In Her Own Words

Sweet Sixteen


by guest blogger Madeleine Doyle (age 16)

Do you remember your sixteenth birthday? Sixteen has always been a big deal unless you’re Hispanic and then your big birthday is fifteen.  Ahhh, sixteen, the age where you are no longer a kid. Years after, people might rave about their sixteenth birthdays and the presents they received. If you’re a Beverly Hills type, a car or two might be on your top ten. My birthday was not a grand affair, nothing like the ones you read about in books or see those spoiled girls experience on TV. But it was my own and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

                   I share a birthday week with two of my sisters and the week after Christmas always seems so hectic and long.  Ella, the youngest, is the first to grace us with her aging. Next is me so I am always very happy for Ella but at the same time anxious to see what my day will bring.

          On this particular fateful, chilly, and rather gray morning, I was sleeping late as usual in my top bunk bed. As I was waking, I heard whispers outside our door. Mia, being a rather early riser, was already up and gone. I sat up, blearily rubbed my eyes and was just about to jump down when the door burst open. Coming in and carrying a cake like a blazing banner was my dad and behind him were my giggling sisters and my mom. With her camera. Yikes! They all started singing and my sisters all climbed into my bed.  I clumsily blew out my candles from my prone position and grimaced for the pictures. My excited sisters promptly dragged me downstairs where the breakfast banquet was all set up. As I sat down in a royal princess chair, I smelled the beautiful roses standing in a vase at my elbow. We all had a wonderful breakfast of French toast and bacon and reminisced about my earlier years. After cake, I opened my cards and presents. Mia had given me a beautiful little bear figurine and then my mom handed me TMNT slippers! It was definitely a pleasantly surprising morning.

          Next, it was off to see a movie, a rare treat for us.  Ever since it came out, my sisters and dad have been waiting to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. As it is too scary for the two younger girls, my mom took them to see Tangled instead.  TVOFDT was very good (though it hardly followed the original story line) and it was a fun family activity to do on my birthday.

          When we came home I changed at least six times until I had found the perfect outfit. Then, for the next two hours my mom did a photo shoot with me. It was so spectacular because even if only for a little while, I got to feel like a model. And changing clothes four times was just half the fun! We ended our shoot at the mall and finished up the outing with a little shopping, to which I had no objection at all.

           I thought that this had been a truly fun and surprising day when again SURPRISE! It still wasn’t over! My dad took me out on a “date” and I got to enjoy an evening out. As I am usually babysitting for dates not going on them, this was a real treat. We stopped by the chapel to pray as an opener and stumbled in just as evening Mass was starting. We stayed and afterward, Father Linh gave me an awesome birthday blessing. My birthday is the feast of the holy innocents and I was able to experience prayer and communion on the day when so many innocent lives were shed for our Lord. It was truly remarkable.

          Ooooh was I excited when our next stop was the parking lot of The Olive Garden. I had a scrumptious dinner of calamari and fettuccine alffredo. Yum! During the dinner I received my main and best gift--a promise ring! I had wanted one for awhile and the ring went with the night’s themes and conversations on dating and marriage. It is a beautiful little thing. Simple but elegant--a little gold heart outlined in silver on a silver band. It ended up being too big and we had to exchange it but I didn’t mind. I was just happy to have received such a wonderful present.

           Next, we did something I never expected my dad to do. We saw a movie in theaters for the second time that day! And not just any movie--Harry Potter Seven Part One!!!!! Whoo! It was such a great movie and we didn’t get home until after midnight.  I was tired but very happy as I went to sleep on December 29.

So, my birthday may not sound like anything too special to you, but it was perfect as far as I am concerned.  Mom and Dad, words can’t describe how thankful I am for you and how much I love you. Thanks for making this birthday the best sweet sixteen EVER!!!!!

Xoxoxoxo,

Madeleine

 Shhh....

(Ever since reading The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, I have wanted to have a cake-in-bed for breakfast party.  We didn't go as far as eating the cake in bed--maybe next time--but Madeleine loved having her flaming pastry brought to her.  Sophie apparently liked the idea too because three days later on her birthday, she sat at the top of the stairs and announced that she would wait there until we had her surprise cake and party ready.)

When Mia gave this little figurine to her big sis', she told her that it's the two of them.

Madeleine is the bear and Mia, the snowman.  I found it incredibly sweet that Mia could see herself that way.

Gift from Aunt Tara that arrived in a light blue box a few days after the big day.  Quote from Madeleine, "I appreciate it so much, Aunt Tara.  I love you and your family and think you are so cool.  I wish I loved running as much as you do."

 Very cute party guest

We highly recommend Tangled.  I loved it.  My favorite movie since Enchanted.

 Primping

Madeleine's date rang the bell...

 ....and Grace promptly shut the door in his face.  I have a feeling there will be more of that in Madeleine's future.

 One last shot of the birthday babe doing what she loves best.

Next up:  give me FIVE!