Sweet Cheyenne

I cannot believe that our sweet Cheyenne is 12 years old today. If I’m being honest, I have really mixed feelings about it. I am so excited for her on one hand. But on the other hand, it’s going by way too fast.

This girl has taught me so much. About rising above. About learning people deeply. About trusting again even when it’s just so hard. Even when it seems impossible.

Cheyenne may be the most challenging of all my children. Which is weird. Because she is delightful. Absolutely delightful. But she looks deep. She does not take anything at face value. She wants to get to the bottom of people. She can’t connect unless she does. So, she watches. She listens. She asks questions. Then, she works hard to make sense of it all.

When I look at Cheyenne, I see the sovereignty of God. I see how he protected her gentle spirit. It did not get crushed. Which is a miracle.

These are just a few of the things that I love about her…

1. She is the hostess with the mostest! She loves having people in our home. She loves serving them in a way that is unique to them. She tries to think of all the things that will make them feel right at home.
2. She loves our family so much! She is so proud to be the daughter of Ryan and Cindy. To be the sister of Caleb, Silas, Collin and Alexa.
3. She loves traditions! I do too! I think they are so very special! She appreciates family movie night, the Christmas Eve box and birthday waffles.
4. She has the sweetest little quick wit. That is so my jam! Last night I was trying to braid her (gorgeous!) hair before bed. She was at my feet as I sat on the couch next to Ryan. I said, “Chey, oh my word! You are so wiggly! Look at the TV.” Her response: “That is literally the only time you have ever said that to me. And I bet the last time.”
5. She gets my wacky train of thought and jumps right in with me! Then, we laugh hysterically together while Ryan rolls his eyes. It’s pretty much my favorite.
6. She appreciates all the things we do for her. But most notably, she appreciates the tiny things. She appreciates just being thought of. She absolutely lights up when I say this or that reminded me of her.
7. She loves spending time with her people. She pretty much lives for it. Relationships mean so much to her.
8. She will try anything. Rock climbing, cross country, weird foods, any game……
9. She asks to help and means it. She will do anything I ask her to do. With a good attitude.
10. She looks for people to learn from. Constantly.
    

I am so thankful to the Lord for giving us Cheyenne to love and cherish. And I am thankful that she is soaking up every bit of it.

Happy Birthday Sweet Cheyenne! You are precious!