Eighteen

Congratulations! You are officially an adult! Eighteen years seems like a long time when you're just talking about it, but I truly cannot believe how quickly eighteen years have passed in real time. I'm so thankful you made me a mom and that you have been patient with me as I've tried to figure this parenting gig out. I think we have both learned a lot along the way. It has been one wild, crazy, heartbreaking, exhilarating, challenging, joyous ride that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world! You are such an amazing person, and I'm grateful to have you in my life!

You have really grown into yourself in the past year and I think you are more than ready to enter adulthood. About a year ago, you got a job working for Ruff It, the grooming and boarding side of City Vet. You were recognized for your hard work by being awarded employee of the month a couple of times, and it wasn't long before you were ready to move into a vet tech role with more challenges and responsibilities. You acquired many new skills and a greater degree of confidence, and you even took the lead on coming up with ways of making the clinic run more smoothly. And, you got pretty good at dealing with people and animals of varying temperaments. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, you were furloughed from your job in late March, and then they decided they weren't going to be able to bring you back. It was a tough experience on many levels, but you handled it with grace and didn't let it get you down for long.

Because of work, you had the opportunity to stay home by yourself a couple of times during the summer and during the winter break, which is another reason I know you are more than prepared to enter adulthood. You are quite capable of taking care of yourself. And you are responsible and trustworthy...and thoughtful, as you even cleaned up the house before our return.

You had the opportunity to attend a CAP powered flight academy last summer, and you took a leadership position at one of the Encampment events, as well as attending and leading at several events in the fall. You also rose to an officer rank within the Nighthawk Squadron, achieved the title of 2nd Lieutenant, and received the Billy Mitchell award. I'm so proud of your hard work in this organization and of the wonderful skills you acquired! 

This was your senior year of high school, but you took all your classes at NCTC, so it was a bit of a non-traditional senior experience, which I guess was an appropriate ending to all your other years of non-traditional schooling. You enjoyed your classes and made excellent grades, and even wrecked the curve for the rest of the class from time to time. Your academic achievements earned you a nice scholarship to UNT and a place in the honors college. You are so smart, and you are an incredibly hard worker, and I'm so proud of all your accomplishments!

You have struggled, as all teenagers do, with what you want to major in in college and the path you'd like to take for your life. For now, you have settled on majoring in Psychology and possibly pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. I think this is wonderful, but I want you to know that it's absolutely okay if you change your mind. Despite what society might have you think, you don't have to have your life figured out at the age of 18 (or any particular age). I know for sure that you have within you everything you need to become who and what you want to be on whatever timeline makes sense for you. And you have the power to change and grow and continue becoming all the days of your life, so don't ever think you are locked into something that no longer serves you and your happiness. I am excited about the journey that awaits you and will be here cheering you on every step of the way!

This year has brought some difficult changes and circumstances to our family and to the world at large, but I have watched you handle them all with grace, forgiveness, strength, and dignity. You are the kind of person who tries to see the good and make the best of the situation, and you have learned through therapy and life how to manage your mental health in a way that allows you to rise rather than sink. And because of this, you have so much to give to others. You have been a shining example and a wonderful comfort to your brothers, to myself, and to others as we have all navigated these choppy, unfamiliar waters. 

Ruth, you have the most beautiful heart and a wonderfully brilliant mind. And you truly have so much to offer the world. You make me proud and bring me joy every single day! I consider these last eighteen years with you a rare and amazing privilege, and I'm thankful for all of the big and little moments that have brought us to this point. You are now and will forever be, not only my favorite daughter, but one of my favorite people on the planet! Welcome to adulthood! You are going to rock it! I love you more than words can say!

Love,

Mom

Seventeen

Happy birthday to the person who made me a mother seventeen years ago! You have taught me so much, and it's been incredible watching you turn into the amazing young woman you are today. You are intelligent, thoughtful, creative, responsible, capable, caring, self-motivated, independent, and mature beyond your years. You work hard to accomplish your goals, and you consistently make smart choices. I'm so very proud of you and know without a doubt that you have a bright future ahead!

