[Autosaved] Mary-Michael - Sweet Sixteen!

Mary-Michael,

The one who first made me a mother - my firecracker with a determination that trumps us all and a fun-loving, invite-them-all spirit. You are a treasure and a force to behold.

This year has been filled with firsts for you - first boyfriend, first time behind the wheel, first college class, first job. More than most, I am enjoying parenting you in these teenage years. I love our conversations about ethics, religion, and politics. I’m thankful for your fashion sense and welcome (mostly) your feedback and suggestions for my outfits. You are well-loved by so many, and you have such wonderful friends that make me laugh and give me hope for our world.

You are not perfect, and you are still 16, so we still battle it out every now and then, but thankfully, we move on pretty quickly in our house. Forgiveness is so much better!

You are currently pretty set on becoming a physicians assistant (PA), so you have planned the next two years to get most of your gen ed courses out of the way through community college. I’m so proud of your determination. 

You are working 5 to 10 hours a week at the fitness center we go to as a family – cleaning machines, vacuuming, etc. You seem to like it, which amazes me because getting you to organize your closet and clean your room is probably the thing we argue the most about it. I guess it helps that you’re getting paid there!

Your boyfriend, Nata (aka Nathaniel), has been a good match for you. We have enjoyed and appreciated the slowness of your relationship and the way you have honored your Daddy and I through this new season. He is a fine young man who treats you well and your family well and also loves Jesus. You have done a good job balancing friendships with this new relationship. I’m very thankful!

You will be getting your license in just a few months. Your driving has improved drastically from the beginning, and it will be a different summer having another driver in the family. Let’s gooo! You’re super thrilled about the “old lady” Buick sedan to drive, too. Just kidding. It will keep you humble.

Keep seeking Jesus, keep asking questions, keep exploring the world and how it works - you have so much to add to it! We love you and all your spiciness! 

Momma