She's 17!

Dear Katie Britt,

 I feel like this post may reflect our lives in more than one way!  I am sitting in a hotel room in Virginia working on your birthday post!  We've just left Bristol, TN, watching you  play basketball in a tournament.  The pictures aren't uploading in order, but I can't let the day go by without talking about your birthday!  I have been very slack about writing, but I promise to do better.  I love that I have your computer with me... I went through and chose pictures that you liked... that way I can tell my side of the story that goes with them.  It's been a crazy year to say the least... lots of things have changed and we are all better for them!  

The prom... your first time going to the prom in Lincolnton... and you were beautiful in my eyes.  I love this picture of you... it's rare not to see you smiling, so seeing this picture and the solemn look made me smile.  It's a rare moment caught on camera.  

 The first weekend in December we traveled to Orlando for the ACC Championship.  Between your schedule and Ben's, we couldn't make it to any games this year.  One day we may get back on track to go to Clemson on the weekends!  I'd rather watch you and Boo than them though! 

 At the athletic banquet in Lincolnton~  I'm so glad you got our of your box and played a different sport... and now you are continuing that in Woodruff.  

 Our prayers were answered.... long before we moved back to Greer, I prayed for you to have an easy transition.  I know it may have seemed selfish at the time to make you up and leave your comfort zone, but I promise that Daddy and I prayed our way through it.  I don't want you to ever forget that!  I never dreamed your easy transition might include a boy to go with it.  You have chosen a respectful, kind, and sweet young man!  We can't ask for much more!  

 This summer you went to the beach and made lots of new (old) friends!  The girls you started school with were all there to welcome you back to South Carolina.  

 I never thought I'd see you in any colors besides red and white, but I'll have to admit that you looked pretty cute in "maroon" and gold... or maybe burgundy and yellow!  

 While everyone else around you was getting class rings, you were making a decision that you really didn't want one.  Jane was kind enough to buy you your first David Yurman.  It's beautiful, and I'm so glad you picked something that you can always wear.  

 This summer while Ben was sweating at Clemson football camp, you were stalking Dabo.  He told you how much you had grown, and I will forever love him for sending you a note about moving from Georgia.  Wonder what he might think if you don't even go to Clemson???  I'm sure you will be successful wherever you go, and I want you to know that you can go anywhere!  

 This picture was taken at the dam in Georgia.   It wasn't long before we decided to pull our plug and move back to SC.  

 At Easter this year, we knew we would moving to Greer and attending Woodruff schools.  We did everything we could to be in control and go to a private school, but sometimes God intervenes and opens doors that we never dreamed of.  

 This was your first competition in Woodruff!  You looked happy, and I knew you were going to be just fine! 

 This picture was taken your first day at cheer camp.  The smile on your face says it all... You have transitioned and made your place back where you started.  I honestly feel guilty asking God for one more thing... He made your heart and ours happy again... and that's all we can ask for.  

 At your demo before competition season... 

 Homecoming night with Daddy... I'm so sorry that I forgot to put the camera card in the good camera... needless to say, I thought you were gorgeous!  

 And Matt... he has made you smile, laugh, and never cry... I sure do wish you loved us as much as him!  

 Our last night in Lincolnton, Thomas gave you a picture that hangs in your room, sand your favorite animal... Clifford!  The perfect gift from your favorite!  

 The National Championship via Las Vegas... what a fun trip we had!  I'm glad we all agree we don't have to go back again!  

 And where would you be without MG????  Your first very best friend... back in March when I thought you would be going to private school, you begged me to take you to Woodruff with me while I went to visit.  As we walked into the front doors of the high school, the first person there was MG.  We toured the school, I asked questions, you asked questions... and then we sat in the parking lot for a few minutes.  I remember you looking over to me and saying, "Mama, I really want to come here!"... I knew I'd never change your mind... and for that, I'm so glad.  I know MG played a big part in that!  

 You were selected at Miss Sophomore for the LCHS pageant.  

 In May, we went to Charlotte for the golf tournament and talked the entire way about how much closer we would be the next year!  

 You dancing as a rat in musical theater made my heart smile!  I love watching you perform and I know that dancing is still your heart!

 We brought in the new year in Miami watching Clemson.  What a great game... that led to us getting to go to the National Championship.  

 I love this picture because I can look at both of you and see how happy you are... I loved teasing you and saying we have to move back to Lincolnton and y'all quickly yelling NO.... Thank the Lord you two are happy!  

 We snapped a picture during Thomas's senior picture session!  I'm so glad you two have adjusted well.  I love that Ben looks up to you... I love that comes to you when he needs something ... and I love that you are both so darn independent that life is pretty easy now!  

 Your very first stunt group in Woodruff!  

I'm ending with this picture because who knew that years later you two would be on the basketball court playing instead of cheering!  Two precious, sweet girls that I'm so glad have been reunited.  

Thank you KB for being who you are... your good decisions, your bad decisions, your smart moves, your silly moves, your crazy times, your sad times, your funny times... they make you who you are.  I love you little girl... I wish you were still in a bow and smocked dress, but I understand that life moves on and you have to grow up...  

Seventeen isn't really a big birthday.... but I want you to know that no matter what age you turn I love you with all my heart.  Keep working hard, decide what you want to be when you grow up, and dream as big as the stars... because you can do it!  You have so many opportunities ahead of you, and I can't wait to see what you do!  

Love, 

Mama