young woman across these blog pages. I hope this birthday finds you happy, healthy & full of optimism as you embark on your senior year in college! ENJOY your special day!

    And mama…you done good!! 😉
    HUGS to all…
    Patricia

    Reply

  25. Happy Birthday Victoria! You are the same age as my little sister, and it has been fun watching you both grow up over the years. It is a tough world to be a young person in, and I am just impressed with the people that you both have grown into. I hope your day, week, and year is a beautiful as you are. Many blessings!!!

    Reply

  26. Birthday Blessings, Victoria! May your day be filled with fun, family and friends…with a huge side of ice cream and cake!

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  32. Happy, happy birthday, Tori!!! Such pretty pictures of you…you’re all grown up and SO beautiful!
    Much love,
    Colleen
    PS – way to be born. 🙂

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  38. Happy Birthday Victoria! I will keep you in my prayers… May everything fall into place for your life, but may you keep God as the center of it all. You are a wonderful example and role model for your siblings. Have a good day and celebrate YOUR LIFE and the gift you bring to our world!! Prayers-S. Kim, OSB

    Reply

  42. Happy Birthday, Victoria! You have a lot of little eyes on you! I always told my oldest that he was setting the stage for those younger brothers and sisters and he did a fine job! Praying that you do as well…..

    Reply

  45. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you… happy birthday dear Victoria, happy birthday to You!
    Wow! ~~22~~ girl, enjoy it! I still remember 22 for me…twas a great year! (And they only get better…)

    You are absolutely gorgeous and I always love your mom’s photos… black and white is awesome as I know are you!

    Enjoy your wonderful day with your super, terrific, and (also) great looking family! May God bless you with many more!

    Take care,

    Kelly

    Reply

  46. Happy birthday, Tori! Your Mom has captured your beauty, which we have always known about, but these black and white pics are stunning. Hope your day is extra special, as I’m sure your wonderful family will enjoy with you.

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  64. i love the comment “way to be born!” happy birthday victoria! we here in bloggy land thank you for being you… and being such a wonderful big sister. 😉
    and i’ll add, “way to labor momma!” having birthed a child myself i think on these special occasions the momma should also get some love! 😉

    Reply

  71. Well Happy Birthday Victoria!! As one of the few guys that has the hutzpa to comment on blogs that we read – and at the risk of sounding something like a “funny uncle” – You are – in fact – the girl that 1) every dad would be proud to call his daughter, and 2) the girl that every dad would hope his son brings home to meet the family!

    You are – simply – beautiful!

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply

  72. A beautiful young lady who is part of a beautiful family!! Happy Birthday with wishes for many more from some TN hillbillies who love keeping up with y’all!!

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  73. Happy Birthday, Beautiful Girl!

    Oh, to be 22 again. You got it all goin’ on….total package; brains, self sufficiency, big heart, big love, respect and GEORGEOSITY!!! Oh, and a Mama who KNOWS you’re the best darned thing since CHOCOLATE!

    Enjoy 22…….its a magical year!

    Hugs,
    Dita

    PS
    Stef, these BWs are beyond stunning…….really AWESOME conversions! xoxoxox Dita

    Reply

  75. I’m a tad late. My apologies! What a gorgeous daughter you have! Happy birthday Victoria you make your mom very proud!

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  79. Happy Birthday, Victoria!! You are gorgeous…love these shots and your pic on the side bar with all the other kiddos! Hope you had a great one!

    Reply

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