To be 13!

It is truly hard for me to even utter the words out loud - can I possibly have a little girl that is 13 years old? It has rushed by in a blur and yet I am so grateful for this little "teenager" that we have living in our home and her sweet spirit and bundle of happiness. She is such a sweetheart, and  independent of her parents {ahem}, she is one great girl!

Things I hope you remember about being 13 -

* You wake every morning on your own {because it's way too early for mom and dad}

and get ready for school.

* You love your I-touch and always want some new app to play with!

* Your best friend is Hannah and you two are always {I stress Always} 

acting like Nerds together!

* You are such a self-starter  {I can't tell you how much I appreciate that} 

and are on top of school work, young women goals, and anything else important.

* You love playing softball but are not as excited at the moment with piano

{I am praying that that will change!}
*You have a great sense of style {Yippee} but you also know from whence you came and ask my opinion about your hair and what you are wearing {You know I love doling out my advice}

*You ask on a daily basis for gum and I always see you searching my purse to find some!

*You really care about other people and are so good to your friends

and people that you just meet.

*When things are not going so hot at home, {a fight with Maddie - not listening to Dad or Mom} there is always a guarantee that a note will materialize somewhere 

from you saying that you are sorry!

*You still call me Mommy and I love it! {I just don't think you realize it!]

* You don't really like Mac and Cheese or quesadillas {what?} but you will eat it without complaints if it has been one of those busy crazy days!

*You like boys but when one of them asked you to "go with him" you declined the offer and asked if you could just be friends. {Yippee - some of my brainwashing has taken affect!}

* You are the best about telling me what is going on at school or with friends or life in general! You are quite the talker {Apple not falling far...}

*You have a testimony of the gospel and I love "catching you" reading your scriptures.

*We love watching how you try to resolve peacefully things for your younger siblings. 

They really love and look up to you!

* You are always quick to be grateful for things and a Thank you is always said - even for little things!

I love that too!

* You absolutely adore your dad and are always wanting to please him and make him happy!

*You are a total ham and make us laugh all of the time with your funny faces, quirky dance moves, and silly expressions! 

*You are such a great daughter and we are so proud to call you Ours!!!

I think Caitlin had a great birthday today. 

She was welcomed with donuts, presents, and our traditional  birthday banner 

{which she declined to wear to school}....

Grandpa came by and did his traditional front yard decorating with balloons....

 She received many a phone call and visits from friends and family....

 We went for a birthday dinner to Souplantation {one of her fave places] 

with her grandparents....

 And we came back home and everyone wrote why they loved Caitlin and shared it with her...

{My favorite part}

We love you Kiki Girl!

Happy 13!