Sweet Sixteen

As difficult as it is for me to believe, today is Joanna's sixteenth birthday. Somehow everyone else has aged, but I haven't! :) Please allow me a moment to gloat on what a wonderful child she is.

Considerate
She is the first one to comment about how the other person must feel. She has a sense of empathy beyond her years.
Kind
She is always courteous and caring when dealing with people of all ages. She is particularly sensitive to elderly people and small children, far more sensitive then other kids her own age.
Silly, very silly
This cannot be described...it has to be experienced. She is very, very silly and makes marvelous faces.
Intelligent
She continues to astonish me with her knowledge. She and her father will discuss history extensively...I have to check my notes. I simply cannot keep up. I have a fairly strong working knowledge of history, but they just simply carry on. Her ability to reason rivals the best of them. Not to mention she is the champion of the family at Risk. :)
Modest
She is the last person to be in the limelight. She much prefers anonymity to acknowledgement. Even in the most important of tasks, she shares her successes with others.
Responsible
Sometimes I have to wonder how someone such as myself has such a responsible kid. I barely feel responsible enough for myself, let alone to be a parent. She keeps a calendar with all of her tasks, remains organized consistently, and completes everything she needs to do without procrastination. I feel as though I live by the law of procrastination.
She knows what is important, and sets her priorities accordingly
When reflecting on her life in a recent school project, she detailed the most important things in her life as God, Family, Helping Others, etc. I feel so very lucky that I am a part of her list. She is a wonderful child.
Honest
She always tells me the truth. Even if she is in for it. She understands the principle of "the snowball effect" in regards to fibbing. She is truthful with not only me and her daddy, but with anyone...even herself.
Talented
She has the self discipline to have learn to manage her time wisely and thus she is able to participate in many activities. She is a talented student. She plays piano, flute and saxophone. She plays tennis...If I can get her to love hiking, she would be perfect.

I know this is self indulgent. I don't care. I am so very proud of Joanna. As her mother I am so very blessed. Not only do I love her, I really like her too. :)

Happy Sweet Sixteenth Birthday Honey!