Our daughter turned 14 years old last month. Time really do flies! I am grateful that I'd become a mother of this one special and loving little lady. She's a hard worker and really do her best in anything that she try to do. She gets frustrated when she can't do something right, the way that she wants it to but in the process she is learning that not everything in life will go as planned. As early as possible, we try to explain to our kids that life is full of surprises so it is always best to think the different possibilities when doing things.
The photos below were taken last year during her 13th birthday. When I look at these pictures, I can't believe how a year makes a big difference. Physically, she was still so little last year but this year, she is almost as tall as me. Well, I am short so she would probably be taller than me. She still have few years to grow.
These photos were taken at Theodore M. Berry International Park in Cleveland Ohio. We spent her birthday on a road trip last year and it was a blast.
We didn't get to travel this year on her birthday but she understands why.
She still have a baby face last year but as she turned 14, she's looking more mature and a bit grown up.
I miss the times when I can still tell her to pose for me so I can take a picture of her. It's been hard nowadays to take a picture of her lol. I guess, it is part of being a teen, being awkward with a lot of things.
What I love about our daughter is that, she still talks to us. Both of our kids does not go to bed without going to our room and say good nights and "I love you." I am glad that they are "too cool" to hug us and do silly things in front of us. There are times when she had moments of attitude but it ain't so bad. We always talk about it and resolve each issue she faces.
As parents, it is very important that we listen to every little things they say. It is our attention that they do need at this critical stage of their adolescence. A lot of teens these days rebel because they want attention.
"Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people." - Tena Desae
"Work hard for what you want because it won't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive. "
- Leah LaBelle
"Don't forget to tell yourself positive things daily! You must love yourself internally to glow externally." - Hannah Bronfman
"It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts." - Robert H. Schuller
"Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them." - Jack Canfield
"You just keep a positive attitude no matter what comes in your way - challenges, roadblocks - don't let it faze you, and you can overcome anything. " - Rose Namajunas
"You have to enjoy life. Always be surrounded by people that you like, people who have a nice conversation. There are so many positive things to think about." - Sophia Loren
"It's easy to get negative because you get beat down.
You go through a few disappointments and it's easy to stay in that negative frame of mind. Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is a whole cliche, but your attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life." - Joel Osteen
"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world.
Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak.
Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein
Dearest Anak,
As you continue to grow, I hope that you can find those positive quotes handy when you are having a hard time. Always remember that we are always here for you. Always keep the faith in you and the work ethic that you already have. We believe that you can do whatever you put your mind into. Continue to work hard in achieving your goals.
We love and believe in you!
Mom, Dad, and EJ
