TGIF

Today has seemed incredibly long.  I hate that Allie has piano lessons at 6:45 in the morning.  I woke up with a headache and it hasn't really ever gone away today.  It's not even 8:00 on a Friday night and I am ready for bed.  I have spent my day today preparing for our trip to Disney World next week, working on kids science fair projects, doing dishes, making dinner and all the other various mom things on my to-do list.  I have four loads of laundry sitting in my bedroom that I should really fold before I go to sleep, but it's not going to happen.  My pillow is beckoning, and for once, I don't have to run around later this evening collecting kids from friends' homes.  We are all here; kind of doing our own things, but together nonetheless.  Does that make any sense?  I am grateful for nights like tonight.  I am grateful for comfy pajamas and warm socks and dogs that like to snuggle.  I am grateful for Tylenol and the relief it will offer my headache shortly.  I am glad we are all home together and that tomorrow is a new day.  I have to clean bathrooms, which is not my favorite, but I will survive and maybe even get the laundry folded.

This Not That

Clearly, I am much more creative and open to writing when my kids are gone.  Unfortunately, that time for the day has passed and still no blog post.... so I found this fun little list of things that I thought I'd answer for today's post.

• Toilet Paper over or under?  Something I didn't know you could really have an opinion on until I got married.  Matt prefers it over, so over it is.
• Minty or fruity gum?  Definitely minty!  I don't chew gum for the flavor, I chew it to freshen things up and fruity doesn't last as long.
• Diamonds or pearls?  This is a stupid question.  Either.  Seriously, ask any woman and I'll bet she'd just feel happy to get either.
• Hot chocolate or coffee?  I have to say hot chocolate because I don't drink coffee; although, I love the smell of coffee and Jamoca Almond Fudge may be my new favorite at Baskin Robbins.
• Roses or tulips?  I love to see the tulips poke through the ground in the spring, but I really love roses.  They are so fragrant and beautiful and I have such good memories of my Grandma Jones associated with roses.  Whenever I would travel to her house to stay, she would always let me cut a few from her bushes to keep in a vase in my room.  The purple ones are my favorite, but I also have a soft spot for Mr. Lincoln roses.  The bush is tall (nearly 6 feet) and produces really rich red blooms.  Yes, definitely roses!
• Sweet or salty?  Technically, you need both, but if I have to pick one or the other, I'm going with salty.  Current faves are popcorn, corn chips and nuts.
• 11:00 am or 11:00 pm?  Wait?  There are two of these in a day?  Definitely 11:00 am.  I am not a night person.  I would be (and often am) in my bed in jammies by 7:30.  If 11:00 pm happens, this girl isn't happy about it.
• Mountains or ocean view?  Ocean view definitely.  I love where I live, and I love that I can look at the mountains from nearly every angle, but my dream is to someday own a beach house.  I could walk the beach for miles, searching for treasure and the vastness of the ocean is great food for thought.
• Fiction or non-fiction?  Probably fiction, only because it helps you escape and in my mind, that's the wonder of reading.  However, I do love non-fiction as well.  Especially if I am sitting upright and am caught up on my sleep; otherwise I start to have college flashbacks.
• Silk or cotton?  Silk is too slippery.  I like cotton.  That would explain my love affair with jeans and t-shirts.
• Drama or comedy?  Make me laugh anytime.  There is no better emotion than laughter with tears.  
• Email or telephone?  Email.  I hate talking on the phone.  I would much rather communicate via text or email.  That's not to say I don't like to talk to people, but I don't have large uninterrupted blocks of time to devote to a phone conversation.  Sorry.
• Movies or theatre?  I like theatre (especially musical theatre), but spend most of my time during plays wondering when it's going to be over.  I have been known to leave at intermission if I'm not captivated.  This also happens with movies, too, but they usually move fast enough that I'm not bored for long.  I would like to spend some time rediscovering Shakespeare in 2014 and hopefully building up my endurance for theatre.
• Tent or caravan?  Not really sure about the definition of caravan here, but for my purposes, I'm going to assume that it's more of a camper/5th wheel/motorhome type of thing.  Definitely the latter.  Although I do not currently have any of these items at my disposal, I am certain I would enjoy the great outdoors more if I was warm and semi-comfortable.  Oh, a a few feet to the toilet would be an added plus, but not totally necessary.
• Now or then?  Definitely now!  Then was probably fine, but it doesn't do us any good to live in the past.  We can only move forward and make the present the best it can be.  Right now, I wish my present included a hot bath, folded laundry and an early bedtime.  I'm off to make it so!