We spent a couple of months in South America last summer, visiting famous sites like the Amazon, Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Easter Island, and the Andes. You bravely spoke Spanish with the natives, ate a grub in the Amazon, and drove a standard-transmission car on Easter Island. Besides that, you seemed to enjoy the sightseeing and the family time.

Last summer, you obtained your driver's license and, along with it, so much more freedom. You have been responsible with both those things and have never given us a reason to be concerned. Dad and I love that we can trust you completely on and off the road!

You ran cross country and track again this year. In addition to keeping fit and enjoying the activities, you have also made some great friends through HSAA, and it's so good to see you building these strong relationships. You are a faithful friend and have so much to offer!

You have also continued your involvement in CAP, which has pushed you into a variety of leadership roles this year. You became the First Sergeant of the squadron and recently made Chief. You have also staffed several camps, and, in a couple of days, you will attend a Powered Flight Academy. Adult leaders and parents of other cadets have told me how you add value to the organization, and from my perspective, it has been nothing but a positive experience. I have seen you gain confidence and leadership skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

This year, you took most of your classes through NCTC, and though you were often the youngest person in your classes, you consistently impressed your professors by your class participation and performace on assignments and exams. You stayed on top of the material and studied hard, which allowed to you receive an A in every class. You also made a 1440 on the SAT, which is really fantastic and should help you move in whatever college direction you choose.

Ruth, I am so thankful that I have gotten to have you in my life for seventeen years! You are a delight to know, and you make me proud every single day! I hope that this coming year is your best one yet! I love you!

Love,
Mom

And Just Like That, You're Sixteen

Dear Ruth,

I know that at the stage of life you're in time seems to move too slowly. You are ready to be out on your own, becoming your own person and making your own way in the world. But for me, the years are flying by, and it's hard for me to believe you are already 16! I do love this age, though. I love that you are capable of doing everything. I love that you are planning your future. I love that our relationship is evolving to be one more of friendship.

We spent last summer traveling around the western U.S. and Canada in our tiny RV, and though you were sometimes annoyed by the lack of space and privacy, you were a trooper, and overall I think you enjoyed the trip and learned some things about yourself and about some places you had never been. One of our stops on the trip was the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Our time there lit a spark in you and inspired you in many ways. You decided you could see yourself at a place like that and immediately began to make plans and take actions to try to make that happen.

For example, you had never been a runner, but you decided almost on the spot that you would start a training program for yourself and that you would join a cross country team when we got back to Flower Mound. You were disciplined to get up early, even while we were on vacation, and to put forth whatever effort you could muster for that day, working up from short runs that left you wiped out to runs several miles long that left you energized. Once we were back and you were part of the team, you diligently followed all the recommendations of your coaches and continued to improve your times and gain more stamina, working hard both at practice and on your own. By the end of cross country season, you definitely considered yourself a runner and were eager to continue the work you started by joining the track team. You improved at every meet during the track season and even earned your letter jacket by running on the varsity team at several meets.

In addition to running cross country and track, you participated with IEA again, though by the end of the season you were feeling a little burned out and were wanting to put more of your focus on your running sports, college preparation, and some of your other activities. You haven't decided if you will go back to IEA in the fall. Sometimes it is hard to walk away from something that is familiar or comfortable or something you have previously loved and go a different direction, but I'm really proud of you for taking a critical look at your activities in order to decide what is truly important to you, what really brings you joy, and what is best for you in this season of you life.

Other than sports, you also participated in a homeschool honor society and took on a volunteer position at a barn that works with disabled kids. And you found the Civil Air Patrol, which seems to be what brings you the most joy right now. You feel connected and inspired and challenged there, and you are working hard to move through the ranks. You joined the Color Guard and got to participate in a parade and a horse show with them. You also got to do your first training flight, which thrilled and excited you in so many ways and may have sealed the deal for you to pursue getting a pilot's license at some point in the future.

Aside from our summer trip, we had several other opportunities for travel this year. We went to Nashville in August to see the total solar eclipse, which was really something spectacular to behold. We also traveled to Washington D. C. in November, which was a trip you thoroughly enjoyed. In December, we spent time with family in South Padre. We took a short trip to eastern Oklahoma in March, which was restful for all of us. And, we are currently traveling in South America. We've already visited Peru and Easter Island, and now we are in Mendoza, Argentina. And, we still have Chile to look forward to. You have had a very open mind on this trip, and it seems you have enjoyed the overall travel experience more than you have in the past.

