Ruth,
Today is your Golden Birthday. Happy 14th birthday! You are busy planning a slumber party for this weekend. Oh, what a year it has been, you have matured and thoroughly entered that teenage phase of life. What that means in the day to day: is you never get enough sleep, even if it's 12 hours plus, you are always talking, or rather texting someone, and you have entered the negotiation stage.
You are still an attentive student, except when it comes to math. This past school year your favorite subject was history. However, this year you are most looking forward to science and spelling. You are eager to begin learning about aerodynamics in science, though you will have to wait till after Christmas for that unit study. You also think you will be a whiz at spelling this year. We found a new program to try that only requires 15 minutes a day. Your spelling ability has increased along with your writing class, but the others lag some so that is going to be a focus this year.
You are persuasive, always arguing your case and negotiating with us for more privileges. Often you make good points and sometimes even win those privileges. It is wonderful to see your logic and reasoning improve. It is fun to be able to have bigger conversations and allow you to earn various privileges. However, it can be immensely frustrating at times as you often devolve into "Ruth Rants" whenever you sense injustice in the world. I believe one day that will make you fight for others and pursue justice and equality for those less fortunate. So even on difficult days with you, I remind myself of the amusing Ruth Rants and that future that I catch a glimpse of time to time.
You have matured so much over the last year, and are practically a whole different person since your last birthday letter I wrote when you turned 12. You are mature beyond your years, maybe not eager, but always willing to help out, you seldom complain about your chores. You remain a great help with the twins. They were so happy to see you yesterday morning, before trudging off to school. I sometimes must remind myself that you are still a kid in so many ways and work at not unduly burdening you. However, when Daddy had his accident back in April, you pitched in, in a big way. You took over part of the cooking. Making food just as delicious, but a little slower than he does. You have learned to manage in the kitchen quite well. You and Britt took on the entire lawn mowing job, with a little supervision from Mister. You are quick on that zero turn mower and can even weed eat despite it being so heavy and unwieldy for your height and size. You can interpret the minion that the boys speak and usually calm them down and help figure out what they need. I have no qualms about leaving you in charge of the house if Daddy and I need to go to a doctor's appointment or grocery shopping for a few hours.
So much has happened since last year, we still have our home listed for sale and are making plans to do something unconventional. You are the only child with some reservations, but I think it is wisdom that you can see pros and negatives and know that it won't be a vacation all the time. However, you are excited about the camper we have picked out and are making plans to make the space your own.
You are a bit prickly entering this new phase of life. You can be gracious and helpful one moment, and snapping at everyone the next. You can be joyful learning to put on make up and then later the same day have a come apart if anyone touches you. While this time is difficult with the growth and changes both from hormones physically and mentally moving away from childhood, we hope you will remain that sweet and tenderhearted girl who cares greatly for others. Meanwhile we also hope you learn to stand up for your self in a kind but firm way. You are trying to walk that line now.
You love to read and draw. You have a keen sense of right and wrong. We never know what you might say about anything that happens in our lives, but you are thoughtful and perceptive. You are beautiful young lady, inside and out, who is a blessing and a joy; and we are so thankful to be your parents.
Your Daddy and I love you,
Love,
Momma
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