she is one year older….
her birthday was much anticipated (by her).
thinking about it constantly.
(annie is four and talks about her birthday everyday…not much changes in 10 years)
she only wanted money….for shopping of course.
she got a bonus gift of goofy stuff like face paint, care bear underwear and skull earrings.
she took cupcakes to school.
i didn't know that kids still did that in middle school…
she had a basketball game that evening and played the best she's ever played.
it was so fun to watch her hustle.
her coach even said "she was on fire!"
she requested pizza hut pizza for dinner.
then it was time for cake.
yeah…..she's 14 alright.
the irritated look on her face gave it away.
even cake and candles is not cool at 14.
well…you are looking at one smart girl.
i can see a glimpse into her future and see a strong woman there.
i have high hopes for her and big dreams.
i hope she does too.
being honest here…..even birthdays can't produce perfect days or behavior.
but hopefully when we remember this time in her life…we won't remember the drama as much
as we remember the silliness and love that is there deep down.
because it IS there.
deep and wide….forever crazy love for our big girl.
whether she likes it or not.
🙂
Kirwin - Your daughter is beautiful. My daughter is almost 3, and already a handful…does that mean we’ll have easy teenage years together? ; ) Fingers crossed, but not counting on it!
BTW, I love the creative birthday bucket she got. It’s always nice to open surprises on your birthday. You’re a great mom.
Blanca - Happy Birthday to Lauren!
Oh the drama that follows these girls. All we can do is ride this huge wave out. My daughter just turned 15 and is already planning her 16th birthday party.
traci - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!! she is a beautiful girl. deep down she loves all the commotion. even the rabbit ears from talby. sounds like she had a wonderful day!!
patricia - My Mother told me this,
“the first 7 years they belong to the mom, the second seven they belong to the dad, and after that they want nothing to do with either of you til they magically turn 21.”
Just keepin it real, I love her snarky birthday self.
She looks like a cool kid that I would be proud of.
Shana - Happy Birthday Lauren! Love you girl!
Lazy Mom Leslie - She likes it. She would miss it if it was gone. Crazy love is what they all need and your kids are lucky to have you for a mom!
http://www.lazymoms.com
Wendy - My mom gave me great advice when my daughter turned 12. She said, “From here on out, don’t take anything she says or does personally until she has kids of her own.” I remember that every single day. She’s almost 14 now.
Happy Birthday Lauren.
Linda@ Restyled Home - What a beauty…frowning or not!
Happy birthday to your girl!
queen b - i love your blog 🙂 Do you mind …what paint color is on the walls where everyone is watching the superbowl ?
It looks tan or khaki..I love it.
Teresa - From a former 14 year old that’s now a 24 year old (*gulp* where do the years go?! i still feel 18) she’ll remember back and think of all the wonderful things her parents did for her. Especially her mom. We all go through that stage. I look back and remember all that grumpiness and bad attitude and it just makes me want to be a better daughter to my parents.
You are truly one heck of a cool mom! And you’ll see, one day she’s going to wake up and get it. You have a beautiful daughter she’s going to grow up to be something great! 🙂 You just have to be patient with the rebel years before you get to the *really* good ones.
God bless 🙂
Cherry Tree Lane - I can already feel that feeling. The feeling of pride for my child. Happy Birthday to your baby girl….
Chaos-Jamie - Dang! Wasn’t that just us? I have to admit, I see her mama in that irritated bunny ear photo.
carissa - hey… loving those pics of your FOURTEEN year old daughter… can you believe it!
she is going to be an amazing woman… with the two of you as her parents… for sure!
and oh gosh… do i ever remember being that age… i was too cool for all the fluff!
we know now all that fluff… the little things… really are what make it ALL special! 🙂
hAppY BiRtHdAy Lauren… !
NorthDakotaMama - Your daughter is so beautiful! Your pictures truly capture her personality… you are very talented! I must say… I look forward to reading this blog every day!
Julia - I have one of those at home too (a boy)!.
Mandy - OK, seriously….could you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do a post on photography!? Your pics are AWESOME!! Do you set your camera on auto or manual? and what lens?? help a sista, out!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of you daughter blowing out the candles! you are such a neat person 🙂
Ashley - Meg,
14 is a real drag when your the parent isn’t it?! My oldest daughter is 14 too and WOAH what a year! I do agree that DEEP down in the trenches of their hearts that their is still a little angel… we just don’t see it too often-
LOL Love your blog, thanks for sharing!
Ashley
Staci - Happy 14th Birthday Lauren!!!! She’s just so beautiful Meg 🙂 One day…I am sure that the attitude will just blow away in the wind…I know it won’t be any too soon for you 🙂 Until then, enjoy the beauty 🙂
sarah - That bucket of goodies makes me so happy, and the yellow cupcakes…and the heart cake.
I’m going to enjoy my next 12 years or so before that attitude kicks in. I hope she’s not EXACTLY like me, but I’m already seeing signs that I have no hope. haha.
