Anna's 9th birthday letter

Wild, wild sunflower child Anna,

You make me happy. You are sunshine and you are thunderstorm. You are giddy and you are silly. Your sense of humor has developed and I'm beginning to wonder if you might not be destined for a career in stand-up comedy. You can seriously get on a roll!

Your heart has softened so much this year. So much less of the stubborn and so much more of the sweet. You say that you got saved this year at the patriotic concert at Gran's church. I don't know exactly when God changed your heart to flesh, whether then or when you first told me that you belonged to him many years ago, but I do know that He has definitely begun a good work in you, and I so love to watch His work in you progress toward that day of completion!

You learned to ride your bike all in one day. A nasty fall almost made you quit. But you're no quitter. You want to ride the best, climb the highest, and get the answers fastest. I love your sense of adventure and your competitive streak.

You've become quite crafty. Crocheting, knitting on your loom, sewing your own Barbie clothes, and always a creative artist. I want to do more needlework with you this year. It's going to be awesome.

Dolls are big this year. Your own first American Girl doll! Bought from a nice lady on Craigslist with your own money. Felicity has been a good friend. And today, the long awaited Hearts for hearts doll, Consuela. I'm going to be very sad when you're too old for dolls, but for this year, I think I'm safe.

Your woodland fairy party was wonderful. I love how you have very specific opinions and ideas when you're asked about things. I make myself crazy sometimes for asking, but you are so thrilled when your visions come to life. The best part of the party, though, was seeing you with all of your sweet friends. You've always been such a people person, and I'm glad that these special little girls value you as much as you value them. I look forward to lots more girl parties and lots more girlfriend time.

You are so thoughtful. You like to make surprises for people. I loved all of the little surprises that you made for my birthday. You want to help people feel better. I love your empathy.

You don't like to be too girly. You like to consider yourself a tomboy. But you love a new skirt or dress - just as long as it's comfy. And you do have a deep appreciation for a real haircut. You were so excited to cut off your long hair to a more medium long length. And it really does look great. We're long overdue. I'll take you with me soon. Promise. Oh, but one more thing. Keep your earrings in! If you read this again, and you're fifteen, and your holes have closed, and you're not happy because you want them now and have to be re-pierced, this is my proof that I TOLD YOU SO. Soooo, Anna girl, put in plain little earrings, if you must, but leave them in.

You are an amazing auditory leaner - and what a memory! You can give me back all sorts of detailed information from lessons I read to you (even from days before!), and you can answer all the questions Ethan misses. And you've pretty much caught up with his Scripture memory stride. You're doing great with that this year! Just no monotone. Let the meaning sink into you. Because this will be the most important thing you remember. I want you to memorize as many verses as your mind can hold. You've just about got Philippians in the bag. Can't wait to see what we'll learn next.

The piano. Don't know what lit the spark again. Maybe that competitive streak not wanting Rosie to pass you by. But either way, let's not let it die. I want to figure out how to use your ability to learn by ear to your advantage, but in the meantime, keep practicing! Let's get out of the kiddie books and into the real stuff. Be my pianist. You can do this. Then maybe we'll get to that violin...

Be nice to your sister. You broke her heart by not inviting her to your big girl friend party. But I'm pretty sure she'll forgive you. You've been friends for a long time. She'll be your friend when you're a mommy. She'll probably even babysit your kids. I bet you'll talk on the phone, or facebook, or whatever there is then, all the time. So try to forgive her for being so annoying sometimes. I know how much you love being Ethan's sidekick and how easy you find it to love cute little Bella no matter what trouble she causes. So try to remember how lovely it can be to have a Rosie girlfriend that you can share a room with, and holidays, and vacations, and maybe even your barrettes... One day you'll know I speak the truth. Listen to your mother. "For they will be a gracious ornament on your head and chains about your neck" - remember that?

Sweet Anna girl, I could write about you forever. You are precious to me. I love you. I value you. I enjoy you. I am so very glad that you're mine.

Loving you lots and lots,
Mommy

Rosie's Fifth Birthday Letter

Dear Rosie,

I'm a couple of days late with this - but it's not nearly as late as Bella's. I was sick on her birthday and we slept at Gran's on yours because our water had to be turned off, so neither was written on the birthday night as planned. But what a birthday you had!

