this is fourteen

Today my Rebecca Kate is fourteen. I'm not going to say "I can't believe it!" But you know that I can't.

Picture me, right now, shaking my head.

As you may quickly gather from these pictures, Becca got a guitar (with lessons) for her birthday. She's always wanted to accompany herself singing (ala Taylor Swift), which is great with me since I've long held fast to a guitar sing-along-around-the-campfire fantasy. I'm thinking some Bob Dylan is in order..."the answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind...the answer is blowin'....in the wind."

My SIL Emily gave us her old guitar many years ago. It's mostly lived in Parker's closet, but every now and then we'd drag it out and play Smoke on the Water and dream about our musical aspirations. The guitar was missing a string, but Smoke on the Water is very forgiving of missing strings. Initially I intended to have that old guitar fixed up for Becca, but the guitar man designated it UNFIXABLE so I HAD to buy that sweet guitar in the picture. Anything for my baby (and the campfire).

When we gave Becca her presents today I wrapped up the guitar strap, three guitar picks, and a note that said, "Happy 14th Birthday. You are signed up for guitar lessons (I gave the day and date, which I can't give here just in case someone wants to stalk her). Love, Mom and Dad." I did this because I like to torture my children, and also because I wanted to make the reveal more awesome. You see, I thought she'd be bitterly disappointed that she didn't get a brand spanking new guitar. And then I would swoop in as the hero...with the new guitar. But no, Becca opened the package, read the letter, smiled, and offered a gracious thank you. No tears, no pouting, no wild-eyed bewilderment. So then we just gave her the guitar. Torture ruined.

I'm not sure what I was thinking. Becca has always been gracious and grateful. She's happy, and laid back, and seriously funny. She can whip out one-liners all day long. I like to think she gets that from me (the one liner part, because we all know I'm the opposite of laid back).

Becca is always prepared. She's not a procrastinator -- not in any way, shape, or form. (She definitely didn't get that from me). Her homework is always well underway. She finishes projects days in advance of due dates. She's ready for church 20 minutes before it's time to leave. She's the first one packed for a trip. Like I said, I have no idea where it comes from...this preparedness...I just stand back in amazement.

I don't know how I got so lucky -- lucky enough to raise this sparkling, self-assured girl with the beautiful voice. But I am so lucky, and I know it, and not a day goes by that I don't marvel at the miracle of this child. Happy Birthday Becca! We love you!

Comments

[Deb]

Love the pictures! Love the guitar! Love that girl!

[Aunt Mary]

Hey Sarah, you know where all the good habits and practices come from.... Dang hard work. That stuff isn't inherited or picked up from parental modeling. The girl sets her sights and goes for it. What else? Darling pictures!