Eleven Years {A Letter to my Oldest Daughter}

Dear A,

Today you turn 11. Although it may sound cliche, it really does seem like only yesterday I spent 25 hours in labor awaiting your arrival. 

While it is a sweet memory, I don't wish to be back at that day, that time. I am so enjoying watching you grow and develop. Over the past year I have watched you begin to make the emotional and physical transition from a girl to a woman. From Barbie to One Direction. From belonging soley to your dad and I to the embarking on the journey of discovering your own identity.

You are so eager to learn. And, you seem to be soaking in every bit of knowledge life throws at you. Lately, you won't stop talking...about anything and everything. I know I am not always the best listener. And, I'm sorry for that. I pray that God will help me to stop long enough to soak up every word you have to say. Because, I never want you to stop talking to me. I am interested in it all. I am interested in you.

Happy 11th birthday, my bright and beautiful girl. I can't wait to see how God blesses you this year!
Love,
Mom

A Decade Old

This week, my oldest daughter will turn ten! While there are many days that living with a tween in the house is a challenge, she is truly a remarkable young woman.

In celebration of her ten years of life, here are ten things I love about about A:

1. She has a heart for God and the lost. She is always inviting her friends to church and related activities and telling them about Jesus.
2. She is bright and creative, always coming up with new ideas, writing stories or songs, drawing, entering contests, and even creating PowerPoint presentations.
3. Although she has faced many challenges this year, she has continued to show the desire to improve and overcome them. She was even chosen as the Student of the Month by her teacher this week.
4. She loves animals and really wants to have a pet (something besides fish). But, her desire for a pet is often replaced with an understanding of her sister's allergies.
5. As a lover of food, she is my best eater, which means that no matter what I fix for dinner, she will eat it. A mother's dream.
6. She understands the value of teamwork. As part of a cheer team, for the past four years, she recognizes that while each members' role is different, all are important and necessary for the team to function properly.
7. She is confident in her abilities and is rarely afraid to try new things.
8. Her memory is outstanding!
9. She is curious about life and it's mysteries and is always eager to share her knowledge with you.
10. She loves to perform in front of an audience, and doesn't even get nervous.

Looking forward to celebrating my girl this week. So blessed to be her mom.

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Linking up with Tell Me About it Tuesday and Tuesday Baby (Child) Link Up.