This was hard, because I scrapbook original layouts, I write original writing pieces (though I don’t photograph them), my children each draw or create original pieces, and I love to cook original meals. So, what to use as a picture for the word “original”? I chose a picture of my five kids because each one is truly an original.

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Wow. I get to celebrate two teenage birthdays in just over a month.

Vanessa, this is the second birthday that I have been able to spend with you. What an amazing journey God and life has led us through in these past two years.

Unlike your sisters, I’ve known you since Kindergarten when the beauty you had in your heart was extended to my son. You became his friend, when he was struggling to find one. You treated him with respect, you never turned your back on him and even then I loved you for who you were.

It is funny to look back at two years ago and think that somehow God had a hand in all of this all along. What a lost soul you were and it doesn’t seem like that long ago. The turmoil that you had faced in your young life was so much more than a child should have to bare. I was determined to make things work for all of us, and I think I did well. I love you more than I ever knew possible, and while I will never take the place of your mother, I know now that I am in your heart in a special place.

I cannot believe I am looking at a teenager today. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. God has worked in your heart in amazing ways in the past year and it shows. You radiate His love. The compassion that I have been seeing you show, the concern, the affection that is finally displayed for my two kids is noted. I haven’t missed a thing. Thank you.

Happy 13th Birthday to my favorite teenage girl! I love you.

Tomorrow is a big day for me.

I haven’t mentioned it before, because I wanted to make sure it was set in stone first. Tomorrow is my first horseback riding lesson. Yup. I am following my daughter Brielle in her love of horses. Actually, they started a mom’s lesson group, and I get to ride with one other gal. Sounds nice and cozy to me!

I haven’t been on a horse in YEARS! Like a really long time. I have missed it, but I never had formal training, so it was about hanging out at a friends ranch and riding her horses. Yes, well tomorrow I will be learning things like “heels down” and “posting trot”. I think I might have gone insane, but I am so excited I can hardly wait. Oh, and good news, Brielle will help me tack up because I might actually need it!

The best part is that I get to ride the trainer’s horse. Her name is Ali and she is gorgeous and sweet and I cannot wait.

Oh, the other best part is that my three younger girls are on cycle break so they get to see mom ride and make a fool of herself. They are equally as excited.

Well, at least it was until two months back. Now a horse is much more than just a horse in this household.