Mommerz...

I have always had a pretty good relationship with all my kids. I am still waiting to hear the "I hate you," I know it is coming. Just have to figure out which of the kids will be the first one to actually say it.

Today is the 19th birthday of my 3rd child. I have to be honest and say that I always figured she would be the one to say it first. Even as a young child she was more testing then her older 2 siblings had been. She asked questions that they had not at younger ages.

She had a way of getting out of trouble and being grounded.

Yet she also had strong love.

There are 5 years between her and the oldest (with one between). In her late childhood she had a rough relationship with her older brother (the oldest). They would fight more then any of my other kids.

I set an example with her at a young age that I would talk to her about anything...

We never had a bad relationship, but it wasn't as close until her Dad left.

Then it all changed, and I have to say for the better. Not that the next few years she wouldn't be more trying. She did. The older she got the more she wanted to do things her way. She would often go where she wanted to, and was bad about answering her phone. But slowly that all changed. The willingness I had when she was younger to listen and answer questions I continued to do.

When she was about 13 her and one of her friends started asking me questions. I would give answers. We would spend hours in the kitchen talking. My older daughter would often join in and any other friends they may have around. It became our thing. The girls would often invite their friends over for out "kitchen talks" and man some of the conversations we had....

But it lead to where we are now. My daughter knows she can come to me for anything. I don't always agree with her. I will tell her she is wrong. But she knows she is loved and that I am there for her.

I am so proud of the young lady she is. She works hard and is well respected at work. She has goals and dreams of where she wants to be in a few years. We laugh together and cry. I have turned her on to some country music and we will often sing at the top of our lungs in the truck as we are going places.

I love you my daughter and I am proud of you