Blythe is THIRTEEN

Blythe Kathleen,

I've always kind of wondered what it would feel like to be the parent to a teenager; what it would feel like to have my first child cross the threshold into teen-dom. I know people often tell the horror stories of having sweet toddlers turn into raging teenagers-- and I know we still have a lot of teen years ahead of us ;)-- but Blythe, when I think of this large number-- THIRTEEN-- instead of thinking about how fast the time has gone (it has! blown by!), or how often I miss pudgy toddler hands finding mine to hold (I do), what I think of the most is how absolutely bonkers blessed we are to get to have already spent thirteen years of our life with you. It's been such an unequivocal gift because you continually bring joy and fun and light and creativity into all the spaces you inhabit. 

This year was a huge one for our family as we made a difficult decision to switch schools. You had a wonderful experience in elementary (and I'm convinced you'd have a wonderful experience just about anywhere because you are always glass-half-full... unless I have to wake you up early ;)). To have you switch schools while entering Junior High seemed like a monumental decision, and I'm not sure it's one your dad and I could have made had it not been you--you who takes everything in stride, who shows us what it looks like to have faith that God goes before us and beside us in all things. You did not know a single kid in your entire grade, but you approached the new year with such a positive attitude. You brought yourself fully to our new school (SJ Christian School), and of course you've made a lot of friends because you are a good friend. You've tried new things, learned new buildings, new routines, new new new new. And yet you stayed steady steady steady. You're a lot like your dad in that way. 

This year the school started a new thing, selecting "Kingdom Builders" for a semester that exhibit one of the 4 core values of our school: Scholarship, Jesus Christ, Service, and Character. Not only were you the only 7th grader selected for Secondary, but you were the only new student selected as well. You were chosen for character, which seems very fitting since I have known you your whole life and I would say your character has been an example to me always. You repeatedly look out for those who are left out, you are kind to everyone, you apologize for your mistakes, you work hard, and you are the same person whether you're at home, at school, at church, or alone in your room. What a blessing to your dad and I to know that others see in you the strength of character we have always seen as well. 

You would think by 13 your hobbies would be solidified, but you are still always up for trying new things. However, your tried and true sill involve being creative through drawing or making something, being outside, shooting hoops, eating cheese ;) , hunting, and music.  Often you plunk yourself down at the piano and, by ear, figure out a song you've been listening to or that we sing at church. This seems like magic to tone-deaf me and it amazes me every time. You are still an incredible drummer, and this year you were able to play in drumline for football season, and be in  a drum ensemble. You were the only 7th grader at High School district band competition, and your ensemble made it to state! This was the first time ever for a drum ensemble from SJCS to make it to state, so that has been exciting to watch you get to be a part of. Big things are ahead for you, little drummer girl. You also played basketball again this year, and even though you don't love exerting yourself too much ;), you do enjoy being on the team and playing. You spend hours shooting around our driveway too, which is fun because your dad and I remember spending to many evenings doing the same when we were your age. 

I would also add that two of your favorite hobbies this past year were probably reading and sleeping! You continue to devour books at a rate that I can hardly keep up with! Thankfully your English teacher has hundreds of books in her classroom and you just keep coming home with more and more. You and I have always enjoyed sharing books this year too, and you haven't failed me yet on your recommendations. As for sleeping... I'm afraid that's not just a teenage trait but something you've always loved, and have acquired honestly (because I am the same!). Many Saturdays I find myself waking your up at 11 or so, and you're so disappointed if you don't get a Saturday to sleep in (same!). I think you and I are going to really enjoy some lazy mornings together this summer, and I can't wait! You still don't have a phone, and while you have asked from time to time, you mostly have been incredible about this, understanding the reason we are choosing to hold off a little longer. I know it's not easy being one of two people in your class to not have one, but as with so many parts of this parenting journey, you've chosen not to make this a battle between us, which we realize is such a gift to us. Thank you. 

It's been very fun to watch your relationship with Jesus grow this year as well. You've always been curious and engaged in your faith, but we are now seeing it become more and more your own. You love attending youth group at our church, and got to attend your first CIY camp this past summer-- you came home so wired and excited, just nearly buzzing from the fun and meaningful week you had had (I again saw myself in you in these moments as someone who loved camp so very much). You also know have a Bible class at school, and enjoy chapel on Fridays. You've started serving in our church toddler room, and have enjoyed getting to help in that way to be a member of the Body of Christ. Your understanding of Scripture is growing, which is always a good thing, but more than that, your dad and I see you growing in the fruits of the Spirit in so many ways. Continue to bear good fruit, Blythe-- this world needs more love and joy and peace and patience... and you bring those things into it in so many beautiful ways. 

We like to joke with you as you've fully become a teenager now, that your sighs are louder, your eye rolls are more frequent, and your anger boils a little quicker. But in the grand scheme of these things, you're still lovely to be around. We do comment the most about your mumbling and lack of enunciation, but I think that may be more genetic than anything ;). It's been fun though for your dad and I to hear from so many adults that you have spent time with-- whether they've given you a ride or a place to crash between events or practices-- and the resounding thing we hear from everyone is, "She just talked and talked to me. She's a great conversationalist!" This is not always the norm for kids your age with adults, but I think it's another one of the bright spots you bring into this world-- your ability to engage people, no matter their age, and your willingness to have conversations. Keep it up, because giving people the gift of communication and listening is a lifelong skill.

We recently were in Colorado over spring break (where we took your picture this year :) ) and we did a pretty awesome hike with lots of snow pack, a decent amount of elevation, and some tricky terrain. We experienced some incredible vistas, walked crossed frozen lakes, shared snacks on snow covered rocks, and then began the return trip down the mountain. This particular area had over 54 inches of snow, so the snow-packed trails were often tricky to navigate, even with our microspikes attached to our shoes. You ended up falling, hard, three times. You weren't shy about crying-- it hurt!-- but you took a minute to get yourself together and continued trekking down the mountain. In the past, especially after consecutive falls, you would have been frustrated and whiny, worried you'd fall again, and tired after the hours of hiking. But this time you kept pushing yourself back up, gathering yourself, and continued on. By the time we got back to the parking lot and loaded into our van, you were in great spirits and lively. It was so fun to see how you've grown into this capable, strong young woman who can fall hard, get hurt (there were bruises!), and yet still keep heading in the direction you needed to go, ending with a joy. I was thinking later that I hope that is how you tackle the rest of your teen years ahead of you, because there will be falls, it's inevitable. You will get hurt, as much as I don't want you too. And yet, there is a path before you, with a Light to show you your next step (Psalm 119:105), and the promise that there is always Joy at the end when we face it with Christ. Hike on, Blythe! 

As always: your dad and I hope you always understand the why behind our no-s. We hope you feel safe in the boundaries we set. We hope you feel freedom in the wide open places we leave for you. We hope you see God in our actions and words. We hope when you leave our little home for good and go out on your own that you'll look back on this simple little life we had together-- chaos and mistakes and messes and all-- and see that it was grace that held us together; that you see that it was God's daily bread that provided it all. 

Happy thirteenth birthday, Blythe Kathleen! We will always come for you, and there is nothing you could ever do to make us stop loving you!