You couldn't wait to be five. The night before your birthday, curlers in your hair, you prayed, "Dear God, please make it my birthday now!" You woke up giddy to the balloon streamers hanging from your doorway and the presents on the piano bench, and your siblings we're nearly as excited as you. You dressed all up in your favorite foofy pink dress with lace overlay, new headband with big pink flower, new rose jewelry with sparkly stones and new "sparkly" pink flip-flops to head to church. And then the Little Mermaid party with the sand castle cake...but that's another story.

You are the sweetest thing (99% of the time at least :^). We still sit and just watch you or listen to you because you're so sweet and so cute. A few letters still lisp, but you're definitely growing up. You love to learn and are really turning into a good reader - you're so smart!

You love to dance. Your ballet recital was a red letter day this year again, and you love all of your friends. You love your friends at church too. Switching churches was a little hard for you, you were sad to leave your friends there, but I know that you'll have bunches of new ones soon.

You love to draw and write. You can pretty much take spelled dictation, and enjoy writing both your first and last names.

You love your Barbies and silly bands and Polly Pockets and all of your colored teddy bears that you sleep with - red Jella, green Jello, purple Blueberry, and what's the pink one's name?

You love to dress up and be girly. We haven't seen as many princess dresses from the dress up box (mostly because they're too scratchy, I think), but you like to dress beautifully and accessorize. You love to get into make-up too - but you're too little for that!! But you do a great job of putting in your own ponytails and choosing matching headbands and inventing elaborate hair-dos for yourself.

You love your Bella to death, but almost literally sometimes. I've spent all year telling you to put her down, but you love each other. You love to do things with the big kids and had to have your own version of whatever they did this year from math to writing to lapbooks. I'm glad you're going to an official student this year.

Anna Kate was baptized this year and you immediately wanted to know when you could be baptized because you believed too - and you were so excited when it was your turn.

You have a stubborn streak and a temper that's been peaking out some this year - we're gonna nip those in the bud. :^) Because, and I know I've said this already, but, really, you are the sweetest thing.

You are a great snuggler and the one who always lobbies for a bedtime book - even when it's too late. And it needs to have pictures. And it needs to be one that you've never read before. You finally get to get your own library card (you've been using an extra of Daddy's for a couple of years now), and I know you're going to be thrilled. You enjoy picking out your own books. Even if they are Christmas books in July.

You've been a big performer this year. It started with Taylor Swifts wonderful Love Story video and continued with dance and ballet performances and Hannah Montana imitiations (we've managed to "forget" all about watching her anymore - whew!) The funniest imitation you did was singing a Taylor Swift song and hanging you head down, then flipping you hair back just like she does - you had me in stitches. But you and Anna Kate were always having to do a show this year.

You've joined the dog lobby, I'm beginning to think I might lose this fight. A sweet dog wandered into our yard for a day, and you were smitten. You rescued a tree frog and let him loose at the neighbor's little garden pond.

And while you still love your PBJ and chocolate milk, you really are getting much less picky. The food wars are calming down and you eat a lot more things, as long as they're not too "spicy." Your favorite meal is those frozen barbecue pork riblets. Funny girl.

I'm falling asleep writing this late night letter. I could go on forever about you. You are my favorite Rose. From the moment they said you were a girl, I have been so glad that you were my girl. I am so blessed to be your mommy. You are so special and so very precious to me.

All my love,

Mommy

Anna Kate's Seventh Birthday Letter

Anna,

Sleeping Beauty. I've never seen anyone sleep as well as you do. Rose will have already had second breakfast, Ethan finished another level of his favorite DS game, but you will still be sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the world around you. If they ever give medals for sleeping, you will take the gold. But it must be beauty sleep because you are definitely a beautiful girl.

But once you get going, you are up a tree. You can climb so well. The other day, you shot to the top of the magnolia tree and were announcing to the world that you could see the backyard. You even said you could see "tomorrow." You may not don costumes as much as you used to, but you still have a great imagination.
And you are determined to milk the tooth fairy for all she's worth. All you need is the slightest wiggle and you do all you can to get that loose tooth out, so you can cash it in for charms. I remember the satisfaction of pulling my own teeth, but you delight in it.

You are quite the artist, too. You think outside the box. Sometimes mommy thinks you think outside the project, or outside the normal color spectrum. But you are being very creative. I've seen you do amazing things with colors, putting colors together that others wouldn't have. That doesn't mean they are wrong together. You're being creative in ways others have not been creative. And someone has to go first. Well, I'm glad you enjoy exploring color. And I think you'll find your harmony soon.

