Hallie is THIRTEEN

My Dearest Hallie Belle,

Welcome to thirteen—your very first year as a teenager. I can’t believe we’re here already. Part of me wants to freeze time, to hold onto every piece of the little girl who still curls up next to me, but the other part of me is in absolute awe of the young woman you’re becoming. And I am so, so proud.

For thirteen years now, I’ve had the incredible joy of being your mom. To walk alongside you through your brightest moments and your hardest ones. To cheer for you louder than anyone else in the room. To witness your kindness, your courage, your sparkle, and your strength—day after day after day. You are a gift I never could’ve earned and one I’ll never stop thanking God for.

This past year has been full of incredible highs, unforgettable memories, and a few unexpected bumps along the way. You competed Level 8 gymnastics again, and poured every ounce of your heart into it. Your commitment, drive, and love for the sport continues to blow me away. And you ended your season with an incredible 3rd All-Around at Regionals—what a way to finish!

You were even invited to the prestigious USA Gymnastics DEVO Camp—a huge honor and such a testament to your talent and potential. But then… life had a different plan. A broken toe meant you had to sit that one out. And I know it was disappointing—I know how much you wanted to be there. But Hallie, the way you handled that setback with grace and perspective? That was its own kind of victory. You never let it steal your joy. You never let it dim your light.

Instead, something really special unfolded. You and Dad are headed on an unforgettable adventure—just the two of you—to New York City to see Hamilton on Broadway. I mean… what a plot twist, right? From the mat to Manhattan. You may not have made it to DEVO this time, but you’re about to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll carry in your heart forever. And I have no doubt it will be filled with laughter, late-night chats, and a thousand little moments you’ll never forget.

And that’s you, Hallie. You live life fully—whatever it throws your way. You bring joy with you wherever you go. You’re the girl that makes everything more fun—at youth group, at the gym, at the mall, at home, with your friends, on vacation, in the car belting out songs, or curled up with a book. (The Hunger Games has your whole heart right now—and honestly, you kind of remind me of Katniss. Fierce, loyal, brave, and full of heart.)

You’re stepping into these teenage years with strength, confidence, and grace. And I’m right here for it. I will walk with you through every high and low, through every moment of discovery, growth, and transformation. I’ll cheer for you louder than ever, cry with you when it’s hard, and always, always remind you of who you are and whose you are.

You are absolutely incredible, Hallie. You’re the kind of girl people want to be around. You’re smart, stylish, thoughtful, hilarious, loyal, and full of life. You have a presence that lights up the room, and a heart that reflects Jesus in the most beautiful ways.

And again today, my dear girl, I pray this prayer over your life:

Jesus, thank you so much for this gift of life that you have blessed us with. What an amazing honor it is to be her mom. I pray that your grace would pour out over Hallie’s life and that your Holy Spirit would invade every part of who she is. I pray that she would know and truly understand that she is amazingly beautiful. She is the picture of perfection created in YOUR image. You created her as an artist creates a masterpiece and looked upon her and said, “It is good!” Jesus, I pray that Hallie would grow to exude confidence and grace. That she would be amazingly strong, courageous, and dignified, yet incredibly gentle and kind. I pray against any outer influence that says that she is not good enough, or that she is lacking in any way. Lord, I pray that all of her worth would be found in you. God, I pray that Hallie would dream big and love deeply. And be loved deeply in return. And Jesus, please guard her heart. Set her apart for you and your will. I pray that your love would envelop her and consume her and she would find herself in you. Lord, protect her heart, her mind, and her body. I pray that your protection would follow her all the days of her life. I am so excited for the days ahead and to watch my baby girl grow into a woman that is chasing after your heart. Before I know it, I will be walking her into her first day of middle school…and then High School. And I am so excited to hear her name announced as she walks across the stage to receive a diploma. And see her Daddy walk her down that aisle - glowing with your love as a beautiful bride. Or to watch her hold her baby in her arms for the first time, and gaze into his/her eyes as I know it is at that moment that she may finally get a glimpse into how much I love her. Jesus, thank you for this precious gift! Please give me wisdom to be her mom…To love her every single day of her life, to encourage her always and to be her biggest fan. I pray that you would be apparent in all of my words and all of my actions. Lord, help me to strive to demonstrate your love for Hallie in a tangible way in hopes that it will give her the smallest peak into who you are. Just as her name means “Praise God”, all I can do is praise you for this precious life. May Hallie grow into the amazing woman that you have called her to be!

Amen. 

Keep shining, Hallie Belle. Thirteen looks really good on you.

I love you with my whole heart—forever and always.

Love,

Mom