Another teenager in the house

We now have two teenagers under one roof.  Brynlie has always been wise beyond her years, so it doesn't actually feel like she's new in the teenage world.  She's been giving teenage attitude for a couple years now.  Oops, did I just say that?

This girl is obsessed with dance.  She never hears music without mentally choreographing a dance.  She dreams of owning a dance studio someday.  She is rarely seen in the house wearing anything but dance attire.   She spends AT LEAST 12 hours a week at her dance studio, although often it's more like 20-25 hours.  I love that she has a PASSION.  I have always told my kids to find something they love and chase it.  Brynlie has definitely done that.

This girl is also smart, spiritual and addicted to her phone kind.  But she also has pretty debilitating anxiety.  Last week she wrote these words on an Instagram post:

"Don't you dare tell me I'm weak, because I swear an anxiety attack would bring you to your knees.  Anxiety is not stress; it's irrational fears that twist your thoughts.  It's so horrifying sometimes that all you can do is run outside and scream and fall apart.  And it's my life."

I'm proud of her for being open about her struggles.  In the past few months, we've been helping her learn to manage the anxiety better.  She takes a prescription medication every day and attends therapy sessions every couple weeks.  I'm excited to report that she's seeing improvement and increasing her confidence.  Teenage life is hard enough without added illogical anxieties.

The awesome therapist challenged Brynlie to text at least 5 people at school about getting together on the weekend.  We made a plan to eat dinner at Freddy's and go to the Haunted Trailride.  After a few moments of falling apart, she texted 5 girls and had 1 respond with a definite "yes."  I didn't want the evening to be uncomfortable for Bryn with only one school friend (Hallie), so I had her invite some girls she feels very comfortable with:  Madelyn, Jillian, Siara and Kate.  I think everyone had a great time!  I even showed off my rapping abilities by singing every word to "Dark Horse" while driving in the car.  Yo Shizzle.

Bryn opened her presents after church on her actual birthday.  She got clothes, clothes, more clothes, junk food and a fondue fountain.  This is the pretty bracelet she got from her Grandma and Grandpa Springer.

We kind of combined Ryan and Brynlie's birthdays because Ryan had been on a business trip on his actual birthday.  This worked well because Ryan and Brynlie both like store-bought white cake with cheap frosting.  Makes it easy for me!

Happy 13th birthday to my beautiful princess!  I may complain about the endless hours I spend driving you to dance, but I'm ridiculously proud of you.  I've loved every moment of watching you grow from a pink-faced 5-pound baby into a strong, resilient, dedicated young lady.