Rainbows and Unicorns

Tomorrow, the little lady who made me an Auntie for the very 1st time turns 13!  THIRTEEN! I kind of can't believe that the first baby of the family is now a teenager.  She was actually my parents' only grandchild up until Leeland was born, and she's still the only girl grandchild.

Anyway-- 13 is kind of a big deal, so when she asked for rainbows and unicorns for her birthday cake... I delivered rainbows and unicorns!

So there isn't an actual unicorn on the cake.... sue me.  But rainbows are pretty much unicorns, and sprinkles are little nuggets of pure joy, so there.

I had a great time celebrating tonight with family over the delicious rainbow cake, and now I just have some words of wisdom (or tips) for her as she enters teenage hood.

10 Tips to Survive the Teenage Years:

1.  Listen to your Mother.
((Don't roll your eyes lady))  You might think your Mom doesn't know anything.... but she does!  AND she has your best interest at heart.  Listen to her.  She went through a lot as a teenager, heed to her words of wisdom and advice.

2. Obey the law.
Yup, leave it to the "Po Po's wife" to tell you to obey the law.  But for real.  Obey the law.  We all make dumb decisions and do some really silly stuff that we regret as a teenager, BUT, if it has the risk of you spending the night in jail.... don't do it.

3. Be yourself.
Fads and trends come and go.  What's cool today, won't be cool tomorrow.  Just be yourself, and be confident in the girl that God made you to be.

4. Be a leader.
It's too easy to fall into the trap of just doing what everyone else is doing, but don't.  Stand firm in being the girl that God made you to be.  Stand up for what is right.  Be respectful to everyone and in turn you will gain respect.  Go against the grain when it is necessary and when it is right.  Be a leader.

5.  Keep your grades up.
Build strong study habits and discipline now so that you are prepared for college in the future.  Study hard and keep your grades up and you will go far.  Plus,  student loans are the devil... they really are.... and keeping your grades up will offer opportunities for scholarships!

6. Don't cloud your mind with boys.
Don't waste your teenage years away being glued to boys.  You have a whole lot of years ahead of you, wait for the right person to give your heart to.  Think about a piece of duck tape, the first time you stick it to your sweater, it sticks great.  But remove it and try to stick it to another sweater, and it's not quite as sticky.... remove it and stick it to yet another sweater, and it's even less sticky.... Emotional attachments stick with you for life, and take away from your future spouse.  Save that "sticky" for the right one.

7. Don't grow too fast.
You don't get to do-over your teenage years.  Don't rush yourself to be an adult.  You have the rest of your life to be your adult.  Take your time and savor each and every moment and memory.

8. Surround yourself with good people.
Don't hang out with downers or people who might get you in trouble.  Surround yourself with those who love you, want to be with you, encourage and uplift you.

9. Seek truth.
Truth is found in the word of God.  Read your Bible, study your Bible.  Pray for a thirst for His Word.    He speaks through His word.

10. LOVE GOD!
Seek Him, praise Him, follow Him, thank Him.  People will fail you in life.  Family will fail you.  Friends will fail you.  Teachers will fail you.... but God, will always be with you.  He loves you more than you will ever understand and He's always got your back.

Happy 13th Birthday Abby!

I love you so much, and truly look forward to many more years of watching you grow.