It's so funny, and so precious, that the same things that I were picking out at little baby boutiques the moment I found out about you, are still the types of things you love at 16! Soft pinks, florals, all things classy and feminine...with just a little whimsy... you know, things with all the "bells and the whistles"... have always been your vibe. I told you the other day that putting together your "Sweet 16" made me feel like I was planning your baby shower or decorating your nursery again. You said you were just born into your brand - and oh how true that is! You were Love Shack Fancy before there even was a Love Shack! But that's something I love about you - you've always known exactly who you are and you're so confident in who God made you to be. You know that you're living for Christ, not for man.
There are so many words to describe you - beautiful, kind, responsible, graceful, confident, radiant, warm-hearted, nurturing, and generous - you're the best gift giver and you're always thinking of others. You're the best supporter and encourager. One of my favorite stories about you is when you were in Kindergarten and you came home and told is the girls had been playing "fashion show" at recess. I asked what you did in the fashion show, thinking you would show me some fancy walk or describe to me what you were presenting to wear... instead, you said the girls told you you weren't pretty enough to be in the fashion show, so they made you the "clapper." As a mom, my heart sank in my chest. I told you to tell the girls the next day that you were going to walk in the fashion show at recess, and you looked at me with the sweetest smile and said, "No, mommy. I love being the clapper. I love cheering for other people." And THAT has always been your heart. You love "clapping" for others.
I love how soft you are but also how strong you can be. I love that you're feminine, but also fierce and resilient - an achiever and an overcomer. I love that you're capable and can handle any situation. And I love that you light up every room you walk into - without saying a word - just by your warm, confident presence. I love the woman you're becoming - it's so bittersweet with every birthday, but exciting to see you blossom into who God made you to be.
Here are a few tips for your Sixteenth Birthday:
1. Treasure God's Word.
Start now learning to stop it feeling and understanding God's story and His incredible love for you. It is so special and so endearing when you walk with the Lord and start having the "ah ha" moments in your heart of how it all connects when you study His Word. Always put your relationship with Christ first... ALWAYS!
2. Always make time for family.
Stay close to your siblings. Remember, they're human and will make mistakes, but nothing makes your parents more happy than close-knit children.
3. Marry the boy with a servant's heart.
Marry the boy who fills your car up with gas, helps your parents move you into your dorm room, and sits with you while you do your homework or goes with you to run errands. You'll know he's the one because you'll never want to be away from him and your soul will jump for joy every time you see him!
4. Romanticize your life - you've only got one.
See the beauty in ordinary moments. Take the trip, journal, study abroad, collect unique things, try new food, laugh with lots of different types of people- don't ever get so busy that you don't truly LIVE!
5. Every time you fill up with gas, clean out your car.
Use that 5 minutes to throw away trash and wipe down your console with baby wipes. Keeping your car tidy makes your day better!
6. Trust your gut - you know what's right.
If something feels off, it probably is.
7. You can ALWAYS come home.
You're going to make mistakes, have disappointments, and get your heart broken. But I hope you that you can ALWAYS run to me.
8. Don't obsess about your body.
But always move your body! Walking, Pilates, yoga, dance, spin, HEAT...it balances your hormones, decreases your risk of cancer, and it just makes your feel better!
9. Do one thing every day that brings you joy!
This is so good for your stress levels and cortisol levels... your mental health needs this!
10. Don't ever do anything unless your entire being is screaming "Yes!"
Nana Karen always gave me this advice and I think about it whenever I'm having trouble making a big decision.
Sixteen Things I Love About Lil:
1. The way you always think of others and make sure everyone is remembered and feels special.
2. Your beautiful, golden eyes
3. How you love the color pink
4. Your giggle when you get really tickled about something
5. How you love a good theme or party - and always have the perfect outfit to match!
6. The way you make friends easily because of your magnetic personality
7. How you dance in the kitchen for fun when we're all just playing songs on Alexa
8. How you love Nutella
9. The way you look in red
10. How you're not scared to try new things or travel to far off places... like Japan!
11. The way you take care of your siblings
12. How responsible you are and how you always handle your business
13. How you are fearless and are always up for an adventure - you're not a delicate girl who's scared to wake surf, snow ski, hike up a mountain, or get dirty!
14. The way you write and journal - and how good your memory is!
15. The way you love and take care of your Nana
16. Your heart for the Lord and how you shine for Jesus!
LilliAnn McKenzie,
When they first placed you into my arms, I felt like all was right in the world. I still feel that way when you're with me. I knew from the first moment I looked at your face that you were going to help me run the show! I'm so proud of you and I love you so so very much. You've always been and will always be my best girl! Being your mom has been such an incredible gift and I truly adore you. I'm praying this verse over you your sixteenth year...
"Whatever is true, whatever is admirable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about those things."
Philippians 4:8
I love you always and forever,
Mom
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