Aubree turns TWELVE!

Aubree turned twelve last month. That's a pretty major milestone! She was counting down the months and days, and looking forward to each and every new privilege she's earn. In addition to the main milestone of transitioning from Primary to Young Women's, she is also now able to wear dangly earrings and wear one piece of make-up. She's super thrilled about all of those things.

The day before her birthday, Aubree had a joint family party with Jordyn (who turned 1). Aubree wanted homemade crescent rolls (we made a TON) and chowder. Soups and breads are her favorite foods.

For her birthday treat, she requested ice cream sundaes. She picked out a wide variety of toppings, but ended up eating her strawberry ice cream plain. Go figure.

On her actual birthday, Aubree chose to go out to eat at Old Country Buffet. She doesn't like most restaurants, but for some reason, she thinks OCB is great.

For birthday gifts, she got some new earrings, a violin/music necklace, the traditional CD from Dad, and more paracord.

In our co-op, birthday kids get to be in charge of the bonus class. Aubree brought in pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies, told the story of how she got her name, and played a game with skittles where everyone had to try and guess her favorite things.

The Sunday after Aubree's birthday was Stake Conference, so that meant she had to wait an extra week to move up to Young Women's. She was initially bummed about the lag time, but then she realized that gave her an extra week to work on her Personal Progress. By the time her new leaders finally had a chance to sit down with her, she'd already completed 20 value experiences and one value project! 

Our ward has a tradition of having the Beehives come to primary to bring the new Beehive into young women's. We have a lot of Beehives! The Primary Presidency also bakes an enormous cookies for all the exiting kids who've earned their Faith in God awards.

Aubree is a bright and capable young lady. In her health class, they took color code personality tests. Aubree came out as a Red (with a secondary Blue). She embraces the natural leader inside her and loves opportunities to take charge.

She loves details and lists, has a vision for her future, and a determination to follow through on her plans.

One day while I was at the library, I noticed a book called "Spark Joy" by Marie Kondo. "Spark Joy" is the how-to of the popular "Kon-Marie" method/book. I grabbed the book on a whim, but from that point it sat untouched on the library bookshelf. That is, until Aubree saw it. She devoured the book, put sticky notes on all her favorite parts, immediately started implementing the ideas and techniques, and asked for the book for Christmas.

Aubree continues to read more than any kid I've ever seen. She's busier now, so that limits her reading a little, but she still manages to fly through book after book. She loves our co-op, loves learning, and loves being with friends.

 

She is still playing violin and still loves every chance she has to perform. She also still loves babies and little children, and has a standing weekly babysitting job. She is looking forward to more babysitting ventures.

Like all of us, Aubree has her weaknesses, but she is a treasure and we love her tip to toe.

An Interview with Aubree:

Favorite Color?: "Blue, all blue."

Favorite Candy?:  "Mini Charleston Chews."

What do you want to be when you grow up?: "An author.”

If you went on a mission, where would you want to go?: "France or Utah, or somewhere in the United States."

Favorite Primary Song?: "A Child's Prayer."

Favorite Animal?: "Tiger."

Favorite Movie?: "Princess Bride."

Favorite Thing to Do?: "Read, write, and play with Nellie."

Favorite Food: "Soups and breads."

Best Friends?: "Too many."

Favorite Book?: "Too many."

Favorite Toy?: "My iPod."

What makes you happy?: "Playing with Nellie."

Favorite thing to do with Mom?: "Half-birthday dates."

Favorite thing to do with Dad?: "Daddy-daughter dates."

What do you do really well?: "Write and play the violin."

What makes you laugh?: "Bryce tickling me, or Nellie and my friends."

What’s the best time of day?: "School and free time."

What are you afraid of?: "I don’t know."

What do you like to do with your family?: "Play games."

What do you love to learn about?: "Writing."

What is your favorite class/subject?: “All of them.”

Where do you like to go?: "The library, school, and my room.”

If you had one wish, what would it be?: "That's complicated. It's like a paragraph long, but it's just one wish. There are lots of details. I can't explain it."

What would you do if you had $1,000?: "Save it for something good. I don't know what."

What is your favorite song?: "Too many... Glorious, Ask in Faith by Hillary Weeks, Sound of Silence, On My Own..."

Who's your favorite Super Hero?: "I don't care about superheroes."

What do you hope you can do before your next birthday?: "Get halfway through Personal Progress."