You have been working on your Spanish this year and have improved dramatically. And you have been so thrilled and proud to be able to understand and communicate with a variety of people while we are traveling in Spanish-speaking countries. Doing something hard, like learning a language, never seems like much fun when you're in the midst of it, but it's usually worth it in the end, if for no other reason than to know that you are capable of doing hard things. You are definitely capable of doing hard things, and I'm proud of you for putting in the effort and pushing through the discomfort that comes before the accomplishment.

In many ways, this year has been easier and happier for you than last year. You seem to be settling in to who you are and feeling more comfortable in your own skin. You still had some difficult classes in school, but they didn't seem to frazzle you as much. You've been better about not taking yourself so seriously and giving yourself grace, and there is peace in that. You also made some good friends through your various activities, who you have enjoyed hanging out with. And you and Weston have really developed a special bond, which is touching to see and good for both of you.

You got your driver's permit right after your last birthday and have been driving us everywhere. You have driven in all sorts of conditions and have encountered some stressful situations on the road, but you have kept your head and maintained a calm demeanor. It has been a delight to see you gain confidence in yourself and your ability to handle the unexpected. You are looking forward to getting you license when we get back to Texas, which will mean a new level of independence for you. You are more than ready for it, and I'm excited for you!

Ruth, it's actually sort of difficult for me to put into words how very proud I am of you, but I hope you know that I am. You are an amazing young woman, and I'm so thankful for you! You are a hard worker and put your heart and soul into every endeavor you attempt. You are a helper and a giver. You are funny and intelligent and brave. You are so responsible and mature, and I trust you completely. I'm so glad that you made me a mother 16 years ago. You have taught me so much and have brought immeasurable joy to my life. Even if I wasn't your mom, I would consider it a privilege to know you. I know there are amazing things in store for you, and I can't wait to see where your path takes you this year and in the years to come. Happy 16th birthday! I love you!

Love,
Mom

Fifteen

Dear Ruth,

Today, you turned fifteen. Fifteen. Wow! This surprises me in two ways. On the one hand, it still seems like you should be a little girl, like I just met you and we are only starting to get to know each other. On the other hand, it seems like you have been in my life forever, and since you are mature beyond your years, I often forget that you are the age you are. I am surprised both by the fact that you are already 15 and that you are only 15.

These last 15 years have been challenging in so many ways, but they have also been some of the most fun and rewarding of my life. You and I have been teaching each other about life, and I think we have both learned a lot. We are still learning.

You are fiercely independent and amazingly responsible. You show a tremendous amount of initiative in a variety of circumstances, and you eagerly pursue knowledge and experiences which you believe will help you achieve your goals or, at the very least, make you a better, more interesting person. Dad and I are so proud of you and know you have a bright future ahead of you.

As is to be expected of someone your age and wide range of interests, you are not quite sure what that future holds. You have played with many ideas for colleges and careers, and I think you put a lot of pressure on yourself to figure all of this stuff out, and you get frustrated when you don't know for sure which path to pursue. It's truly okay that you don't know yet where your road leads. It'll all come together at just the right time. The important thing is that you are currently laying a foundation for your life that will help you be successful no matter which direction (or directions) you choose to go.

This has been a tough year in some ways. We ended our RTW trip and moved to Flower Mound. You started high school and jumped into several AP classes. One of those was outside of home, and it wasn't what any of us expected it to be. There were some hard but worthwhile lessons learned this year, and you are surely stronger because of the trials.

This year was also full of of some really spectacular experiences. You joined the local IEA team and have had so much fun and learned so much through the practices and shows. You performed very well, won a number of ribbons throughout the season, and even advanced to Regionals. You are a natural with the horses, and I think they love you almost as much as you love them.

In December and again in March, you had the opportunity to work with Aunt Bekki in her vet clinic. You loved every minute of it and hope to have similar opportunities in the future. You are still considering vet medicine as a possible future career but are wisely keeping your options open.

