Twelve years old. It's not as easy as it seems these days.

When I was 12, I was out with my neighborhood friends, rollerblading all over the place. Nowadays, there just seems to be so much stuff to worry about. This beautiful little girl is my niece. When she was born, I truly thought of her and loved her as much as if she were my own. I still feel that way about her today; I still even discipline her as if she was my own too! I am pretty sure she hates that part... especially since she goes to the school that I teach first grade at!! LOL!

However, I can certainly tell you that I am incredibly proud of who she is today. I rarely ever have to say anything to her because she has honestly grown into such a beautiful young lady. She is not one of those backstabbing, cruel, seventh grade girls. She does not try to be "super cool" to get others to "like" her. When I take her out in public, she smiles at people (what 7th grade girl smiles anymore? LOL), says "excuse me," and "thank you!" She is not allowed to have any kind of social media account, so she is not one of those who bully, or is bullied on social media (I guess that credit should be given to her mother!)

She is just an all around cool, little girl! Quite a cutie too!

Love you little girl!!!