The One and Only..... Rebekah

I know that I'm glad there's only one of me.... not sure that the world could handle more of us.  The challenge for today is to introduce myself.  Most of you know me, so the superficial route is out.  I thought about doing a Top Ten list, but that seemed a little insincere.  So, I thought I would give you the long version of how I see myself.  Keep in mind, that this introduction may change at any time, without any notice... but today, January 1, 2014, this is who I am.

My name is Rebekah Ann Homer Pierce.  Born in Bountiful, Utah in 1975 (a date that is getting farther and farther down on those drop down menus, I might add.)  I love my family, in all their various forms. I try really hard to be a good daughter and a good wife.  I spend most of my time acting as a mother and all it entails.  My favorite description of the role of a mother is "the dispenser of quick and dirty justice."  Life as a mom is not always pretty, and certainly isn't easy, but it's something that I take great satisfaction in.  I have a  long way to go until I would consider myself "great" but I would give myself a solid B in the subject of mothering.

My mothering philosophy is this.  I try really hard not to yell.... I hate the way it escalates and enhances bad feelings.  I much prefer sarcasm.  I am not one for passive-aggressiveness; I think you should own your emotions.  My kids know when I'm upset, but likewise, it's generally pretty easy to tell when I'm in a good mood.  I want my kids to know that they are special.  I do the basics.  I run them to their activities, make sure they're clothed (in mostly clean clothes), fed (although I may not actually make said food) and I make them do their homework.  I try really hard not to nag, and to let natural consequences take their course.  I feel bad that I have favorites (but don't worry, they change occasionally.)  I tell my kids that I love them multiple times a day.  I love to get hugs from my boys and am grateful that my girls choose our house to hang out with their friends.  I try to create special times; I've learned to set a very low bar for myself, however, because special times can kill you if you're not really prepared.  I like to think that I roll with the punches, but the truth is, I still struggle with this one; I'm better than I was, but still not good.

As a wife, I see myself as a confidante, comic relief, gopher and main source of my husband's frustration (see previous posts on depression.)  I like to buy things and make the house look pretty; but I fall short when it comes to laundry domination, sparkling toilet bowls and gourmet meals.  I have not given up yet, however.  I love my husband.  He's awesome.  I know I'm not everything he wishes I would be, but over the years, I'm sure I've gotten a few points for trying.  I support him in his work; I want him to be happy and fulfilled.  I appreciate the burden he bears as the "sole provider" for our family.  I would rather spend time with him (preferably without the interruption of little voices) than anyone.  I look forward to growing old with him and having adventures together.

As a daughter, I have to admit, that I am my parents' best.  I say that only because I have no sisters.  I always tried hard to be good (sometimes more dutifully than others) and I tried to set a good example for my younger brothers; or at least serve as a cautionary tale.  I enjoy spending time with my parents and am grateful that they haven't changed the locks on the house.  My parents do a lot for me and my family and I try to repay the favor (like that's even possible) in any way that I can.

Now onto the harder roles; sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter (these are the other forms of family I spoke of earlier.)  These are harder only because I have a big mouth and am incredibly outspoken.  I think that I have yet to learn my proper place in these relationships and I vacillate between overly involved and completely withdrawn.  It is sometimes really hard for me to understand why these other folks I love and who I'm also assuming love me, don't do what I think is best.  I have some very strong opinions and surprising as it may be, they are not always shared.  To all you folks, I hope you know that I love you, although I don't claim to understand you.  I will probably continue to tell you how to raise your kids, what not to say, how to solve your problems or why you're reaping what you sow.  It is not my intention to cause offense, but since I enjoy conversation and discussion, this is how I show my love.  Jacked up, yes, but genuine, nonetheless.

