Mother Of A Teen

Happy 13th Birthday to my first born baby!

I can hardly believe that you are officially a teenager.

It is a pleasure to watch you grow into such a beautiful young lady. I really can't call you a kid anymore. You're looking much too tall and lady like for that.

Let's talk about your weird teenage obsessions. I can't say that I really get  any of them, but they are yours. And you like them...A LOT.

* Justin Bieber~ I used to really not like the boy, but ever since you made me watch Never say Never with you, I have gained a respect for him and his natural talent. I still think he sounds a little more like a girl than a guy, but his voice will change soon enough. However, I would never put one of his songs on my iPod. And it would be nice if you didn't hang anymore posters of him in your bedroom. Otherwise, he's fine.

* Juicy Couture ~ I hope you learn to LOVE the necklace you had me order for you off of Ebay. I know the chain is wider and the charm blingier than you thought , but if you don't wear it and love it, I promise I will never let you talk me into a crazy Juicy Couture ebay birthday purchase ever, ever again. And it really does look cute on you!

* MAC~ I know you believe that MAC cosmetics are the best of the best and only MAC will do, but I just cannot bring myself to pay for it. So, you have fun mowing lawns and babysitting so you can have all the MAC Pink Lemonade lip gloss you want. You're right, the colors are pretty, and you look absolutely lovely wearing them. I just can't get into this one.

* Hollister, Aeropastale, Pac Sun ( and any other brand name stores you love)~ I have to admit that after actually taking the time to enter these stores with you I was pleasantly suprised at some of the deals you can get during good sales. I know I gave you the lecture about not buying into brand names, but a 20ish dollar t-shirt marked down to 5.24 at Hollister, and jeans marked down to 19.99 at Aeropastale cured me of my harsh judgement. I'm happy that you look for the best deals when you buy your clothing.

* Smelly Good Lotions, Body Washes and Perfumes~ You are obsessed. You always smell like a flower. Whenever you get out of the shower the aroma that pours out of the bathroom is lovely. I think my favorite scent you wear is Dark Kiss. But just remember that you can have too much of a good thing.

Yes, you have these teenage obsessions. And you ramble about them a lot. And sometimes I listen and sometimes it gives me a headache. But I am always so happy that you desire to talk to me. And I know I tease you about having all these weird obsessions, but if you must know the truth I had similar weird obsessions when I was your age. I had to have Gap jeans. I was sad to learn while shopping with you this last weekend that Gap is considered lame now. Whatever.

I'm proud of the way you are learning to be a hard worker. I hope you see the value in mowing lawns, babysitting and working for your Dad. I know our neighbor was so grateful to you for spending all those hours pulling weeds and cutting down her blackberry bushes. It was something she couldn't easily do for herself so she gave you an opportunity to work and earn some cash. I hope you feel honored that she trusted you to get the job done. And Ry, you did it really well. Learning the value of work will be a huge blessing in your life.

It was a joy being at Girls Camp with you. It brings a smile to my face when I see you hanging out with your friends. You have a very quiet, kind way about you.

It makes me feel happy when you talk to me about the Young Women's goals you are working on and what you're learning from them. I can feel the power of your testimony when you share your thoughts. I know you try to be a good example to those around you and that it's important to you to stand as a witness of Christ.

I promise you that if you will make Christ the center of your life that you will be happy and fulfilled. That you  will understand the course your life should follow.

I love you Miss Rylie. You're pretty awesome.

Love,
Mom