Hadley

Today Hadley turns 9.
There are so many things I love about her and today I want to list 9.
1. She appreciates beauty. When we cut down our Christmas trees this year the two of us went on a little four wheeler ride and she drove.  I could just imagine the smile on her face as she shared with me how beautiful she thought everything was: the pine trees, the snow covering everything, the mountains.  It brought me back to the days when my dad would take us snowmobilling on trails for hours and I couldn't believe the world was so beautiful and I was so blessed to enjoy it and see it.

2. She enjoys moments.  While full of anxt over the next exciting moment, when it is here she soaks it up.  Every detail, every minute, every person.

3. Her sense of humor. I have to stifle a laugh at the more inappropriate humor, but this girl can put on a character and have us all laughing.  Most notable is the old granny.  It started when her teacher at school was quoted as saying, "I aint your mommy, your daddy, your greasy granny with the big fat fanny." (probably not politically correct).  She turns on her granny voice leans over and takes and turtle stroll while telling us all sorts of granny jokes with "EHHH? I can't hear you." and then some granny dancing and gymnastics.  She and Emily have been known to start in on crazy acts together and it does my heart good to hear them banter humorously, knowing they are building bonds that will last a lifetime.

4. Her smile that scrunches up her freckled nose and lights up her face.

5. She's a hard worker.  She does her chores faster then anyone, especially when playing with a friend is involved.  But she does them well and works hard!

6. She loves to learn.  She likes a challenge and she likes to finish her work.  She rarely has homework because she likes to finish it at school.  She likes a good book and right now American Girl Doll books and Nancy Drew books really draw her in.

7.  She loves to pretend.  I can walk by her room and hear her teaching her class.  No one is in there but her, but there is a great lesson going on.  She also will play primary with Emily and Sam.

8. She is interested in music.  At Thanksgiving she wanted to play a song on the recorder for the talent show and so we pulled up a tutorial on youtube and she taught herself to play jinglebells.  She practiced and practiced and practiced.  I am excited to start her on an instrument this year.

9. She loves me.  She love me to tuck her in, and snuggle with her, and rub her feet with lotion and oils, and tickle her back.

I feel so blessed to be her mom.