Yet another birthday

So, I'm back.
I'm well.
I can walk.
Yay for me!

But most importantly, my oldest child turned 12 yesterday.
Yes, 12.

This means a lot of things.

It means middle school.
Which means no more walking her to and from the bus stop.
Parents don't do that in middle school, I have been told.

It means no more Primary. She is now in Young Women's.
It means other people can ask her to babysit.
It means she wears makeup.
It means facing different challenges and events in life that make everything you've gone through before pale in comparison.

But that is how life works.
When you are in middle school, you think back with fondness on how easy elementary school was.
When you are in high school, suddenly middle school is remembered as especially simple.
When you are in college, the work load of high school seems minor.

Of course there are all sorts of perks to growing up.
For one: Your mother can meet you at the bus stop with balloons and flowers and embarass you with tons of love and attention.

Oh, wait. That's a perk for ME.







I think she was more happy than embarassed, really.

And I hope so, she deserves happiness.

Kate is the easiest 12 year old anyone could ask for.
She is always willing to help.
Very rarely rolls her eyes.
Loves her younger brothers and sisters.
Babysits whenever we ask.
Easy going, content, and understanding.
Kind and gracious, and so dang beautiful, it's frightening.

All this deserves something extra special, over the top.
At least it's extra special, over the top for our family.

It's an Ipod Touch.




I think she is happy about it.
Yes, those are happy tears.

The evening was pretty great. She made it easy on me.
For her birthday menu she requested homemade lasagna and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Done and done.

I'm thinking she will remember her 12th birthday for years to come.
I know I will.