Happy Birthday, Molly!

On the 12th Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me....Molly's BIRTHDAY!!!  Happy Birthday, Molly!  9 years old and growing lovelier every day. 

 All through December, we would find Molly in this position when we came downstairs bleary eyed.  But, she was always in a good mood and had dutifully turned on the kettle.  It is really starting to pay off having all of these kids around.

Back in February, Molly and Eric attended a Father/Daughter Dance hosted by her AHG troop.  I don't know if any Father and Daughter were ever more made to be at this party, but they were as entertaining to watch as anyone who knows them might expect.  All of those kitchen dance parties really prepared them well to tear up the floor with signature moves.

Molly has graduated a bit from pink, and moved into attire that makes so much more sense to me.  Here she is dressed up in an outfit that I probably wore 75% of my college career (a rate that has gone slightly down in the last couple of decades...but, not by much).  She is my little girl after all!

Speaking of special outfits...Molly made her 1st Communion in May. My Mom made her a beautiful dress that she loved.  Being the unique size she is, my mom worked so hard to create a dress to her specifications and succeeded so well that Molly's first comment upon wearing it was: It is like it was made for me.

It was a lovely day and made all the more special by having both sets of grandparents in attendance.

And her Godmother, Aunt Mitzi.  I don't think she stopped smiling all day.  But, then, she spends a lot of time smiling.  It is her favorite.

The Sunday of her 1st Communion weekend was Mother's Day and Nana gifted me a great hat...that Molly immediately made her own.  But, she definitely wore it better, so I didn't mind.  Especially as I had a back-up Jayhawk visor.

In June, Molly because a world traveler for the second time in her life.  She was such a treat to have along for our trip to Germany.  She practiced German in preparation and took every opportunity to practice.  Primarily going up to kids at parks and asking: Wie Geht's?

I'm not sure what all she would say was her favorite about traveling to Germany, but it must include ice cream, taking the train, and seeing the cousins and grandparents who met us over there at the end of the trip.

She had a really good time at the water palace the last day of our trip...

Other events of her summer included driving a boat.

Creating shoulder fairies to make our neighborhood walk a little more magical.

Going on a few more excursions in the DC area.

And walking to the pool.  Something she was happy to do on her own to show her independence.

Molly has such a fun personality and is incredibly outgoing.  She is up for everything.

Even playing in the dirt to keep John entertained during soccer games in the Fall.  Thanks a lot, Molly...

Molly likes to position herself in a position to be picked as a volunteer during various shows we attend.  She is not successful often...but, she got to assist in a magic show at Mt. Vernon recently.  She also sat up front for a card show at a recent Christmas party and was so skeptical of the performance, the performer good-naturedly gave her the deck of cards at the end saying she had earned them.

While the boys are happy with soccer, Molly has not shown interest in team sports.  However, I signed her up for cross-country because she does run quite a bit just in her daily activities.  The coaches told me she would run by asking "Why did I sign up for this?"...but, always with a smile on her face.  Which they said is something they ask themselves all of the time...though generally not smiling.  I was also proud when they told me that she always encouraged the girls around her and didn't let them bring her down on days that walking seemed a better idea than running.

Though Molly has discovered how comfortable a hoodie and sweatpants can be, she still loves beautiful dresses and has a flair for fashion that I can only hope to attain.  While in Germany, she saw a dress in a souvenir shop that she was sure I would buy if she could just find the right words to convince me...I was never going to buy that dress.  However! I did start looking on Thred Up for a similar one and found a lovely dress that also could double as great Halloween Costume.  Particularly with Will's repeat appearance as a Colonial Soldier.

Molly has always been more creative than me, something I am sure she gets from Eric, however her creations have improved immensely this year.  She will disappear for hours and come out with cards for friends or little very detailed accessories for her dolls.  All from a stack of construction paper and tape.  Perhaps the greatest development for me this year is that she actually does a solid job of cleaning up after herself.  Miracles do happen!

Speaking of creative and clever, Molly discovered a special day just for her (or all Molly's), it was Monday, November 4.  Why? Because her sports watch said so...that's why!

Molly presented this creation to me recently, proudly saying it required no cutting so there was nothing to clean up.

Molly continues to be very helpful in the kitchen.  She assisted in nearly every baked good we created and even rolled a few Rouladens for Christmas Eve (which she actually enjoyed eating this year!).  She is also super helpful when it comes to making meatballs also.  I am looking forward to handing off the kitchen to her completely in the next decade.

And finally, in  a year of so many experiences, I nearly couldn't fit in a journey she has been on since last January when she started an orthodontal journey.  She started with spacers, which the tech warned me would cause a lot of discomfort...Molly requested ibuprofen once and never mentioned them again.  Then she got a palate expander that we turned every night...didn't phase her a bit.  And in July, she got her braces which she wears with pride, eagerly changing out the colored bands to fit the season.  Currently she is sporting red and green "holly" on top and white "snow" on the bottom.  She did not take my suggestion of red and white "candy canes" on top of green "Christmas tree"...and you know who decision in this area of fashion was a solid choice.  She looks fantastic.

Dear Molly,
  You continue to amaze us each and every day with your quick quips, imaginative creations, and kindness to all around you (except maybe a brother or two...but, John you always have a soft spot for...except when the Nintendo is involved...that really needs to go).  When a teacher told me you had been a great recruiter for a new student at Inquisiminds due to your outgoing and inclusive personality...I was so proud, but not surprised.  As we say so often: That's our Molly!

I hope you continue to be as loving and outgoing and just all around fun to be around for many years to come.  We thank God that we were blessed with such a special GIRL every day...well, most every day ;).  But, you and I will grow together, won't we?

Love ya, Molly-Girl!  I hope your hot chocolate has whipped cream a mile high and your chocolate cake is the best cake ever!  Time to dance!

Love,
Mom