We took our new-to-us RV to Florida in January and visited Universal Studios, which you really enjoyed. We are currently on a three-month tour of the Western U.S. and Canada, which you seem to love, aside from missing the barn and horses back in Flower Mound. Tomorrow, if all goes according to plan, you will become the proud owner of a driver's permit and will then have an opportunity to try out the driver's seat during portions of the rest of our journey.

Ruth, you are one amazing young lady! You are smart and beautiful, and you make me proud and inspire me every single day. What a privilege it is to be your mom and to watch you grow and blossom. I love you more than I can say! Happy 15th!

Love,
Mom

Fourteen

Sweet Ruth,

Fourteen years ago, you made me a mom, and I'm thankful for that. Most of that time, I haven't had a clue about what I was doing, and more often than not I've just been winging it. I haven't done everything right, but I have done what I thought was right at the time, and I have loved you through it all more deeply than I can even explain. I have been helping you grow up during the last fourteen years, but you've been helping me grow up, too. And, again, I'm thankful. I'm a better person because of you.

This last year has been quite an adventure as we've been traveling around the world. At first, you seemed a little unsure of our new nomadic lifestyle, but you embraced it anyway, and I think it's grown on you. I believe you have enjoyed all the experiences we've had, and I think you have learned a lot about the world and about yourself--lessons I hope will serve you well throughout your life, no matter where you are or what you're doing. The trip has demanded flexibility and patience in a wide variety of circumstances, and you have displayed these qualities well and have often been example to the rest of us. On the practical side, you have learned to navigate subways and airports and many other types of transportation. I have no doubt that you will not ever have any trouble getting where you want to go--in the literal sense, but also in the more metaphysical sense. You have also learned to get along with and communicate with people who are different from you and occasionally even annoy you (and are sometimes those in your own family), and this is such an important thing to learn and is one of the quickest ways to make the world a better place, in my opinion.

You are such a self-motivated hard worker. You strive for excellence in all you do, and whatever you find to do, you do thoroughly, not stopping until the job is completely done. And, it pays off. For example, you worked very hard in the fall preparing to take the SAT test. You did an amazing job on it and earned the opportunity to attend an exclusive camp this summer. You will have an opportunity to put some of your newly acquired travel skills into practice, as you will be traveling solo to and from your camp in New York and will be spending three weeks there, taking a college class and interacting with people you've never met before. If you're nervous, you don't let it show. I know you will have such a great time and will continue to learn about yourself and the world around you. I'm so proud of your amazing work ethic and the opportunities you are creating for yourself!

You have a wide range of interests, and you love to conduct research. A few of the topics you've explored in your free time in the last year have included organic gardening, raising chickens, starting a dairy farm, various topics in economics and politics, colleges all over the world and their offerings, home decor, minimalistic wardrobes, homemade beauty products, tea and coffee varieties and preparations, various business ideas for an enterprising teen, equine vet medicine, artistic techniques, and various aspects of horse riding, just to name a few. You have also been interested in the foods, cultures, local histories, and many other aspects of the places we have visited. You have your dad's ability to remember the things you read and learn (thankfully!) and are therefore a fount of information. I learn something from you almost every day.

You are still passionate about horses and horse riding and have had the opportunity to ride and visit many different kinds of horses, in a variety of environments, all over the world. You are also planning to attend a horse camp this summer when we get back to Texas and to participate with an IEA riding team during the upcoming school year. And, as you are exploring options for your future, you are looking into the possibility of becoming an equine vet in the future.

I am so proud of the beautiful, responsible, intelligent, independent, considerate, hard-working person you are. I have enjoyed these last fourteen years tremendously, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for you. I wish every happiness for you, and I love you so much! Happy Birthday to my favorite daughter!

Love,

Mom

Sweet Ruth,

You are officially a teenager! On the one hand, this is hard to believe, because it still seems to me that you should be a little girl. But on the other hand, you are so mature, responsible, and independent that I often think you are older than you really are. You are smart and beautiful and absolutely capable of anything, and I am so very proud of you! I have seen you blossom in many ways in the last year.

You participated in the Challenge B class at CC during this last school year, which gave you the opportunity to hone your logic, research, and communication skills. Among other things, you participated in a regional science fair and a mock trial, which were a joy for us to experience along with you. You are always serious about your school work, and these activities were no exception. You went above and beyond the minimum requirements and put your heart and soul into every endeavor. 

