A 17 yr. old, 900 miles, a roomate, and a new life....

What do you see when you look at this picture?

I see someone who has found her wings. 

Someone who has discovered her divine potential

and has found courage and confidence...

I see someone who is happy, validated, and hopeful....

and I am GRATEFUL!

I'm a Mom of a High Schooler!!!!!

I'm trying not to freak as we get Kiersten ready for her first day of High School tomorrow! I have a four year old... how can I possibly have a high schooler also??? This summer has been great for her. We started out spending time with our friends in Utah only to rush back and get ready for Trek. They spent 3 days, in period clothes, pulling a handcart and living the life of a pioneer. Within a week after coming home from trek Kiersten packed up to go to EFY (Especially For Youth) a church sponsored week long conference for boys and girls 14-18 years old. EFY was life changing for Kiersten. Not only were they fed spiritually, they met a lot of new friends and they were taught how to safety and correctly interact with boys. The boys escorted them to every activity, joined in on Morning devotionals, and danced with them at two dances. Immediately after returning from EFY I got Kiersten unlimited texting (this for a girl who has had her phone for two years and has only used it a dozen times - to call me). She hasn't stopped texting since. I know she is keeping in touch with a few boys from EFY. She has gone to the last three youth dances and spent the last week at girl's camp. I am amazed at how much she has grown this summer. So, she has a new dew, unlimited texting and her dancin' shoes on... I think my baby is ready for High School. But don't let her new found social skills fool you- she is still totally academic. She will be taking all honors class, Spanish, Seminary and Alg. 2 Trig. Yikes!!! Wish me luck :)

Mission Impossible- Kiersten's b-day girls before TPing

My Kiersten... Happy 14th Birthday

So, it's a few days after her birthday and I am just getting to writing this. Partly because we were busy with birthday and things; but, mostly because I thought it would take too much out of me emotionally. Raising Kiersten has been easy and hard. She is my first, the one I experiment on and the one I make most of my mistakes on.

It took us 2 years to get pregnant with Kiersten. I was so ready to be a mom and to bring a little one into this world. Her pregnancy was difficult. I was very sick and put on bedrest for such a long time. It was worth it though... On May 7th, 1994- after 36 hours labor, 8 days late, and only 12 hours and one minute before Mother's day- Kiersten Paige Teague made her arrival. Her birth was amazing. I have never felt that close to my Heavenly Father. I felt as if he handed her to me personally.

She was an easy baby, toddler and child. Just recently I have spent many nights awake thinking of the trials and obstacles she faces. Kiersten is not the ordinary teenager. You know, the one who is mouthy, boy crazy, always on the phone and wants everything they own to have a "name" on it. Infact, she doesn't answer the phone, could care less what kind of clothes she owns, gets along great with boys- but has never mention anyone as "cute" and is one of the most polite children you will ever meet. She even got an award last year from her teacher who said, "in all the 18 years I have taught... I have never met a more polite and kind person as Kiersten." He even thought she was a joke- because she went up to him everyday and said thank you- not the buttkissing thank you we find abundant in the teenage world- a real thank you.

Anyway, Kiersten is extremely bright (really- this is not a mom talking, I'm serious!!) and just as shy. It has been torture to see her go through her JR high years alone in a crowd. I often have to go to Scott for advice on raising her- she is sooooo different than me. She is on the dance team- even a captain, but doesn't feel like anyone knows her. She has a few really good friends; but, I try to tell her how hard it is to be a friend to someone who doesn't give back. She is loyal, nice, kind, and funny- but she will never call anyone, go up to them or just "hang out" unless someone else starts it.

She is like the butterfly in the "Parable of the Butterfly". She is struggling and working with all her might to break out of her cocoon. It is hard to watch her struggle- but I know, she will always be a good mom, good wife and good friend. That the rest of her life is not about JR high and being out-going... it's about doing good, growing and being faithful. But, she is good. She is kind. She is smart. She is beautiful. And she is faithful. Happy Birthday Kiersten. I love you forever, I like you foralways... Forever and Always my baby you'll be!

Kiersten met an idol!

We went over to California Adventure after lunch on friday to hangout at bug land. The Adamson kids waited til we could join them because all the rides are for little ones like Sadie. After a few rides they decided to go on the pillbug bumper cars. Sadie was too small so we watched from outside. All of the sudden Scott spotted this goofy looking guy with long curly hair and jokingly said, "look they are on the ride with Weird Al!" We laughed and told Kiersten to go "bump" him. I didn't think much of it... but after Scott watched him awhile he was sure it was him. I, however, was not convinced. He said the smile confirmed it.

So, Scott took Kiersten and Jaron on a quest to meet him. Whatever, I was on my way to Grizzly River Run- they could make fools of themselves if they wanted to. They were taking so long Melanie went to find them... and who did she find them with? Yes, it really was Weird Al! Kiersten was in awe. Melanie was able to take a picture of the kids with him (I'll post it when she sends it). You would have thought they had seen Zack Efron - or Jonny Depp.

Kiersten's friends Kimmi and Lauren love Weird Al too. Later that evening Kiersten saw Kimmi at rehersal. Boy was Kimmi jealous!