My Big Ariel

My big, little one, Ariel. You are 13 1/2 years old. You are definitely in the throws of teenage hood. You are tethered to your phone. You send a gazillion texts every month. You text more than actually talk on the phone. The friend's name that I hear the most are Cassidy, Tatiana, and India. You don't like having your photo taken. You hate skirts, dresses, and earrings. You have worn nothing but Converse and jeans for the last 2 years. You used to wake up early, now we are lucky if you're up before 9am. You are a voracious reader and like playing the cello. You are doing dual enrollment this year with our district middle school. You take orchestra and PE there. Most days you do the work I assign at home, but sometimes it's a struggle. You are looking forward to going to high school next year, although I'd like you to stay home one more year. Like probably every other teen, you are very concerned about socializing with other high schoolers next year.

You are a loveable and conscientious kid. You give lots of hugs and kisses. You sometimes recognize when I need a break from the babies and will take them to their room to play. You are quiet and need to warm up to people before you are yourself.

You run track and are pretty good at it. You seem to excel at sports in general. Your chore is washing dishes and keep your room clean, which most of the time you hate, but then you hate doing most anything asked of you. You are a bit of a slob (but then I was too at your age). You throw your clothes all over the floor and your hard worked papers you've spent the day working on seem to make it to the floor too. You favorite food is burgers and fries. You are definitely your father's child. Oh, I don't want to forget chocolate. You love chocolate; Herseys, Snickers, and brownies. I might not be able to get you to cook with me often, but if there's a box of brownie mix, you will be in the kitchen then. You love your little sisters, but they sure no how to get under your skin. I have so many dreams for you, but I think the hardest thing for me has been to let go and encourage you to follow your own heart. I hope that I am passing that on every day.  We love you sweet (most times) Ariel.