I've Got A Teenager!

Today my oldest is celebrating her first day as a teenager.

I know this is an exciting day for her. She is officially not a kid anymore.

Birthdays always make me a little nostalgic and I can't write a birthday post 
without getting a little weepy.

Just a couple days ago she was washing dishes with a big ol' smile on her face.
I thought...wow, this teenager thing won't be so bad.
The next night she walked out of the restaurant because I was going to post 
an "unacceptable" photo of her on Instagram.
That is when I saw the teenager.

Despite the anticipated roller coaster teenage-dom often brings, 
I can't help but feel excited for her. 

The next 6 years as a teenager are going to be full of fun and adventures.

She is going to gain her independence. She is going to become an adult.
As much as I love that for her, it also makes me sad.
Slowly I am going to have to start handing over the reins and 
trust the story she is writing is the right one for her. 

I know there will be days when she is a little too much to handle

and I probably want to lock the front door...when she isn't home.

I'm guessing there is going to be a heartbreak thrown in there.
Some BFF drama. Maybe a trip to the principal's office or God-forbid police station.
There will probably be a speeding ticket, a lot of requests for money, 
and heated debates about clothing or lack there of.
And with all my might there will be a day we pull away from that college campus and 
pray to God every thing we tried to teach her sunk in.

Yep, tears are coming down now.

I am anticipating the cool things too.
I look forward to the day she wants to go clothes shopping.
When she goes through my closet and tells me what clothes to ditch
because they make me look "old".
I can't wait for Spa Days, Prom dress shopping, and filling out college applications.
I can't wait until she freaks me out with some crazy thing she wants to do--
like white water rafting or bungee jumping or piercing her nose.

Cause secretly I'm going to be like "You Go Girl!"

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Kyli- I know you don't read this blog. But one day, somehow you will read this post. I just want you to know today is the first day of a pretty sweet ride. I have a few bits of advice--you know, speaking from experience-- Hey hey don't roll your eyes! The number one must do: Enjoy It. Don't ever take these next 6 years too seriously. Make some really great girlfriends who like to have good old fashion fun. Date boys but don't marry one. Use your God-given gift of intelligence. He gave it to you for a reason. Use it, baby. And don't ever stop working toward your goal until you reach it! What ever it may be. 

Happy Birthday!

I love you!

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