You became more serious about horse riding in the last year and competed in several shows, where you met with much success. Your riding teacher and all those who interacted with you at the farm were constantly impressed with your natural inclination to encourage and support younger riders and your work ethic, which spurred you to do, not only what was asked of you, but so much more. They gave you a touching going-away party and surely miss your almost-daily presence at the farm. Your great love of horses prompted us to give you tickets to the morning exercises and a tour of the facilities of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna for your birthday. You were in a state of absolute bliss while we were there and were so knowledgable about the beautiful Lipizzaner horses. As happens so often, I learned a great deal from you while we were there. 

There was a point during the last year when you decided to try to meet new people and confidently inserted yourself into a new group where you knew no one. True to your nature, you quickly made many friends, and the bravery you showed by stepping outside your comfort zone was another lesson for me. I am thankful I have you to teach me so many things and to help me become a better version of myself.

And, speaking of stepping out of your comfort zone, this year has brought a number of really big changes to our family--selling our house and most of our possessions, leaving behind friends and family, and embracing a bit of a nomadic existence, while embarking on an epic trip around the world--and you have taken it all in stride and have been an enthusiastic and helpful partner throughout. 

It is hard to find the right words to tell you how much I appreciate you and admire you. You are such an amazing asset to our family and a blessing to my heart on a daily basis. I am proud of you beyond words and am so thankful I have the opportunity to know you and to learn from you and to walk down a shared path with you. You are full of life and passion and are already leaving your mark on the world. Some adults cringe when their children reach the teenage years, but I am so excited about this new chapter in your life and mine, and I look forward to every moment. You are my favorite daughter, and I love you so much! Happy 13th birthday!

Love,

Mom

Sweet Ruth,

You made me a mom twelve years ago, which simultaneously thrilled and terrified me. And, frankly, those feelings still hold true today. You are such an amazing young lady, and I am so thankful I have the opportunity to be your mom! While we have certainly experienced the normal trials and struggles of any mother-daughter relationship, for the most part, the years with you have been filled with joy! You have always been mature for your age, but this year I have noticed an even greater maturity in you, which shows itself in the topics of your conversations, the concerns you have for the future, the questions you ask, the ideas you share, the decisions you make, and even the ways you interact with your brothers and with Dad and me.

You participated in the Challenge A program at CC this year and excelled in every subject. Your eagerness to learn and your ability to self-motivate also point to your maturity. You did a great job of keeping yourself organized and taking care of all of your assignments, and, very often, you impressed us with the work you produced. You also participated in the CC student council. This allowed you to engage in several community service projects during the year, plan social activities with the other Challenge students, and to hold the office of treasurer during the second semester. Competing in PSIA again this year was another fun activity, and you made it to state in Spelling. You have continued to play the piano and have even composed original songs. You took an art class and blew us aways with your beautiful paintings. You played volleyball and basketball and took horse riding and archery lessons. You got to travel to New York City with Nana and Papa, where you attended fancy dinners and Broadway shows. And, you worked extra hard during the school year so you could finish early and be free to enjoy our two months at the beach unencumbered.

You love to shop, but you are normally very smart about it, seeking out bargains and trying to get the most for your money. You put a good deal of thought into what you are buying and why, even when someone else is paying. This is a skill that will serve you well throughout your life, so I'm glad to see you cultivating it now.

You have really been enjoying reading fantasy books this year, and this month alone, you've read somewhere in the neighborhood of a million words. You almost always have a book or Kindle in your hands in your free time, and you read impressively fast.

In the past year or so, you have become interested in talking about college. You are curious about many colleges and have researched quite a few on your own. You are especially fascinated with the military academies and have been trying to find out as much about those institutions as you can. I'll admit, it's a little hard for me to even believe it's time for you to start exploring college and career options, but again, you are taking a very mature approach, and I'm proud of you for that. No doubt, by the time it's time to actually make those decisions, you will be well informed and able to choose wisely.

