Reese turned 9

I'll eventually back date these posts so they're in order of when they happened, but for now, I'm busting out a bunch of December posts.

8 was great and 9 is just divine!
Over our snow/Christmas break Miss Reese had a birthday.
Usually a lover of all things chilled and wintery, Reese found herself a little bummed out when our world became a sudden ice cave and spoiled her birthday celebrating festivities. She had planned to go see Frozen at the movie theatre with her 4 best girls: Quincy, Emma, Madi, and Finley for her birthday, but when the first snow week hit, everyone took advantage of being out of school and hit the movie theatre to cure cabin fever.  Not wanting to be the only one who hadn't seen the movie yet, Reese opted for a last minute party at home with an opposite-of-winter theme.

Our creative girl came up with Summer Camp and her favorite gal pals came over with sleeping bags and pi's for a late over and indoor camp fest.

They roasted marshmallows and hot dogs in the campfire

Told "embarrassing" stories around a "fire" inside a huge tent that luckily fit inside the living room next to the Christmas tree. I burned a pine scented candle to up the whole 'camping in the forest' sensory experience. ;) The stories were hilarious and a few of her friends' stories began with, "ok, this one's about my mom…"

Camp themed movie: Troop Beverly Hills. One of my faves from tweeny years.
WOW. the language. Let's just say it's been a LONG time since I've watched this movie…or the version I watched before was edited for tv!  At one point in the movie, Shelly Long is in the woods and looks down at a skunk and says, "Oh you are just a little $#!&." Reese's big round eyes moved from the tv screen up to my face and said innocently and inquisitively, "What's a $#!& ?" loud and clear, like she was asking what a curling iron or a jumprope is.  

Mother of the Year. Don't mind me, super moms, I'm just teaching your daughter's expletives at the birthday party over here. I died. Anyway, my response was, "uhhh, it's a very bad word you shouldn't say. Ever.  Ok pause the movie, it's time for cake!" 

 Hot dogs and s'mores were a hit and the girls also had a canteen of hot cocoa, and "campfire flames"

Archery practice took place in the loft

 We raided the sweet streets and polly pocket toy bins for the Camping Cake. Walmart bakery cake + crushed oreo "dirt" and personalized party theme toys stuffed into frosting on top = totally homemade, right? Right.  The girls loved it and that's what matters. Reese picked out a sweet street girl that looked like each of her friends at the party to be on the cake.

 (below, L-R) Q, Emma, Madi, Reese, Finley

To get their candy for the movie, the girls went "fishing" and collected baggies of gummy worms and sweedish fish.

It was winter outside, but warm with love and friendship indoors. I'm thankful my daughter has such sweet friends. This is a great group of girls.

Reese, I love how obedient you are. You're a mother's dream child, and a wonderful example for your brothers and sister. You are compassionate and you take initiative when something needs to be done.  Just last week, you saw that your bestie was crying at church and you called her that afternoon to make sure she was ok, and give her comfort and assurance that the next week would be better.  

I found this blanket folded at the foot of my bed the other day with a little lovey sticky note.  This is exactly how you are. You are exact and constant and reliable and full of goodness.  You are independent and fun to be around. You are thoughtful and creative. You are a dedicated, hardworking student. You are a loving and patient sister. 

You are a giver of you, and you are one marvelous gift to receive. 

Happy Birthday, Dolly. May you never grow too old for pigtails or books on your mama's lap.