Double Digits!
Gracie,
I just endured your brother’s kindergarten graduation, which made me feel all panicky and desperate to delay the passing of time, and now, here you are turning TEN! What are you two trying to do to me? Honestly, I can’t handle it.
This birthday is an exciting milestone for you because you're moving from single to double digits and that only happens once! You’ve also passed that halfway mark between birth and the day you'll turn 18, the day you’ll officially be considered a brand-new “adult”. I would really prefer that you stay on the newborn side of life, but apparently we have no control of these things.
What I love about you now is that you are as sassy as ever, intuitive beyond your years, and too smart for your own good. You are witty in a way that leaves us speechless sometimes, because you think and speak quickly. This is definitely a trait you share with your father and while I do love this about both of you, it also terrifies me a little in public places. :)
We’ve had quite a year together, baby girl. Homeschooling has gifted us with many unique opportunities and experiences. New friends, new curriculum, new freedom! Because we homeschool, you also get to tag along with me everywhere I need to go throughout the week. Hair salon, grocery store, doctor’s office! It’s been an adventure that has proven to be well worth the risk, because I was scared I was going to ruin your life and we not only survived, we thrived. You’re amazing and that’s pretty much the reason the year went so well. Thank you for letting me learn along with you.
The most important lessons we've learned this year didn't involve curriculum, though. Granny has needed us and we’ve been there. You’ve heard more conversations about the struggles of dementia than any child ever should and you’ve seen me feeling sad, angry, defeated, helpless. My prayer is that you’re learning what it looks like to choose to show love and to be present for others, even when it's hard. Our goal should be to love like Jesus loves. It is the most important thing we can possibly do for someone else on this earth. Every time you walk through Granny's door, you bring her joy and I'm so thankful you're able to spend this precious time with her.
Things About You:
-You are still enjoying horseback riding lessons and you're quite good at it. You have such confidence while riding and maintaining control of the horses. It is fascinating to watch such a small person manage such a large animal.
-We just wrapped up your 4th grade year! I cannot believe you'll be a 5th grader in August. We are both excited for our 2nd year of homeschooling.
-You are still a beach girl. We spent the past few days at the beach celebrating the end of the school year and your upcoming birthday. You love the ocean and you literally leave the beach covered head to toe in salt water and sand.
-You and your brother keep every single day interesting. Sometimes you get along, sometimes you don't, but the sound of you two laughing together is still one of my favorite sounds in the whole world.
Gracie, I’m so proud of you! Choose to serve others. Choose forgiveness and love. Choose to smile! I love you! Happy 10th Birthday!
Love, Mommy
I just endured your brother’s kindergarten graduation, which made me feel all panicky and desperate to delay the passing of time, and now, here you are turning TEN! What are you two trying to do to me? Honestly, I can’t handle it.
This birthday is an exciting milestone for you because you're moving from single to double digits and that only happens once! You’ve also passed that halfway mark between birth and the day you'll turn 18, the day you’ll officially be considered a brand-new “adult”. I would really prefer that you stay on the newborn side of life, but apparently we have no control of these things.
What I love about you now is that you are as sassy as ever, intuitive beyond your years, and too smart for your own good. You are witty in a way that leaves us speechless sometimes, because you think and speak quickly. This is definitely a trait you share with your father and while I do love this about both of you, it also terrifies me a little in public places. :)
We’ve had quite a year together, baby girl. Homeschooling has gifted us with many unique opportunities and experiences. New friends, new curriculum, new freedom! Because we homeschool, you also get to tag along with me everywhere I need to go throughout the week. Hair salon, grocery store, doctor’s office! It’s been an adventure that has proven to be well worth the risk, because I was scared I was going to ruin your life and we not only survived, we thrived. You’re amazing and that’s pretty much the reason the year went so well. Thank you for letting me learn along with you.
The most important lessons we've learned this year didn't involve curriculum, though. Granny has needed us and we’ve been there. You’ve heard more conversations about the struggles of dementia than any child ever should and you’ve seen me feeling sad, angry, defeated, helpless. My prayer is that you’re learning what it looks like to choose to show love and to be present for others, even when it's hard. Our goal should be to love like Jesus loves. It is the most important thing we can possibly do for someone else on this earth. Every time you walk through Granny's door, you bring her joy and I'm so thankful you're able to spend this precious time with her.
Things About You:
-You are still enjoying horseback riding lessons and you're quite good at it. You have such confidence while riding and maintaining control of the horses. It is fascinating to watch such a small person manage such a large animal.
-We just wrapped up your 4th grade year! I cannot believe you'll be a 5th grader in August. We are both excited for our 2nd year of homeschooling.
-You are still a beach girl. We spent the past few days at the beach celebrating the end of the school year and your upcoming birthday. You love the ocean and you literally leave the beach covered head to toe in salt water and sand.
-You and your brother keep every single day interesting. Sometimes you get along, sometimes you don't, but the sound of you two laughing together is still one of my favorite sounds in the whole world.
Gracie, I’m so proud of you! Choose to serve others. Choose forgiveness and love. Choose to smile! I love you! Happy 10th Birthday!
Love, Mommy
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