Sweet Averi Kate, are you ready for fourteen????
I can't get over what a wonderful almost fourteen year old you are. I have been looking back in our family blog books lately and reading all the funny stories and descriptions of you guys when you were little, and I've been amazed at how the funniest, most free-spirited toddler has grown up to be one of my favorite people in the world.
Tonight when I picked you up from soccer practice, I saw most of your teammates make their way to their cars and ride off, and still I was sitting in the dark parking lot waiting for you. But I had no doubt why I was waiting, and as soon as you ran over a few minutes later and climbed in, you confirmed it - "I was just helping put away all the agility equipment." If there is one thing I know about you, it is that if there is a need you can meet, that's where you'll be. This weekend at Nan and Popple's, Aunt Gigi said to me, "I always know I can count on AK to help me get the pack and play put together, get the sheets on the beds, or anything else, before I even ask. She just shows up and starts working!" That's one thing that has never changed about you. You've always been the best helper I know. What a beautiful servant's heart you have.
Your greatest joy is spending time with your friends. You love going to youth group each week, and this is the only motivation I can use to get you out of bed in the mornings. You are in your season of wanting to sleep as late as possible, and the only thing you will respond to is the threat that if you stay in bed any longer, I will force you to be late to youth group this week. You can argue with a brick wall. If you don't think something is important, it's next to impossible to get you to do it. (Hello, math and Latin.) You are independent and strong-willed and I am so glad.
This has been a big year for you in soccer. You joined a pretty competitive travel team for the first time last fall, and I have been so proud of your courage in walking on to a team that has been together for years and giving your all. You've come so far as you have listened to the coach and put in the work. Now you are playing on two teams at the same time and enjoying every minute of it. You have a tiny frame but you're surprisingly strong. You deadlifted 190 lbs not too long ago, which is more than I can say for myself in...ever.
You continue to amaze me with your ear for music. You love listening to music and then trying to replicate those songs on the piano. You regularly play percussion in the youth band and next week you'll play the keyboard with them for the first time.
You're still hilarious and unpredictable as you were when you were little, but you also have a serious side. You came back from youth camp last summer with a passion I have not seen before, and my most exciting moments come when I see glimpses of your faith growing. My biggest prayer for you is that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, and walk in grace and truth.
Aves, you are a priceless gift to our family and to the world. I am beyond amazed that I get the privilege of being your mom, of cheering you on, of walking with you through this season, and of watching the Lord's plan unfold in your life. I think you are absolutely great.
Happy birthday, my sweet almost fourteen year old!!!