Which brings me to the one word that I would use to describe myself: genuine.  There is a big part of my personality that seeks to please others.  However, I have discovered that by indulging that part of myself, I actually end up doing myself a disservice.  So, I try really hard to be genuine; and it is hard because of those dang natural consequences.  I am certain that there are many people that I encounter in my daily life who feel as though I am inappropriate or offensive or selfish.  As I said before, I am not interested in being passive-aggressive and try really hard not to be subversive.  That said, I do try to be tactful, but am not always successful.  For those of you who truly want to know me, here are a few of my mottoes:

• You can't fix stupid.  I have very, and I mean VERY, little tolerance for stupid people.  
• Beauty fades, but stupid stays.  I really like this because I have never fit into what I perceive as society's norm for beauty and style.  When I'm 80, I may still not be much to look at, but we'll have fascinating conversations about interesting topics.  Those hot girls from high school, cute girls from college, and gorgeous soccer moms will be sitting in a chair somewhere, having their hair died blue and talking about the 10,000th edition of "The Bachelor."  Thanks, but I'm good with who I'm becoming.
• If you're going to look back and laugh, you might as well laugh now.  I stole this from my good friend Lisa.  This is such great advice; sometimes hard to do, but so important.  This is honestly how I get through motherhood.
• I do like a good swear word every now and then.  Probably more often than my parents would like and definitely more often than my kids enjoy, but I believe firmly that this is why I will never be called as Relief Society President.  I enjoy the line from "A Christmas Story" where Ralphie explains that "My father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay.  It was his true medium, a master."  Now, I don't claim to be a master and there are some words that I will not use, but there are times where a good cuss word just makes me feel better.  Sorry Mom!
• I like it loud! Music, discussions, TV, whatever.  And no, I don't believe that I have a hearing problem.  I like to feel what I'm hearing and I like to know that people are hearing me.  I have become pretty good at listening, too, but I like to know that I'm getting my point across.  Also, there's no point in making sound if people can't hear it.  So, please know, I am loud.  And I HATE to be "shushhhed."  So don't do it.
• If I'm going to say it behind your back, I might as well tell you to your face.  This is a lesson I have learned the hard way, and sometimes is just a bitter pill to swallow.  The truth hurts and sometimes I am not very diplomatic (although I do try.) But, the truth shall also set you free.  In my relationships where I have learned to be truly honest, they have become the most fulfilling.

Okay.... enough philosophizing.  Here are the random facts that must be included in any post of this nature.

• I am a recovering fatty... I still love chocolate and hate exercise but think I understand the point of moderation.
• I really, really, REALLY miss Diet Coke.  I don't have it hardly ever anymore and that makes me sorta sad.
• I'm a bit of a history nerd and I think that it is sadly, something that is really lacking in future generations.
• I hate it when I'm offered unsolicited advice.  Ironic, yes, but maddening still.
• It really bothers me that people vote straight-ticket in our country.  I believe strongly in a two-party system and think no one party has a monopoly on good/bad ideas.
• I don't think that morality should be legislated.  I don't think it is good for us as a society.  There are a lot of things that fit under this umbrella, but I just think we should all pretty much live, and let live.
• I know that there are many people on this planet who know way more than me.  I hope that eventually I will be humble enough to seek them out and learn from them.
• I am a stickler for spelling and grammar.  It's important.
• I am incredibly grateful for good friends who accept me as I am and support me in everything I do.  Thank you for loving me enough for me to show vulnerability.  That's not an easy thing, but you guys make it possible.
• I miss my grandmas every day!
• I might be addicted to my iPhone and computer.  That's a real possibility.
• I would choose to stay in my pajamas all day and read a book if that were an option.
• I love all things Disney and think that if you don't, you're doing it wrong.

Phew!  That's a lot for one day.  Tune in tomorrow for more great and enlightening moments with yours truly.

Return, Report and Resolve

First and foremost, I want to congratulate us all for making it through another year.  2013 flew by!  As is customary, I am looking back at what I wanted to accomplish over the course of the last year and I will say that my results are about what I expected.  I didn't do everything, but I made progress in several areas.  I found a card with a sea turtle on it when I was in Hawaii last spring that said, "Slow still gets you there."  Therefore, I am going to put 2013 to bed with a silver star (gold is reserved for the true winners!)

Second, this post signals the end of an era... or something like that.  One of my goals in 2013 was to blog weekly.  Obviously, that didn't happen.  To be honest, I think about writing a lot; blogging ideas occupy my mind when I exercise.  Mostly, I think that is because working out for me is somewhat comical, and I veer towards self-deprication when I am uncomfortable.  At any rate, this is one of the areas that I want to work on in 2014.  So, I am changing things up a bit.

For the foreseeable future, in addition to witty commentary about my life *snicker*, I am going to start using this blog as a journaling forum.  This means several things, not the least of which is that many of you might learn way more about my thoughts and feelings than you ever wanted to.  There are a few of you that receive this blog via email; I am going to discontinue this unless you tell me otherwise (to save you from Rebekah overload.)  The exception to that is Matt..... he's going to hear from me whether he wants to or not.

