CJ

CJ has been keeping busy with school and young women's these days. She has played on the YW basketball and volleyball teams which has been wonderful for her.

She started out not sure whether or not she liked basketball. It was hard. But she kept going to the practices and learned how to play and in the end, really enjoyed it.

Volleyball was fun too! Same thing as basketball, she wasn't liking it as much at the beginning because she didn't know how to play. By the end, her serves were going over and she has some strong returns.

I got to help coach both basketball and volleyball for the Young Women. At the beginning, it was hard to watch a game and see anyone else but CJ. I kept yelling things just for her and then had to tell myself, that I am coaching and have all the girls to cheer on. I can see how coaching your own child is tricky.

I can't tell you how grateful I am for the Young Women program. As a parent, it is priceless to have leaders reinforce same standards and morals because at this age, your kids don't listen to you or think you know what you are talking about. But when another adult says the same thing, they think it is golden advice.

I am also so grateful for the activities that the youth program offers. We haven't let CJ go to the dances in middle school, because I hear they are pretty bad. She was able to go to a Stake Valentine's Dance not too long ago and loved it. They invite the 12 year olds once a year to a stake dance here. I keep telling CJ that when she turns 14, the stake and multi-stake dances are better than the school ones.

I love the Personal progress program which teaches CJ to set goals and achieve them. It encourages high standards and morals.

We measured CJ the other day and she is 5' 4 3/4" which is only a 1/4" away from me! She seems taller than me most of the time because she is skinnier and when she has shoes on she towers over me. I also think she looks older than 12. I keep telling her to enjoy being a kid, but she insists that she is not a "kid". I tell her she will always be my child.

CJ is a great babysitter and this past weekend, made $80! She babysat 3 times! She has saved her money and bought herself a used IPOD touch which is her new prize possession. I think that seeing her cousins and friends have one of their own, made her want one even more. The IPOD touch has been an awesome incentive to do well in school. Unfortunately, the "getting into college one day because of your good grades" reminders aren't very effective at this point in her life. It's hard for her to see the big picture.

I see CJ progressing in all aspects of her life and couldn't be more prouder of her. I used to worry more about CJ because for some reason I thought, what if she inherits tendencies from her biological mom? I'm not so worried anymore.

CJ was made to do good things! I'm so happy she is part of our family!