~you~

Today is your last day of 7th grade. Wow.

You are 3 1/2 inches taller than you were on the first day of 7th grade.

Your spelling and math skills have grown by leaps and bounds.

You continue to excel in reading, science and history.

You received the Most Improved 7th Grade Student Overall award.

You scoffed at this award.

But Dad and I smiled. We are so proud of you!

Because what you don't realize at age 13 is that being "Most Improved" doesn't mean you were "bad" to start with.

For example, Dad and I don't have to be BAD parents to strive to be BETTER parents.

This award says, "Hey I can overcome obstacles!"

You have perserverence. You made 2 Cs on your report card the 2nd 6 weeks of the year, but since then its been all As and Bs.

You are becoming more organized.

More responsible.

You kicked High School Band in the FACE. As a 7th grader!

You have mad tuba skilz.

You are excited for the challenge of next year's marching season...where you will learn 3 difficult pieces of music.

You excelled in football. I love watching you pancake block!

Track? Fuhgettaboutit! First Place in shot put. Every. Single. Meet.

You are blessed. You possess integrity, kindness, grit, determination, and the best laugh known to mankind.

You rock, dude.

You're mine. (for a little while)

And I love you.