I hope to be able to address (productively) many of the thoughts and feelings that come to my mind.  Just a warning, that may be scary.  In some instances, the names may be changed to protect the innocent, and in others you many get an honorary mention; just depends on the mood that I am in.  There are several topics that, to be honest, Matt is sick of hearing about, so I need another outlet and in my puppy-induced insomnia, this seemed like the right place.

For the first month or so, I am going to try to post everyday... with the help of a prompt.

There, you've been warned.  Choose your response accordingly.

*********************************************************************************

Moving forward.......

Returning and reporting on progress in 2013.

Health & Fitness

• Made good strides in tracking food and protein intake thanks to MyFitnessPal.
• Exercise wasn't as consistent as it was in 2012, but I ran in at least 5 races.  There may have been more, but I can't remember for certain.  A big disappointment was that I was supposed to run a 10-miler with Matt in October but had to forgo it because of my hysterectomy.  Unfortunately, that whole experience really threw me for a loop and has hurt my training for the half-marathon I'm supposed to "run" next week in Disneyworld.  I keep telling myself that it will be okay and that the worst that can happen is that they collect me from the course for not keeping up.  At this point, I'm not sure whether that will be an embarrassment or a relief.
• Fruits and veggies.... still don't love them, although I discovered avocados this year and they are so my new favorite.

Financial

• Made a respectable effort to stay more on top of my bank accounts this year.  I have discovered that we do not, in fact, have a money tree that grows in the backyard and that I can't run through Target throwing money at things.  That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much.

Spiritual

For some reason, these are the failures that seem the most glaring.  I kind of suck at this stuff.  

• I can say with some degree of certainty that I made progress in my personal daily prayers.  I tried really hard (most of the time) to pray about things that were causing me concern and to act accordingly.
• Family Home Evening.  I have a hard time with this, but think it's so important.  I need to do better and stop using the excuse that Matt is out of town as a reason to not follow through with this.  I am hopeful that I have a few new ideas up my sleeve and pledge to work hard in 2014 to get me and the kids working harder in the spiritual sense.
• Personal Progress.  Ughhhh.  I soooooo suck at this.  There are so many moms in my ward who work with their girls, who set a good example and who achieve goals themselves.... what is my problem?  I really need to sit down with Erin (and soon with Allie) and get a handle on this.  Erin is almost finished as a Beehive and I don't think I can say she's done much.  What am I going to do when we add Faith in God for Jack and Cub Scouts in January???

Domestic Goddess Duties

What? You don't have these?  I bet you do.  They're generally boring, but I try to spice them up when I can.  Goals for 2013 included:

• Weekly grocery shopping and meal planning.  Pleased to say that although there were a few rough patches, this generally went better than ever this year.  I am still working on trying to think outside the box when it comes to meal planning (my box is very small,) but feel as though I am making progress all the time.
• Making my bed everyday.  Not a big thing, but something that changes the way I feel every morning.  At the very least, it is much harder to crawl back into a made bed after the kids get off to school, and if I immediately cover it with clean laundry, chances are good that it will get folded as well.

Personal

In 2013, I wanted to take time weekly to read and quilt and I also wanted to blog weekly.  Let me just say this... I made one quilt in 2013 (for my new nephew River) and had/have great plans to make them for babies Stella, Ezra, Archer and Charlotte.  Not sure that it's going to happen, but I do have a sizable stash of fabric in the basement for just such occasions.

I started off 2013 reading a ton, but kind of fizzled out during the summer.  I have at least two dozen new books upstairs waiting to be read and hope that the reading bug bites.  There's nothing better than a good book.

If you're reading this blog, you know that the blogging part of my resolution went nowhere last year.  I wrote more catch-up posts than anything else.... but the point is, I kept coming back.

So, for 2014, I've decided to change my strategy a bit.  Instead of setting specific goals in several areas this year, I thought I would select a few key words and try to make them the guiding principles in 2014.  Continuing with the post theme of alliteration (and showcasing a masterful command of alphabetic order,) my words for 2014 all start with the letter S.

