Happy 9th Birthday, Boo!

Happy 9th Birthday, Boo!  Oh, my goodness, you are growing up so fast!  Getting taller, getting more confident, and figuring out who you are.  It's an amazing thing to see.  

First day of school 2012:  ALL pink with your usual skirt.

First day of school 2013:  Yellow shirt, SHORTS, side pony-tail and BRACES!

Last year you were baptized on your birthday, and it has been an interesting year to watch as you have started to make your own choices and figure things out for yourself.  I hope you are getting to know the Holy Ghost as your companion, and strive to have it with you all the time.

You love school and are so happy to be back in 3rd grade, after a long summer!  I think any teacher is lucky to have you in their class.  You have amazing handwriting and both math (thank goodness) and reading come so easily to you!  You made a tough decision to go support your Dad in his Ironman, missing the first few days of 3rd grade typing camp.  You love your Daddy the most.  He can always count on you for a big hug every morning and evening.

Boise 1/2 Ironman:
You sat in the hot sun and waited and waited for Dad to run by.

I was proud to see you return back to school last week and then take the initiative to work really hard to catch up with the time you'd missed in the computer lab.  You are a hard worker, and not only that, you do GOOD work.  If you choose to do something, you will do it well, and that's a great quality.

Your first solo school project - all ideas were your own!

You are a very independent person, and like to do things on your own.  I know sometimes you wish you were an only child so you could have all the attention, praise and glory.  Dad and I laugh and shake our heads that we often hear the following conversation:

Yaks:  "Mom, I did this math page today at school!"
Me:  "Oh, that's great buddy, let me see."
Boo:  "Well, I did TWO math pages today at school.  See?"

I think deep down you are trying to find self-confidence and self-esteem.  It's surprised me that this is a challenge for you, as you are so GOOD at so many things, but perhaps you don't see them.  You often resort to tearing siblings down or one-upping them in order to feel better about yourself, or feel like you've got Dad's and my approval.  I want to try this year to really find your LOVE LANGUAGE and help you to know that you are wonderful and ENOUGH, and that you can still be you, and be enough without having to be BETTER than someone else.  That's a hard lesson for even some adults, I think.

 You like quiet time on your own as well, and I can tell there are times when you just need to recharge by being quiet and away from people.  You've taken to going on a short walk out the back yard to the park for a "break".  That's so good to be able to recognize what your mind and body need.

You are such a great helper to me.  You keep me organized and if I ask you "help me remember..." you will REMEMBER it!  You're my #1 helper when we go grocery shopping or run errands.  Unfortunately, I forgot where I put that cute "It's My Birthday" t-shirt I bought you months ago.  I tucked it away somewhere, and I forgot where I put it.  Those kinds of things REALLY disappoint both of us, and I knew you'd be sad about it all year if I couldn't find it.  I searched the house for hours yesterday, trying to find it, to no avail.  You noticed how desperate my search was becoming, and said, "Mom, it's okay.  I promise. It doesn't matter.  Let's all go have a fun day."  Sweet girl.
Where on earth is that shirt?

You are a great sister to Diddles and Yaks, although I know oftentimes it is hard with a brother who has a very different personality from you, and a sister who is younger and has a strong will of her own. You walk home with Yaks after school, and he trudges along behind you at a snail's pace.  I know you'd like to just leave him behind (my brother would have), but you are so responsible, and make sure he gets home safely with you.  You have such wonderful ideas and high expectations as the oldest, bossy sister (believe me, as a bossy older sister, I know), and if only they would do EXACTLY what you say, things would be so great!  Right!? :)  We've had lots of talks about choices and taking turns, and what things you do and do not have control over.  This is hard, and has resulted in many tears and time outs (for you and for mom) :).

Summer funny faces

Two girls off to school this morning!

You love to organize and make and create such beautiful things. You are constantly rearranging and redecorating your room, until it's just right.  This drive for perfection is sometimes your your greatest frustration, as things don't always turn out how you saw them in your mind.  "I want it to be PERFECT!"  But, you're learning to get control of your emotions and deal with disappointments in yourself and others, realizing no one (including you) is perfect.

Cookies with Nana

You really enjoyed being around cousins both older and younger this summer.  It's fun that you can have a great relationship with them, as well as grandparents!

Whistler with Nana - I love how you are crossing your legs!  They are so long.

You enjoy riding your bike FAST, and excelled at swimming this summer!  Your teacher would often use you as an example to the other kids of great form and breathing in the water.  You enjoyed spring soccer, and you like to run and improve your time.  You've been taking piano lessons with Dad, and I love to hear you work and work and work to perfect a piece, and even plunk out a tune by ear!  

Soccer

Ironkids Fun Run

With size 6 1/2 feet, you'll be tall for sure!

You got braces in January, and you love picking new band colors each time you go to the orthodontist!  I think we've got pink and blue in there right now.  You can't wait to be done with the retainer!

Although we moved away from our Chicken House, I don't think there is a day that goes by that you don't talk about the cat, Milo.  He was sure a good friend.  He'd come in after a day outside and run straight downstairs and sleep on your bed all night.  You LOVED the attention and having a special cat to yourself.  I hope someday we can have another pet just as awesome.

"Petting his fur just calms me down."

1. What is your favorite color? yellow

2. What is your favorite toy? crafts

3. What is your favorite fruit? apple

4. What is your favorite tv show? Lab Rats

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Cheese Sandwich

6. What is your favorite outfit? Jean shorts, purple top

7. What is your favorite game? Monopoly

8. What is your favorite snack? fish crackers

9. What is your favorite animal? Dog

10. What is your favorite song?  Happy Birthday to You!

11. What is your favorite book? Puppy Place:  Teddy

12. Who is your best friend? Lots of best friends - Hailey, Melody, Lily

13. What is your favorite cereal? Cap'n Crunch Berries

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside ? Play on Nana's Trampoline

15. What is your favorite drink? Fruit Punch
16. What is your favorite holiday? 4th of July

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Stuffed Kitty

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? French Toast

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Spaghetti

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Veterinarian

We celebrated your birthday yesterday, since we all had the day off.  You got to make cupcakes and frosted cupcakes all by yourself (your choice)!  We had a delicious dinner with all the favorites, including lightly baked rolls.  We had a movie party with popcorn and treats.  You enjoyed your gifts and are looking forward to celebrating with your class at school today!  

We love you so much, Boo!  I'm so proud of you and I love seeing the strong young woman you are becoming.  I'm so happy you are a part of our family!  We couldn't do without you.  Love, Mom