There's nothing like that smile to melt our hearts. Especially after so many years of shyness, to see her whole personality shine thrills our hearts. I'm especially thankful for this sweet smile when she is in the midst of a three girl pile up, as they all called the ball at the exact same time, and landed in a heap.

I love that she sees the humour and keeps it in perspective.

 Ready for the serve, they have different funny hand holds they do. I'm so glad shes having the experience of team sports, unlike her Momma who really doesn't enjoy sweating.  I had no idea how she would love volleyball, and be surprisingly (to me) good at it. Even better than her powerful serve, though, is the grace she shows when mistakes are made, both her own and others. Consistently smiling and encouraging her team mates, she has made us so proud.

 Cheerleaders in the dunk tank. Quite the fund raiser!

 I love these girls. Good friends make all the difference, and this one is a special blessing to my girl.

I'm Sorry Your Sunday School teacher Sat On You

Added to the list of things I never thought I would say as a parent...

"I'm sorry your Sunday school teacher sat on you!".

New teacher. New style of discipline for sophomores including telling them "they are not ladies, they are sophomores", "I am loud and so much fun, all my previous classes love me", and my favorite, sitting on them if they are talking in class.

And we wonder why our teens disconnect. As Cailin said, very succinctly. "Instead of telling us how much fun she is and trying to make us like her, why doesn't she try to just be likable?".

It isn't that hard. Kids just want a safe place to be heard, and to be encouraged. Being a teen is soooo hard. Why can't adults get that? Love them. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Don't praise the pastor's daughter, who wears modest skirts, but accesorizes with a critical eye towards others. Praise the girl who notices a lonely newcomer. Or the one who boldly shares her fears and humbles herself as imperfect.

Love them. LOVE THEM!!!