Charlotte is now 12, going on 16. I wonder if her actual age will ever catch up to her subconscious age. She’s like a peer to John and I and we both love hanging out with her. She’s now dancing several days a week at a studio in Salt Lake so the hours spent in the car with her are truly priceless. She catches me up on celebrity gossip and we both share our new favorite songs. I get to hear about the silly things that go on in 7th grade and then somehow we end up talking about politics or religion. I try to tell her to enjoy this age, but she’s already beyond 12 and has to dig deep to find the patience to put up with middle school.
Charlotte finished her dance competition season with Dance Tech a little after her 12th birthday. She had an awesome solo competing in the ultra-hard category of jazz. She worked hard and truly showed dedication and commitment to her team and craft. Over the summer, Charlotte decided to continue her love of dance at a new studio that felt more closely aligned to her approach. She’s been pushed and stretched to new levels and we can’t wait to see her perform during competition season. The journey to and from Salt Lake has been an unexpected gift for my mother soul where I get to connect with her and try to keep her close. I’m holding on for dear life and I hope she continues to let me in.
Charlotte has broadened her resume to now include ranching where she has shown great affection for our two horses, Teddy and Maverick. She started riding with John and then our new horse trainer, Jenna, swept in and Charlotte’s tipping point was tipped. She also loves the chickens and helped name each one. She’s been helpful with the care and maintenance of the horses, chickens and barn. John and Charlotte’s bond has only deepened as they spend time together outside on the ranch. My mama heart might burst every time I see them together on the horses.
And then there was Isabella… Charlotte’s most fanciful cat (to say the least). For Charlotte’s 12th birthday, we decided to get her a “fancy” cat that she could keep safe inside as she has lost two rescue cats to the wild (RIP Zeus and Mochi). Charlotte wanted a Scottish Fold cat, so I began researching a couple months before her birthday. I had no idea what this online world of catteries was capable of. I found an adorable kitten out of Los Angeles for a relatively good price. I paid the deposit and booked us a trip to L.A. Well, that cat didn’t actually exist which we found out as we tried to pin down details of where to pick it up – we were scammed. Charlotte’s heart was broken. I didn’t give up. There was another adorable kitten somewhere in Florida with video footage this time and lots of communication. I paid the deposit and planned to have her arrive in April. The cat never came … scammed again. Charlotte was in tears and I felt like the worst mom ever. My next move was to go to the top and find the best show-winning Scottish Fold cat. His name is Misha and his daughter is Charlotte’s gorgeous Scottish Fold kitty named Isabella Marie, a.k.a. Bella. We flew to Seattle for one day in August to pick her up in person (before sending the money). When I saw this little tiny white puff of a kitten placed into Charlotte’s arms, I just started crying. Charlotte went through quite a difficult journey of loss, disappointment and ultimate patience. Princess Bella is deeply loved by Charlotte.
Every year with Charlotte unfolds a new layer of her and I couldn’t imagine loving her more. She tests me and pushes me to new levels and I’m truly grateful to have her as my guide. When I had a daughter, I didn’t know I would have a built in best friend for the rest of my life. I feel so lucky to be her mama/bff. Happy 12th/16th birthday, Miss Charlotte!