• SIMPLIFY - this is one of the things I feel most strongly about, but struggle with, nonetheless.  When I spent the better part of 10 weeks in bed recovering from my hysterectomy (and no, I'm not seeing how many times I can use that word in a day,) it was very nice to have the rigors of daily life retreat from my schedule.  Of course they have crept back in, but I am resolving to try and keep my schedule more clear in 2014 and to make the things that occupy my time and the time of my family, meaningful.  If you see me, remind me of this, will you?
• SPIRITUAL - Obviously, I struggle with this.  So, simply put, I am going to try and be more dedicated to reading my scriptures in 2014.  Matt and I are going to take time together every morning (no matter the time zone difference) to read for just 10 minutes.  We should be able to do that, right?  Anything else in this area is a bonus.  I have felt a lot lately, that I am holding myself back and the Lord is only waiting for me to put forth the effort to bless me.  A simple answer, I know, but one I obviously struggle with.
• SAVING - time and money.  This is a rough one when you struggle with feelings of inadequacy and depression.  My go-to problem solvers are eating (which is getting better) and spending money.  I tell myself that it's not frivolous... it's usually for the house, or the kids, or the school.... but let's be honest, the whole Target credit card thing should serve as a wake-up call for me:)  Every time I think about trying to be a better steward of the resources I have been blessed with, I am taken back in time to an experience that Matt and I had with some good friends right after we were married.  At the time, we felt so poor (hello, Top Ramen, Mac n Cheese and whatever Matt could scrounge together on a tortilla), but in looking back, there were a few bright spots and I can say that if I had taken a good look around me, we had it pretty good.  Anyway, one Saturday night, we drove to Provo to spend the evening with friends, eating in their apartment and watching a movie.  It was a little basement apartment, certainly not fancy, but filled with love.  The couple were both students at BYU, and the phrase "starving students" definitely applied.  Stay with me folks.....  In all this, one thing sticks in my mind.  This couple had decorated their apartment with phrases to help them remember the positive things that life had to offer.  I can still see the small sign over their kitchen table, "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."  I NEED to remember this.  It is hard to sacrifice; for ourselves and others, but the results are so worth it.  I know that if I work hard to remember this in 2014, my family will be better off.
• SHARING - this final guiding principle for 2014 is about being more authentic with myself and others.  I am well aware that some of you may find my "sharing" annoying, but I am looking to stretch myself a bit, and to see if writing can serve as a problem solver, taking the place of eating and shopping.

I hope you guys like the new look of the blog (although if anyone wants to help me with a few more design elements, I'd be grateful.)  Thank you, in advance, to those of you who choose to stick with me through this journey of self-evaluation and revelation; I promise nothing except you won't be bored (kind of like your own personal train wreck.)

Best wishes for a happy and productive 2014..... it's going to be rockin'!

My Little Man

How can you not love that face?  Those dark, smoldering eyes?  His adorable dimples?  This kid is going to go places.  He is the most determined little person I have ever met (except for my niece Leah.) I can't imagine what our life would be like if we hadn't added him to the mix.

It took a while, but he's finally started to talk. Prior to this however, you could always tell what he wanted because he is so expressive; a look or a gesture and he knew he had you right where he wanted you.  My favorite things that he says are "my mommy" "ama's house," "agin, agin""tank you" "my b" and "Allrie."  To translate, those are my mommy, grandma's house, again, again, thank you, my binkie and any of these: Allie, Erin or Annie.

He has discovered cars and loves to play with his "vroom vroom".  He likes to play with our miniature Disney characters because he thinks it makes him like his big brother Jack with his Infinity characters.  He calls them "my guys."  I am a little concerned however, because he seems to gravitate towards the villains.

He hauls around his pile of blankets; kind of like Linus on steroids.  We call him "the ragman" at our house.  He has signs for many things, thanks to his late start in talking, so life at our house is sometimes a big game of charades.

Will loves to watch movies.  His favorites are MegaMind and Wreck-It Ralph.  He also likes Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and Hotel Transylvania.  He and I like to spend our afternoons watching shows, since naps are becoming fewer and farther between.

Will has figured out how to climb out of his crib and open his door.  Most mornings he makes his way into our room about 5 am, which I don't love.  Just like Jack, he loves to climb, swim and run and has gestures that demonstrate all of these actions.

Will loves to play with his cousins Aspen and Grayson and especially loves his little cousin River.  He loves babies.  And dogs.  Fortunately for him, the dogs love him as much as he loves them.

Will has really missed the big kids as they have gone back to school this year, but I suspect that once I start feeling better, we are really going to have a great time; the two of us.  

Every day I am so glad that I get to be this boys mom.  He gives me hope for the future.

