This little Bug-love of mine has really grown up in this last year. Since we homeschool she deals better with her anxiety (mostly at homeschool coops or at her 3x a week judo class) since she has the quiet of home to work and much, much less of the drama with classmates. I was pleased when swim season came around and she elected to attend all the swim meets she could. The first two were pretty rough, she was tightly wound and the noise and crowd that comes with such events was wearing, let alone competing against others. She stuck to it though and found ways to quietly withdraw in the crowd during down time while 'relaxing' enough to smile just before her turn to compete. A friend who's children also attend kept an eye out for her since I couldn't stay during swim practices. She remarked to me how much she thought Bug had matured emotionally and how independent she was becoming which warmed my heart to know others could see her growth too.
I love how she is fascinated by the living world around her and seeks to understand their relationships. I recently made the mistake of doing a Jack London book "Call of the Wild" as a audiobook, forgetting how graphic he illustrates the relationships in nature of basic survival. I worried a little as to her response and was surprised by her mature response, tearfully she said," He can't help it, he just needs to live. He would be better if life was easier."
Weekend dinner out with just Mama and Baba! A truly rare treat!
This level a maturity replays as she looks at human relationships. Long after the book is done she is still pondering the 'why' of character actions. It has made her aware that people come with so much more than their outward actions and words. Maybe this is why she is always notably kind to those with special needs. Everyone always remarks how she reaches out to those who are alone or different. I'm so proud of her for this loving perspective and one I pray will continue. She has beautiful heart.
This is a big birthday for her because in our church this is the age the children can choose to be baptized and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For her present we let her choose her own brand new dress (a rare thing in our household) and a set of scriptures with a carrier and a journal. She loved everything but especially the journal. She's already take time to record some of the most important moments in her life, such as her baptism. We were blessed with the presence of many friends and family who helped make everything so special and holy.
Pumpkin is use to being the center of attention and was not pleased she was eclipsed by this special event. Her newest friend's presence made her extremely happy!
She has always loved her cousin Carly and since we don't see them often we had to get a shot with everyone on the couch.
A week later we celebrated a joint birthday party with one of Bug's best friends. Our families are a great fit and even Kent and I had some nice adult conversation. Aside from a request of chocolate butterflies she gave me free rein on the cake so I took the time to play around with buttercream flowers. It was a fitting symbol for the cake as these two young ladies mature in so many ways.
The cake request was to be strawberry and I cooked down puree and replaced it for the water content. Between the layers I made a blackberry buttercream icing. The butterflies were made of chocolate and were a fun experience for me.
Bug was just bursting with excitement as her friend opened her present. She took a great deal of time and thought to pick out the BEST thing we could afford. She has such a giving heart!
I love you Bug! Happy eighth birthday and wishes for many, many more to come. You are a beautiful young lady and I cannot wait to see how you will grow into an amazing young woman!
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