Letter to My Birthday Girl: 15 Years Old

Happy 15th Birthday to our darling, LilliAnn McKenzie! 💕

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I don't even know where to start with this honey girl. She's kept me on track her entire life, and continues to do so. I never have to worry about LilliAnn because I know she has everything together and takes care of business. She's my girly girl who loves shopping, hosting, getting dressed up, socializing, planning parties, and all things pink! She's kind, drama-free, and brings out the best in others. 

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And as an enneagram 2 with a servant's heart, she always finds little ways to make others feel special. I love her humility, her giggle, how tough she is when she wrestles her brothers, and her confidence in who God created her to be. 

Our personalities could not be more different, but as she's getting older, I'm seeing glimpses of my favorite parts of myself in her and it makes me smile. And in a way, I feel like she's the one who's mothered me into a better person. She's truly a gift. 

And I completely adore her.  ✨🍯

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Letter to My Birthday Girl: 14 Years Old

She's 14 today!!! ✨✨✨

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I told her birth story to her on the way to dance competition early this morning as we were drinking our Starbucks together. And I started bawling. I told her when they put her in my arms the very first time, my soul took a deep breath. I had never felt a feeling of contentment like that before and I felt as if life was complete. For that moment, I looked down at her and all was right in the world. I still feel that way about her. Every time she's with me, I feel like all is right in the world. 

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She has made me a better person and a better mother. She brings out the best in people...her kindness and her quiet, gentle spirit permeate the room. She loves Jesus and lives out His word by the way she serves and treats others. She's an old soul, wise beyond her years. Sometimes I feel like she's the one mothering me. I can trust her. And I can count on her. She knows when to kick it in and she knows when to let loose a little. And I absolutely adore her. 

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Her teen years are flying by...and I'm praising Jesus today that I'm alive to celebrate her birthday. I literally don't know what to do with all the gratitude I have for the Lord for giving me more years to watch my children grow up. I listened to this song right after she was born, before I even knew who she was going to be. And now, 14 years later, they perfectly sum up how I feel about her. 

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I want to be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes

Everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light

And the world is at peace

This miracle God gave to me

Gives me strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

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Happy 14th, LilliAnn McKenzie. You are a rare treasure and the light of my life. ✨

Letter to My Birthday Girl: 13 Years Old

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My sweet Lil,

    THIRTEEN! How can it be?! How can you already be a teenager? I feel like I was in denial about your becoming a teenager for so long. You have always been my baby girl and I don't want you to grow up! I vividly remember the first time I held you. It took a while for them to stitch me up after the c-section, and I remember having the most overwhelming feeling of joy...the most peaceful, satisfying feeling, when they placed you into the crook of my arms. You were like the missing puzzle piece of my heart. The first time I held you, in that moment, all was right in the world. And I still feel that way when you're with me...like all is right in the world...because you make everything better. You make me better.

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We did a flamingo-themed, pink, pool party for your 13th birthday and it was beyond adorable! There were so many girls...and music...and the cutest cake...and flamingo macarons...and pink sparkly beach balls in the pool...it was just perfect!

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Then Nana took you on a girls' trip to Dallas with Bella and her grandmother, Malinda. You all had the best time and took the cutest "Instagram pics."

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You got social media this year...SnapChat and Insta...which I love and I hate. I love that you can see what I post...my opinions about things, heath info I post, and other things, however, I hate that you're in the social media world now and have to see everyone's "highlight reels." You're wise beyond your years and mature for your age, and I honestly think you handle it well. You are not obsessed with it. You see it for what it is. And you don't compare yourself to others. I love how you are so confident in your own skin and you love what you love, no matter what anyone else thinks. 

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You have a heart of gold and you're kind to others. You are extremely capable and responsible. You seek out the lost and the lonely, and you show compassion. You're sweet and sassy...reserve, but fierce. 

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I took you, Reid, and CJ to the BOK Center in Tulsa to see Zach Bryan. You all snuck down into the pit, and you hung out with Sophia all night and said it was the best night of your life! 

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LILLIANN LOVES:

-fancy food

-anything themed

-pink

-Lululemon

-buying gifts

-shopping

-Target

-Starbucks

-hosting parties

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Bible verse for your 13th year:

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

My prayer for you is that you never dim your light for others. You shine BRIGHT because you are reflecting His light...the light of the Lord. Don't be afraid to show your true light, because that is how Jesus gets out into the world. 

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LilliAnn, you're easy to love and the sweetest daughter. You're my dream girl and I don't deserve you. The light of the Lord shines big through you and I pray he uses you for great things for you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are God's masterpiece. You are beloved. You are the daughter of the King. And you are my darling. Happy 13th Birthday!

-Mom