You are a kind and courteous person, a thoughtful giver, a wonderful friend, and a terrific big sister. You have firm convictions, which you are not afraid to stand by. You prefer deep, meaningful conversations and relationships and tend to become frustrated with shallowness. You are able to interact easily and appropriately with everyone from small children to adults. You are comfortable asserting your opinions, but you don't make others feel bad about theirs. And, most of the time, you are open-minded and respectful and quick to admit if you are wrong or out of line.

I have absolutely loved watching you become who you are! You are beautiful inside and out and a true delight! Dad and I are so proud of you! Happy Birthday, sweet girl! I love you!

Love,

Mom

Why are girls mean? And other hard questions.

Sweet Ruth,

Today you cried through Math class. And, finally, I figured out that it had to be more than not understanding scientific notation or trying to figure out how to solve for x, so I asked what was really going on. You then preceded to break my heart in a way I didn't think was possible now that my own pre-teen days are over.

"Why are girls mean?" you asked.

And, this is the part that broke my heart because I couldn't give an answer or "fix" the problem: "I don't know, " I replied, "but I know they are."

"Well, why all of a sudden do boys and girls seem to have to be totally separate? Why is it not cool to hang out with boys I've been friends with forever?"

Again, "I don't know."

Sweet girl, I wish with all my heart that I could hide you and protect you from all the hurts, both real and imagined, self-inflicted and outwardly imposed, that are likely to afflict you in the next few years. I remember all too well the real pain and heartbreak of mean girls and awkward relationships with boys. It's a very hard time of life. Maybe the hardest.

This is a time when boys and girls are trying to become men and women. You are all trying on different personalities and ideas to see what you like, to see what fits, and to determine which ones you want to take on for good. And, you're trying to do that through the filter of fluctuating hormones and a host of insecurities. Like I said, it's extremely difficult.

I wish I had clear, easy answers for you, but I don't. What I can promise you is that I'm here. And, I love you. And, more than likely, you will survive this time in your life and be better for it. You just keep being amazing, perfect you (as if you could do otherwise)!

All my love,
Mom

Eleven

Hey, Cheek. You're eleven. And that's pretty unbelievable! The years are just racing by, and I am completely powerless to stop them it seems.

I'm not going to lie to you. This year has been a little rocky for all of us, as you have entered the baffling "tween" years--so aptly named because you are truly between a little girl and a young woman. When you were about three or four, we had a book called "Big and Little," which showed many of the ways a child that same age was big but still little. We are definitely in the next stage of that. You are big, and you're little. Some days, you still enjoy playing with your dolls and watching silly cartoons with your brothers. Other days, the very insinuation that you might do those things will send you into a fit of eye rolls that seems like it might require surgery to correct. Some days you are congenial and chatty. Other days, you are snarky and abrupt. Some days you go through the gamut multiple times and you don't even know why or how to stop it. You may not believe this, but I remember what it was like. Heck, some days, I do the exact same thing, even though I'm a grown-up, who is supposed to have it all together. :)

Your body and emotions are changing, as is your way of thinking about the world around you. I want you to know these things are normal. And, I want you to know that Dad and I love you very much! I'm telling you this because you aren't always going to feel like they are or that we do.

There has been more to this year than all that, though. You got your braces off in September and had your hair cut short on the same day. And, before and after, you were and are absolutely beautiful!

You started taking horse riding lessons in August, which instantly became and remains the highlight of your week. You are still taking piano lessons and have improved so much in this last year. You memorized a handful of songs to play for a National Piano Guild audition in April, and you received the very highest marks they give. You played basketball in the winter, and before games, you worked in the concession stand alongside your best friend's family to help them raise money for the adoption of a little boy from China. You even donated some of your own money to their cause just because you were touched by their story. You participated in PSIA again this year, in five different events, and you qualified for the state meet in two events. You also became a CC Memory Master, which required a great deal of hard work and focus. It was a goal you (and Dad and I) set and were glad you met, since it was to be your last year in the Foundations program. Next year, you will be moving up to Challenge A, with students who are, for the most part, a year older than you and will be working at a seventh grade level. This is absolutely the right place for you, and Dad and I are confident that you will do great!

I know it must be frustrating sometimes to be the only girl in a household full of loud, messy boys, but you are such an amazing big sister! You love on and take care of all of your brothers, and you generally seem to enjoy their company. You have your own special bond with each of them, and they are all very fortunate to have you in their lives.

