Happy Birthday, Alma!

Alma, when did you become a young lady?  Sometime in the last few years, you became a thoughtful, slightly-more-reserved-in-public, still-playful, beautiful young woman.  You have a great sense of style, are good at applying your minimal makeup (mascara and eye shadow on special occasions), and have a love for shoes.  Your bedroom is the cutest room in the house, your nails often match your outfits, and you feel exposed without earrings.  While these are admittedly not my priorities, I'm so glad that you seem to feel comfortable having different interests.  Moreover, I'm grateful that you provide feedback on my clothing purchases, daily outfits, and you truly seem delighted when my hair looks nice.  All these superficial bits aside, one of your greatest gifts is making those around you feel loved and cared for.  

A small example that shows your thoughtful approach to life: On your birthday, you took so much time and attention to ensure that James also enjoyed the celebration.  James, struggling with his Christmas birthday more this year than in past years, burst into happy tears when he read the note you wrote him before our family celebration began.  The note (addressed to Bubbers, our family nickname for James) said: "Dear James, Happy early birthday.  I can imagine how hard it can be to have your sibling have a birthday before you, and you do such a good job about keeping good energy about it!  I LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!!  Love, Alma"  James explained that his tears were because you are such a great sister and he loves you so much.  We have always known your relationship with your brother is special and are so lucky that this unique connection continues. 

Now bragging to readers: The other element I want to note about Alma this year is her remarkable relationship with her friends at school.  She found a tight-knit group that welcomed her with open arms.  During Alma's ice skating birthday party, I could see how much they know her, appreciate her, and the care that they all take to support each other.  I know my best friends from my childhood still mean so much to me; therefore, I'm tickled that Alma seems to have a supportive group of like-minded friends to navigate middle school.

Speaking of middle school, Alma is a top student.  During teacher conferences, we hear what a delight she is in class. Also, we recognize that her grades come with a great deal of independent, self-driven determination.  She is a hard worker, which we have always known. It's neat to see it play out in many areas of her life. She is also learning the importance of balance in all the critical areas of life, which can be such a life-long challenge for so many individuals: nutrition (especially as she packs her own healthful lunch every night), helping out around the house (handling clothes shopping and weekly laundry), and getting regular athletic movement in a variety of ways (no team sports since the pandemic began but lots of fun pursuits as a family).

Alma, you are a joy, a problem-solver, a dedicated love, a humorous conversationalist, and our beautiful daughter.   We love you so much -- today and always.