Paul, Gretchen, Pierce and Hope: Nine!

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Nine!

Hope,

You've entered your last single digit age. NINE. Next year will be a big one, what with entering double digits and all.

You know I get all tore up about you growing up, but it's also really fun experiencing it.

I just love how much you enjoy talking! I can always count on you to jump into the car after school and fill me in on who did what and why. Everyone says those days are numbered so trust me I savor how much scoop you give me.

Your wit and comedic timing have really emerged this last year. Just the other day as we were sitting together on the couch you said "I have something to ask you mom, I think you will say no, but I say go big or go home, so here goes..."

You know if I'd let you, you'd wear a full face of makeup and high heels to school. You are all about fashion and being girly. Of course I don't let you, but I get it, I was just like that.

And it slays how much you enjoy shopping and not just for yourself. You will spend hours looking for something you think looks good on me. I mean it's just in your DNA.

You think about others, especially your brother. If we are together and you ask for a pack of gum, you always tell me to pick one up for Pierce too. If you take money to school for the sweet shop, you always leave back some to get some candy for Pierce. Just the other day you picked up an extra cookie, wrapped it in some tissue paper and had me hold it for nearly a day, just so you could give it to your brother.

You are also very protective of your friends. One day when filling me in on some school scoop, you let me know you told a certain someone that you would not put up with her unkind words about your friend. Even when she apologized, "that's not gonna cut it." Yeah, we had to discuss accepting an apology, but I couldn't help but be impressed at how quickly and fiercely you stood up for your friend.

You've even decided to keep sticking with running, even though you hate it. Why? YOUR FRIENDS ARE THERE.

You just have a way to make most everyone feel like your friend, me included. I mean I know you and I aren't supposed to really be friends, but sometimes we are buddies.