Happy Sweet 16!!!

 Dear Izzy,

Happy Sweet 16 to my best girl. Gone are the days of tutus (except on school spirit days), princesses and American Girl dolls (but you will always be daddy's princess and my Bitty Baby), and a room full of stuffed animals (well maybe a Jelly Cat or two). Hello to the days of studying in 10th grade, playing Varsity Field Hockey, volunteering your time at church, driving me around as you practice your skills, collecting of lip gloss and jewelry, painting your nails and creating with watercolors, sitting with friends at the kitchen island talking about the night before, and hanging out with one blue eyed boy.

We have had so many good times this past year... ringing in New Year's in Turks with family, our "party of 5" going to Siesta Key for Spring Break, seeing Zach Bryan on dad's birthday and Morgan Wallen in the pouring rain, celebrating your Confirmation with Alex as your sponsor.  I love all these memories but nothing beats being "BeachWalkers" in Ocean City. Fourth of July with Alex's buddies and your girls, going shopping and our breakfast runs to High Tide, sunset with Gabe, the kids and TJ, and of course the last week hanging out with the family, having a week long sleepover with cousins, and laughing until we cried (mostly because we agree Jake is the funniest person ever). 

I am in awe of the young woman you are, and I love being your mom. You are beautiful inside and out. Your smile lights up a room. People sometimes describe you as quiet, but when you speak, you do so with intention, wisdom and humor. Being able to be still in your thoughts makes you a good listener, and we all turn to you for advice and sometimes a reality check. Keep being exactly you, because you, my daughter, have so much good in your heart and dad and I are so blessed to be your parents. And your brothers are beyond lucky to have you as their sister and friend.

I pray for my kids all the time. As you three grow and change, so do my prayers. I wrote this prayer for Alex when he turned sixteen, and now I will pray these words for you this year.

I pray for you to always be kind and use the gifts God has given you for good and service to others. I pray that God keeps you safe when you are behind the wheel. I pray you make good choices, and when you make mistakes, you learn from them. I pray that you always find joy in life even on the tough days. 

I love you my sweet (sixteen) girl,

Mom