In our religion, when a young man or a young woman turns twelve, they leave Primary and enter the aptly named Young Men's and Young Women's Programs. It's kind of a big deal, and although it might not be as celebratory as a Bat Mitzvah or Quinceanera, we still take the transition seriously.
#1 turned 12 on Sunday. On Saturday, she had two soccer games, a fun team pizza party, a birthday party, went out to dinner and watched a movie with us. Sunday morning she had her final Bishop's Interview for her Faith in God award. They presented her in Sacrament Meeting, and she received her Faith in God award in Primary. And then she got to go to Young Women's!
It's so hard to believe that our baby girl is twelve years old! I still remember her birth (six days before Brandon and I graduated from BYU) as if it was... well... not so much yesterday, anymore. But it doesn't feel like 12 years!
#1 is a joy. Truly, she is! She has a beautiful heart and a wonderful desire to do good in the world. She strives and achieves her dreams, she's inclusive, helpful, talented, and beautiful. We love everything about her. Truly, God blessed us deeply when he sent her to us first.
I'll admit that I've made a lot of parenting mistakes on her. I've tried to rectify what my ignorance has caused for her, but honestly? I think she's been blessed with a sweet ability to overcome it.
The kids adore her. #5 and #6 see her almost as a second mother, and this is not only because she babysits for us, but because she loves them so dearly. She's always looking out for her siblings and she takes very good care of them. Even when she's annoyed by their behavior, she can't hide her love for them.
I asked her on Saturday night what she wanted to be when she grew up. In the past she has said "artist" or "marine biologist" or "math teacher." I was expecting something like that, but instead she said: "I want to be a mom." I seriously thought I would burst with emotion. Because how many girls now-a-days want to be mothers? How many are being shown what a great calling motherhood is? It would have been just fine with me if she had said "biologist," but knowing that she can see the value in motherhood as much as I do --even with all my failings --made me realize that I might be doing something right after all (Brandon, too, of course! Let's not discount his influence. She adores her father!).
Happiest of birthdays to #1! We love you so much and can't wait for this next stage of your life. It will be wonderful!
Photos of her on the morning of her birthday, just before choir practice and her Bishop's Interview:
#1 turned 12 on Sunday. On Saturday, she had two soccer games, a fun team pizza party, a birthday party, went out to dinner and watched a movie with us. Sunday morning she had her final Bishop's Interview for her Faith in God award. They presented her in Sacrament Meeting, and she received her Faith in God award in Primary. And then she got to go to Young Women's!
It's so hard to believe that our baby girl is twelve years old! I still remember her birth (six days before Brandon and I graduated from BYU) as if it was... well... not so much yesterday, anymore. But it doesn't feel like 12 years!
#1 is a joy. Truly, she is! She has a beautiful heart and a wonderful desire to do good in the world. She strives and achieves her dreams, she's inclusive, helpful, talented, and beautiful. We love everything about her. Truly, God blessed us deeply when he sent her to us first.
I'll admit that I've made a lot of parenting mistakes on her. I've tried to rectify what my ignorance has caused for her, but honestly? I think she's been blessed with a sweet ability to overcome it.
The kids adore her. #5 and #6 see her almost as a second mother, and this is not only because she babysits for us, but because she loves them so dearly. She's always looking out for her siblings and she takes very good care of them. Even when she's annoyed by their behavior, she can't hide her love for them.
I asked her on Saturday night what she wanted to be when she grew up. In the past she has said "artist" or "marine biologist" or "math teacher." I was expecting something like that, but instead she said: "I want to be a mom." I seriously thought I would burst with emotion. Because how many girls now-a-days want to be mothers? How many are being shown what a great calling motherhood is? It would have been just fine with me if she had said "biologist," but knowing that she can see the value in motherhood as much as I do --even with all my failings --made me realize that I might be doing something right after all (Brandon, too, of course! Let's not discount his influence. She adores her father!).
Happiest of birthdays to #1! We love you so much and can't wait for this next stage of your life. It will be wonderful!
Photos of her on the morning of her birthday, just before choir practice and her Bishop's Interview:
She had a birthday party at a trampoline jump place in town with all her buddies:
Cheesecake at home on her actual Birthday (ignore the fake "2" in the "12". I forgot to get candles and it was Sunday, so we couldn't run out to get more. Ah, well. It was a busy weekend!):
5 comments:
Hard to believe she's 12! What a neat young lady. I loved reading your thoughts about her!
Aaw, Happy Birthday Beauty!
Wow! I can't believe she is 12! Happy birthday beautiful girl!
She is so beautiful! What a tribute to you for her to want to be a mother.
Happy belated birthday, #1!
I want that cheesecake.
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