Celebrating 12!

Dear Paige!

Today you turn 12. For some reason, my mind is having a hard time getting used to that number. It seems so much older than 11. I am soooo very proud of you! What an incredible year this has been.

This year has been one where you have continued to blossom into the wonderfully creative, funny, and tender-hearted girl you are. I have truly loved seeing you tackle new challenges with a maturity that suprised and impressed me.

Let's see.. what did this year bring:

A wedding / marriage: Wowzers! What a beautiful day. I loved having you stand with David and I as we celebrated expanding the Springer family. Throughout the year we have learned how to function as a family of three. It has had moments of struggle as we have learned how to trust and understand each other, but as we learn to love and have grace for each other, we are experiencing love in ways we didn't even understand this time last year.

5th Grade: Whoo..hoo! This has been by far your best year of school! You hated to stay home from school, afraid to miss a moment. You developed new friendships... learned that you enjoyed math..learned to play the xylophone...learned all of the states and their capitals...and completed a very impressive report on Alaska. It has been so amazing to see you flourish in school. This has been my prayer for many years!

Volleyball: Back in September, you asked me if you could play volleyball. I will not lie, I was really worried that you would not like it, that the pressure would be too much. I remember calling Auntie Diana for advice. She told me that I absolutely needed to trust you and let you try. What great advice that was, you were amazing! You learned to be a strong member of the team. Game after game I found myself impressed by how much you were growing, and how you kept trying. You even played on a recretional team that ended up winning the championship. I pray that you will always be willing to try things that may be a bit out of your comfort zone. This is an area where you are teaching me. :)

First Art Show: In March you were able to show your painting of Aslan in your first Art show! I am sure that this will be the first of many. You have such a talent in this area. I pray that you will always enjoy it, that it will always express your heart.

As we head into this year of 12, we will be celebrating your Rite of Passage into 13! This is such an exciting time for, and also an awkward time. Talk to any adult, and they will understand how awkward those middle school years can be.. It is my prayer that you will know that you are not alone. That you will feel the love of those around you, and the love of God who will never leave you!

I love you my dear daughter, and am so blessed by you in my life.

Love,

Mom

Isaiah 58:11 - ¹¹ The LORD will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.