Sweet Sixteen

It truly just doesn’t seem possible that my last little baby is sweet sixteen! The teenage years can often be such a struggle but, while this one has her moments, Carly Jo typically brings joy to our days. She was the last little baby I prayed for and she completed our family so perfectly.

Carly Jo, I am amazed by your beauty both inside and out on the daily. This year I have watched you grow your friendships and your heart for Jesus. You are not afraid to speak out about things you feel strongly about but I also see you have so much empathy for others.

Watching how much you love your daddy makes me so incredibly happy! Y’alls relationship, I feel certain, is one of the reasons you have so much confidence in yourself. He is smitten with you and it drives me nuts but also brings me so much joy that you can pretty much get him to do anything you want!

Of course I love that you love me too but even more I love that you aren’t afraid to push me just a bit. I’m so thankful that I’m a more mature momma now and can take the constructive criticism. While your dad gives you all the confidence, I hope I continue to bring the reality to help keep you grounded just a bit. We continue to hear with each passing day it seems how much you look like me. It makes my heart so happy that you don’t see this as a negative! Ha!

You are a sweet sister and while most kids wouldn’t mind FINALLY being the only child at home you really seem to miss them. As the baby you weren’t always included in everything but it has been fun to see you develop closer and closer relationships with each of them over the last year. I especially love to see my girls finally move into a more traditional sister role!

Friends are important to you and I’m thankful you continue to surround yourself with friends who love and support you. Y’all have fun but aren’t afraid to walk through some of the hard pieces of friendship and that is what makes frienship last for the long haul.

This last year was huge for you! I’m so proud of how hard you have worked in school and truly believe you have even more in the tank to give. I hope you continue to seek out others who build you up and look for ways to grow your heart and your mind.

We love you so much Carly Jo! Happy Sweet Sixteen!