Amazing girl

I know she is adorable, but I wanted to take a minute to remind you how amazing this girl is. Just this morning I mentioned that another mother was discussing her daughter's hours of homework I was reminded at how responsible she really is. Yes, I know her room is disgusting and her attitude is certainly starting to look like a real teenager (I have no doubt that she will squelch this attitude because she truly does believe that to be a teenager doesn't mean you have to act like the stereotypical brat - thank you Allie. But she forgets that she believes that sometimes :). But when asked about all this work, she simply commented that she has it done. I don't doubt her. Her grades aren't perfect, but she is consistent and reliable. Two traits I'd rather see any day over the Dean's List.

Just last night, Daddy did a surprise cell phone audit. Nothing to worry about there either. 

She was asked this summer to serve on the PBIS board at her school. Don't ask me what it stands for. It is essentially serving as an adviser to administration on rewards and incentives for students. She agreed and has enjoyed attending the monthly meetings. Not until last month when I dropped her off did I realize that there is  only one 7th grader on this board. That's my girl. She is suggesting all kinds of fun things for the kids and is forming great relationships with several teachers and administrators she wouldn't know otherwise. 

She had an assignment to write and illustrate a children's book for her Language class. Her book was all about compassion and sharing with others. And her illustrations were beautiful too! Another assignment was a presentation all about Hisiocytosis. She has done several of these for many different classes in addition to her Syd Rocks and awareness activities. This one focused on Jenson Aaron and his sweet Heaven is for Real story. I'm sure Jenson's sweet sister, Sydney is going to be just as compassionate and a world changer just like Gracie. 

Last week she attended the Relay for Life kick off and award program as Chad's guest. She was so energized when she got home and couldn't wait to meet with her principal and start at team at her school. This shy girl, spoke to the Relay Director and got some advice for how to go about this and scheduled the meeting the next morning. Mind you, this is her second meeting with the principal this month. She met with her a few weeks ago suggesting a "hat day" to raise money for PBIS on Halloween. Today was the meeting with Mrs. Miller and I just got a text that she had good news. Gracie will be leading a team for her school! Mrs. Miller has been a huge part of the leadership that Gracie has been displaying at CMS. Gracie bonded with her in the first week of school last year and she sees Gracie's passions and allows her to pursue them. What a gift.

One afternoon I picked her up and she got in the car and I could tell she was trying to mask her excitement  She said, "They said my name on the announcements today." When I asked why she said she was chosen as the 7th grade student of the month for October and that the trait was Courage. She had absolutely no idea why she would have been selected for being courageous. I do! 

She is so courageous and while I am so proud of all these accomplishments, I am most proud of the character that is coming out of her. She is accomplishing great things because of WHO she is, not because of what she does.