Happy Birthday, Angela!

That day has arrived! We now have two teenagers in the house! And yes, it is an exciting day. Despite all the warnings about the teenage years, we’ve enjoyed the ones we have experienced thus far, and I’m excited about diving into this season with my princess as well!

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This year has been an interesting one with Angela. In these pictures, you’ll notice something that has not happened in past years…my princess is in jeans for her birthday pictures!

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Jeans and shorts have been more frequent than dresses lately. And wittiness has been a little more prominent than prissiness. But, the dresses, princess nature, and girliness are still there!

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For our cowgirl princess, it has been a year of growing and changing and self-exploration, discovering the various facets of her personality. Our new home, church, and social interactions have stretched her and forced her to identify strengths and weaknesses she never really had to consider before. It hasn’t always been easy, but she’s grown greatly through it.

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Obviously, the cows have not lost their place of prominence. Cowie had to join Olivia for birthday pictures because she’s also celebrating her thirteenth birthday. Cowie was a baby shower gift, so she’s been around Angie’s entire life. I love that Angela is not ashamed to enjoy her stuffed animals, even as she gets older.

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In fact, in many ways Angela has clung to some girlhood things, not wanting to grow up too quickly. And, I’m really great with that.

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In other ways, though, she’s beautifully embracing the idea of growing up. She has enjoyed moving up into the youth group and loved being among the older students at PraiseWorks this summer.

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Angela is becoming quite the seamstress. She always has a project going, whether it’s a quilt, a knit or crochet item, or something she’s whipping up on the sewing machine. She has so much natural talent and creativity, and has often completed projects of her own design. This year, though, she has learned more about technique and “rules” (for lack of a better word) that enhance and perfect her natural talent.

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And, no, I haven’t forgotten the books. She’s still our number one bibliophile, without a doubt!

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For thirteen years, we’ve watched this beautiful, introverted, witty, brilliant, creative personality grow and develop. We know that growth will not stop! I’m excited to walk through the teenage years with this precious girl, seeing how God directs and works through her.

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From Cowie, the herd, and your family, happy birthday, sweet Angela! We love you!

Comments

Happy Birthday to Angela! Now we both have two teens... one of mine has "aged out" into his 20s. Whew! I think they're GREAT years :D

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