My Shotgun Rider (and Rifle Owner)

 Oh, sweetie,

I just had the time of my life on our last road trip because you were riding shotgun right beside me! We went to Spearfish, Deadwood, Medora...we went to ALL THE PLACES and you were my right hand girl, my navigator, my voice of reason. You have a million and one good qualities, Bee.

I love that you entered painting and photography in the fair this year. I love that you're carrying on Grandma Louise's legacy of creativity. I love that you have "gone country" back to roots that were established long before your birth.

You light up this world, darling. You light it up just by being you. I am cheering for you as you enter high school! Here we go on the last four years. You've GOT this.

P.S. I love your cowboy boots.

Love,

Mom

Confirmed

 It's confirmed, darling. You are strong, beautiful, and growing in your faith. Tonight was catechization, and you worked hard to memorize the meaning of the Lord's Prayer, The 10 Commandments, and other important things. You curled your hair (with my curling rod) so beautifully. 

I am proud of you. More important than any confirmation curriculum, keep walking with Jesus. Pick up your Bible daily, learn it, know it, and live it.

God has amazing plans in store for you!

I love you.

Mom

Eighth Grade Strong

 Darling Abby Girl,

My precious 13-year-old, I love you SO MUCH! It is one of my greatest joys to be in the same building with you all day. My heart soars whenever I catch a glimpse of you!

I have watched you run for student council and WIN; play volleyball; and go out for Year Two of speech, and I couldn't be more proud of you. Watching your convictions grow and seeing you living out your love for Jesus at VCHS makes me so happy.

I love you, baby! Permit next. You are already doing great things and have so many more ahead of you! You haven't let a pandemic slow you down in the least.

Love you,

Mom

Converse and Keys

 Hi, my beautiful Bee,

We had the most wonderful day in Fargo back-to-school shopping this week. I love spending time with you! You now wear Lululemons and Converse and straighten your hair and knot your shirt. You're so beautiful!

You also drive. I am so proud of the careful way you take on responsibility. 

I also like your voice when you pray. It is the softest, sweetest voice! I just want to bottle it up. I think it's because your heart is soft and sweet, too.

Keep leading your friends to Jesus! You are a great listener and are so loving. I am looking forward to seeing what eighth grade holds for you as you continue to grow up!

Love you, babe,

Mom

So Many Talents

Darling,

Daddy and I are watching your many talents just blossom! What DON'T you do? You are now taking gorgeous photos, embroidering dish cloths, starting plants in the window, baking Tiktok recipes, and making scratchers just like Grandma Larson used to.

I love how many things you enjoy. Your talents are wide and far-reaching!

You are growing into a gorgeous young woman inside and out.

I love you SO MUCH!
Mom

Oldest Cousin

Oh, Bee,

I love to watch you playing with your cousins. They bring out the absolute best in your: your creativity, patience, and kindness. Tonight when I arrived at Grandma's you were putting on circus tricks in competitive rounds. You and Adam were still able to get the old hands on knees and knees on hands and Adam in the air trick together. I wonder for how much longer you can do this one! When Adam jumped off, Jace rushed over and clambered up on you to take Adam's place. You patiently held his little kicking feet in an imitation of the move.

I love to watch you loving others.

Mom

Together

Oh, Bee,

I love that we go to school TOGETHER. I love walking to my new classroom with you and saying, "Goodbye! Love you!" and running into you in the hallways. It makes me so happy to share this life with you, my daughter!

You are handling 7th grade like a champ - school, volleyball, confirmation, babysitting. I am so proud of the young woman you are becoming. Through it all, you wish to glorify Jesus, and that is so beautiful. Christ looks good on you, my darling!

When I watch you at the lunch table, you are animated and deep in conversation with friends. How lovely, the gift of friendship! Keep being a friend to all, my love. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and you are doing this.

I am so proud to be your mom!
Love you!

Mom