My Boy is Growing Up

I love this kid!  He's my buddy.  Slowly, but surely, however, he is starting to grow up.  Jack just started the 2nd grade.  He is loving school this year.  We'll see if he still has the same enthusiasm after Christmas.

He can read!  Although he doesn't like doing it.  I keep telling myself that I'm going to get a reader out of the four of these kids, but I'm not sure it's going to be Jack :)

Jack is still the most energetic kid in our family, although Will is starting to close in on him.  Jack is a math whiz!  That's good, because I'm not.  Jack has a tender heart and loves to snuggle with his Mom.

Jack rides his bike and scooter everywhere and is always wanting to play with friends.  He spends a lot of time with Nate, James, Landon and Luke.  He likes to play video games and watch Kick Buttowski, Phineas and Ferb and Gravity Falls.  He has already decided that the basement is HIS Man Cave, and he gets upset when you explain that if he's going to make the mess, he needs to be the one to clean it up.

Jack likes to climb on anything he can.  He takes things apart and puts them back together.  He is a big fan of Legos and likes to learn about soldiers and war.  He loves to swim and had so much fun staying with his grandparents this summer while we took the girls to England.

Jack loves to listen to music and definitely has an opinion on what he likes.  His current faves are Radioactive by Imagine Dragons and Safe and Sound by Capital Cities.

At seven, he likes to sleep without a shirt on and wants to get a shark to go in the fish tank his sister gave him.  Jack is enjoying gymnastics and is looking forward to playing basketball this winter.  He is excited to do anything with his friends and is really looking forward to baseball in the spring.  Jack really wants to learn to play the drums; just like his friend Brownie (aka Danny Smith.)

Jack still loves to roam the neighborhood and makes friends with everybody.  He is the bright spot in my day and my protector at night.  When Matt is out of town, he wants to sleep in my bed because he is the "man of the house."

After two girls, I wasn't sure that I'd know what to do with a boy, but I'm so glad I'm getting the chance to learn.  I could be known as Jack's mom for the rest of my life and that'd be okay!

Allie at 11

Two things to note about Allie in this picture.... she's recently started wearing glasses and her bangs have FINALLY almost grown out to where they're manageable.

This kid is the spice in our life.  It is constantly amazing to me to see how two girls, raised in the same house, by the same parents, in a short amount of time can be so different.  Although there are many similarities between Allie and her big sister, she is definitely her own person.

This cute girl has just started the 6th grade, or as her teacher likes to call it, Junior High on training wheels.  She is having her first exposure to multiple teachers and inter-disciplinary assignments and is learning the ropes for next year.  She recently ran and was chosen for Student Council at her school; 50 kids applied and 12 were selected.  She is also her class photographer.

Allie is thrilled that she has a top locker this year and that she has lots of friends to hang out with.  She likes to spend time with Mia, Abbi, Bitsy, Anna, Courtney, Grace and Makayla.  She loves to bake and cook in the kitchen and she still really enjoys sewing.

One word that would describe this girl is mercurial.  She can go from happy and bubbly to crying and ornery in the blink of an eye.  She is passionate about everything and her great challenge will be to learn how to handle that.

Out of all my kids, I would say she's the most like I was as a child; so there's proof that what goes around, comes around.  In so many ways she wants to be a grown-up.  She wants to wear make-up and go to junior high like her sister.  She spends a great deal of her time and energy mothering her siblings, (much to their dismay.)

She is very creative.  She auditioned for and was admitted to a performing company at her dance studio this year.  She has dance for four hours every week.  She has gotten back into playing the piano and is making good progress.  Just yesterday, we picked up her violin at the music store so that she can learn to play that.

This kid is determined, and works super hard.  I never have to get after her to do her homework.  She is a self starter in all senses of the word.  She is uber responsible and wants to be accountable.  She loves to use her Kindle (although not for reading like her parents intended.)  This kid is a reality TV junkie and watches shows that make me cringe; My Strange Addiction, Say Yes to the Dress, My Fair Wedding, Clean House, etc... etc....

If I could give this girl one piece of advice, it would be to try and learn balance and moderation.  Being like her mother, she does not do halfway well.  It's Go Big or Go Home and sometimes that causes more problems than it solves.  She has got a bright future ahead of her if she can learn the lessons that it has taken me decades to learn.

I am grateful that this little ball of fire was put in our family.  She keeps life interesting, that's for sure, but I always miss her when she's gone and I'm so glad when she returns.  Keep being the awesome kid you are Allie, and always remember that I love you!