Teen

Last night, while the girls and I were driving, Rhiannon commented on how fast this year has went by.  

I told her to hang on.  

Once you start feeling the years go by faster, they never slow down!

Well..... 

Today my sweet little girl has officially turned 13.

I have a teenager.

What. The. Hell.  

Where did all of the years go? 

How is this even possible?

(Please make it slow down!)

3 Months Old

6 Months Old 

One Year

I don't know about you, but I remember being 13. 


(It was painful.)

(Probably not as painful as trying to make this holiday card, though!)

December, 2005

2003, dancing at Grandma's

2002, Halloween 

3 1/2, Being goofy on the worlds scariest staircase.

Rhiannon, I hate to tell you this, but the next eight years are going to be the most confusing times of your life.

Lucky for you, your mom knows all the answers.

2010

Seriously, I may not be the typical "Mom knows best," but I have screwed up enough in this life for the both of us.

From friends to jobs to school to feelings...if you are confused by any of it.....ask me.

I may not always know what the right thing for you to do is, but I can ALWAYS tell you if you are doing the wrong thing.
(Because I always did the wrong thing!) 

Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way during the teenage years.

1.  Never-ever lose your sass.

(But always know when it is time to put it on a shelf.)

Having sass is good.  But never use it to hurt someone. 

Stay humble and stay sweet, but never lose your sass.
As long as you have that you can never be treated like a doormat.  

Age 5

2.  Don't be afraid to feel things.

For some reason, most people think becoming a teenager means you should turn into a stone pillar.  Life is to short and goes by to fast for you not to feel the emotions in every situation.

It is okay to feel sad about things.  It is okay to be overly ecstatic.  It is okay to fall head over heals in love.  It's okay to feel anger.  Don't try to suppress your feelings, from crying to laughing to everything in between!

  Remember, you will never get today back.  You will never get those feelings back.

Emotions are good.  They are meant to be felt.  

It means you are alive!

Christmas at Grandma's, 2006.

3.  Make new friends.

Every single encounter you have will shape your life, but none will shape you more then the experiences and memories you will have with your friends. 

And this is very important to remember - you will have some friends for two weeks, some for two years and a select few for two+ decades.  

Every single person you meet is meant to be in your life for a reason, but not every single person you meet is supposed to be in your life forever.  

The quicker you learn this, the happier you will be.

Rhiannon and her best friend, first day of 3d grade.

4.  Have good, clean, wholesome fun.

You have your whole life ahead of you to act like an adult.  

Don't try and act like one in your teen years.  

Once you lose your innocence, you can never ever get it back.  And that is a big deal.  

Treasure it.

After the color run, Age 12

5.  Give plenty of time for yourself.

One of the hardest parts of being a teen is how spread thin you will become.  

It is important for you to make time for school, extracurricular, friends, family etc.  

However, the most important person you need to make time for, is you.  

If you don't have a clear head you will be of no use to anyone.  

You are the most important person in your life.  

This is not selfish, it is essential!  

Try and give yourself some extra time each day!
(Even if it is just for ten minutes!)

The day before 7th grade

6.  When in doubt, always dress it up.

(It's always better to look well put together then to look like a slob.)

Always.

December, 2012

7.  Always dance to the beat of your own drum.

Dancing makes you happy. Dancing keeps you young.
Why would you ever want to stop either of those things?

Wherever you go and whatever you do in life, never stop dancing to your own rhythm and beat!  

It is what makes you, you!

Summer of 2010

8.  Never forget your #1 fan.  

(I'll give you a hint, it's me!)

• There will never be anyone in your life who will be rooting for you more then me.  
• No one will hold their breath as they watch you try new things.
• No one will cringe as hard as they watch you fail.
• No one will cry as much when they see you hurt.
• No one will be more proud as they watch you succeed and see all of your wildest dreams come true.

Even when you hate me.

Even when I want to shake you.

I will always be there for you.

I will always be proud of you.

I will always love you.

2011

Happy Birthday, Rhiannon!  
Welcome to your teenage years!

May 28, 2013