You are a wonderful mother, and I hope that at least sometimes she lets you know, or shows you signs of being appreciative.
Regina (QueenieBee) - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!!!! I have a daughter the same age, so we “get” what life for your family is like..and we’re livin’ it daily! Drama aside, it really is a fun age.
And that cake looks super delicious.
Starnes Fam - I love this celebration. You did well combining some fun for the family and a great time for your teenager. My oldest just turned 8, but I’m paying attention.
jamie - Big Happy Birthday! My almost 14 YO still talks and talks up her Birthday like it is the Big One! LOL.. It’s nice to see my Teen isn’t the only one that asks for cold hard cash! Kills my family members that want to buy her something to give cash.. Must be a Teen thing. Hope she has a wonderful Year. Jamie
Donna - My daughter turned 14 on Thursday – so many things I can relate to this post. She too, wanted money for shopping………and the moods – oh the moods!!!
Ramona - Great photos! She is a beautiful girl. Speaking of teenagers- I hope the Lord in His grace spares me from having a teenager like I was. I was good outside the home but a nightmare at home. I still can’t figure that one out!
Keep doing what you are doing- you are a great mom!
Sandy - Thanks (again!) for sharing your family with us and always keeping it real. I get so tired of the blogs that want everyone to think life at their house is perfect. My daughter is 19 and we’ve always been very close; I don’t think she acted like a 14 year old or a 15 year old when she was that age. HOWEVER – I have a 15 year old son that more than makes up for both of them. Your readers’ comments that it will get better help me to stay positive and hopeful. 🙂 Keep believing in her and loving her – that’s what I do with Seth and hopefully one day it’ll make a differance.
Love from Troy, OH
Jessica - I remember being that age. I can now look back and say that it was never enough. My mom tried, and I was an ungrateful teenager. Nothing was perfect for me, yet I expected it to be..even at 15 or 14, or whatever. Keep being the best mom that you are….someday they will thank you for it. Someday they will actually learn the “life lesson” you are trying to teach them at the delicate age of fourteen. Even if it’s when they are 25.
Alyssa - Do you mind me asking what lens you normally use?? you’ve said before, but i forgot….
Sara - Good luck!!!! I only say that because my daughter is seventeen (almost 18) The attitude started at 14 and there is still a hint of it!!!! Sixteen was the worst!!!! Love the heart cake!!!! Love all you photos!!!! I have to have your camera( and house) !!!!!! Sara
kasey@lolabboutique.com - seriously, you look tooooo young to have a 14yr old!
xo
Lauren - I completely understand! My sister-in-law is 13 about to be 14 and she is definitely going through the dramatic stage of hating her family! I’m 25 now, but I completely remember how harsh I was at that age. Just know it will get better…..and keep praying for her! 🙂
Shannan - She looks 17 to me! When I was 14 I was woefully uncool and didn’t even notice or care. No cool clothes, no make up, bad permed hair, etc… Lauren is so beautiful! I hope she enjoyed every minute of her day.
danyele - love it! my brooke (5) just said, “what a beautiful bday cake”!! my p turns 14 in two months…ahhhh. i love the goody bag! great idea for me to steal!
regina - I LOVE how you do things! I can bet that there is always something going on in your house and that it is never boring. Love the Bucket of stuff
Linda@Lime in the Coconut - Happy 14. Tumultuous often crazy years….but oh so fun!
My baby will be 14 in May. Oy.
Lorilee - My “baby” boy will be 14 on March 30th. I am dreading 16 and driving! Your 14 year old is beautiful!
Blessings,
Lorilee
karen - I came over from another blog (I think it was The Mommy Chronicles). You are an admirably creative woman, and I like your style. It’s inspiring.
Your daughter is lovely. Our Katie would be turning 14 next month (if she hadn’t passed away in 2007 from cancer), so I enjoy seeing the expressions on your daughter’s face at this stage, as she is celebrated. At that age, they are full of life and pushing limits, AND it is beautiful; it makes us all grow with them!
Sending prayers for Cora and her family, too.
http://www.karengberger.blogspot.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katiegerstenberger
chris - Oh I wish I lived at your house, birthdays look fun , tomorrow is my birthday and I will be lucky if I even get a cake , I’m betting no cake , truly all I want is to go out to my favorite diner with my family , that will make me happy , but a pink bucket of goodies well that would be the best.
Lanny Stanard - Happy Birthday Kiddo! wow fourteen I can’t even remember 14 Hmmm Have a great day, and I like all your gift’s lucky girl;) Megan next friday for sure it’s been a bad week for me my Mom’s not doing so well:( please keep her/us in your prayers!
Lanny…
Penny - I love the pictures. She is a beautiful girl. My youngest daughter will be 15 in April. I know the looks and I also know the love! It is a challenging age. It does get better. My oldest daughter(21) and middle daughter(18) were home from college this weekend and I listened to the chattering over breakfast. They have grown into beautiful young women. You will cherish these moments. I know I do!