Happy 14th Birthday, my girl!

 How is it possible that you are 14 years old?! We are in disbelief. Even if we've been lucky enough to be with you every day of your life, we're still surprised. Watching you grow up is the best adventure of our lives. 

You are one beautiful person, Edee Lorraine! You're vivacious, passionate, clever, and bold. You're not afraid to speak your mind, which sometimes gets you in trouble but we're working on that part. Your creativity has no end. You still love music, stuffed animals, and ramen noodles. You keep saying you're taller than me but I've still got a few inches on you. :P 

This is the year you found a love for reading beyond graphic novels. Maybe a little to far beyond graphic novels but we're working on agreeing on books that fit your 12th grade reading level and age. It's a balancing act, as most things are. 

Your 13th year has been one of the hardest years for you and I. We went through a lot together and alone, (in separate rooms after an argument). It's not easy finding new ways to communicate and spend time together as you grow up so quickly but, we're figure it out day by day. You're still one of my favorite people in the whole world.

You've blown us away with your drawing skills and ability to sell your work on Etsy. Talk about sold out orders over night!! It was a little much for you to handle but, you persevered, even if you weren't "motivated to draw."

My biggest hope for you this year is that you stay true to yourself, you let go of the small things (like little kids that make you mad), that you continue to love books and art. I pray that you are happy and healthy the majority of your days, that you never loose your spunk. 

We love you to the moon and back, bug!