Fabulous 14

Today Hannah turns 14! I look at her in disbelief. How is that possible? I can only deny it until she comes and stands before me, just shy of eye to eye. It is so fun to watch her grow! If she passes me up that would be really cool!

These last 12 months have been a kick to watch as Hannah has grown in far greater ways than the length of her legs. These are the things we, her parents take note of this September 4th:

1. She no longer resembles a "child" at all. I see a young woman standing before me.

2. She still tirelessly (95% of the time) includes her little sister and receives her homemade birthday presents with true excitement and gratefulness.

3. She has shown great fortitude and attitude in her sports endeavors (VB, BB, Track, SB).

4. Hannah still remains a "cheerleader" at heart. A couple different coaches have commented on her ability to stay upbeat and to be a positive influence on their teams.

5. When we threw her the curve ball about our move to Madison she waded through those waters with honesty, openness, and with greater integrity than I would have had the courage to ask for. I should have known better. Again, she sets a great example for the younger kids.

6. She is creative and musical. Hannah's life seems to have always been set to music. That hasn't changed a bit. She wrote a cool song that honored her Savior and that she had the boldness to share it with the entire student body. I am in awe.

7. She repeatedly gives great counsel to her little sister and still chooses to share a room with her.

8. She and Zach have really grown a great friendship. It is so cool. Together, these two jr high kids provide lot of laughs! These are really fun times!

9. She is not too busy for her youngest brothers. She is often found showering them with love and attention.

10. We have seen her walk through peer conflict with deep love and unselfish devotion. She shares a Christ-like persistence and grace that humbles me.

11. The "follower" that I sometimes saw in her has grown into a much more confident leader.

12. Her heart is still the size of Texas and she doesn't keep it from me. I love knowing her so well.

13. We have openly admitted that we are learning to parent as we go with her and she repeatedly shows Scott and I great patience and grace.

14. We are most thrilled with how we see the Holy Spirit transforming her into His likeness, not to our credit but by His grace.

HB, we love you deeply! We are so blessed to have had another 12 months with you. We love watching the Lord work out His will in your life. It is a joy! You are a joy!