December 2018 update

Smartest first grader I know. Yep I said first grade! What an awesome transition to first grade. I love that you love school. Charli!!!!! 100%'s on spelling tests, 100%'s on math tests, I mean I couldn't ask for more. At parent teacher conferences your teacher said you are "delightful" I don't know if it gets better than that. We are so proud of you. You get so excited for art class and music class and seem to absorb everything like a sponge. Well not everything, the blisters and calluses on your hands symbolize the hard work you are putting in at the bars at recess-- including falling on your chin- fear is not an option I wish it was.

 It feels like everything you touch turns to gold- gymnastics you have moved up again doing level 5 events, giants- flip flops - back walk overs- one handed cartwheels! Ice skating you have moved up 4 class levels in 6 months and the teachers are just amazed by you. Crafting, that is a no brainer-- and having you and Danica in cooking and crafting class together for the first time was just awesome. The next event in your life is becoming a Daisy, yep you are officially on the cookie selling trail. You and your sidekick Danica selling door to door in your snowsuits- quite a team. Your goal is 101 boxes and with family, friends, and neighbors we might just get there. You did caroling for cans in  20' weather going to different homes and singing Christmas carols with your troop to get cans of food for those in need- I am so proud of your dedication. I can see your kind heart through the eyes of others, I am not sure there is anyone who doesn't want to be your friend and be around you and that really is a reflection of your good nature and soul.

You have been on a countdown for Florida for as long as I can remember. You made a calendar out of blocks and everyday you change the date, you let me know the date, and tell me how many days until we leave. I think you are a little bit excited! Praying for warm and sunny!

This summer you went off the high dive on the 4th of July and were a trailblazer for all of your friends. We took fear out of your stomach and we threw it away and now I can't get your down from the high dive. You also jumped off the boat at the lake house and I think you started dreaming of going back in  the lake you had so much fun. You and Danica are definitely boating girls and with a fun family like we have a day on the boat is always an adventure.

I put you in a soccer camp with a company I once worked for, Challenger Sports, and it was so hot out that week- and you told me "Soccer is a waste of time." I laughed so hard. We are going to put soccer on the back burner, not to say that you aren't skilled, there are other things you are more interested in...obviously! At that same camp you did however win for the most creative when we took a lamp shade and decorated it with all things China, that was the country you represented. Nice work CRC! I think in the creative department we always have the edge.

So many fun parties, pool days, extracurriculars, pay dates, fun outside, new playground from "Mr. Jimmy,"  snow day from school, Grinch the musical, Shrek the musical, Pinkalicious, Grinch in the movie theater, Santa's Village, night of a 1000 jack-o-lanterns, Cosley zoo, kite flying, long grove-- wow and this is just a few of the things we did - our days are filled from sun up to sun down- I think you even rode on a camel- actually I know you did.

Here is  a funny thing I just remembered about carving pumpkins- once they were carved I put them on the porch and the squirrels ate them, oh my gosh you and Danica were so upset. I know it isn't funny but it is because they tore those pumpkins up!

I love taking you to school everyday and seeing your outfit choice. One morning when it was 25' and you were wearing a short sleeve- slightly see through shirt -I told you to change and you told me, "I don't let you be your own person." I told you , you could be your own person when you are 25!

One day we were talking and you told me that I could hug and kiss you and walk you in to school every day even  when you are 35, even when you are 65. I sure hope so. I love that you tell me you are going to live in our house forever, and I love when I wear things that you like and you ask if I can save them for you. This goes for pictures too, when you like a picture you ask if I can  send it to your IPAD and then send it to your phone....when you get one..... like when you are 13!

Your heart is so pure and you have big blue eyes that are full of adventure. It is so fun to be around you and see what you are going to do next, you are all over the place. Your creative mind has led you to make a picture shrine in your room, a teddy bear wall, spinning art all over the kitchen when you should have been in bed, Dabbitz at 5 in the morning when you couldn't get enough. When you set your mind on something there is no stopping you....sounds familiar....Auntie Mimi just sent you an interactive watch and you can take pictures, sing in it, oh and it tracks your exercise so last night you were running the stairs trying  to beat your last time, a 6 year old setting personal records and beating their PB that's all heart baby!

I can say that you do sleep in your bed ... sometimes.... and because of you Elf Angel. When you do sleep in your be sometimes I awake to you standing over me and staring at my like poltergeist. OMG- terrifying. Then you just crawl in bed. I have no complaints --- I love when you and Danica are in our bed I mean you are only little once, right?

Well times they are a changing, when you wished upon a star as Disney world last year for a baby- it came true. It actually came true, you will be a big sister again in  May and we are all overly excited and filled with joy. I know you will be a tremendous help and I think everything just keeps falling in to place.

You have made my life more than I ever imagined. I love you Charli Reece to the moon and back a billion zillion times. My little ponnie ronnie!

I tool cannot wait for Christmas in Florida and all that 2019 will bring, until then I am just enjoying like with my beautiful family every overjoyed and blessed day at a time.