Tabetha turned 17 in December. I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to have photos of her to post along with her favorite things and I just haven’t been able to make that work yet.

It’s exciting and scary to have a 17 year old. I guess I measure my life by how old Tabetha is. Seventeen years ago, I became a mother and my life was forever changed. It has gone so quickly, and soon she will be out on her own. Once she is gone our family will never be the same. I don’t want to think about it. It makes me teary and emotional. I’m excited for her and all the opportunities and growth that will come in the next few years, but I just don’t want her to go. She will do fine, she is a wonderful young lady. She is growing up, maturing and becoming very responsible. She can wash laundry, bake bread and cook all sorts of wonderful things. She’ll do fine without me, but I’ll sure miss her. I wish I could slow time down and keep her with us a while longer.

These are a few of her favorite things:

Favorite Color(s): Blue

Favorite Food: Sandwiches

Hymn: Silent Night

Friends: Katelynd, Tabitha

Book: Too many to list

Movie: Pride and Prejudice (the long version)

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12

Soda: Sprite

Candy Bar: Cookies n Cream

Family Activity: Going to Disneyland

Animal: cat

What do you want to be when you grow up: A book editor

What makes you happy? Reading

What annoys you? Annoying people, and doing the dishes

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? Italy

Tabetha got her drivers permit and took drivers ed this summer, and was only slightly annoyed when Jarom got his permit the same day. As soon as it warms up and the roads aren’t covered in ice, she would like to take the driving test to get her license. (Yeah! I am looking forward to that happening)
She has also been working hard the past 5 years on earning her young women’s personal progress award and she should have everything completed in the next couple of weeks. (This award is comparable to the Eagle Scout award that young men earn.) We are very proud of her that she has made this a priority in her life and has worked hard to achieve the goals she has set for herself to earn this award.
Tabetha had her first real job this summer working at Wendy’s. It was a good and bad experience, but it provided her with some extra money and valuable lessons on getting along with people. She also served on several planning committees for church youth activities, and really enjoyed it. She stays busy reading, doing crafts, baby sitting and spending time with her friends.