fourteen no more

This last year has been a pleasurable parenting year.....weird right? I mean I am speaking of a teenager and all......

But it has. Nani has matured so much this year, for the most part it has been pleasing.

Now of course there has been tears over the year. There has been arguments. A few disagreements. But it has also been a year of understanding, a year of acceptance, a year of growth, and great maturing. Honestly, I was scared. I thought for sure we couldn't live under the same roof during 6th and 7th grade. I was sure we'd end each other once and for all. Ari has had a very hard time with accepting how 'strict' we are. I've told her for years she'll thank us eventually for using the word NO more than she would like to hear it. And actually that thanks has come sooner than I thought it would. 

Nani is a joy. To be around her is to love her. She knows who she is and who she isn't.

She is brave. She doesn't quit. She has a tender heart and loves the Lord.

Nani loves life. She just does....always has. Shes adventurous, but a homebody. She likes to hang out w/ friends, but loves to be w/ family. We are blessed to call her daughter and to have her in our world. I love that she giggles at herself, and does the silliest things.....she's quick to say, that's just me!!! Shes braver than I, in most instances {shhh, don't tell her} and is not afraid to try things. {like cliff jumping when she was 8......EIGHT!!!}

Watching Nani grow up has been an adventure, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

This has been a year of change and growth and I am excited about the years to follow....

{8th grade graduation}

But it is so true, they do grow up so fast. I mean fast. And the baby you brought home from the hospital turns into a teenager, overnight.

I would say that transitioning from parenting a younger child to a teen isn't the easiest thing in the world. Its been a learning process, for sure. But that's all a part of the beauty of the journey.

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine

says she wants to look that way

But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake

And shes always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see

that beauty is within your heart

And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair

Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through

YOU were made to fill a purpose that only YOU can do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

{part of the lyrics to 'More Beautiful You' by Jonny Diaz}

{First day of 9th grade}



{being mamarazzi as she's walking up to high school.....what?}



{again w/ the adventure *sigh*}

fourteen no more......