“The correct term mom, is “Pre-teen.” I am no longer a Tweener, I am not yet a teen-ager, I will spend the next year as a pre-teen.” I made the mistake of suggesting this was her last year as a tweener. I stand corrected.

Tayler also known as LOL Tomboy in the blogworld turns 12 yrs old today! Although we are taking her out for a nice Birthday Dinner party at the Texas Roadhouse, I would love if all those who read this site, would take a moment and leave her a Birthday greeting on her site. I know how much she loves seeing new comments show up on her site, and a Birthday greeting would make her day!

I had planned on writing her a long Birthday post detailing ALL the way back to her infancy, but opted for a simple, I love you Tayler, and I’m so very proud of you! (I’ll save the heartfelt sappy post for her 13th Birthday. Since I don’t allow her on my site yet anyway.

I will take the opportunity to shamelessly boast upon a few of her achievements. She has come a long way scholastically. Having a difficult time in first grade, due to changing schools that year, no less then three times, she was held back. It made a world of difference in her confidence level, and was just the thing needed for catching her up. So much so that she ended up skipping 4th grade all together, going from 3rd right into 5th. As a 6th grader, she is at the top of her class with straight A’s, studies violin, and is growing into a compassionate young person doing a little community service thru Girl Scouts. She has a strong passion for all things sports, and is currently on a community basketball team, and enjoys playing tennis, purely for the fun of the sport.

Yes I am very proud of who she is becoming as a young person, and am there cheering for her every step of the way. The one thing I vow in life, is that whatever choices she makes thru out her life, I want to show this beautiful young lady, nothing but unconditional love. I know my job is to direct her right now, and as she grows, encourage and give her the benefit of the wisdom that God has graced me with. But to be able to look upon her with pride and love regardless of what choices she makes thereafter, will be my true testament to motherhood.

Our children are not purely an extension of us. They are individuals who will reason, and make life decisions for themselves. Allowing them to be their individual selves, giving them room to express this freely, without ever standing in judgment is the best gift we can give our children.  And one I vow to work at consciously everyday for the rest of our lives.

Now I ask all of my blog friends, to wish my daughter LOL Tomboy a Happy Birthday! I promise, although none of you will see it, the way her face will light up, her eyes sparkling as she grins with delight over the Birthday wishes, will make it worth the moment to leave it on her site.  And you will have my undying gratitude and affection!

Happy Birthday to LOL Tomboy! Mom (not mommy anymore) LOVES YOU.