Birthday Wishes to My Biggest Little

My Dearest Lene Bean,

It's that time again!  Birthday wishes are sent your way to celebrate your most special of days!  Baby girl, my first born. . .you are twelve today and my mind absolutely bubbles over with memories that have hopefully made you feel as special as you truly are to us!

I was so scared to send you off to Middle School, but boy, was that completely unnecessary!  You applied yourself so well and worked so hard all year long!  I was so impressed by your ability to receive all A's and that one B in math--for the longest, you focused on math, went to tutoring daily, grew to really like your teacher, and then BAM:  ended the year with straight A's!  Your perseverance paid off Bean!  We are so proud of you!  It wasn't just your grades that impressed us; it was your ability to see people for who they really are, making an extra effort to say hello to your special friends at their lunch table.  You see them and love them.  I love that about you! I also watched as you went against the grain to Christians in Action even when none of your close friends wanted to go. You went anyway.  Love that!  You also conquered a fear and tried out for the Elite singing group:  AND YOU MADE IT!  Let that always serve to remind you that fear should have no place in holding you back.  Face your fears bean. Keep doing so now so your high school and college experiences can be the best yet.  They are right around the corner. . .unbelievable!

You and I are so different in so many ways.  You love the spot light.. You call things out as you see them, unafraid of conflict.  You dream big and sometimes my tendency is to reign you in BUT I shouldn't. You have a potential in you that I never had.  You believe in yourself and your confidence is unshakable. You definitely did not get that from me. . .but I sure am thankful you have it, because girl, you're going to move mountains (as Dr. Seuss would say)!

This world is a troubling place and I know you've sat in with dad and I and weighed in on some pretty heavy topics this year.  The truth is, there is no real way to protect you.  Songs, television, commercials, friends, the internet. . .they dump it all out there and you have to wade through it and figure it out, sometimes too soon, in my opinion.  But please always know we are here.  Ask us the questions.  Let us guide you into making educated and enlightening choices. We are always here for you and we love you forever an always.  My prayer day in and day out is that God protects and guides you, always bringing you back to me.  But i know you are only on loan--we all are and I am so honored that God chose me to be your mama.

For those times you think I am tough on you--I probably am.  It's tough being the oldest.  I remember.  I learn through the  decisions--both good and bad.  I'm sorry in advance for the times I will continue to get it wrong.  I'm doing my best to parent you during a trying time.  The world is changing and all I can promise is my constant and unfailing love.  Always.

You are  on the precipice of teenagehood. How??? Let's let this year of twelve be fantastic!  Let's love each other and get along and continue to create awesome memories together.  We will never have this time again.  I only have five more summers with you, Bean. Five.  Let's make it count.

Love you always and forever, Lene Bean.
Bless your eyes so you always see Him.
Your ears so you always hear Him.
Your heart so you write His words upon it.
Bless your hands so you always do His work.
And your feet so you always walk in His path.

Is it wrong to secretly hope you'll call me in college and ask me for our nightly blessing?  If it is, don't tell me. I want it to be right.

Love Forever,
Mom