She’s Legal!

As parents we often talk about how long we have until our kids turn the ripe old age of 18.  We look to that birthday as one of life’s biggest milestones.  When our kids are babies it seems like 18 years is so far away…its really not.

On February 11, 2017, my Princess Karis turned 18.  When she came to me she was only 13.  13 so far has to be the hardest most awkward age for both the parents and the child.  At 13 you really have no idea who you are, you are torn between the shows Kim Possible and Grey’s Anatomy, lets not even talk about middle school and the awkward appearance and life changes that goes along with that.

I remember when Karis started 8th grade.  She refused to learn an implement the importance of “personal care”,  her “style” was really not a style at all and she certainly was working on that teenager mentality of “I know everything” and had the the perfect eye roll to go right along with it. But my goodness she was beautiful and so loving and smart.  She was a force to be reckoned with…she still is.

Her and I would struggle with each other.  We would bicker over just the smallest things and some really big things.  Through all of our struggles we learned to respect each other, to always say “I am sorry” and most importantly “I love you.”

As her teenage years progressed she certainly began to figure out who she was and really who she wanted to be.  I have watched her grow into a very talented, smart, beautiful young woman with a heart that is made of pure gold.

I always wanted a little girl.  I never got one.  Instead I got two teenage girls…they were made just for me and have complimented my life so perfectly and I can honestly say they have completed me.

Karis whether she has hated it or loved it allowed me to play dress up with her.  I have made her tutus, dressed her for formals, played with her hair, taught her to shop and of course play with makeup. Now she has surpassed me in the makeup department which I guess is ok…maybe.  The student is supposed to be better than the teacher right?  That’s what I keep telling myself.  But Mamma is always learning so watch out!

Karis is now 18.  She is no longer an awkward teenager.  I am so proud to call her mine.  I am thankful for the time that we have had together.  I am thankful for the fights, the misunderstandings, the having to say “I am sorry”.  I grew up as a parent with her.  We both have made it through our awkward stages.  We have also celebrated so many good times together.  We learned how make ourselves happy and to support each other.  We learned that life is precious.  Bust most importantly we both survived her learning to drive!  I wasn’t quite sure we would survive but we certainly did!

Was I the perfect Mom to her always? No. Did I make mistakes?  Most definitely!  I am sure my parenting of her and the decisions I made were certainly judged by others.  But guess what? She is graduating high school in the top 10% of her class, she is a 2 time State Champion in mass media, she is competing for her third State Championship, she survived the hardest time of her life, she will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall, and she has learned who she is and who she wants to be. I am so proud of her.

But most important over the last 5 years she has learned that there is some one greater than either of us who is always there taking care of her.  She has learned God always has a plan for her and to trust that. She has learned to see the good in people and to always give the benefit of the doubt…even when its really hard…really really hard.

Happy Birthday Princess.  You are loved by so many…especially your Dad and I.  You bring so much joy to those around you and it has been a pleasure navigating through life’s hard, fun and awkward stages with you. This next adventure in your life is going to be great and I am excited to watch you make your dreams a reality.  Never stop being you and never stop doing what makes you happy!