You still love to dance. And many nights you want to put on a show. But you're also a tomboy. You enjoy climbing trees and rough housing with Ethan and William. Sometimes it gets too rough for you, but sometimes you get too rough for them. So it all evens out. What will the world do with this beautiful dancing tomboy?

Sometimes you ask me difficult questions. You are always probing, wanting to learn. Maybe you just want to see if we really have an answer for you. But I'm glad that you ask. I want you to learn and I'm glad you have questions. Keep asking questions. I'll keep looking for the answers for you. We'll learn together.

You may not always quote along with everyone else when we are memorizing something. And you do need to keep up with us. We want your participation. But you also delight in rattling off the books of the Bible. Once you've memorized something, it is yours, and you cherish it. You like showing us what you know. So, do your best. Learn more. Share with us what you know. We like to hear it as much as you like to say it. Just say it at the right time.

Know that we love you very much. And we are so glad you are our daughter. I think of you often while I am at work, and I wonder what you will one day be. I even imagine the conversations we'll have together someday. I hope you always see us as a safe place to be - the place where you are always welcome and loved, accepted and appreciated.

You sure do love Jordan. If we've been away from home, the first thing you want to do when you get home is run through the gate and see if Jordan can play. I'm glad you have a friend so nearby. But you have a strong sense of justice and fair play when William is over. You must come inside every minute to report if the boys are not treating the girls the right way. Just don't take it into your own hands.

You're eager for Bible study. I can tell that you enjoy the stories and you enjoy learning. You especially enjoy being able to tell us what happened in the last lesson. Sometimes your questions are difficult or just catch me off guard. But I am glad you ask. And I want to make sure I am always teaching you what the Bible says and not just what I think. So keep the questions coming.

I don't think you'll ever seek approval by being nice. No, that's not your way. You have your own moral compass and you do follow it. Sometimes you might act out, because you think someone is being unfair. Well, it is my job to keep your moral compass pointed in the right direction. I'd rather you have a good moral compass and follow it, than just be nice for the sake of being nice. Sometimes I have to remind mommy that you are taking three steps forward for every two you take back. But I don't know. I think you might be taking a step forward everytime, you're just following your own compass. I'll have to do better in keeping it working properly - keep the north pointing toward "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, any excellence, anything worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).

Those were special days this year when you and I sat together in church and took Communion together. I think those were the happiest moments for me. And I could see that you understood Communion and you were enjoying it, too.

I love you, Anna Kate. Be patient with us.

Love, Daddy

Ethan's Birthday Letter - Nine Years

Sweet boy,

I feel change in the air. Nine years old is not a little boy anymore. Christmas and your birthday weren't full of action figures and toys, but things like ds games, an aquarium, nerf guns, a crossbow, and ocarina, and lunch out with mom and dad. Of course, the little boy still came out in fits of absolute giddiness at being out to lunch or getting an unexpected gift, but my boy is growing up.

I want to stop it, and then, again, I don't. Because I'm already seeing glimpses of the extraordinary man you're going to be. Your tender heart, that, while sometimes is far too easily bruised, also is so very sensitive to the things of God. You're a people-pleaser, but even more than that you're a God pleaser. You feel personally every misuse of His name. You are not afraid to speak for Him to friends and teammates. You care about doing what's right. And you can't stand to be in sin. When you were caught doing something wrong recently, you were so very upset. Much more upset with yourself for doing wrong than for the discipline you received.

But I can't pick you up anymore. I remember thinking about when the last time I carried you would be, but then I don't remember if that was it, or if it came later.

But you're too big to carry now. Uggh. I wasn't done carrying you. I'll always carry your sweet little boyness in my heart. Pausing here while I put myself back together...

So yes, back to the pet thing. I kept thinking about what to do, this too busy, too allergic mama. But you asked to spend your Christmas money on a goldfish, and the time was right. (You ended up with a beta, though.) You name him Nick. And said he needed a middle name, so I suggested Sebastian. And you said, yes, Nicholas Sebastian --------. I hope he doesn't break your heart. I hope he's a hardy little beta.

Cub Scouts was a big part of your year. You are growing to be a lover of outdoor things. You are seriously bummed that a January birthday doesn't make a nature hike party or camp out a very good idea. I don't think you realize how much you are like your dad in this love of nature. It's so hard for him to do those kinds of things with you now, but he loved them too. Still does. And I'm glad that you guys can still do some of these things together. Cub Scouts makes that a little easier. And you are so cute in your uniform. I know you'll hate that I said that, but I think you still secretly like being told that too, even if you have hit the gagging phase tolerance level for sappy things. Yep, you used the word "sappy" today and knew what it meant. Didn't know that was on your radar.

