for Amy

Today is my sissy's birthday. I've been thinking about her this week and thinking about what a good big sister she has always been. We're pretty far apart in age...she's the oldest, and I'm the youngest of 4 kids. My mom says she was always like my "second mom", but I don't think I ever really saw it that way. Unless you count her taking care of me and always being kind and loving, instead of how you'd think sisters may be from time to time. :) But I don't think that has to do with her being older than me. Its just because that is her character. I know God made her our older sister for a reason...she's a much better role model for me than I could have been for her! ;) I'm impatient, and have some attitude, I'm too quick to anger and not very even tempered. Amy has always been an example to me of how to be a Godly woman. If I think of what kind of person I want to be, I think of her. And definitely if I think of what kind of mother I want to be, I think of her. My sister has two of the sweetest, smartest, kindest girls I have ever met and I'm sure a huge part of that is because of who their mom is. I can only try every day to be the kind of mom she is and raise my daughter the way she has raised her daughters. My sister is kind, unselfish, giving, and full of grace. And I love her with all my heart and am so blessed to have her as my sister. Happy birthday sissy! love, Dofie

Jamaskicks!

So yesterday was a big day for Sophie! She finally got to start gymnastics. We have been talking to her about it for about a month, and I knew it'd be right up her alley, since she loves to jump, and somersault, and pretty much everything else that makes me think "oh man she's gonna break something!" Turns out there's a gymnastics place here in Yelm -- who knew?? Its super close to our house, so I checked it out. Its a BBB accredited business, which is always a plus with me, and they have tons of classes. Sophie started "Turbo Tumblers" yesterday. Judging on the abilities and size of the other kids in the class, she's the youngest. I figure this mostly because they are exactly Sophie's size, and I've never seen her with another 2 year old without thinking "geez she looks tall!". All day yesterday she talked about going to meet her teacher. FINALLY, it was 4:30 and time for class to start. As soon as we walked in a tiny little lady asked "are you Miss Sophie? I'm Coach Rachel!" and Sophie was hooked immediately. :) She wore her cute little black leggings and had red painted toesies and looked like such a cute little gymnast parading around. They have a balcony where moms and dads can sit and watch. Sophie noticed we were up there and so periodically throughout the class she'd say "HI!! Hi mom and dad!" And blow us a kiss. She had so much fun! They crab walked, bear walked, did the balance beam, did log rolls, front rolls, pulled themselves up on the bars, and most importantly, used the giant trampoline! Last night as I was tucking her in, she told me about 15 different things she wanted to tell her "coach" about. I don't know how I'm going to break it to her that class is only once a week...:) I'm really happy that it fits her so well. I knew it would, so it just makes me feel that much smarter. ;) She has strong little legs and I was pretty impressed she was able to pull her body weight up on the bars. I'm glad we found a place that seems so friendly and well organized. It makes me feel like she can stay there for many years, if she wants, and move up. So hooray! So proud to see our little girl growing up.