ELEVEN!!

Happy happy Birthday Charlotte!!!   Eleven.  As I always start where did the time go.  I can still vividly remember the day you came into the world and holding you for the first time.  I can't begin to describe the overwhelming love I already had for you.    It is impossible for me to convey how much I love you.   I wish I could.   You are slowly changing from a little girl to the young woman you are becoming, it is visible in so many ways, but especially your face.

You are in fifth grade.  You like school, you don't love it like you used to.  You still love to read, and some of my happiest times are laying in bed with you reading.  It is so peaceful and you will still snuggle with me.  You started playing CFC soccer, much more demanding than town soccer you used to play.  You love playing and are so dedicated to everything about it.   You have the same group of friends, the crew and then your school friends, Michaela, Gia, Emily, and Abby.  There is way more drama in fifth grade than I remember, and I am trying to help you to navigate through it and to try not to sweat the insignifcant things.  But I know its hard to do this.  You are learning and you still are so committed to who you are.  You know who you are. You still don't let others influence you.  You have such a kind heart and are a good, true friend.  You genuinely care about your friends feelings.  I love that about you.   You got a phone this Christmas, something I swore I wouldn't do for a while longer.  You are so responsible with it and use it only for the purposes we got it for you.  You are still such a rule follower, so honest!   Skiing is still one of your favorite things to do.  Catherine and you are not getting along these days, the fighting is out of control.  It's only going to get worse I know.  Someday you will love her so much and want to spend time with her, I promise.

It is going to be tough to navigate these teen years, you and I definitely struggle with how to handle certain situations and lash out in negative ways.  My hope is we can both learn to slow down and talk through things without getting so upset and angry.  I know its going to be extremely hard.   Continue to be the amazing, kind-hearted, loving girl you are.  Be strong and confident in who you are.  Never stop believing in yourself.  You can do anything you set your mind too!  I love you to the moon and back Charlotte!!!

xo
Mommy

Happy 2019!!!

So much fun bowling and welcoming in the New year with our besties!!!

Month of Dec!

Lots going on, party's, christmas, globetrotters, playdates galore!  We had a great Christmas, lots of fun and laughs!  Catherine continued her Birthday celebration with a few parties....!  We took the kids to the Globetrotters for the first time which they absolutely loved!   Great month, but looking forward to getting back into a routine!!

She's 9!!!!!

Dear Catherine Grace,

Nine years old.  Time flies.  You are growing up so fast, in so many ways.  You want to be a teenager so badly.  You LOVE make-up, clothes shopping, really anything having to do with fashion.  You actually have a great sense of style and have picked out some nice clothes for me!  You give Daddy fashion advice too, "don't think you are going out of the house in THAT?!!"  Irish step is still your thing.  You want to move up to Prize winner and are working very hard to get there.  Your goal is to do a solo at Oierchatas next year.  Sewing, yoga and anything crafty are what you are into as well.  You have such an amazing, creative mind.  You come up with some really awesome ideas!  SLIME, ugh.  I hate it, you love it.  It's a constant battle of back and forth, can I make slime, NOOOO!  And then I always give in.  We pretty much have a slime factory.   You are smart, sometimes too smart for your own good.  You pick up on EVERYTHING, daddy and I have to watch what we say around you now.   You still have the same core group of friends, but have added a few more this year, Avery and Eliza.  You still like school, but get bored.  You love writing and reading.  When you grow up you want to be an actress, irish step teacher, judge, art teacher,... the list goes on.  I am sure you will do something very creative.  You have such a strong personality and passion and love of life.  You get so excited about everything.  Always wanting to do something, have a friend over, craft, bake, you name it.  You have a heart of gold and are a good friend.  You always include everyone.  I hope year nine is amazing for you with lots of new adventurous and happy days!!!  Keep smiling and making us laugh!

I love you to the moon and back Gracie Bear!!

xo Mommy