Our Ally Cat

Last week Ally turned 11. Is it really possible that I've actually been a mother for 11 years? Is it really possible that I only have 7 more years with this amazing girl in our home?

Heavenly Father has blessed Ally with talents that will allow her to either change the world or marry someone who will! She's smart, driven, and desires to serve. She spends 4 days a week for 3 1/2 hours a day at the gym, striving to be the best gymnast she can be. She gets up early to be a crossing guard at school because, as she tells me, she wants to make sure her friends make it safely to school. Ally has served on the ASB at her school for the last 2 years. And, she recently told me she can't wait to turn 12 so she can be "Beehive President." Holy Cow - I don't think I even knew what a beehive was when I was 11, let alone that there was a president.

Ally is also very maternal. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up she always says, "a mother and a teacher." Ally is blessed with many future homemaking talents. She loves to cook, sew, and scrapbook. She's not so hot on cleaning, but we're working on that! :-) Ally also loves music, playing both the piano and viola this year.

But, my very favorite characteristic of Ally is that she is forgiving. Being the oldest, she's had to endure many of my parenting mistakes and yet she loves me anyway. A matter of fact, she recently wrote me a letter just to let me know when she's a teenager she will still allow me to hug her in public. You can bet I'll be keeping that letter for future use!

Thank you Ally for being the wonderful girl you are and I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be your mom.