Happy 13th Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

My sweet Paige you are 13. Whoo...hooo. I am a bit late getting this post in. Mostly because this month has been filled with so much activity.  So many Rites of Passage.  Let's see, first of all you finished elementary school!  And what a great year it has been.  We were talking tonight about how quickly the year went by. Last fall you were once again involved in volleyball. It was so fun to see you feel more comfortable out on the court. Your serving was amazing!  I also loved watching the way that you were such an encouragement to each of your teammates. Then you decided to try Basketball! I know that you were a bit uncertain that you would enjoy this sport, but you put yourself fully into the game.  It was so wonderful to see the eight of you work so well together.  By the end of the season, you each had learned the strength of the other.  Even as I write this I think about you and Lydia giggling like crazy on the sidelines having the time of your life.  After basketball, you tried out for one of the lead roles in the school musical, and received the role of Miss Stone. At first, you were not so sure that you would like being up in front of a large audience, but after you felt comfortable you fit perfectly.  It was so fun to have 17 people show up to cheer you on!  You are so loved.

This year also represented your Rite of Passage to teenager.  We were so blessed to have four dear friends journey with you to this new stage. I am excited for you as you move into this new time in your life. You will be able to experience new freedoms (like your cell phone :)), and you will get some new responsibilities.  There will be times of uncertainty (we all have them), but it is my prayer that you will know that you are not alone. In those quiet times when you doubt your purpose, doubt your value, I pray that you will be reminded that you are chosen. That you are loved. That you are beautiful.

I love you sweet girl, and thank God everyday that He brought you home.

With love,

Mom