Doce!

Grace, who has been learning Spanish at school, turned "doce" last month!

Twelve is a really big deal for a Mormon girl.  It marks the end of an era.  She leaves primary, where she's been spending 2 hours per week since she was 3 years old and joins the "Young Women".  I'm grateful that I, too, just joined the Young Women.  I was released last month from my calling as Gospel Doctrine instructor and am now a counselor to the Young Women's president.  I work with the Mia Maids (age 14-16 girls), so I won't be teaching Grace directly, for which she's probably grateful, but will be involved with the her still.  I'm excited.  And I think Grace is excited about being in Young Women's for now.  She's already been working on her Personal Progress during our winter break.

Her birthday fell on a Sunday so we decided to have a "friend" party for her the day before.  I was worried about how it would go, but I needn't have been.  Jason took the three youngest out to lunch and to do some Christmas shopping.  Grace's friends arrived and I was afraid they'd be bored so I had a plethora of things planned.  We had pizza and cupcakes, decorated aprons, played games, opened gifts, and made gingerbread houses.

Grace has a really sweet group of friends.  We had Christmas music playing and they just chatted and giggled, but not too loudly.  They were all polite and cute and kind as can be.  I planned the party to last 3 hours but it was such a peaceful, happy time, I would have been happy if they'd stayed all day.

Addie and Grace don't always get along super well.  Addie was desperate to be a part of Grace's party.  At the last minute Grace agreed.  I'm so glad.  I hope that these girls will become as close of friends and as dear to each other as my sisters are to me.   I think they will.

Jason and the rest of the kids arrived back home before everybody had gone.  Luckily there was an extra house for Lila to decorate.  She loved it and took it very very seriously.

I'm not sure what to say about Grace because I she's been expecting this post and will probably read all of this tomorrow.   So...I guess it would make sense to finish the post this way...
Dear Grace,
The day you were born was one of the most amazing days of my life.  I can so clearly remember what you looked like and the sounds you made your first night as you learned how to breathe air into your lungs.  You made a sort of humming sound each time you breathed out.  I held you on my chest and watched your back rise and fall all night.  I was absolutely smitten.  And I have loved you every day since.  I have been so blessed to see you growing up from such a fiesty and strong-willed toddler into this beautiful young...I can't write woman yet...its just too much...but this beautiful older girl...okay...fine...this YOUNG WOMAN that you have become.  You have such an amazing heart.  You are pained to see anybody else in pain.  You try to treat all those around you with love and respect.  Your teachers adore you and always tell me that they don't know what they would do if they didn't have you in their class.  You keep their faith in teaching, education and the future intact.  Your siblings adore you.  Although Addie and Andre may not always show the greatest kindness and patience, they constantly long for your approval and acceptance.  You are a second mom to Lila.  Miles, too.  They both love their Gracie so much.  I am proud of you for always wanting to improve at things and become better.  This world is a better place because you're in it.
I love you, my beautiful girl!
XoX,
Mamacita

THE MANY FACES OF GRACE: