Ruth,

It has been 6 month's since your birthday, and I am just now finding time to sit down and write your letter.  I'm sorry about that, but I feel like you often get a bit short changed for your birthday.  With everyone else's near the beginning of the year (except Kate) I plan birthday presents and such when I am planning their Christmas.  With you I always seem to have it sneak up on me in the middle of the back to school swing.

You are my right hand, my best help, my most dependable child.  You are so mature, that others often mistake you for being older than you are.  You love to cook and are doing more meals, and even fix meals alone at night now.  You are a whiz at getting the boys to do things that they won't for anyone else.  And while everyone takes turns, I can trust you to look after them when I need to get other things done without any worry if you are doing what needs to be done.  You've shown yourself trustworthy with your, only working on school at school time, and not getting online after bed time.

You have finally had a bit of a growth spurt this year and are starting to look more like a young woman than a little girl.  You have especially been pleased to put on a few inches this year.  It is a bit surprising to see you looking more willowy in your favorite maxi dresses these days.  Bras and other parts of growing into a young lady you have been less thrilled about.  But the truth remains that you are indeed growing up.

We added the adventure of online classes this year to your school schedule.  You are taking two year long courses.  One is writing.  Something you've long enjoyed, you are enjoying academic style writing far less than creative writing, but while still fighting with the rules of various structured pieces, you are excelling.  Each piece becomes more honed and stronger.  You also starts ASL I this year.  You have long wanted to learn sign language and decided that it should be your foreign language for high school.  So far you are learning a lot, but struggling to get assignments submitted on time.  That time management area is still a weakness, but you are working at it.

This past year (and a half now) have brought numerous changes, a move, several different jobs for Daddy, and a lot of stress for you.  You, like me, seem to internalize stress, cramming it down and letting it eat at you, until you are ready to explode.  We've talked about ways to deal with stress like talking or journaling when you don't want to talk to others about something sensitive.  You, also like me, find being creative to be a great stress relief, so I gave you an art journal that you are rapidly filling.  You have been on the verge of a blow up almost daily for a stretch of a few months.  But, we are working at finding you free time and an opportunity to be away from your siblings to destress. You are also still working at being kind and courteous when you just want to strangle people.  It is a life long work, but you are getting better at asking for space before losing your temper.

Ruth you remain a great entertainment in our lives.  You have the funniest laugh and you elaborate your "Ruth Rants" to keep us in stitches.  You are growing into a graceful, independent woman, who will carve her own niche in the world.  We love you, and pray that God will continue to bless you always.

Love,
Momma