14!

Whoo...Hoo! You are 14 beautiful girl!

This year I have watched you moved fully into adolescence. I have watched you as you learn more about who you are. As you try to find the words to capture all that you are, and I know that the words are endless. So many times I have tried to put boxes around you. "Paige will be.." "I am not sure if Paige will..." Only to have you try something new that I would not have expected. A reminder that you are your own person, a beautiful, developing young lady. 

I am so very proud you. A few weeks ago I found myself talking to a friend who I had not seen in many years. I told her about all of the areas I had watched you grow in over the years. My friend looked at me and said, "You are proud of her, aren't you?" I chuckled.. and nodded. "Yes, yes, I am."

This year has been your 7th grade year. I do not remember 7th as my favorite year, I think it has to with it being the middle of middle school. I am not a fan of middles. But I have watched you take on 7th Grade with grace. You managed to step into the busy environment of Junior High with no difficulty at all. You tried out for and received a part in the Junior / Senior High School musical. You continue to be known as "the quiet artist" to all of your teachers. 

You have also developed deeper friendships this year. Junior High can be tough on friendships, but I have watched you make a variety of friends throughout the year. They may be goofy teenagers, but you are all goofy together and that is just as it should be.

This year also brought some new members to our family. Each one a different story requiring us to respond in a different way, but I have watched you adjust to each little one with love and the natural annoyance of a sister. You have blessed these little ones with the understanding and empathy of one who has been there, even reminding me with sweet baby Jo, "mom, she wants to be with her mom" as my heart wrestled to accept her leaving our home. You have such a tender heart.

I love you my sweet girl. I pray that you will step deep into the love of a Father who will never let you down. I pray that even in those moments when you are just not sure, that you will know that you are so very loved, that you are known.

 Love you, 

Mom

Ephesians 3:20