The Sweetest 16

Summer, 2015 was a significant for Mary Kate...

…she had her 16th birthday!

Turning 16 is an important milestone in anyone’s life. Life changes when you’re sixteen.

It goes without saying that it’s been a little shocking to my system that I’m now the mother of a 16 year old who can drive and date and all that jazz. I can’t figure out how we arrived here so quickly? It seems like it moments ago when my baby girl was donning crooked ponytails, dripping popsicle juice on her shirt, and squealing with delight whenever Elmo’s World came on TV. Now look at this beautiful young women!

I don’t know how sixteen year olds are supposed to be, but this one is a pure delight. I have no idea what I did to deserve such a lovely spirit to be my daughter? This girl is a wonder. I hope that saying that doesn’t put too much pressure on her. I know it can be hard to live up to perceived expectations, especially parental ones, but I promise there aren’t any perfection illusions or expectation here. Of course she is human like the rest of us. She makes mistakes and struggles with life like we all do, but this girl brings so much joy into our home. She has a special something. I know that despite what life will bring and the challenges that will inevitable come, she will do great things.

Here are 16 things we love about MK, in no particular order…

1- She is sweet and patient with babies and children. They love her and she loves them.
2- She takes seriously and works hard at the most important things in life. She knows which things have true value.
3- She has a very pleasant and infectious laugh and she puts it to use often.
4- She is kind to everyone. She treats people how she would want to be treated.
5- She has a natural desire to do what is right and when she does wrong, she admits it. She is readily willing to say, “I’m sorry.”
6- She strives to stay in touch with things of the spirit and this is obvious when you’re around her.
7- She is adventurous and isn’t afraid to try new things. Even when she is afraid, she still goes for it.
8- She loves to learn and gets excited about gaining knowledge and putting it to good use.
9- She is so fun to watch on stage – she has a special talent for acting.
10- She delights us with her piano skills daily.
11- She is completely and shamelessly in love with the dog! It’s very sweet and entertaining.
12- She shares her personal life with us. As her parent, I can’t tell you how wonderful and valuable that aspect is.
13- She doesn’t give up. When things are hard, she keeps trying.
14- She has a beautiful smile that lights up any room she is in.  
15- She is trust worthy. When she isn’t here I don’t worry too much about what she is doing.
16- She is exceedingly patient with her nagging parents (especially her mom). She forgives us over and over. We so appreciate that quality because we are learning too and making mistakes left and right!

I have to admit that it has been a bit of a mama bear struggle to watch her learn to drive a car, go on dates, work her first job, start her junior year of High School… I feel such a feeling of desperation that time is flying by too quickly and soon she will be off on her own. I want to soak up all the time we have with her close by.

I just love this girl so very much. I hope she can feel that love and know that we will always be here for her, no matter what.

Heading to her surprise 16th birthday party.

Party guest-- and such good friends!

The braces are finally off. Hallelujah!

She has a drivers licenses! (Someday the story of her hitting the parked car one day after she got her license will be funny).

Asked to her first Homecoming dance.

Happy sixteen Mary Kate!