Dad and I are also so very blessed to have you in our lives! We love you so much and just couldn't be prouder of you! Sometimes it may seem to you like we are completely detached from reality or that we don't understand you at all or that we are just plain ridiculous. And, frankly, that may be true to some extent. But, you need to know that we are always on your side and that we love you beyond what words are able to convey! You are, by far, our favorite eleven-year-old!

I love you, Sweet Girl!

Love,

Mom

A Whole Decade

Well, Cheek, you're 10 now. Double digits. A whole decade. That sounds like a significant amount of time, but, I swear, it all happened in the blink of an eye. I'm still shaking my head, trying to figure out where the time went.

You are not a little girl anymore, but every once in a while, you still want to hold my hand or dress like me, and I have to tell you, I cherish those moments, because I know they are fleeting. You are becoming a young woman. A beautiful, smart, funny, incredible young woman, who I am very proud to know!

You have continued with piano lessons this year, and Dad and I can really tell you are improving, and your teacher has nothing but nice things to say about you and your progress. You have also continued with martial arts, and you just recently became an orange belt. And, you won second place at the state PSIA meet for writing. Did I mention, I'm super-proud of you?!

You have become very interested in music in the past year, and you are always wanting me to turn up the radio in the van or turn the TV to a music station that you and your brothers can dance to. You seem to like a wide variety of music and are very quick to pick up the words. You are also planning to attend singing camp this summer. Dad and I decided to get you an iPod for your birthday, so that you can continue to develop your love for music. You are still interested in reading, cooking, sewing, animals (especially horses), and arts and crafts. And you have recently become interested in the Star Wars movies, which your Dad has thoroughly enjoyed watching with you in the last few months.

You acquired yet another brother this year, and you and he have a special bond. Clay loves spending time with you and has learned to say your name. And you are always so sweet with him, just as you have been with your other brothers. You are such a wonderful big sister and a great help to Dad and I.

You got braces in August, which instantly made you seem older. We can all tell a big difference in the straightness of your teeth, but the brilliance of your smile remains largely unchanged. You can light up a room with your smile, which encompasses your whole face. And your laugh is contagious. You are an absolute joy to be around!

While we do have a lot of fun, you and Dad and I have had the opportunity to have some pretty hard and/or serious talks this year, on a variety of topics. You always show a great deal of maturity and sensitivity in these situations and often display wisdom beyond your years. 

You reached your financial goal to save $1000 a couple of months ago and decided to retire from your laundry job. But not before opening your own checking account. You are still earning money doing some of the household paying chores, and you are very frugal and careful with how you spend your money. You generally prefer saving to spending--a habit Dad and I hope you will continue to harbor throughout your lifetime. 

These past ten years have been so much fun! It has been amazing to watch you grow and develop into the lovely young lady you are today. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be your mom. I love you more than words can say!

Love, 
Mom

Nine

Hey there, Cheek. You are nine today. Nine. Wow! I have to admit that this one is a little hard for me (and for Dad, too). I just keep thinking, "I just have this much more time with you before you leave home." In fact, Dad and I were talking about that very thing in a private conversation the other day, and we both got all teary and blubbery and had to change the subject. (I'll admit that the greater part of the tears and blubbering were mine). It's not that we're sad that you are growing up. It's just that it's happening so fast, and this birthday, in particular, has made us realize just how fast.

Additionally, I recently had a conversation with you about how your body and mind are changing now and how they will be changing over the next few years. You are definitely growing up and turning into a lady! It is a blessing to watch and a joy to be a part of. 

You have been unwavering in your love of animals, especially horses. You are still planning to be a veterinarian when you grow up. You also enjoy arts and crafts, sewing, cooking, music, playing with your brothers and, more than anything, reading. Dad and I got you a Kindle for your birthday because we couldn't think of anything you liked more than reading, and we thought that would be a good way to carry lots of books around with you, without having to carry lots of books around with you. 

You are smart, talented, funny, loving, giving, thoughtful, creative, and beautiful. Your brothers adore you, and Daddy and I couldn't be prouder of you! It is such a pleasure just to know you! 