Football wasn't really your forte as it had been in years past, but that's okay. I'm glad that you ended up enjoying it after all, and I'm sorry the weather didn't cooperate as well. You have so many talents it's hard to know what I ought to be signing you up for! I also want you to have friends and get lots of exercise. You love swimming and are good at that. But you also are finally interested enough in learning the piano to practice, and you'd like to learn how to play your guitar. And art. The drawing and now sculpting are way beyond me, but I want you to have the materials you need. You were so excited to get modelling clay tonight!

There's so much I want to teach you, but already at age nine I feel like I'm running out of time. So much to learn, so little time. Your time with me is half gone. Half gone! Is it possible? Be still my soul. I'm so glad I'm not a mama bird with just a few months, eighteen years is flying by, but I know you'll be ready. Your daddy is pouring his heart into you. He wants you to know God and to know His Word thoroughly so that your foot doesn't stumble. And he teaches you diligently. I want you to absorb God's words, hiding them in your heart. This is the best thing I can teach you, because His words give life, are eternal, and will accomplish His purposes in you.

Last year you were overwhelmed by the lack of boys in your life. But you have taken great joy now in being the best big brother to your little sisters (well, usually, the older they are the more they can get on your nerves, huh?). And you've made your first really good friend in our neighbor, William. I'm glad that you finally have a boy in your life on a regular basis, you wouldn't believe the things mothers start to feel responsible for and guilty over. I'm praying this year that William will come to know and love Jesus as you do, so that you can be the best of friends for a long time.

Bella Grace is a beautiful gift to all of us this year, but I will never forget your sweet face shining with tears of joy as you held your baby sister for the first time. I knew that you planned to watch over her for the rest of her life. I hope she survives it :^) - she's blessed to have a brother like you.

You are always volunteering to go with me on errands, especially at night, and I love your chattering company.

What do you love this year?

1. Zelda. I finally found a Link costume I could make for you for Halloween. Wish I had been able to do that when you were still in the dress-up stage. You don't play dress-up much anymore. Some days I miss my four year "superhero of the hour".
2. Your nintendo ds. Rosie got a Leapster 2 for her birthday and thus began the descent of handheld gaming systems in our household. Before long, Anna Kate had bought a Leapster off Craigslist and you were gathering together every penny you had to get your ds. You got it off Craigslist too and have loved it. I'm still just amazed at how easy they make a 10 hour car trip. If only Bella could play a ds!
3. At the beginning of the year you still vacillated between Star Wars toys and Transformers. But now you say that you're not into those things anymore. You want a nature bedroom now. We bought pine garland and pine cones in after Christmas clearance. We'll see if this is a new phase or the new you.
4. You loved shooting the bow and arrow at the Cub Scout sleepover and also shooting, there, and occasionally with Pa. I think that Nerf Gun and the crossbow may figure big in this new year.
5. Drawing. If you're not on the ds or computer (can't forget Guild Wars), you're probably drawing.
6. And your mp3 player was a permanent fixture this year - until you got your ds. Did I mention that you love that thing?

In school, math is a little trickier because we're still working on those times tables. The cursive writing is starting to get a bit more comfortable. The reading is so much better! Now to make you love that enough to do it on your own more :^) You're getting there. You enjoy science and social studies too.

I always wonder what really important stuff I've forgotten in these letters. But I guess I'll just say, "I love you" and I still "wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face." Just like when you were three.

Forever and for Always,

Mommy

Rosie's Fourth Birthday Letter

Sweet Rosebud,

I love you so much!! You had a Flower Pool Party today, but you were still such a princess in your fancy pink dress and your graceful poses.

Your year as a three? It slipped by so quickly. I want to slow you down and keep you little!

You love to draw and write. Getting to have your own desk her at home was a great thing for you. You're often there creating with your markers. You also really want to know how to read. I'd planned on teaching you a lot more this year - then I got sick for most of it. Still you figured out how to get the letters of you name in order. No more EROS, or ORES, you are officially ROSE. We made up a song:

This is just the name for me, R-O-S-E
I can write it, you can see, R-O-S-E
R-O-S-E, R-O-S-E
I'm as smart as I can be, R-O-S-E

You had me write out your entire name a few weeks ago- first, middle and last so that you could copy it. You really enjoy writing letters - you even wrote some on my van hood with part of your rock collection...

