Tenn is 10 in 2010

Tenn is 10 in 2010 was repeated more than 10 times yesterday as we celebrated Tennie's 10th birthday. Last year Tennie was clinging onto young girlhood with all her might; complaining that she didn't want to grow up. Nothing of the sort has been said this year. Three months ago she announced that she already felt like a 10-year-old, and she has a teenage attitude most days as of late. Our little Tennie is not so little anymore.

We've been handing over more and more responsibility to her the past few months. She interprets it as "freedom" and is a little huffy when she is accountable for her choices. Who can blame her? Unintentionally we have done more than our fair share of making up her mind for her, and we're now trying to allow her to grow up. Sometimes we cringe at her choices, and worry about her inexperience. Then we look at ourselves and notice we are just as clumsy at "giving" freedom as she is at "getting" it!

Sunday night we had a family dinner to celebrate her birthday. As our tradition goes we went around the table and said things we love about Tennie, and there wasn't a shortage of things to share. She is a leader. People want to be around her and do what she does. She loves and includes everyone, even those who don't have any other friends. Everything is more fun when she is around. She has great ideas, and the ability to draw others into the magical world of her imagination. She is sensitive and generous and thoughtful. She is helpful. She is eternally optimistic. She is exuberant and fun and has a laugh that is contagious. At an age when boys and girls usually don't mingle she has as many guy friends as girl friends. She loves the outdoors and is a steward over all living things. She is creative, she is endlessly curious, and she has an incredible memory (except for her math facts!) She has a huge heart with enough of it to share with everyone. She is affectionate, and loves to give love physically, with words and with actions. She has a strong desire to do what is right, and she is deeply spiritual. She is really an amazing little..er, I mean big girl! Geoff and I feel privileged to be her parents.

Yesterday morning we served her breakfast in bed, and did all of her chores for her. We didn't have school so she played all day. If there is anyone who loves to PLAY it is Tennie.

In the afternoon we went on a little walk along a nearby canal. Tennie loves adventure...

...crossing raging rivers...

and navigating a grassy swamp. She came home with a 6' stick. She always comes home with a stick.

Last night the girls had a Willy Wonka performance. We had the cast sing her Happy Birthday before the show and we passed out chocolate chip cookies.

The love continued today as she received some cards and gifts in the mail. Thank you to all who called and sent happy wishes her way...she loved all the attention!