My baby girl turned 13 today. I have no idea how she went from the little girl wearing a tutu and playing in the mud to this smart, beautiful young lady- but here we are.

I am so incredibly proud of her and consider her to be one of my greatest blessings.

Her day began as the boy and I sang happy birthday loudly and badly to her. It ended at our 4H meeting with the club having a pizza and cake celebration for her (singing was better this time).

And now she’s in a different phase of life. I know she’ll navigate this with love, grace, and determination – the same way she has approached everything so far in life.

The years I’ve spent being her mom have been some of the happiest of my life.

It has been suggested by my awesome friend and mentor Asrael that I choose three things every day for the next month to be grateful for. So today for day 1 they are:

1. I am grateful for Jenna

2. I am grateful for this safe and loving house in which we live

3. I am grateful for my tribe.