Hannah Marie

From time to time I would like to blog about each one of my four precious children. I must admit that some of them definitely do more things that I find funny or I learn lessons from but each one is so special in their own unique way.

Today, I am choosing to blog about Ms. Hannah. Hannah is our oldest and I must say that in itself causes me to learn the most from her - she's our first experience with everything that involves parenting! Unfortunately for her, that isn't always a good thing but for the most part she does well with it.

Hannah has grown up to be such a beautiful young lady! It is so hard to believe that in less than a year she will begin her first year of High School. I can still remember her as a little toddler walking around singing "Diddle Deedle" or the times that she would look at us and point her finger and yell "No" and then grin! Now, she is almost 5' 7", on the school honor roll, plays volleyball and basketball and is a lovely young woman.

I am so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. This past year we observed her grow so much physically and spiritually. She showed great diligence in her athletic performance. Spiritually she is amazing me - she isn't afraid to ask the hard questions or to search the Bible for herself to find the answers. Most of all - she is so tenderhearted and merciful toward her friends at school. She is always thinking of them and what they need!

Of course, my relationship with Hannah isn't anywhere near perfect - in fact we actually clash quite a bit. She can exasperate me and bring out the worst in me - and if I am honest - I can do the same to her. However, I am so thankful for her and the fact that she challenges ME to live out my faith and beliefs! One thing that I have learned from Hannah is that sometimes we all need to take time away from others and process our thoughts and feelings. I am a "let's fix it now" type of person. I don't want to leave an argument or disagreement until it's finished - she is more of a "let me settle down first" type person. Nothing is wrong with either one but it is hard for both of us to understand the other!

I am most impressed by the talent that Hannah has in her writing. She simply amazes me!!! She can express herself and her feelings so well in the writing of a story or a poem. I pray that some day she will get one or more of her writing pieces published or at the very least she will allow me to blog one of them. :)

The Lord blessed me on May 19, 1997 with a beautiful baby girl - I am so proud of the woman she is becoming! The other day she sat beside me after her game and made this statement "Hey my mom, my best friend." She then went on to talk about her day and the game but my heart stayed with those words - I know that I still have to be her mom but I do pray that as she grows older we will be good friends as well. I am so thankful that for the most part Hannah talks to me about what is going on, her troubles, her feelings, etc and I pray that as she enters HS and college that will stay the case.