You are so loving and still such a good cuddler. So sweet and affectionate, my Rose.

You enjoyed your first year of ballet with Miss Louise and your little friends Kriya, Rachel, and Aeryn. You all were so cute! You have to dance to any music that's available. You even run to hide when friends or family come to the door and want me to put on music so that you can dance into the room to welcome them. And you've got some moves, girl. It amazes me how you seem to know creative steps for all different types of music that suits it perfectly.

You are still a picky eater. You would prefer to live on PBJ and chocolate milk. I think you've gotten a little sick of bananas. You do like a few other things like egg rolls, and Tostinos cheese pizza (no toppings for you - and most other brands are declared "too spicy"), but mostly you just "love sugar". What am I going to do with you?! Hopefully your love for cooking will be our ticket to a better diet.

But of course your favorite cook is Paula Deen. Not the healthiest choice, but she sure is great. You often beg to watch Paula Deen videos on the computer. And you'll sit and watch the same clips over and over you love her so much. And whenever I cook, you immediately start dragging a chair towards my location so that you can help. :^)

You cook outside a lot too. I sent your old play kitchen out beside the playhouse, so now you have yet another cooking venue. Lots of mud pies and grass soup.

You also love your dolls. Barbies, Polly Pockets, and your dollhouse have gotten lots of playtime. Two or three years ago, when we got the dollhouse, the pieces were always everywhere. I put the furniture away and when I got it out again this year it was amazing how much you'd changed. I would ask you to clean up the dollhouse, get your cheery, "yes ma'am", and walk in a few minutes later to find a dollhouse that looked like a picture from a catalogue - every piece of furniture precisely placed and dolls in chairs and beds. :^)

You love to get up early, even when you get to bed late, even when your room is dark, even when you didn't get enough sleep...

Oh, and did I mention that you then climb up on my bed and (due to your picky eating and hardly having eaten any supper the night previous) start telling me how you need food and a drink.

You really love everybody, and your new sister is no exception. You like to talk to her, greeting her with, "Bella, sweetheart. "

I love to listen to you talk. You still can't say y's sound. So lou (you) say a lot of really cute words like "les" (yes). You use a lot of w's for r's still too. It's especially cute because you're so smart. So hearing those little letter substitutions today while you recited "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, just was too much. I've got to record that soon!

Here's the list you gave me of things you wanted for your birthday.

1. a flower cake (Check. Actually they were cupcakes, but you liked that better)
2. balloon flowers (We'd seen these on the Martha Stewart website. Gran tried. They weren't as easy as they looked.)
3. a flower flag (Don't know where that came from, but Gran found one to hang off her deck)
4. a rose flower present (Hmm, didn't know where to go with that one, but I think the giant tissue paper flowers must have worked for you instead)
5. a nice pink deck (You said this while looking out our deck doors, then explained that our deck was ugly and that I should tear it down and make you a nice new pink one)
6. more teddy bears than you have ever had (You have quite a few. Your favorites are three matching bears - a red one named "Jella", your first favorite bear - you give unique names like Lanalawala, a green one I named "Jello" ,and a purple one named Blueberry. Now you have a similar pink one, as yet unnamed.)
7. more clothes than we have ever had (You do love clothes, girl. Gramma got you covered - two new dresses and a two-piece outfit. And Aunt Barbara sent a pretty fairy shirt - all were met with approval.)
8. a little real bear that's nice that doesn't eat anybody (We'll save that for another year. :^)

But most importantly, Rose, you love Jesus. Near the beginning of your third year, you asked lots of questions about Jesus and heaven and when you were told that you must believe on Jesus to go to heaven, you said, "I believe". And you do. And you like to tell other people about Him. Even people in the grocery store. :^) You also love your Sunday School teacher Miss Melanie. Now you'll be heading off to the four year old class.

You're leaving the baby years behind, Miss Rose. I'm not allowed to call you "sweet baby" anymore. "Bella is lou baby, and I am a big girl." Yes you are, sweet girl, but you'll always be my baby. I love, love, love (said like Eloise of the Plaza Hotel) you, Rosie!

Love,

Mommy

Anna Kate's Birthday Letter

I've been not getting these done, so it's fifteen minutes to midnight on her birthday, and here it goes:

April 1, 2009

Little Anna bird,

I really can't believe that you're already six! (I bet I say that every year, just with a different number). As usual there have been so many new things and great events and accomplishments. Most recently, you've just finished kindergarten and lost your first tooth, and the second one is loose! So now you're a reader. And you've become a pretty good independent learner too, thanks to my being sick the whole school year.

