Happy Birthday, Molly!

 Happy 10th Birthday, Molly!  You have entered the double digit club and we have enjoyed every year of this journey.

For 10 years, you have left a little sparkle everywhere you go.  Dad pointed out that sometimes that sparkle is just things you leave in every room of the house...like socks, or scrunchies, or hair brushes, or books, or paper with doodles, or candy wrappers...something just to let us know you have been there.

But, that sparkle is also in the way you compliment your friends (both old and newly made) and occasionally your brothers or share a joke or story.  Or in the way I hear you singing to yourself throughout the day.

I have struggled to write this blog post.  I normally let the pictures guide me and tell anecdotes from when it it was captured, but so many of your pictures are you just being happy.  Which is a gift in itself.

Like when you capture a selfie with Dad.  

You are quick-witted, which is wonderful.  Especially when it comes to Set competitions.  And you have learned to spot number patterns in time displays.  Pointing out all of the Palindromes.  That's my girl!

I think of all of the pictures of you...and there are a lot...not counting the selfies you take...this is my favorite.  It so perfectly captures your free spirit.  You've always had such wonderful confidence and I love that about you.  I also love that you dance for yourself.  Before I met Dad, I would have said you got that from me, but anyone who has seen him at a wedding reception knows it is more from him.

I also love your cleverness and sense of fun.  Like when you decide to dress up like John and to dress John up in your clothes.  

Your art skills surpassed mine long ago, but I'm still always impressed with everything you produce...even those bits of sparkle you leave all over the house.  I really need to get you a better storage plan for them.  My threats of throwing them away are pretty empty. 

John has been your sidekick for some time now, and I hope that your friendship continues to grow.  Even if he refuses to dress as your little sister now.

This was a year where you learned many new skills...like painting your bike with Dad.

Reading while eating (though that is probably just a skill you honed this last year...as opposed to learned)

 

Making mask wearing look awesome

Building Fire Lays

And bottling beer with Dad...Dad really has some solid skills.  I realize this picture does not show you bottling beer, but it was your quick answer when I asked just what you had done to be eating a cupcake leisurely in the kitchen.

Last May, you crossed over into Explorers with American Heritage Girls.  I have enjoyed seeing you interact with all of the girls in your troop.  

You know how to make the most of your time.  I never see you bored.  If we have an afternoon free:  

Tea Party!

Or reading quietly on a summer's afternoon

It isn't often I am caught off guard by what you kids choose to do, but eating Sushi is definitely one of them.  So many of my meals are refused...but raw fish?  Sure...uh huh...

I have said it for a while, but you are 100% in all of your emotions.  Luckily, you are happy most of the time.  Especially when you are well-rested and well-fed.

And holding a puppy.

Or eating tacos. (That's my girl!)

I am not much of a hugger, but I do love that you will give me a hug the second before a camera is taken!  It has been something I've noticed you do more and more.  You also take my hand when you need a little more comfort than just being next to me.  And I hope you never stop coming to me for comfort...even if I'm the cause of your suffering.

Speaking of suffering, last month you got your braces off.  It had been about 2 years of metal being in your mouth and you never complained once.  A few of the mornings immediately after an adjustment, you mentioned your mouth was a little sore, but that was it.  And you have been smiling ever since.

The other day, Molly asked about wearing mascara.  I know, right?  I told her women pay a lot of money to create eyelashes that she has naturally.  Again, something I would have thought she got from me (my eyelashes aren't too bad)...but, most likely she got this trait from her father as well. Though, I'm claiming her ability to notice number patterns.  That is all me.  And her Set talent.

Four years ago, I tried to curl Molly's hair with a curling iron: Fail.  I bought curlers and we attempted that...a little better, but they quickly came out.  Two more Christmas Eve's, we attempted to create some lovely curls.  Still, not a whole lot of luck.  But, she was never irritated with my lack of skill and happy with the results.  This year we had the best results.  They lasted for about an hour and she looked lovely!

Though, she doesn't need curls to look lovely.  A bonnet works well.

Or knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and a helmet.  Molly knows how to accessorize! (and apparently how to ride a skateboard...who knew?)

Happy Birthday, Molly-Girl!  We thank God that you are the sparkle in our family.  You love big and fight hard.  I've survived a decade of your personality, and I have enjoyed 98% of it (that percentage is growing by the year, and I have no doubt it will continue to even as the teenage years set in.)  We have been told frequently that you are a delight, a sweetheart, and a hoot.  I am thrilled that you are my teammate in this house where women are slightly outnumbered...we have them right where we want them!

We love you so much and are so proud of the spunky young lady you are!  Keep leaving sparkle wherever you go.  We will surely miss it when you stop.  Though, maybe not the candy wrappers.  

Now!  Let's have a Dance Party!

Love,
Mom