She

This weekend has been so much fun. To my surprise, when I got home from work Friday afternoon, my daughter Katie, 16, wanted to go with me to run errands. Sounded good to me, I never turn down time with her.

After running errands, we stopped by Barnes & Noble to grab a quick cup of coffee and a cookie for a treat. Fun! I tried the Gingersnap Latte. I think this is my new favorite.

Once again, Katie and I headed out Saturday afternoon bargain shopping at some of our favorite spots....hoping to finish up!We had the best time together looking at clothes and make-up, talking, and just plain doing girly stuff!

When our children are born, they don't come with manuals and I'm convinced that being a parent is the hardest job in the world. Take advantage of the time they want to spend with you! These are the times they are really paying attention and listening.

I embrace these times with Katie like never before. It's hard to believe that in just a little over a year she'll be graduating and off to college. Raising a teenager can be a challenge. No doubt. I've learned over the last few years that I have to surrender her to God and allow Him to work in her life. She is His daughter. I'm ultimately not in control. He is, but He works through us as parents to model what is right. Choose your battles. Listen to your teen's heart. Hear their heart.

I love Elvis Costello's song "She". It is so poetic and really describes the heart of a woman. My little girl is growing up.