Meet the "Doofi"- What they have taught me about ladybugs, teenagers, and birth order.

Emily, Madison (yes, mine), and Mikaela are lovingly to referred to as the "Doofi" by my oldest Kiersten (age 15) and myself. Madison and Mikaela are the real Doofi; Emily is only honorary for reasons I will not say so M & M's feelings are not hurt ;). As you can see they make pretty cute ladybugs.

With the exception of Madison, I really don't think any of them like ladybugs. However, they are teenage girls who are insecure, self absorbed, timid, vain, and want to see the boys turn their heads as they float across the gym floor at the Halloween dance. The formula to make three awkward 13 year old girls turn into confident, happy and cute girls.... tight leggings, red legwarmers, antennae, wings and a tutu. Results= some pretty happy girls who had a great time.

I think they are a pretty well-balanced group of friends. Here's why.. see, I believe in birth order being a big part of your personality. I didn't... until I had kids- then, they proved it to be true. Of course there are always exceptions to the rules; but the "Doofi" are pretty case book birth order kind of girls.

Emily is a sweet rough and tough girl who is a big sister to one little sister and a little sister to two big brothers. Being a bigger sister makes her sensitive to others but she doesn't loose sleep over it. She has a great sense of humor that includes hooting and howling for beautiful boys on the big screen. Her big brothers help her find enjoyment in physical activities and helps her feel confident around boys. Even when she likes a boys she may treat them like a friend or a big brother. Since she is the oldest girl she is serious about school and responsible.

Madison is the middle of three older girls. Typical middle child who makes sure everyone knows she is present and knows what she wants. She is independent, reliable, and resourceful. Her major downfall is that she lives for attention... that is a recipe for problems in itself. She is the ring-leader, a supportive and sensitive friend, and knows how to fly under the radar if she is in pursuit of something important. She dances and sings and loves lots of attention.

Mikeala is the oldest. She is the baby... until recently she didn't even cut her own food. She is innocent, kind, motherly, happy, a bit clueless, and a lot dependent. She's still figuring out problem solving skills but is a true and faithful friend. She is a music guru and is keen to the "spirit".

I love the "Doofi". Not only have they provided K and I with hours of entertainment they have also showed me what good friends look like. They come from different families, different places in birth order, and have different goals and likes; but they are one in friendship.

Madison & Sadie

Two peas in a pod.


I guess I now know where Sadie gets "IT"!

Ancient Chinese Writing- how much do you know about it???

Madison came home on Thursday and told me she had a research project due on Monday. What??? Are you kidding me??? When I asked her why hadn't she told me earlier, she responded, "We've been working on it in class- it's no big deal!" No Big Deal?? Ok, so I didn't even ask her what her topic was until Friday- because I was a little to upset to deal with it any sooner. Ancient Chinese writing. Oh, that should be easy (hear my tone of voice??) Well, yesterday I told her to take everything out and start working on it.

I've always had to walk the kids through their projects- they are smart enough to do it on their own- maybe not that motivated or sure of themselves. Well, you know what?? She has taken so many good notes. Nothing plagiarized. Just a lot of good notes. She is ready to start typing up her paper and she has had little help from me. I still expect to help her for about three hours tonight after rehearsal; but, wow- she really has become a self motivated, hard working and responsible student.

My Madison... The Pre-Teen!

Madison turned 12 one month ago and she is full speed ahead into teenagehood! She can roll her eyes so fast if you blink you may miss it. She does a lot of "huffing"- and when she is called on it she just says, "Whatever" and walks away. She will be the end of me... I know it! She spends way too much time in front of the mirror, on the computer, on the phone, changing her clothes and asking for the newest phone, a laptop or a digital camera.

But today, as she was running one of Kiersten's birthday invitations up to a friends door... I noticed something. Something that was there all along but is hard to see when you are trying to teach her that the kid doesn't get the last word, or that as a family we should be our own cheerleaders.

You know what? Madison is absolutely beautiful. She has beautiful hair, a beautiful smile, sparkling eyes and a cute figure. From the outside she is someone other's admire. As I was looking at her bounce and float to the car I saw something else. I saw her beautiful laugh, her beautiful smile, her beautiful sense of humor, her acts of kindness, her desire to be good, her intelligence, her hardworking attitude, her faithfulness, her love for others and her good nature. I saw a daughter of God. Someone our Heavenly Father loves and cheers for. Someone who isn't perfect, but is good!

I am thankful for those 2 minutes I could watch Madison run up to that door. Because in those two minutes I was blessed to be reminded of who Madison is. I am going to try to keep this memory close to my heart.... because I am sure the teenager will appear again.