You had your first meal at KFC and probably your first taste of real fried chicken this year (courtesy of growing up in a gluten-free home), and were spastic about the whole thing. Said it was the best food ever and that you could never get too full there, and that you wished there was no such thing as money so that you could eat there every day. Your a real foodie, and your enthusiasm and brightness infuses our lives with so much joy.

You're still a grits girl, from your love for the actual thing, to your cute Southern pronunciations. You think you're a tomboy, but I think you're just a Southern belle - all girly on the outside and steel on the inside.

You and Ethan and Rose love each other so much. Of course, sometimes you try to kill each other, but usually it's just so fun watching you all troop around together. And I get a kick out of you girls taking turns being Ethan's wife or daughter to play a family. And that you always want to sleep in the same room so that none of you has to be alone.

Barbies have been a staple toy again this year, and your dolls and animals are frequent company, but as usual, your interests are the hardest to peg, because you remain the social butterfly flitting from person to person and eager to just join in on whatever is happening.

The exception to that would be dancing - you love it. You may not always want to be a Miss Louise's, but your theme song could definitely be, "Gotta Dance" because any strain of music sets you in motion. You love hula, tap, ballet, waltzing with Ethan, doing contra dancing at a festival, calypsoeing on a boat at Chingoteague, and just plain jammin'.

And both of you girls love Paula Dean. This cracks me up too, but you are just as thrilled to watch an episode of her show as you are to watch a princess movie (probably more). The lady is funny, though, and you're right, she loves butter. You like Jon and Kate Plus 8 too - you watch it with Gran, but I have to say that here we diverge. Kate really irritates me.

You are kind and stubborn, sassy and sweet, beautiful and bold.

You love to do Bible studies with Daddy, and he loves having you snuggled up next to him. You have such a quick mind and retain information so very well. You are a joy to teach.

Board games have been a hit this year too. Trouble and Monopoly Jr. are at the top of the list right now. Daddy and I have so much fun playing games with you guys, and you're never a sore loser.

And all three of you are artists like your dad. You're a creative soul, and I was so impressed with your school drawings this year.

You're on the brink of more great events. You've been itching to be baptized for at least a couple of years now, and finally it's happening in just a few weeks. The tooth fairy is going to be handing out lots of new charms for that bracelet she gave you. The pink princess room is almost a reality. And I believe that I'm going to watch an independent reader emerge. Just don't grow up too fast.

I bet I'll think of lots more to add, and so will Daddy, but if this is truly the end of the letter, know sweet girl that we love you so much, and more and more every year. You are the spark plug of my life, crazy baby.

Love,

Mommy

Happy Birthday, Tuesday's Child

Little Anna bird,

You were born a Tuesday's Child, full of grace, and you become more graceful all the time. We finally found a ballet program this year and dancing is still your favorite thing.

This year you could most often be found wearing a leotard or tutu, usually with your beloved tights. You can't wait to get real toe shoes.

Your bangs are finally growing out from the "great hair chop" escapade, but Daddy's still in mourning months later. Purple has officially overtaken pink as your favorite color. You still sleep with your sweet teddy, Molasses. And that thumb sucking that I thought we'd conquered last year? Well, let's just say, "I've not yet begun to fight!"

And speaking of fighting, you sure do have that stubborn streak still. We watched The Quiet Man a couple of weeks ago, and sometimes you remind me of Maureen O'Hara! You still like to do anything that will cause a raucus. :^) You can certainly make the thunder roll, but most of the time, you're my sunshine girl.

It's always easy to list Ethan and Rose's interests, but you're not so easy. We've decided that it's because you're the social butterfly who just loves to flit from person to person and do what they're doing. You and Rose definitely love your Barbies and the castle that you got for Christmas. Your also Ethan's trusty sidekick. You love to play UNO and other board games, and you love to be outside, as you always have. And animals, you love living things, especially puppies.

You love all things girly. Pretty dresses, shoe shopping, make-up...Daddy and I laughed and marveled at your circled choices in the Avon catalogue - a set of make-up brushes, any pink make-up available, flip-flops, pretty watches, and carefully selected fragrances (chosen from the wrist rubbed samples) - you're so much fun!

You still love Barbie movies, Mariposa is a new favorite. Your other new favorite movie is George of the Jungle! You, Ethan, and Rose act it out, and spout quotes, and crack each other up. You also love Shirley Temple.

