My sweet e.
We are fast approaching your 9th birthday. This birthday has brought so many emotions for mama. It is your last single digit year and half way to 18. I had planned that today I would write your annual birthday letter to you, but I have decided to do something different. I am going to wait and give you your letter to you on your birthday. I want you to read my words, only you, and not an audience. I've come to realize that there is so much about life we share with others, yet there is so much we need to keep for just us.
Today I want to share some of the highlights of the last year while you were 8.
As I look back on 8 the one thing I will remember forever is that this was the year you asked Christ into your life. As a parent I do not think there is anything that can bring more joy than knowing your child's eternity will be spent in Heaven. Your daddy and I knew this had been something you had been thinking about for a long time; something you took very seriously. It was such a blessing to see the peace and excitement you had when you shared this with us. I will never forget the night we sat as a family, hands held, while you prayed to our Lord.
This year you have gone from enjoying soccer to absolutely LOVING soccer. You dream of being a soccer star. I love watching you on the field. You are atleast a foot shorter than all of the girls you play against, yet you don't let that intimidate you or stop you. You are fast on your feet and you truly amaze me with your skill. I love to see how you always cheer your teammates along, even when you have been the "under dogs" this season. You are still filled with enthusiasm and encouragement.
You love to sing and dance. I don't think there is a day we don't have a performance going on in our home. You create plays and you choreograph dances for you and your siblings and cousins. These are so dear to me. You've been teaching yourself piano on the Ipad and I love to hear you perform your song choices. Your latest love has been learning the "cup song." You taught yourself the whole rhythm and lyrics via you tube. I love hearing your beautiful voice sing.
I've told you this before, but I have to tell you again. You are an amazing big sister. I love how close you and your brother and sister are. It is something I will not take for granted ever.
You love American girl dolls and you love to play pretend. I love to watch you. You have a favorite tree that you love to climb. In that tree your imagination is endless; it's a gift indeed. Childhood is precious and I love that you aren't in a hurry to grow up. You really seem to enjoy being 8 and living for today.
You will try any food and have such a great variety of foods that you enjoy. I spent my childhood being a picky eater and I am so glad that you aren't.
You are enjoying learning to bake and do things in the kitchen for yourself now. It is fun to see you gain your independence.
You still love to sleep with mama and daddy. There isn't a night that passes that we aren't snuggled up together at some point during the night.
You are a lot like me in that you get your feelings hurt easily. You wear your heart on your sleeve and it's hard when others do not return the love you give so freely. This will be something that you will always find hard. I know.
You love to read and write, but don't enjoy math too much.
You are not a morning person. It is rare to find you awake before 9 :00 each day.
You love to make things...crafts, clothing for your dolls, cards, drawings--you love it all. You have such a creative mind.
I am so proud of the girl you are and the little lady you are becoming. It is hard to watch you grow and give you your wings; but I know with God leading you, you will do wonderful things.
I look forward to seeing what the next year will bring in your life.
I love you to the moon and back,
Mama
I have joined a group of other mothers writing letters to our children each month. Please head now to the blog of Bee Chalmers. Her work and heart are equally breathtaking. I adore the way she is able to capture her children.