She is one of my favorite people

Makenzie. She is beautiful, smart and virtuous. Recently I've just been awestruck as I've watched her mature into an amazing young woman. The beginning of April the youth camp presidency gave the girls a challenge to read in the Book of Mormon everyday. It was the perfect thing for Makenzie because she loves a good challenge. And she loves being rewarded for said challenges. And i guess there is supposed to be a reward for those that read faithfully and complete a check off chart. Well, what has ensued with Makenzie doing this has been wonderful to see. She has grown spiritually in a way that I don't even know if she realizes. It's one of those subtle things that a mom picks up on. She is a little bit more gentle and kind with her sisters, she is more humble, she is grateful, she is more respectful. She has been listening to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost in her life to guide her as to what activities to choose. She was set apart today as the Mia Maid president. I wasn't surprised when we found out. She has grown spiritually in the past couple months that prepared her for this new calling. And because she has been in tune with the spirit she was able to choose her counselors with ease.

Makenzie had her spring dance recital lately. She was beautiful as always but we noticed that she didn't seem as prepared as past recitals. I wasn't going to say anything and only complemented her on all the lovely things I saw her do. It was her, however, that said she felt terrible that she wasn't more prepared. And unlike in the past where she would blame it on something or someone else she took responsibility for it and said she would work harder next time. I was so impressed with this new level of maturity.

A few weeks ago Makenzie was rewarded with her YW medallion. The highest honor in the YW program that you get after completing goals in different areas like, faith, knowledge, integrity and good works. A project has to be done in each of the 7 areas (now 8 areas) that has to be at least 10 hours long as well as other goals. It's a lot of work and we are so proud of her for accomplishing it. She really wanted the older medallion like mine. She has seen mine before and wanted one like it. The Bishop heard about this and tried to get it for her on Ebay and didn't luck out. I told him that it was okay, i would give her mine since when I die she would take it anyway. I don't ever where it because I don't care of gold. But Makenzie prefers gold over silver so it's fine with me that she wears it. I think she has worn it everyday since. We are going to have my name and the year I earned it engraved on the back and then her name and the year as well put on there.

The final thing about Makenzie is that she cut her hair. Wonders never cease. Seriously. I have suggested tons of times that she cut her hair but she never would. When I insisted that she at least trim the ends she would go to the stylist complaining about it. But a couple weeks ago she came to me with a picture in hand and said I want my hair like this. I was in complete shock as it meant cutting about 7 inches off her hair. But when her aunt Krista came up for her YW recognition night she cut her hair. And it looks fabulous!

Here are some pictures.




Makenzie after YW recognition night and with her new haircut.