but first, check this “then and now” pic from her first bday party I got to throw her 4 years ago when she turned 12. We’ve both grown so much these past 4 years……lessons mutually taught to each other about trust, patience and grace upon grace. She is a 4th of July baby which means most of our holiday is dictated by what she wants to do. Lake time and a deck party were on the agenda which our neighbors did a pretty good job lighting the sky for us!A few months back, WonderGIRL brought me a very detailed list for a beach bonfire party she had envisioned for her 16th. Although her wishlist included friends upon friends, we opted for a family dinner at Semiahmoo’s summer BBQ (so yummy….summer bucket list item!!!) and a bonfire just down the beach afterwards. This next picture literally takes my breath away with love for her and her maturing personality. With a lot of complicated stuff going on in her world and thus, in ours, this night to focus on her beauty and spunk was a wonderful way to kick off her 16th trip around the sun!!!Dear WonderGIRL,

Thank you for falling into my arms and my life at just the right time. No, I never questioned adopting you and no, I will never ever leave you….not when you’re 21, not when your 51, not when you drive me away with your words and not even when you push me away with your arms. I am fiercely committed to changing your story from darkness to light, from brokenness to whole, and from fear to love every hour and day I get to be your mama.

I know you. I chose you. I will love you forever and ever. ❤

Love, Mama