Kenna turns 13!!! OOOO Scary!

It's official!  We have a teenager in the house and, boy, is she making it known!  This is a pic of Kenna when she participated in a fashion show for the grand opening of the Target where I work.  I don't actually have any pictures of her actual birthday. (The pic with the ipod shuffle is from Christmas but that was part of her birthday present)  No, I'm not a bad mom- not completely at least- but I forgot to take my camera with me when I gave her the first part of her presents.  I surprised her by taking her to see Twilight.  She had wanted to go with her friends to the premiere, but she was in trouble and grounded.  So it made for a better surprise when I walked up and asked for 2 tickets.  It was a good night and a lot of fun to do something together that only she and I appreciate!  So here are 10 things about Kenna:

1- She is not all wrapped up in her looks.  I LOVE this about her!!  So many of her friends are so worried about always looking perfect and not leaving without perfect hair and makeup.  She is soooo not that way.  She can be ready in 5 minutes flat if she needs to be.  While I wish she would brush her hair more thoroughly (and more often) I love the fact that she doesn't feel the need to look 'perfect' to have fun.

2- She is good at math.  Surprising considering she is my daughter.  I tell her she's going to be tutoring me for my math classes.  She laughs but I am totally serious.

3- She is a great cheerleader.  When anyone in the house does a good job on something or conquers a challenge, she is one of the first ones to give a good 'HOORAY' for the person.  I really appreciate her supportive spirit.

4- She is not afraid to have her own opinion.  While I don't always like how it may manifest itself, she is not one to be pushed around- by anyone.  She doesn't join with the crowd just because everyone else is.  She is her own person.  I hope she ALWAYS stays that way.  

5- She is a good friend.  She doesn't stick to only one group of friends but she keeps in touch with all of them and is always ready to help if they need her.  She is learning that she may not be able to help with everything, but just being there to listen (or cry with/for them) can be just what they need.

6- She loves music.  She can always be found with her ipod shuffle attached somewhere on her person.  She loves all different kinds of music from pop to country to musicals (Mamma Mia and Wicked are 2 of her faves!).

7- She is a good big sister.  Despite what she may say (and what I may say at times) she really does love them.  She can be so patient and kind with Cameron and helpful when Max is trying to read.  And with Chris?  Well, that's a different dynamic, but as they get older, the laughing together is starting to happen more than the fighting.  It's a beautiful thing.

8- She loves to read.  Well, all of them do.  I often hear, 'We don't have anything to read' (in a whiny voice of course).  But she is often found reading quietly in her bedroom- usually instead of cleaning it- and often takes it in the car even for short trips.  LOVE IT!!!

9- She has awesome hair!  If I could have her hair I would get up at 3:30 every morning to style it before work.  She doesn't share my passion for hairstyling, but she doesn't need to much to make it look good.  Some girls have all the luck.

10- She is just good.  That is the best word to describe her.  We have our struggles and we fight like, well, like mother and daughter.  But she just wants to be good and do good.  Her heart is just full of goodness.  And it shows on her face and in her actions.  I love her and feel so blessed to have her as my daughter.  Love you Kenna.