Abbey is an “old soul” to me. Not all serious and whatnot, but she just gets things it took me into my 30’s to get. I am so so proud of her. I am proud of the way she treats others, her kindness and her good judgment also. Just the other day I thought in my head, that she should just go along with my advice about something little at school, and not make a big deal out of what she was asked to do. But she decided to NOT do that, to do what she thought was right, and you know what? She WAS right. She is brave enough and confident enough to make decisions, to really question and think about things, and heck, if you don’t need that sort of discernment in the world today! I want her to be able to say, ‘That’s not for me.”, or “What is the purpose of this?” or just, “No way, my priorities are different than all the rest.” That will bring her more happiness in life, I think, than just about anything else-knowing herself and knowing what is important to her, and what really matters in the end.
I am grateful that I was gifted with this incredible daughter to call mine. She amazes me time and time again.
She is a blessing, and so are you!
You reap what you sow, don't you believe, dear Sarah?
Sending blessings and hugs,
Jeanneke.
It's amazing when we could see the special qualities our children have….I worry about my children constantly because of the set backs they experienced in the beginning of their lives…I always hope they are OK now ,despite their beginnings.. So just the other day my son's friend's mom text me telling how happy she is that our sons are friends and that my son is such a great kid…so kind and good and polite…made me so proud :). My son is OK and will be OK- he has charm!
thank you for your post very nice
And the icing on that blessing is that she is beautiful too! What a treasure!
She is stunning, inside and out.
And beautiful to boot!
She is probably more like her mother than either of you would like to admit! 🙂 I'm amazed at kids today – in both good ways and bad ways! On the good side, I see kids who are learning to interact with each other in complex ways. I see kids working hard at their academics and after school activities. I see kids volunteering. I know I did not do all those things when I was younger, so I am impressed. I think of Abbey as someone who is doing all these things and has the grace and wisdom that comes with age. What a blessing! She's a beauty like her mother as well – a beauty that radiates from the inside!
YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB! Congrats to you! There is no better gift!
I've been reading your blog for so long (and all the archived posts I missed from before I started) that I feel like I have watched Abbey grow up from a little girl into a young lady. She seems to be everything you wrote and I think she will live a very happy life because she has the qualities needed to make every moment count. 🙂
So often as parents we concentrate on the negatives and fail to appreciate the positives. Thanks for the reminder that we need to appreciate our children more. As a teacher and coach, I am disturbed that too many parents won't let their children make their own decisions. Failing builds character and helps us learn to make better decisions. I applaud your ability to be your kids' advocate but understand that they must lead their own lives, mistakes and all.
God bless you and your family, Sarah
Your daughter is amazing. She is her own person, so hard to find among young girls. I hope my step-daughter grows up to be just like her!
She's a beautiful girl–I see both parents in that smile 🙂
What a beautiful photo of her! I wish I got it when I was her age!
She is so stunningly beautiful. And it sounds like the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. What a blessed girl to have parents who have raised her to be so smart & confident!
She learns from a wise Momma! AND–she's gorgeous–innocent beauty!
she is gorgeous.
She sounds a lot like my Katie. She is a beautiful girl on the inside and out Sarah…she just glows!
abbey and hannah are so much alike. i don't know what i'd do with out my hannah! abbey has turned into a beautiful young woman sarah. xo
so cool she has a sister now too!!!
She sounds wonderful! Do you think she'd want to be my friend??
what every mother hopes for his or her child become strong independent and confident in themselves