One-Five

Oh, Lucy Goose, you are truly living your very best life right now, and what a joy it is to watch.

Your freshman year has been nothing short of incredible. You're the captain of your freshman Pom team, shining front and center in every Epic dance. You were voted Freshman Class President, became the youngest member of Pom State, and then—just to make this year even sweeter—a cute football player surprised you in front of an entire stadium with a giant teddy bear and asked you to be his Homecoming date. Talk about a high school memory you'll never forget!

I have no doubt you'll look back on your first year of high school with the biggest smile, remembering all the laughter, friendships, victories, and unforgettable moments. But as proud as I am of all your accomplishments, those aren't the things that make me the proudest.

The thing I love most about you is who you are.

You are genuinely kind. Your heart is pure gold, and you have a way of making people feel seen, loved, and welcome. You carry yourself with grace, joy, and compassion, and there is a light within you that naturally draws others close. Those qualities will take you so much farther than any title, trophy, or accomplishment ever could.

One of my favorite moments this past year happened quietly, away from the crowds and the applause. This summer, you made the beautiful decision to take the next step in your faith and be baptized. Watching you publicly declare your love for Jesus was one of the greatest blessings I've experienced as your mom. Your "Jesus Glow" shines so brightly, and my prayer for your 15th year is that you continue walking closely with Him, letting His love guide your steps and overflow into the lives of everyone you meet.

You have always sparkled. You sparkled as a little girl with red curls and big dreams, and you sparkle now as a beautiful, confident, and thoughtful young woman. Sometimes I catch myself wishing I could press pause on time just to soak in these moments a little longer. Every year seems to pass faster than the last.

Somehow, you're taller than me now. I can't scoop you up into my arms anymore, but you'll never outgrow my heart. No matter how grown-up you become, you'll always be my little girl—the light of my life.

Thank you for letting me be your mom. It is the greatest privilege and the greatest joy. I'll always be your biggest cheerleader, your loudest fan in the stands, your personal taxi driver, your safe place, and your person.

Happy 15th birthday, sweet girl. I can't wait to see all that God has in store for you this year and in the years ahead. Keep shining your beautiful light, keep leading with kindness, keep chasing your dreams, and never forget how deeply you are loved.

I love you through infinity... and then forever beyond.

Officially an Adult (kind of)

My goodness, how are we already here?  When you were a baby, imagining you as a teenager was beyond what I could dream up in my head.  Glimpses of boys and clothes and teenage attitude swirled in my mind with your brown hair grown out long and your blue eyes the same shade you were born.    I just couldn’t really wrap my mind around the fact that you’d no longer be the infant in my arms.

Yet here you are, a grown-up beauty right before my very eyes.  And you are so much more than what I ever dreamed.  You’re everything I thought and nothing I thought and a million times better than I ever could have imagined. 

As a friend of mine always says… “Everybody needs a Molly in their life.”

Oh how right they are.

At eighteen, you have marched to the beat of your own drum for so long, you’ve carved a permeant path through this world. 

Here are some tidbits that I absolutely love about you…

You want hugs constantly and aren’t too cool to squeeze next to me on the couch for cuddles.

You love animals, especially dogs.  Any time you see them, you squeal and make sure everyone around you sees it too.  Most times you go up and ask to pet any dogs you see.  Even in third-world countries!

You love your daddy.  My goodness, you love him A LOT.  You call him your “Best Friend” and make him feel special and adored (and sometimes a little suffocated, ha!).

You’re a child at heart.  Minecraft and Roblox, coloring books and sidewalk chalk, Disney movies and Legos, you unapologetically embrace the hobbies you enjoy.

You view the world with an empathetic heart.  You’re quick to defend those that have been hurt or bullied and you always spot the good in people and things. 

You adore your sister.  Growing up, I wasn’t sure how your sister relationship would develop, but in the last few years, the bond you share with Lucy is one of the most heartwarming things I’ve ever seen.

You’re not scared to speak your mind.  Ever.  You say what you want and make your views clear to everyone. 

You’re ornery.  Oh my goodness you’re ornery.  But you make life fun and I think you get your orneriness from your Papa.  I love getting a glimpse of him as you constantly keep us on our toes.

You wear your huge heart on your sleeve and love the ones you love with abundance and joy.

You’re funny.  Gosh you’re funny.  Your one-liners always make us laugh and I am constantly writing down the funny things you say because I never want to forget them.

You don’t need constant validation from social media.  You could care less about posting Tiktoks and rarely make posts on Instagram.  I’m so thankful you’re not one of those kids needing to post daily craving to get likes and comments.

You’ve embraced who you are with vigor and pride and don’t deviate to trying to be someone you’re not.

And last but not least, you have grown into an extraordinary human being.  You have a heart of gold, you are loyal to your loved ones and you are 100% you.  I couldn’t ask for a better daughter and am so incredibly proud of the person that you are!  The world is your oyster and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do in this life of yours!