Dear Leah,

Another year has flown by in the blink of an eye. Year one of the teenage years with you was a breeze and we hope this trend continues! It's not that you are 100% perfect, but you certainly make our lives so very easy with your easygoing personality. You have a few moments of teenage sass and definitely spend more time on your phone than we'd like, but for the most part, you are just as sweet as you've always been.

You still have a heart that is so big and you would do anything for those you love. Your family and friends are your greatest treasure. You are still the first one to give up something or go without if it means making someone else happy. You are the thoughtful one who leaves notes or words of encouragement to brighten someone's day. You make THE best birthday cards and spend hours making them JUST right. You deeply feel for others and wear your heart on your sleeve. You've navigated some tricky junior high girl relationships with such maturity and wisdom. You don't allow yourself to get wrapped up in the typical drama that comes with being a young teenage girl. We are so proud of how you rise above and choose what's right over what is easy. You are the kid who tries hard to include those who are left out and you see value in every single person.

Your friends are so lucky to have you. When someone is hurting or in need, you are there for them. You're almost always the first one to initiate a text conversation or phone call. You love to plan get togethers and would spend every waking moment with friends. Eighth grade has been especially fun for you as you've found a great core group of girlfriends. They are girls who are just as down-to-earth and easygoing as you. You've learned so much about how to find genuine friends who bring out the best in you.

Family is also an essential part of who you are. You are so good at staying connected with family near and far. We are so shocked when we hear that you make random phone calls or send spontaneous texts to your grandparents, great aunts, or other family members. Your siblings are also so lucky to have you. You've continued to push through your strong dislike of watching sports to be your brothers' biggest fan....no matter what the sport. At home, you do such a great job of balancing out their strong personalities. When Nyla is home, you share such sweet moments with her and we can tell that the bond you two have is such a sweet one.

Parenting you is really quite easy....for now! You are an amazing student and we NEVER have to doubt that you aren't giving 110% to school. You are incredibly organized (even though your bedroom sometimes would suggest otherwise). You stay on top of all that you have going on and often beat us to entering things into the family calendar. You don't ask for much besides the permission to have a few friends over now and then or to tag along on a shopping trip....it's an added bonus if that shopping trip includes a trip to your favorite - Starbucks!

This past year, we've also watched you grow more into your passions and interests. You definitely love music and dancing. Dance classes continue to be a highlight of your week. You're always making up dances and asking for more time on TikTok to learn a new dance. You absolutely loved being part of your school musical last year and totally shined on the stage at VBS with your acting role. We were also so impressed with your determination this fall to grow as a runner. You pushed through some pain and even landed in PT, but you didn't let that stop you from reaching your running goals! You have also grown more in your nurturing personality and have created such a deep bond with our little neighbor Lucy. She adores you and we know that you love getting to love on her. We are certain that Lucy's mom, Kristen, totally appreciates your willingness to always tag along on adventures with Lucy!

We are truly so lucky to call you our daughter. We continue to be blown away by the amazing person you are growing up to be. You have a heart so big and genuine that we know you will make a huge impact with whatever you do. On top of that, you have such a strong and sincere faith in God that we know you will be grounded in His love wherever you go. We cannot wait to continue to guide you along the journey of your teenage years and are excited to see what the upcoming high school years will hold. You are such an amazing girl and God was so generous when He gave us the privilege to be your patents.

Love,
Dad and Mom