I love you so much, Sweet Girl, and I am praying that the Lord would bless you on your birthday and throughout the upcoming year. I'm so glad He picked me to be your mom! I hope you have a very happy birthday!

Lots of love,

Mom

I believe you can fly

Dear Ruth,

You and I had a pretty rough day on Tuesday. We butted heads and argued and had a hard time understanding each other. It wasn't fun, and it wasn't pretty--and we both said and did things that weren't that nice.

At one point during the day, I was lecturing you about being lazy and getting your work done. I said to you that I believed you could do anything you put your mind to, but that it was up to you to chose to do it--whatever it might be. With an I'll-show-you gleam in your eye, you turned to me and said, "Oh yeah, what about flying? Do you think I could fly, if I put my mind to it?" It was obvious you thought you had me on that point. And my response clearly surprised you. I immediately replied, "Absolutely! If you want to fly, I think you can do it!" Your whole face changed, and I saw some of the fight come out of you. You wanted to argue with me, but I hadn't said what you expected, and you didn't know how to respond. And later that day, you began asking questions about the mechanics of flying. And the next day, you began reading about and working on building planes.

I wish I could say that we will never have another day like Tuesday, but I'm too much of a realist to really believe that. We will argue and butt heads from time to time, but the thing I need you to know in the very core of your being is that I believe you can fly. Don't ever, ever forget that. I think you are one of the smartest, most talented people I have ever known, and I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. I am your biggest fan, and I want the very best for you. And, I love you with all of my heart!

I can't wait to see you soar!

Love,
Mom

Sweet Ruth:

Today is your birthday, and you are eight! I can't believe it! Seems like just yesterday we were meeting you for the first time and starting to get to know you. What fun we've had since that day! You are growing and learning and maturing every day, and your dad and I are so very proud of the person you are and the person you are becoming! You are funny, smart, thoughtful, generous, kind, determined, motivated, beautiful, and absolutely amazing! It is a true blessing to have you in my life!

I thank the Lord for you every single day, and ask Him to mold you and shape you, to lead you and guide you, and to give you your own experiences with Him that will help you become all that He wants you to be. I want you to know that I love you more than just about anything I can think of, but the Lord loves you even more than that! You are a treasure, not only to me, but also (and more importantly) to Him.

This past year has been full of new experiences and opportunities for you. You swam on a swim team, learned to play hand chimes and performed publicly, played basketball, took piano lessons, learned to knit and to sew (In fact, you sewed the dress, kerchief and purse pictured above with only minimal help from Mimi), spent a lot of time cooking, participated in academic contests, and even won a gold medal at the state meet. You took some neat vacations, made some new friends, set financial goals for yourself, took on the household laundry (for pay) in order to meet those goals, and hosted a tea party for some of your friends. Obviously, that's just a small sampling of what this year held for you. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Thank you for being you! Daddy and I love you so much and want to wish you a very happy birthday!

All my love, 

Mom

Seven

Sweet Ruth~

You are seven today! Can you believe it?! It blows my mind to even think of it! In this last year you have moved to a foreign country, completed a year of homeschooling, relocated to a new city, and taken up a new sport. All without batting an eye. You are amazing! Not to mention beautiful, thoughtful, brilliant, and creative. You make me smile every day. And I continually thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to be your mom. I love the way your eyes light up when you figure out some problem. I am thrilled when you come up and hug me for no reason. I'm touched by the way you love your brothers, and indeed, how you love everyone. I'm so very proud of you and the lady you are becoming! You are a blessing in my life. I look forward to watching you grow and learn even more in the coming year. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom

To My Beautiful Ruth:

Six years ago today, I was graced with the title "Mom." I knew little of what that meant, but I knew the little girl I held in my arms was an amazing gift from God. I thought you were easily the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. And when I look at you today, I feel the same way! But not only are you beautiful; you are also smart and funny and sweet. You love everyone and are one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known. You make me smile every single day. And I'm so thankful for the privilege to know you. I want you to know how very proud I am of you. I have enjoyed these last six years more than any other years in my life. I look forward so much to watching the future unfold before you. You can go where you want to go, do what you want to do, be who you want to be. And I'll be right here--loving you and cheering for you and trying not to get in your way. Happy birthday, Sweet Girl. I love you!

Love,

Mom