Double Digits

Everyone told me that the years would fly by quickly. While I took that bit of wisdom to heart, it was with a smile on my lips that I silently thought to myself, "Yep, they will go fast, but sometimes not nearly fast enough." 

Time, though, has flown by and now my precious little girl has grown up to be a beautiful young lady.  On May 24 she hit the double digit years.... a goodbye to the simple days of playing in the sandbox, learning to ride a bike and finger-painting.  Those days will be missed, but the future is bright and I am SO excited to see where God will lead her on this journey of life.

Taylor---here are ten things that make you special:

10.  You are a tomboy at heart.  "No fuss, no muss...take me as I am."

9.  You are all about comfort!  Yoga pants and 'fuzzy' pants are about all you'll wear.  The softer a blanket, the better to sleep with.  Style is fine, but comfort is better!

8.  You love to explore God's creation.  Hiking, biking and camping are some of your favorite things.  You love to discover the first star at night or a rainbow after a storm. 

7.  God has given you a heart for others.  You are empathetic to everyone and look for the good in each individual.

6.  Your smile is contagious!  Quick to show up and genuine, that smile will certainly take you places!

5.  Exercise is one of your favorite things and you love the fact that you can pull back you bow with ease, while the boys struggle.

4.  Singing is your favorite form of worship and you express yourself so wonderfully with words.  Poetry, especially, captures your attention giving you the eyes of one who sees the world in a special way.

3.  When you laugh, you crinkle up your nose. 

2.  You are a good friend who cherishes close relationships.

1.  You are the best snuggle bug in the world. 

It Can't Be.........

Here it is, the eve of my first born child's 13th birthday.  How can it be?  How can time pass so quickly?  Every parent says it, but its true.  Just yesterday, I was anxiously awaiting his very late birth.  Each month we celebrated milestones, each year we watched as he grew in stature, strength and personality.  And now, we have arrived at that place that always seemed so far off.....the teenage years!

Daniel, there is so much to love about you that it's hard to narrow it down to a mere 13 statements, but here goes:

13.  You are funny.  And when you get to laughing, there is no stopping.
12.  Your feet continue to grow at such a rapid rate that the season of bare feet cant possibly come quick enough.
11.  Things roll off your back.  Nothing gets you down for long.
10.  Brains! Brains! Brains!  You are so smart and soak in information like a sponge.
9.  You care about God's creation and those that live in it. 
8.  No matter the circumstance, you are certain of who you are and that you are loved.  May this quality go with you throughout your life.
7.  Friendships are important to you--deep, faithful friendships.
6.  You are a great brother.  Not perfect, but caring and kind.  Especially when you come in each night and tell Taylor goodnight.
5.  You are respectful. 
4.  You love God and know that the Creator of All has a plan for your life beyond what anyone can imagine. 
3.  Your smile--although broken toothed right now--is absolutely unbeatable.
2.  Phone.  You were beyond cloud 9 when you received your first cellphone today.  Keep that excitement and joy close at heart as you grow.
1.  You are you and we love youand God loves you.  Always be true to the best you that you can be!