A Teenager

Sarah's birthday was on a Thursday this year towards the beginning of March. She loves being outside and playing sports.  After school she talked Eric into jumping on the trampoline with her and Phoebe for awhile.

The static electricity was crazy that day on the trampoline!

That evening we attended the 4th grade musical program at the grade school that Phoebe was in.  Afterwards we went to birthday dinner with some of our closest friends.  Sarah choose for us all to eat at The Olive Garden.  We had a great evening out with everyone.

Sarah was given a special strawberry cheesecake dessert at the restaurant and we all sang to her.

Below, some of my favorite kids in the whole world.... (left to right - Shawna, Phoebe, Felicity, Sarah, Silas, and Abigail).

After dinner back at our house Sarah opened her gifts from us.... And a few that she had gotten in the mail from Popee, Nanee, Grandma Sharon, and aunts and Uncles.

She got candy and money from Silas and Phoebe.

She got one hundred dollars in a card from Popee and Nanee to use for special activities and sports throughout the next year.

Eric and I gave her some coupons to use later this year....

The next morning I took both girls to get manicures and pedicures.

We were all so full from dinner at the Olive Garden the night before that we did not eat any of Sarah's birthday cake that night.  So, for lunch that day we all enjoyed some of her favorite ICE CREAM CAKE from Dairy Queen.

What are some of your favorite things about Sarah?

Eric (Daddy) - "Sarah is thoughtful, spending time to do things that will brighten people's days (cards, notes, letters).  She is competitive.  If only we could get her to practice at the level of her competitiveness.  She displays boldness to defend the faith, especially when it comes to Genesis.  She has Genesis 1:1 posted on her locker.  On evolution questions, she will give the answer the teacher is expecting then provide a note to the side regarding what Genesis tells us.  She is empathetic.  Sarah is caring and often puts herself in other people's shoes.  She does not like to join in on the "girl talk" about boys.  She is motivated to do well in school and is an exceptional student."
Stacee (Mommy) - "I love how creative and thoughtful you are.  You are smart, athletic, and determined when you put your mind to something.  I love that you are a fierce competitor! I absolutely love watching you play sports.  You are a good role model to those around you and a good leader in your school.  I also love that you care about animals, especially family pets that we have, and they seem to love you right back."
Phoebe - "I like playing with her.  I like watching her play softball.  I like it when she pitches."
Silas - "She plays with me.  We ride bikes and play on the trampoline together.  She is pretty."
Popee - "She wanted me to ice her knee when we were there.  She likes playing outside games (darts, basketball games of all kinds, washers, corn hole, frisbee tag at the Village School playground).  she always will go to the store with me.  I liked snow skiing this last December with you.  I like all your hugs and the extra good-byes."
Nanee - "She always gives us a hug and lets me give her a kiss when we leave for home AND then usually comes back for another hug.  She is kind about noticing when I need a hand when walking.  She shares her bed with Popee and I when we come to visit.  She writes us letters and sends encouraging pictures that she colors. She likes to play games.  I like helping comb the tangles out of her hair.  We like watching her play sports she loves, like basketball, softball, and even volleyball, which I encouraged her to try."
Uncle Matt - "Sarah is sweet, creative, athletic, and loveable! I'm very proud of the young woman she is becoming!"
Uncle Bret - "She has a lot of grit."
Aunt Andrea - "She has a kind heart and the biggest smile."
Ayden - "She is creative and fun."
Kallin - "She is funny.  She does funny dances with me."

Sarah asked to have a birthday party this year.  She suggested having it at a painting place.  So, we booked a time at the local "Paint the Town" and she invited some of her friends from school to join us there.

She selected a hot air balloon picture for everyone to paint.

The instructor did a good job of encouraging the girls along and pacing them, working with each of them step by step to get their paintings completed.

Below, the girls left from right, top row - Sarah, Emmi, Delaney, and Lexi.  Bottom row - Phoebe, Chadisty, Aliyah, and Ava.

After painting Sarah opened her gifts and cards from her friends and they ate some delicious Hurts Donuts.

I enjoyed spending a couple hours with these eight girls.  What a fantastic bunch of friends!  They shared laughter, stories, and words of encouragement and kindness with each other.

We dropped in at Popee and Nanee's house about a week after her birthday.  They had a couple more gifts for her to open from them.

Thanks, Popee and Nanee!

Happy 13th birthday, Sarah! It seems like in a blink of an eye you went from being our little girl to a teenager.  You are an impressive young lady.  You excel in academics and athletics.  You are kind, caring, and compassionate.  You have done several bold things for God, shining the light.  Continue to impress and make Jesus and us smile.  

Love, Daddy and Mommy.