I sit here going through pictures for my post with tears rolling down my face.  Where did it go?  Where did the time go?  You were just this little bitty girl, full of laughter and energy and giggles and questions.  I want that little girl back at times. 

But here you are; 14.  How can that be?  I don’t think I could ever tell you what you mean to me.  All these years it has only been me and you.  You made me something I never thought I would be; a Mother.  Being your Mom has been the greatest blessing of my life.  The best thing I have ever done.  I wouldn’t trade my life now for anything. 

You, this beautiful child, changed me forever.

You are strong and creative and full of indignation for anything unfair.  You speak your mind, you keep up with the world, you have a brain that amazes me; you can be doing art one minute and watching an MIT video on DNA the next.  You have such a kind heart, a heart for giving and caring.  You light up around anything animal.  You blossom around small children.  You love Jesus with all your heart and are happiest when you are doing things for other people.  You would rather watch a documentary than the latest TV show, you would rather have broccoli than chocolate.  You intend on changing the world and I have no doubt you will do it.  You sing, there is never quiet in our house.  You sing in the shower, while you learn, while you clean, everywhere.  Your world is full of music.  You love the bands you love with intensity and your choice in music is not what anyone expects from a blonde 13 14 year old girl.  You feel songs deeply and they all mean something to you.  You love fashion and spend way too much time picking out clothes.  Thankfully we have been blessed with amazing people in our lives who have always given us clothes for you from age 2 until now.  You have known what you wanted to do with your life since you were 7.  An Animal Rehabilitator.  Your plan is to live in Africa and save every animal you see hurt or hungry or sad.  You want to have your own TV show so people can see what you are doing.  A combination of your 2 loves; acting and animals.   You tell me it doesn’t matter how much money you make, you just want to make their lives better.

You love acting to the depths of your soul.  You come alive on stage.  It has always been one of the joys of my life to watch you perform.  You take a character and bring it to life in a way that is just perfect.  I have had hundreds of people tell me how amazing you are on stage.  But still you are humble.

When you were 7 we decided to Homeschool and I would not have changed that for a million dollars.  I have had the privilege of watching you learn, seeing your face when something clicks, answering questions, looking up information.  You have a ‘love’ of learning that is exactly what I wanted you to possess when I started this journey. 

Our lives are not filled with expensive vacations or huge houses and big cars.  There are times when we are really scrambling for money, but we have never wanted for anything.  God always provides.  You have never been a child who said ‘I want that” in stores.  I have to practically beat you over the head to let me buy you anything but you are always wanting to buy me something. 

My daughter, my sweet, amazing daughter.  Today is your 14^th birthday.  The age you have wanted to be since you were 4.  The age you always made your Barbies.  14.  I hope this year is filled with love and laughter and joy and all things beautiful.

On this birthday your Mamma wants to tell you ‘thank you’. Thank you for changing my life forever.  Anytime anyone ever says to me, “Keilee is so lucky to have you.” I just smile and shake my head.  “I” am the lucky one.

These pictures were made 7 years apart.  Same pose.  You can’t tell from the newest one but her feet are the exact same way.

Happy Birthday Keilee,
I love you to Pluto and back,
Mommy

Linking with
Mary at Collage Friday
Sylvia at Friendship Friday