You certainly love Ethan and Rose. You're the tightest bunch and hate being apart.

And you can be such a little helper, when you want to be. You were a great nurse for Pa after his surgery, and you're always eager to cook. Chores? Not so much, but you sure can make your bed look beautiful when you want to.

You got a little bogged down with schoolwork this year - playing with Rose was higher on your list, so we let it go. But you read your little Bob Books so beautifully and are often sounding things out, and you add and subtract well enough to give Ethan a run for his money. You're very smart, always surprising me with how much you know.

And you still love to snuggle. You're so warm and cozy. Still part baby. And I'm holding on to that part for as long as possible, Anna girl. Oh, sweet Anna Kate, you are so precious to me!

I love you, a bushel and a peck
A bushel and a peck,
And a hug around the neck
Hug around the neck
And a barrel and a heap,
Barrel and a heap
And I'm talking in my sleep about you

I love you, a bushel and a peck,
You bet your pretty neck I do.

Doodle, loodle, loodle
Doddle, loodle, loodle
Doodle, loddle, loodle, doo
doo doo

Happy Birthday, Little Man

How do babies grow up this way?

My Ethan,

It doesn't seem quite real that that sweet baby I brought home from the hospital could already be seven. But you're so grown up in so many ways. I love how you jump for joy when you discover you can read a passage of Scripture and soak up God's Word and beg for more in a way that puts me to shame. You've become an ardent supporter of Ron Paul, explaining that you love Ron Paul because,"he believes in the Constitution of the United States!" You always want give your money to the poor and to missionaries, and you're especially captivated by the needs in China. You came home yesterday telling me that you wanted to put your Christmas money in the offering, saying that they were going to be having a "passover" (passing an offering bucket, to be exact) in your class next week.

This has been a year of Transformers, endless Lego and Kidkinex creations, and increasingly detailed and authentic looking drawings. Of camouflage and Philadelphia Eagles t-shirts. Of being a fish in Gran's new swimming pool. Of toothless grins. Of watching an endless meteor shower snuggled under a quilt on the deck. Of endless, slowly finished math worksheets. Of finally doing some independent reading, and enjoying it. Of your first football game, and touchdowns, and jerseys. Of less fear and more daring.

You can't wait for all the grown up things, but you still see things like a boy. The other day you told Dad that you couldn't wait to get your drivers license, and when he asked why, he found out that it was because you just want to have a cell phone so badly! When you asked what a honeymoon was and I explained that it was a vacation that a husband and wife take right after their wedding, you replied that you wanted to go to Disney World and that I could come along! In about fifteen years, I'll have to remind you of that - but I won't hold you to it. :^) But that's the first time you actually haven't insisted that you're not going to get married, because you want to always live with me. I'm gonna miss you.

But right now I love spending time with you. Watching you take care of your sisters. And beg for a brother. And walk in your Daddy's footsteps. You want to be like him, and if you accomplish that, you will surely grow into a man of God. You are my little man. I'm so thankful for you and your tender heart.

Mommy loves you, Ethan.

Forever and for always.

Happy Birthday, Baby

July 11, 2007

Oh my Rose Emily,
You are the one for me.
You’ve come from up above -
You are the one I love!

My Rosie baby,

You love to sing this song with me to the tune of Veggie Tales “Barbara Manatee.” You are the baby and very proud of that fact. You list the names of everyone that you know, but stubbornly refuse to identify yourself by any name other than “the baby.”

You love to sing, but you love to dance even more. Anytime any music comes on you are up and dancing away. Often you come over and urge us to “dance” with you. And you have really good rhythm.

You are a very picky eater. You usually find one meal a day that suits you and pretty much skip the rest, filling up instead on a piece of cheese, “jelly” (PBJ), and the only thing that you will drink – chocolate milk. (Occasionally you make exceptions, but you get very unhappy when we’re out of milk, pointing to the chocolate syrup and insisting that I find some milk to put it in.) You were on a banana binge for a long time this year, asking for one first thing after waking in the morning and after your nap and often eating three a day, but you finally got sick of them and discovered “jelly.” You make me crazy, Em.

Favorite toys… Your “pup” has been your companion most of this year and “moo” is cherished now too. You still love Anna Kate’s doll Felicity better than your nearly identical doll. The Shrek toys from our McDonald’s Happy Meals at Gramma’s house are your favorite toys right now. It cracks me up how much you love that ugly green guy, pointing him out at stores… I almost gave you a Shrek party, but I just couldn’t do it. You’ve really loved Stitch since Gramma gave you your “Deck- the- Halls”- singing- Stitch at Christmas, but there were no Lilo and Stitch supplies to be found, so I went with another favorite – “George,” the curious one, that is.

