Well, today I was on my A game. I cleaned all morning. Then I worked a few hours in the laundry room and listened to my scriptures and some conference talks for my lesson on Sunday. The kids had an early-out day from school so I helped the boys finish their piano practice and let them all have friends over to play in the afternoon. I made Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken for dinner and got all the dishes done. I pulled off a pretty good family home evening and got everyone showered and into bed. I read stories to Owen and Austin from the newest Children's Friend and sang a song about baptism. And now here I sit reflecting on my day. I'm so thankful for good A-game days!
Julia, on the other hand, wasn't having an A-game day today. Last night just before bed, she threw up her dinner, and then nearly fainted in the night as she tried to get to the bathroom. It was a rough twenty-four hours for her. She spent the whole day on the couch watching movies. Thankfully she is feeling better tonight, but she's been on my mind today. Ever since Julia was a baby, I've called her my Julesie Girl. I often shorten it to Jules, but my heart really loves my Julesie. She is having a fabulous year. She has grown so tall and beautiful. And even though I often wish for my sweet little baby Julesie to be back in my arms, I am overjoyed with my grown-up Julesie too.
On Saturday, Julia's Raiders basketball team played against another boys team. Her coach played her at point guard for a change. She did so well and led her team to a victory. At one point, she stole the ball and went for a layup, only to be chased down by two athletic boys. They all landed in a heap under the basket. My beautiful daughter gracefully untangled herself from the boys and stood up. I had a thought flash into my mind: In a few years, these same boys will want to ask her on a date! I don't love that she plays against boys. They are getting bigger and stronger and it will only be a matter of time before her team can no longer compete. But for now, she takes it to them! Dating will come later.
Julia is also on a 15s SUVA Club Volleyball team. She is the only player on the team who isn't in ninth grade. She is the only player on the team who hasn't spent all season playing on the high school team. And yet, she steps up and jump serves like a champ. She hits and hustles and makes good passes. She even got a block last weekend. And as I sit on the side and watch her, she is the picture of grace and beauty. My heart just swells with love for her. She is turning into a woman before my eyes, constantly pushed up among girls much older than her. I'm sad that she has grown up so fast. She was the last baby girl Heavenly Father saw fit to send me. I'm so thankful that I loved every minute of that baby girl! Too quickly she grew until we are now practically eye to eye. At least she has beautiful eyes!
Even though she isn't little anymore, I still love to wrap my arms around her. And I still love to call her my Julesie Girl. What a gift my Father in Heaven sent to me when he sent me Julia!
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