Sweet 16 Princess

My oldest, Princess Melody, will be 16 years old in May.

We have been planning her Sweet 16 birthday party for over a year.

This party will be patterned somewhat after the traditional quinceanera (15th birthday), except that we decided that 16 would be the best time to have this "coming of age" celebration. After all that Princess Melody has endured and accomplished as a member of the Santiago Kingdom, we felt that she should have her special, Queen for a Day celebration.

Without further ado, here are some facts about Princess Melody:

*She is one of only two girls in her hometown to have earned the highest honor that junior Girl Scout can receive.

*She was a Girl Scout for 7 years.

*She has been baton twirling in a parade corps for 5 years.

*She volunteered for our local nursing home for 4 years.

*She volunteered with a Methodist children's group called "Christ's Kids" for 2 years.

*She was an active member of our local homeschool group for two years.

*She is a Super Sitter.

*She is an avid reader, and loves things like opera, classical music, and art.

*Her favorite subject is history.

*She wants to study entrepreneurship in college.

*Her primary goals include starting her own business, and purchasing her first car and house while remaining debt free.

*By her 16th birthday, she will have completed all of the necessary requirements for high school.

*She only has two tests that will determine if she graduates now or later. One test is being imposed by me, as the criteria for ending her homeschooling. The other is one that will be required of the college that she has already selected for her first two years of entrepreneurship.

It has been a true blessing to be the mother of this special young lady.

Giving God All the Glory,
Laurel Santiago