You also love Miss Pattycake, and a highlight of your year was going to see her last fall and getting to sit in her lap for a picture. You didn’t want to get down!

But your very favorite things are books. You will sit for long quiet periods of time alone on the little stool by your bookshelf. For a long time Wild Animal Baby magazines were your favorite and finding Sammy was the highlight. Then you discovered the My First Little House books and now you do your best to recite with Daddy, “Once upon a time, a little girl named Laura lived in the Big Woods of Wisconsin in a little house made of logs. She lived with her Pa, her Ma, her big sister Mary, her little sister Carrie, and their good old bulldog Jack.” You even have a realistic looking flocked rubber dog that you call “Jack”. Because once again it’s all about the dogs.

And I should mention that you’ve only recently deigned to use the word “dog.” You have always called them “pup.”

You're my Rose, Daddy's Rosebud, the Rosie roo, Rose Em, Emmie, Emmie bug, and Emanem.

You are TROUBLE. From flooding that bathroom twice in a row while I was cooking Easter dinner, to adding artwork to the walls and doors of nearly every room, to pulling a chair over so that you can sit on the stove… What am I going to do with you?! It’s a full time job just trying to keep you alive.

You are stubborn and strong-willed, affectionate and insistent. You are storms and rainbows. You are pulled hair and sweet kisses. You are my “I Love You”.


All my love,

Mommy

Anna Kate's birthday letter

April 1, 2007

Sweet Anna girl,

I used to sing you a song when you were first born:

Sweet Anna girl
Sweet Anna girl
Pretty little pearl
Sweet Anna girl

This is the year your sweetness has really come out. Your heart has turned toward Jesus, and you’re growing into such a sweet young lady. I love the way that you just start spontaneously singing your own made up songs of praise to Jesus for whatever has made you happy. I love to hear your very original and always sincere prayers.

You still love all things girly. Especially ballet this year, and particularly Twelve Dancing Princesses. We wach that movie all the time! Your favorite characters are Genevieve and the chiclets (or triplets, as they are more commonly known). Your favorite line form the movie is “How Romantic!” You’re such a lovely dancer. Joy just spills over from you in the most graceful movements.

You love tights and want to wear dresses every day. Not even skirts or last years beloved jumpers will do. You feel the need to wear princess clothes and everyone knows that princesses wear beautiful dresses. While you don’t fuss about wearing your flowered jeans and pink pants much anymore, a girly pink dress is your preferred garment.

You still have a bit of a wicked streak, but over all are a much tamer lass than a year ago. I just love to spend time with you. You’re such a good shopping buddy. And you love shoes too. You’d like to wear ballet or dress up princess shoes everywhere, but you sure did love your pink boots this winter; I’m so glad that I got them for you. Now we’re back to flip flop weather and you couldn’t be happier. You’ve loved flip flops since before we could find ones small enough to fit your two year old feet.

You are a Southern girl. It still cracks me up that given a choice of foods, you nearly always choose grits. You could live on grits!

You love to “snuggle up in our sleeping bags and watch a movie.” You still love to sleep with Puppy (and Taggie too until I hid it away to help you quit sucking your thumb). You have loved your thumb well all of these years, but you did it, Anna baby! You’ve stopped sucking your thumb in time for your birthday so that you can be a real princess and have princess teeth! I’m so proud of you!

You’re getting to be so smart too. I can’t believe how well you’ve been writing letters and how well you recognize letters and numbers. I haven’t spent much time teaching you the way I taught Ethan, but you don’t miss a thing. You’ve learned so much right alongside him this year and I bet by the time I write this next year, you’ll be the one reading books to me.

You don’t want to get any older and grow up, but I promise Anna Kate, that no matter how old or how big you grow, you will always be my baby and I will always love you.

You delight me, pretty child. I’m so glad that God chose me to be your Mommy.

Happy Birthday,Ethan!

A few days ago, Ethan was singing "Forever and For Always" to me. It's our song. He sang, "wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face, always," then stopped and earnestly said, "that's why I got into your bed last night, Mom, because I wanted to wake up every morning to your sweet face."

****

I can't believe that it's been six years since the first Sunday that I held you in my arms. You are a sweet, tenderhearted little man, and I thank God for you all of the time. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time.