Skipping some time....

I'm going to skip a significant amount of time on this family blog.  I tried making a photo book, and there is no time for me to replicate what I already did.  I'm still trying to figure out my preferred method of record keeping for my family....We will see if things change :)

Dear Macy

Dear Macy,
I love you.  Every year you are growing and changing and developing yourself.  I like to see the person you are becoming.  I like to see you fight to overcome obstacles.  You are always so determined to accomplish the things you want to do.  Sometimes, you get frustrated because you can't do everything "perfect" on the first try.  You are getting better though at being patient with yourself.  That's a good thing.  Everyone needs to be patient with themselves.  I still have to work on that sometimes.  I want to be perfect at everything,  but I'm learning to let that go and just do my best.  The other day, you wistfully said to me, "Mom, what if I was perfect at EVERYTHING...."  One day, Macy.  But not for a very, very very long time.
Right now, you are working on piano and gymnastics.  You have so many things that you want to do, but those are what we've narrowed them down to.  You like to push yourself in both of those.  You find great satisfaction in learning and mastering new skills.
You are doing great with school this year.  You are showing much more independence just since last year.  You know that you have to complete your assignments, and I don't think there have been any times where you've thrown a fit and tried to get out of it.  You love to read.  You like music.  I love singing with you.  You seem to be getting along great with the kids at school.
You have lots of friends you like to play with: Ella, Indie, Quincy, Annie, Ellie, Carlie....you love playing with people.  Some of these girls are new to our area this year, and I've been pleased with the way that you've taken them under your wing and made them feel comfortable.
You are such a big help with Hadley.  You love taking care of her.  I greatly appreciate your help.  The first time that Carston was babysitting, guess who changed Hadley's poopy diaper?  Not Carston!  You did!  And you did a good job.
I love you, Macy.  I'm so happy that you are a member of our family.
Love, Mom

Dear Avery

Dear Avery,
Right now you are 9 and we are just finishing up our first month of school.  I love you so much Avery.  You are a light in the world.  You are positive and encouraging.  You are incredibly creative.  You are always coming up with fun, creative, and elaborate things to play.  Your sisters greatly benefit from your imagination, and I know that it has inspired their own.  You are a great sister.  I truly appreciate the way that you look out for your sisters and seek to help them.  You are definitely a peacemaker and try to make our family run smoothly.
I have been very impressed with how well you have been working in school.  You are independent, you stay focused, and you work hard.  I don't have to remind you to be doing your work.  That is a big help for me.  I love to read the things you write.
This year, you decided that you wanted to do gymnastics again.  I've loved to watch you work in gymnastics.  You've learned that as long as you don't give up, and you keep trying, you will eventually be able to do the things you are trying to learn.  That is awesome!
This summer, one of your best friends moved.  It has been hard for you, but I've been so proud of the way you are trying to make the best of it.  I have loved watching you strengthen other relationships.  Everyone loves to play with you because you are a good, kind friend.
You still love to read.  You hardly ever get in trouble, but if you do, it is usually because you are reading when you're supposed to be doing something else.  It reminds me of myself when I was your age.  Whenever we go to the library, you finish your books within the first week.  There was a book set you really wanted that cost $15.  You set up a store in your room with a whole bunch of things to sell.  Macy and Kate were your best customers.  After that, you were still a few dollars short.  You earned the rest by doing the dishes and thoroughly cleaning the car (vacuum, washing windows, etc.).  I thought that was great that you were willing to work hard for what you wanted.
You still love snuggling, going to grandma's, playing games, playing with your friends, riding your bike, rollerblading, and creating things.
I love you. Avery.  I feel so lucky to be your mom, and I'm so happy with the person you are.
Love, Mom