Happy Birthday, Molly!

 

Happy Birthday, Molly! 12 YEARS OLD!!! What a wonderful year you have just experienced!  In a previous blog post  I said I was still keeping up, but I think this past year you surpassed me...but, you didn't seem to mind taking charge of what you wanted to do!  (and as scary as that is...it nearly always turned out just fine!)

For example, last February we thought it would be fun to introduce the kids to skiing.  We chose a small resort near our home in Virginia.  Despite icy conditions and particularly rough run, Molly did not give up and eventually decided to go up and down the mountain.  By herself.  Without telling anyone.  Yet, all ended well and she was beaming when she let me know her accomplishment.  I couldn't get angry, but insisted we both go up and come down together.  At least once.  It may be the last chance I get as she will very quickly surpass my ability...which is low, I admit.
 

We can rely on Molly to keep her word, though.  If she says she is going to get up early to get donuts, you better be prepared to get up early to get donuts, too.  Or she may just raid the honey pot and go get them herself.  Frankly, despite not keeping up...I'm coming out ahead.  Especially, as I have a husband who tends to get up early! (Thank you, Dearie)

This year, Molly acquired a library card.  While, she did have one in Virginia, she never utilized the hold option at the library (and has let me know she thought it was kind of cheating).  However, she has come around to how wonderful it is. She is constantly requesting new books and reading them.  Huge books, I might add.  A teacher at her co-op commented she hoped she was finding time to get her other schoolwork done...me, too!  One of her goals is to ride her bike to the library.  Continuing the trend of making me more and more obsolete in her life. 

Summer Reading

Spring Reading

Fall Reading

And all the reading paid off as she did quite well in her inaugural Geography Bee.  Even staying in longer than Will.  Good job, Molly!

 

Technically not reading, she just found a cozy place to do her schoolwork

Going along with the theme, Molly passed my ability to put a cute outfit together a long time ago.  Even if this is actually my shirt.  Which I had been wondering about for months, when it popped up on her after hiding in her drawers...And though we definitely do NOT wear the same size in clothes...we can share shoes now!  Which is nice.

 

 

Last year as we prepared to move, Molly kept a positive outlook.  She took part in everything she could.  Even remembering a friend was performing in a ballet the week our packers were coming.  She politely asked to go see it, and despite my initial reaction (which was No), we figured out a way that worked well for all involved.  She and Eric went on a date to the ballet.  And it was perfect.  Especially as they both had the hats to match the occasion.  

One of Molly's outfits.  The purse was a gift from Grandma.  I didn't realize what it was and accidentally cut it as I was opening the package.  I told Molly, her immediate reaction was: Oh!  I have thread, I can sew it!  And she did.  Classic Molly.

Molly has gotten to spend some wonderful times with her cousin, Margaret, over the last few months.  And it is a pleasure to see how much that friendship has grown over the years!  It definitely helped that Margaret and her family came to visit so soon after we moved to Ohio.  Especially, as Margaret helped Molly get her room organized (maybe Margaret could come for another visit...sooner rather than later!)

As quickly as Molly is growing up, I love to see the sense of fun that she will always have.  Whether it is jumping into a pile of leaves.

Or pretending to be drinking a waterfall.

She also jumped into many performance opportunities this fall.  She played a doll in her co-op's production of 'The Nutcracker.'

She also was a choir boy in an Opera at an area college as well as performed in many concerts with her choir.  She was a busy girl, but always was ready to go and had her music and lines memorized well before they were required by directors.  We are so proud of her and her dedication is getting recognized as she was asked on multiple occasions to fill in for missing performers.  Nothing huge, but her ability to adapt and overcome is getting to be known and counted on. 

While we are so proud of her, we are not surprised.  Molly has always found a way to succeed.  From the time she was a baby, we saw this characteristic. (The story of 1 year old Molly and box of candy at Easter is one we will tell for the rest of our lives)  And while it can find her on the naughty list from time to time, it is a life skill that we know will carry her far.

Happy Birthday, Molly-Girl!  We thank God today for your life in our home.  (Ignore what Dom and Will may say...always)  You make our lives richer and more beautiful just by being you.  I didn't even touch on the beautiful cards you make or the care you take when picking out gifts or the thoughtful acts of service.  You have a huge heart and it shows in the way small children flock to you at events.  Or the way you easily acquire friends everywhere you go.  People only know you for a few minutes and then will come and let me know how wonderful you are.   Though they haven't seen your room...that might humanize you for a bit.  

I feel so fortunate that I get to watch you continue to grow and that you still ask me to do your hair (didn't see that coming...did you? Though, my competition is the boys...so...).  I love that you will still hold my hand or put your head on my shoulder and that I can provide some source of comfort in this world. 

 Now, the day has started.  Waffles are sizzling, presents are wrapped, school is on hold, and it is time to celebrate you!  I'm also thinking Chipotle for lunch!!  Love you, Molly-Girl!!

 

Mom