Watch out! Blakely's 12!

Man, do I feel old! My baby turns two and my oldest turns 12 within a week of each other. Blakely is now officially 12 as I write this blog. As I mentioned before time marches on. Blakely got to go to mutual with me for the first time Wednesday, because it was a mother daughter activity. We worked together painting a beautiful flower pot. Thursday night we had to go to Wally world to find a white shirt for her band concert Friday night.(She plays the tenor sax.) We decided it was time for the 12 year old present of ears being pierced. She was so brave as the video indicates, even while her sister telling her I hope you don't die. She had her friend Miriam spend the night Friday night and stayed at our house most of Saturday. She was awaken to chocolate chip muffins with a candle. She did have to dust on her birthday however. We went down to eat dinner with Grandpa Manwaring. She got a few shirts and a new fangled dangled 5 in one curling iron that she wanted. It is not working as well as she hoped so maybe that will go back. She will have a friends birthday party this weekend. Blakely is a sweetheart. She is always willing to help even when she growls at you. She is a beautiful young lady and I hope she continues to develop her talents. She has learned this year to enjoy playing the piano finally. She now practices it for enjoyment then to get her mom off her back. She is easygoing and is almost always cheerful. She is a friend to everyone. We sure love you.