Twelfth Night

The last year of Tween-dom is upon us! Happy 12th birthday, Greta! The last year has been one of incredible growth -- not only are you a few inches taller, but you are much more mature and independent. You enjoyed your final summer of playground camp last summer and entered middle school ready for its many challenges: multiple lockers/combinations, classroom switching, new friends, and tons of homework. You wake up extra early each morning to participate in band an chorus, and you have excelled in your studies. You work tirelessly, while still keeping time free for daily reading and writing. Your teachers enjoy your classroom participation and admire your support of fellow students. We could not be more proud of your academic success, and appreciate your efforts.

In addition to the academic accolades you've received, you were also selected to participate in two art shows, one at the district offices, and another at the State Capitol.  Drawing and painting has not come easily to you, but your efforts and keen sense of color and emotion made an impact on your teacher, who recognized and nominated your work. Similarly, your band teacher noted your practice regimen and results, and encouraged you to participate in the New York State School Music Association solo competition. You performed a flute solo beautifully after weeks of practice, sightread flawlessly, and impressed the judge with memorized scales, earning an Outstanding evaluation.

Outside of school, you continue to enjoy Girl Scouts. You earned your Bronze Award last June, and this year were selected as a patrol leader in your troop due to your responsible nature. You continue to volunteer at the food bank, soup kitchen, and Honor Flights, and earned the Presidential Volunteer Silver Service Award for your efforts.

Your responsibility also flows over to your love of Mittens and Yeager. You take excellent care of them--playing with them, feeding them, and training them. They are lucky to have you! And so is your brother...you are very patient with him! You still play made up games and have outside adventures, design computer characters, ride bikes, play video games, share books, have Nerf battles, and build Legos. He can annoy you and push your buttons, but overall I am so happy to see your friendship continue to grow.

So today we celebrate you, darling Greta. I love being your mom. Curling up to watch Gilmore Girls or read a book together, baking treats or planting flowers, I treasure the time we spend together. I am excited for the coming year and hope your birthday wish comes true!
                                                                                                     ----Mommy